Saturday, February 14, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - February 14, 2009

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-SoCal octuplets mother now has agent, no publicist
By ROBERT JABLON
The public relations group that has represented octuplets mother Nadya Suleman is stepping down because of death threats, its president said Saturday. Joann Killeen also said the mother now has an agent: Wes Yoder, the same man who arranged book and music deals for the McCaughey septuplets a decade ago and publicity for controversial pastor Rick Warren.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/14/AR2009021400318.html

-Straight Couples in France Are Choosing Civil Unions Meant for Gays
By Edward Cody
Arnaud, 27, loves Aurélie. Aurélie, 25, loves Arnaud. After several years of sharing an apartment, they have decided they want to spend the rest of their lives together.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/13/AR2009021303365.html

-Northampton, Mass.: Where the Alternative Goes Main Street
By Andrea Sachs
Growing up in western Massachusetts, I frequently wondered why my parents hadn't stopped their wagon in a more interesting destination such as Boston or New York. To quiet my mutterings, they would throw me into the car and drive up Interstate 91 to Northampton. On the ride back, I would be a very content kid, and not just because of the ice cream cone from Herrell's.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/13/AR2009021301523.html


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
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-Openly gay candidates fail most bids for office in three Broward County cities
Low voter turnout, poor campaigning, inexperience cited in losses
By Anthony Man
Political activists in the gay community had high hopes for 2009, but openly gay candidates in three Broward County cities lost most of the contests they competed in this week. The highest profile contest was the Fort Lauderdale Is your Fort Lauderdale restaurant clean? - Click Here. mayor's race. Mayor-elect Jack Seiler won more than 57 percent of the vote, which means he won the job without having to go through a runoff.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbgayslose0214sbfeb14,0,2809158.story


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Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Video | Gay wedding in Omaha: Gay American Heroes founder Scott Hall marries lesbian comic Christine O'Leary
From Scott Hall of Fort Lauderdale, founder of Gay American Heroes: Today at 9 AM, Douglas County Courthouse, Omaha, Nebraska issued a gay marriage license. In an act of demonstrating the lack of equality and protection and to protest Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) Lesbian Comedienne-Christine O'Leary and the founder of Gay American Heroes-Scott Hall, both openly gay, applied for and received a marriage license for the State of Nebraska, Douglas County. In Nebraska all that is needed to be married is 2 opposite gender people over the age of 19 and $20. Residency, love, heterosexuality or truth not required. Last year, 39 people were killed in American because they were gay. We do not have rights, equality or protection. The newly weds have registered for gifts as donations to www.gayamericanheroes.com.
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay


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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-RockHard reaction: First 'adult' store opens in WilMa
By JASON MICHAELS
For several months, there was speculation about what a storefront with a large sign saying "RockHard" on Wilton Drive was going to be. Some local residents thought it was going to be a clothing store. Some business people along the drive thought it was going to be a music store. As it turned out, it's the first adult toy store licensed in Wilton Manors.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/2-12/news/localnews/5531.cfm

-Three gay-rights bills clear hurdles, make it out of Utah House panel
Still long shots » Bills would provide legal protections to gay and transgender Utahns and pave the way for adoptions.
By Rosemary Winters
Three gay-rights bills, all sponsored by Salt Lake City Democrats, cleared legislative hurdles Friday. The measures, considered long shots, have made it out of the sometimes-bill-blocking House Rules Committee and scored public hearings.
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11699286


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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Event 'Milk Skimmed' to Explore What the Film Was Missing
On Thursday, February 19, the San Francisco-based Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society will host "Milk Skimmed," a roundtable about what was left out of Gus Van Sant's Oscar-nominated movie. Despite Milk's critical acclaim, box-office success, and growing collection of awards, some historians say the movie sidelined many prominent activists for gay rights in the 1970s, including lesbians and people of color, who stood with gay hero Harvey Milk.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid72996.asp

-Gay Rights Group Calls for Investigation of Haggard's Church
Truth Wins Out, a group that calls out antigay and "ex-gay" propaganda, is pushing for an investigation into Colorado's New Life Church after it was revealed the church paid to keep a male volunteer from publicly admitting an affair with its former minister, Ted Haggard.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid73002.asp


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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Judges Paid to Put Kids in Jail
By Emma Ruby-Sachs, Blogger
I know this isn't an LGBT related story or even a national news piece, but the article in the New York Times this morning about the Pennsylvania justice system was so outraging, I had to write about it. Two judges, one president judge in control of budget and one overseeing the juvenile courts, were paid over 2.6 million dollars to keep two privately run juvenile detention centers filled. For some, this meant spending three months in jail for minor offences like creating a My Space page making fun of an assistant principal.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/ruby-sachs-judges-paid-to-put-kids-in-jail/


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-God Hates Fags church threatens to picket Basingstoke
A small religious community from Kansas notorious for picketing funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq have said they are to protest in England.

-Civil unions legislation passes first stage in Hawaii
A new law that would allow gay and lesbian couples in Hawaii to form a civil union has been approved by the state House of Representatives.

-Irish gay marriage activists plan Valentines Day carnival
A group advocating full marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples in Ireland will hold a 'love carnival for equality' in Dublin tomorrow.

-American TV station pulls homophobic infomercial after gay complaints
A local television station in the United States has pulled a one hour programme paid for by a notoriously homophobic "family" group.

-Transsexual wins battle to serve in Spain's armed forces
Trans people will be allowed to serve in the Spanish Armed Forces, the country's defence ministry has announced.

-Roman Catholic Church ready to fight gay equality in Portugal
The leaders of the Catholic Church in Portugal have been accused of interfering in the political process after the country's bishops said they would fight proposals to introduce gay marriage.

-Bill Clinton asked to cancel speaking event in row over Prop 8 donor
A coalition of gay groups and trade unions have appealed to former US President Bill Clinton to reconsider a speaking engagement at a San Diego hotel this Sunday.

-Cambodia to ban foreign gays from adopting children
New rules on foreign adoption in Cambodia will ban a range of foreigners from the process. Gay people, single people, those on a "low income" and those who already have two children will not be able to adopt.

-Outrage as Jamaican MP asks why "violent" gays are allowed gun licences
Gay equality activists in Jamaica have reacted with disgust at the latest homophobic outburst from one of the island's politicians


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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Letter: Gay Liberation Network and Israel
Gay Liberation Network
I initially missed the Jan. 21 letter from Gay Liberation Network [Chicago] defending their mixing of issues, specifically why they believe it is important for a gay organization to demonstrate in opposition to Israel. Meanwhile, I attended GLN's open meeting Feb. 4 because I had heard (and seen on their Web site) that they were endorsing a picket of Israel's modern dance company, Bathseva, during its appearance in Chicago. Some who were present at that meeting agreed with me that the picket of a cultural organization from the one country in the Middle East where it is actually safe to be gay and out made very little sense from the perspective of gay rights. The initial claim was that the picket was a protest of the war in Gaza. But when I saw GLN's Jan. 21 letter, the real reason became clear. Rejecting the argument that Israel "has a right to defend itself," the letter expressed, in the name of the organization, opposition to "60 years of Israeli occupation." This line is the key to understanding GLN's position on Israel: "60 years" means the entire history of Israel as a state. In GLN's view, Israel has no right to exist at all. Why not forge alliances with progressive forces in other countries that support gay rights? Jerusalem Open House [Israel], for example, runs a Web site that is accessed by gays and lesbians in other countries of the Middle East because it is a source of information and support hard to get in their home countries. Rather than highlight organizations within Israel that work for gay rights, GLN seems to seek opportunities - in the name of Gay rights - to oppose the existence of an entire country. There are issues on which I am an ally, but I cannot work with GLN.
-Rabbi Laurence Edwards: Congregation Or Chadash [Chicago]

-NGLCC Adopts Its Own Economic Stimulus Plan for LGBT Businesses
National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Congress may be slow adopting an economic stimulus plan for the nation, but the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is moving swiftly to enact an initiative that will assist LGBT business owners in this tough economy. The NGLCC "economic stimulus" plan for LGBT businesses is aimed at companies looking to certify their businesses for the first time or for those seeking recertification in 2009. "This is a win-win for everyone," says Victoria Fulkerson, senior manager, Supplier Diversity and Corporate Relations at NGLCC. "During a difficult economy, the NGLCC is especially sensitive to the needs of LGBT businesses that are looking for ways to make important connections with corporations and other LGBT owned businesses." "Our NGLCC stimulus plan gives LGBT businesses seeking certification or looking to renew their certification a valuable discount on registration at the Out for Business conference where they can immediately put their certification to use." Read more

-Wanda Sykes to Entertain at Correspondents' Dinner
ERIN CARLSON | The Associated Press | Washington Post
NEW YORK - Wanda Sykes will soon get the chance to make fun of President Barack Obama to his face. The comic actress said Thursday that she has been selected as the entertainer at the annual White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner in Washington, slated for May 9. Obama is expected to attend the black-tie affair at the Washington Hilton and to follow in his predecessors' tradition by putting on a comedy act of his own. The guest list of some 2,000 people will likely include the usual mix of Washington elite, White House press corps and Hollywood celebrities. "The first thing I did when they asked me to do this gig _ I made sure my taxes were paid," quipped Sykes, taking a dig at the withdrawal of former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle from Obama's cabinet due to unpaid taxes. Read more


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Friday, February 13, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - February 13, 2009

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.


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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Mexico City Journal: Mayor Aims to Add Spark to Flagging Sex Lives
By MARC LACEY
Flashing a boyish grin, the silver-haired septuagenarian fidgeted nervously. His voice dropped to a whisper. A reddish hue enveloped his face. All this because he was asked how the latest social program to be offered by Mexico City's government was affecting his home life.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/13/world/americas/13mexico.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-NY: Same-sex couples protest laws: Activists denied licenses to marry across the nation
By Verena Dobnik
Hundreds of same-sex couples seeking to wed were turned away from marriage license counters throughout the nation Thursday, part of an annual protest that took on renewed urgency in light of recent setbacks in the gay marriage movement.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sfl-flamarry0213sbfeb13,0,2896580.story


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Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:

-David Beckham subjected to homophobic abuse during match
PinkNews.co.uk reports that Spanish fans in Seville abused soccer star David Beckham on Wednesday by chanting "Beckham maricón" or "Beckham faggot."
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/

-Gay adoptive dad fights for state benefits for his child
BY CAROL MARBIN MILLER, cmarbin@MiamiHerald.com
Wayne LaRue Smith wanted to ensure that the foster child he was raising wouldn't be taken from him, so he sought permanent guardianship. He really wanted to adopt the boy, but under a 32-year-old Florida law that bans adoption by gay people, that seemed out of the question. Now, two years later, Smith faces a legal Catch 22. In August, a Key West judge declared the state's gay adoption law unconstitutional, allowing Smith to adopt his foster son. But state child welfare administrators have declined to provide the boy a host of financial benefits available to foster kids who are adopted. Their reason: Because the boy was already in a guardianship, he was no longer a foster child when he was adopted. ''We have never granted an adoption subsidy in a guardianship case,'' Department of Children & Families Secretary George Sheldon said. Smith suspects there's another reason: He was the first gay Florida man in almost two decades to legally adopt a child from state care. Though state officials did not oppose the adoption, they strongly contested a similar case that prompted a Miami judge to declare the 1977 adoption law unconstitutional in November. To read more, click here.

-Q-uba Art Exhibit Friday night at Stonewall Library
An ArtExplosion 2009 event: Q-uba Art Exhibit
New Works by Artist Hildana Ciser, and Photographer Alex Heria
Friday, February 13, 2009, 6:30-8:30 PM
Stonewall Library & Archives
1300 East Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Free Admission
www.stonewall-library.org


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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Lesbian comic to headline White House correspondents' dinner
By The Associated Press
Wanda Sykes will soon get the chance to make fun of President Barack Obama to his face. The comic actress said Thursday that she has been selected as the entertainer at the annual White House correspondents' dinner in Washington, slated for May 9.
http://www.365gay.com/news/lesbian-comic-to-headline-white-house-correspondents-dinner/

-Stepson of 'family values' televangelist busted
By The Associated Press
The stepson of megachurch pastor T.D. Jakes has been arrested on an indecent exposure charge. Dallas police say Jermaine Jakes is accused of exposing himself to two undercover vice detectives last month. He turned himself in Thursday and was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond.
http://www.365gay.com/news/stepson-of-family-values-televangelist-busted/

-Bill would allow gays to sponsor foreign partners
By 365gay Newscenter Staff
Legislation was re-introduced in Congress Thursday that would allow Americans in a same-sex relationship to sponsor their "permanent partners" for legal residency in the United States, a right currently afforded only to opposite-sex couples under immigration law.
http://www.365gay.com/news/bill-would-allow-gays-to-sponsor-foreign-partners/


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-God Hates Fags church threatens to picket Basingstoke
A small religious community from Kansas notorious for picketing funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq have said they are to protest in England. Click here for full article

-Outrage as Jamaican MP asks why "violent" gays are allowed gun licences
Gay equality activists in Jamaica have reacted with disgust at the latest homophobic outburst from one of the island's politicians. Click here for full article

-"Cross-dressing" man is latest victim of Bahrain's morality purge
A driving instructor has been jailed for one month in Bahrain for wearing women's clothing in public. A court was told the 39-year-old was wearing a abaya. Click here for full article

-Legal battle in US federal court after HIV+ woman denied surgery
A 35-year-old American woman living with HIV who was denied surgery to remove her gallbladder because of her status has filed a federal lawsuit. Click here for full article


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Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Illinois Takes Up Gay Marriage Bill
Openly gay state Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) has filed legislation that would allow same-sex couples to marry in Illinois. The bill is slated for discussion Tuesday in the Youth and Family Committee and a large number of gay and lesbian couples are expected to pack the committee room. But even Harris admits it will be tough to get the measure to a vote in the House. Two years ago, a civil union bill introduced by Harris died when the session ended and conservative groups already have made it known they will fight the marriage bill. They've work to push for a state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage they hope will make it to the ballot in 2010. The marriage bill, officially called the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act would "provide eligible same-sex and opposite-sex couples with the same treatment as those in a civil marriage." Read more

-Ireland to Refuse Adoption Rights for Gay Couples
Pink News
A leading gay rights group in Ireland is angry that new adoption legislation is discriminatory. The Irish government published the Adoption Bill 2009 last month. It limits access to adoption to married couples and individuals, excluding non-married same-sex and opposite-sex couples. The chair of the country's National Lesbian and Gay Federation, Ailbhe Smyth, said: "It is extraordinarily disappointing that a government which professes to support full equality for all citizens would seek to yet again reinforce the inequalities within our society. Read more

-If Not Ex-Gay, Then What?
DAVID BENKOF | Jerusalem Post
For years, I have been a critic of the 'ex-gay' movement, particularly its Jewish manifestation. Many advocates of 'reorientation therapy' appear to exaggerate ex-gay transformation rates, and so far the non-gay leaders of the Jewish ex-gay movement have been utterly unable to produce success stories who are willing to be interviewed. Alarmingly, Jewish ex-gay organizers sometimes lead Jewish strugglers perilously close to Christian ideas at odds with Judaism. The mainstream press treats the ex-gay movement with anything from curiosity to disdain, and the gay and lesbian community openly mocks and reviles it. Yet most of the people who turn to ex-gay ministries and reorientation therapies are genuine and sincere. Shouldn't they have an alternative to either living a gay lifestyle or striving to remake themselves as ex-gays? Well, I have a suggestion. Instead of gay or ex-gay, those of us who have stopped thinking of ourselves primarily as same-sexers can emphasize the fact that, whether we're celibate or in opposite-sex relationships, we're 'Deliberately Living Traditionally.' The handy acronym Delta corresponds to a Greek letter representing change; it can be a rival to the use of the letter Lambda to represent all things gay. Delta can serve as a new identity and community for people who are making or have made that tough transition. (Perhaps the Hebrew version will be known as 'Dalets.') Read more


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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:

-Spain to accept transsexuals into armed forces
The Spanish ministry of defence has said it will reform legislation to allow transsexuals to serve in the armed forces. The move follows a publicised battle by a 28-year-old male transsexual who has been rejected by the army on two occasions because he does not have a penis. The man, who has only been named as Aitor G R, was born female but underwent a mastectomy and hormone treatment several years ago in the first step of "gender reassignment". He is on a waiting list for an operation to reshape his genitals into a penis. Although the Spanish army recruits women, Aitor G R is recognised as a man legally and was declared medically unfit by army recruiters because of his lack of male genitalia.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/4605837/Spain-to-accept-transsexuals-into-armed-forces.html

-On April 28, 2008, Eudy Simelane, 31 years old, was gang-raped and brutally murdered in her home township, Kwa-Thema, near Johannesburg in South AFrica. The apparent motive for her killing was that she was a lesbian who fought back "like a man." Despite its strong constitution and human rights protections, South Africa has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world. In the crisis of sexual assault, women who are identified as lesbians or who don't conform to cultural or social norms for what women "should look like" or how women "should act" have also been targeted, with brutal consequences.
www.hrw.org/lgbt-stop-the-violence

-Whatever happened to free speech?
Britain was once renowned around the world for defending people's right to speak out. Not any more, says Philip Johnston. The refusal to admit the oddball Dutch MP Geert Wilders to Britain yesterday marks a further retreat from this country's traditions of free speech. It stands in stark contrast to what happened exactly 20 years ago tomorrow, when Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued a fatwa calling for the death of Salman Rushdie for insulting the Prophet Mohammed in his book The Satanic Verses. In retrospect, that was a turning point in the country's history of free speech, an event that appeared to demonstrate indomitability, yet turned out to be a defeat. An unambiguous stand was taken on Rushdie's behalf by the government of the day, which denounced the threat to his life and broke off diplomatic relations with Iran. Sir Geoffrey Howe, then foreign secretary, told the Commons: "This action is taken in plain defence of the right within the law of freedom of speech and the right within the law of freedom of protest."
www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/philipjohnston/4604985/Whatever-happened-to-free-speech.html


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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article

-Two Federal Appellate Judges Question DOMA
Same-Sex Spouses of 9th Circuit Court Employees Win Benefits
In rulings on two internal employee grievances within the federal judiciary's 9th Circuit, a pair of appellate judges each raised constitutional concerns about the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, with one of them flat out ruling that it is unconstitutional in its application to the matter at issue. In both rulings, which are not official 9th Circuit opinions but rather internal administrative findings - yet were still posted to its website on February 4 - court administrators were ordered to include the same-sex spouses of judicial employees in their federal benefits plan.
http://www.gaycitynews.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20259482&BRD=2729&PAG=461&dept_id=568864&rfi=6

-South Carolina vs. the Lion('s Den)
The courts are full of litigation over the validity of numerous state and local laws regulating the existence, locations, hours, and advertising of sexually-oriented businesses of all kinds. This litigation has produced its own body of law and legal cottage industry, and is ably chronicled by blogs such as The Legal Satyricon and Meeting the Sin Laws. I post about this particular case not because it breaks new legal ground but because it explans a phenomenon I have often wondered about on my cross-country road trips: the Lion's Den highway signs. The Lion's Den is one of the biggest chain stores selling pornography and sex toys in the US. Toys in Babeland they're not, and their unpretentious stores - perhaps catering to the truck-driving profession - are often located in rural and small-town areas alongside major highways. If you live in the eastern US, you've probably seen these signs.
http://polyperversity.blogspot.com/2009/02/south-carolina-vs-lions-den.html


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Soulforce
http://www.soulforce.org/
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article

-Equality Riders facing a Texas trial need your wings to fly!
In late October of 2009, The Equality Ride visited the Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachi, TX. Prior to our arrival, the school printed out prayer cards for their students. Each one depicted a different Equality Rider, and each one asked we be the focus of the prayers. And every Friday night, SAGU sends out a team of student missionaries to the well-known LGBTQ area of Dallas, encouraging folks there to leave and come into their church community, were a self-affirming LGBTQ person is not safe. So while the school's administration refused to talk with us, their communication was loud! Three Equality Riders took a bold step onto the Waxahachie, TX campus, knowing that this was a place that actively seeks out its LGBTQ students in a misuse of ministry, and were arrested. We need our voices of support to sing louder than the prayer cards, louder than their street team, and louder than the handcuffs stopped the Riders in their tracks. Nicholas Rocco DeFinis, Manny Lampon, and Zak Rittenhouse have to be back in Texas for an April court date and need your help getting there. Flights from NYC, Philly, and Lynchburg are not cheap and Waxahachie is a town that requires all defendants to be present. Your frequent flyer miles are fantastic way to make sure that no one goes broke when fighting for justice! If you have miles available, please contact Kara Speltz at kara@soulforce.org.

-Don't forget that our founder, the Rev. Dr. Mel White, will be competing in the 14th edition of the CBS program, The Amazing Race beginning this Sunday, February 15th! For more information, go to
www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race

-You can help end religion-based discrimination by becoming a part of the 365 Club, Soulforce's new monthly donor program. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee per day, your membership in the 365 Club will keep you informed of Soulforce's progress while you help maintain our ongoing programs.
https://www.soulforce.org/365Club


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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article

-Michigan Television Station Pulls Misleading AFA Program Following Announcement of National Action Alert By Human Rights Campaign Station manager releases statement: "The Offer is now off the table." WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today issued a national action alert against the American Family Association's (AFA) one-hour television special called "Speechless: Silencing Christians," which is promoted to "reveal the truth about the radical homosexual agenda and its impact on the family, the nation and religious freedom." Within an hour of that action alert announcement, the Grand Rapids, MI station which had planned to air the deceptive programming rescinded that offer.


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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####

NATIONAL & WORLD NEWS - February 13, 2009

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.


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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Op-Ed Columnist: Failure to Rise
By PAUL KRUGMAN
By any normal political standards, this week's Congressional agreement on an economic stimulus package was a great victory for President Obama. He got more or less what he asked for: almost $800 billion to rescue the economy, with most of the money allocated to spending rather than tax cuts. Break out the Champagne!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/13/opinion/13krugman.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

-Op-Ed Columnist: The Worst-Case Scenario
By DAVID BROOKS
Between 1990 and 2007, the total mortgage debt held by Americans rose from $2.5 trillion to $10.5 trillion. This rise was part of a societal credit bubble that burst in 2008. To cushion the pain of that collapse, federal authorities decided to replace private debt with public debt.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/13/opinion/13brooks.html?ref=opinion

-Editorial: Mr. Tsvangirai's Leap of Faith
One can only wonder what Robert Mugabe was thinking as his political rival and now partner, Morgan Tsvangirai, was sworn in Wednesday as Zimbabwe's prime minister. In his inaugural speech, Mr. Tsvangirai promised a virtual revolution: rule of law, political freedoms, independent news media, economic reform, food for needy Zimbabweans regardless of party affiliation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/13/opinion/13fri3.html?ref=opinion


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Gregg Withdraws As Commerce Pick
Republican Senator Cites Policy Disagreements As Congress Prepares to Vote on Stimulus Plan
By Anne E. Kornblut and Michael D. Shear
Saying he "made a mistake," Republican Sen. Judd Gregg withdrew yesterday as the nominee for commerce secretary, dealing a fresh blow to President Obama's quest to fill out his Cabinet and dramatically undercutting his efforts to forge a new bipartisanship in the capital.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/12/AR2009021204029.html?hpid=topnews

-Snap, Crackle, Pot
By Kathleen Parker
Drink and drive and it's grrrrrrrr-eat! Smoke pot and your flakes are frosted, dude. So seems the message from Kellogg's, which has decided not to renew its sponsorship contract with Michael Phelps after the Olympian was photographed smoking marijuana at a party in South Carolina.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/12/AR2009021203199.html

-OUTLOOK PREVIEW: Nationalize the Banks! We're all Swedes Now
By Matthew Richardson and Nouriel Roubini
The U.S. banking system is close to being insolvent, and unless we want to become like Japan in the 1990s -- or the United States in the 1930s -- the only way to save it is nationalization.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/12/AR2009021201602.html

-'My Mistake'
Commerce secretary? Never mind.
ON A DAY when President Obama hoped to bask in the glow of an agreement in Congress on the massive economic stimulus bill, he had to contend with yet another high-profile withdrawal from his Cabinet. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) withdrew his nomination yesterday to become commerce secretary. He cited the stimulus package, direction of the census and an inability to be "100 percent with the team" as driving his decision to drop out a week after his selection.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/12/AR2009021203462.html

-At Wal-Mart, a Health-Care Turnaround
Once Criticized, Company Is Now an Innovator in Employee Coverage
By Ceci Connolly
Washington policymakers contemplating a fundamental overhaul of the nation's troubled health-care system may want to study the saga of Wal-Mart.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/12/AR2009021204096.html?hpid=topnews

-Austria: Priests criticize pope's bishop pick
By VERONIKA OLEKSYN
VIENNA -- A group of Austrian priests has vehemently criticized Pope Benedict XVI's decision to promote an ultraconservative pastor who suggested Hurricane Katrina was provoked by sin in New Orleans, the group's head said Wednesday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/11/AR2009021103096.html?hpid=sec-religion


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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us

-Obama's Antiterror Progress
He embraces Bush policies on secrecy, rendition. President Obama has done a masterful job disguising his Administration's growing antiterror maturity, but this week produced further evidence that he is erring on the side of keeping the country safe rather than appeasing the political left. The Justice Department filed to dismiss a federal appeals case involving rendition, embracing an argument developed by . . . the Bush Administration.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123448807524880329.html


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/

-Detention should not be a growth business
Prison management is expanding as the U.S. government seeks help from private companies in detaining immigrants being ordered out of the country.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-12sanchezsbfeb12,0,1881247.story


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Pew Research center
http://pewresearch.org/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Money Matters
Jobs Worries Climb the Economic Ladder
For the public, the continuing financial crisis has been overtaken by a jobs crisis; the proportion citing jobs or unemployment as the nation's most important economic problem has more than quadrupled to 42% since early October and concern about job loss has climbed steeply among affluent Americans. Read more

-Immigrant Latino Unemployment Rises Sharply
Job loss data reveal a rapidly worsening situation for foreign-born Hispanics, native-born Hispanics and blacks in the labor market. Read more

-Stimulus News Seen as More Negative Than Positive
Many Americans say they want more information about specifics of the economic rescue proposals -- and less about Michael Phelps and the octuplets. Read more

-Meet the Press
The New Face of Washington's Press Corps
As mainstream media decline, niche and foreign outlets grow, and the transformation will markedly alter what Americans will know and not know about government. Read more

-Twitterpated
More and More Mobile Americans Take to Tweeting
About one-in-ten online adults now use Twitter or a similar 'micro-blogging' service that allows them to share updates about themselves or to see the updates of others. Read more

-Foreign Affairs
The Globe's Emerging Middle Classes
As economically developing countries grow prosperous, their middle classes understandably become more satisfied with their lives and their values become more like those of the publics of advanced nations. Read more

-All You Need is Love
Cupid's Arrow Often Hits People of Different Faiths
More than one-in-four (27%) American adults who are married or living with a partner are in religiously mixed relationships. Read more

-Daily Number
63% - Reject Darwin's Theory of Evolution
In the 150 years since he published his groundbreaking On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, and the 200 years since the date of his birth celebrated this week, Charles Darwin has failed to convince the majority of Americans of the validity of his theories. Check back every weekday for another number in the news. Read more


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Obama's winning ugly, but he's winning
The White House is making policy in public, and it's messy.
By Mike Madden
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/02/12/stimulus_battle/

-GOP Targets Stimulus Supporters In New Ad
Posted by Brian Montopoli
The National Republican Congressional Committee today began running radio ads targeting 30 House Democrats who supported the stimulus package - or, as the NRCC puts it, "a trillion-dollar spending bill chock full of wasteful Washington spending."
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/02/12/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4797968.shtml

-Congress readies final vote on $790B stimulus bill after overcoming
last-minute snags
By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid predicted Friday that Congress will finish its work on a massive, $790 billion economic stimulus plan, possibly by day's end, giving President Barack Obama a big victory.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-congress-stimulus,1,4954815.story

-Poll: 25 People to Blame for the Financial Crisis
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1877351_1878509,00.html

-Gregg's Withdrawal Becomes a Partisan Issue
By Paul Kane
To hear him tell it, Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) withdrew as President Obama's nominee for commerce secretary to remain "my own man" -- the principled loner who chafes at taking orders.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/12/AR2009021203841.html


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#####

FLORIDA DIGEST - February 13, 2009

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.


=
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

Wilton Manors: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum to speak at
Congregation Etz Chaim on March 13
Congregation Etz Chaim (CEC), Wilton Manor's only synagogue and Florida's only synagogue with a special outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Jews, welcomes Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum to speak at its regular, 8:30 p.m. Shabbat service on Friday, March 13. Since 1992, Rabbi Kleinbaum has been the Senior Rabbi of New York City's Congregation Beth Simchat Torah (CBST), the world's largest LGBT synagogue. Under her leadership, CBST has become an important voice in Judaism and in the movement for LGBT rights. Perhaps the best-known LGBT Rabbi in the world, Rabbi Kleinbaum was named one of the USA's 50 most influential rabbis by Newsweek magazine. Rabbi Kleinbaum will deliver the weekly drash (Torah commentary) at CEC's March 13 service. Congregation Etz Chaim, which is currently celebrating its 35th Anniversary, is located at 1881 N.E. 26 Street, Suite 101, in Wilton Manors. In addition to its 8:30 p.m., Friday night services, CEC offers a variety of religious, educational and social programs along with its Sisterhood and Men's Club. For more information contact CEC at (954) 564-9232 or congregation@etz-chaim.com.


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~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~


=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Budget is top priority for incoming Fort Lauderdale mayor
By Brittany Wallman
Jack Seiler hadn't been mayor-elect for even a few hours when he was asked to make his first decision: What color did he want the walls in his new office painted? Mayor Jim Naugle said he asked the incoming mayor that question Tuesday night, just after Seiler declared victory in a four-man race for the seat. Seiler wasn't all that concerned about his wall color at the time. Seiler's next decision was what kind of beer to order (Foster's).
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flbseiler0213sbfeb13,0,234801.story

-American Orchid Society west of Delray Beach closing to public
By Maria Herrera
Orchids are rare, flowering plants of extraordinary beauty that randomly bloom - which only adds to their mystique. Soon South Florida orchid lovers, collectors and the plain curious will have one less place to admire them.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/delraybeach/sfl-flporchids0213pnfeb13,0,5282325.story

-Stimulus package: So what's in it for us?
Plan aims to help Floridians who are hurting the most
By William E. Gibson
For the people of Florida, hit by rising unemployment and foreclosure rates, the economic stimulus bill promises to save or create 206,000 jobs, give tax breaks to workers and send checks to retirees.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-stimulus0213,0,5185470.story


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SAVE THE DATE: Community Rally for Public Education
Thursday, Februay 26 - 4:30pm
Broward County Councy for PTAs and Floridians for Quality Education
K.C. Wright Building - Broward School Board Building
600 SE 3rd Ave Ft. Lauderdale
All community members and business groups are invited to join this effort.
Contact Shelly Heller - 954-557-7760


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Progress Florida
So far 2,380 Floridians have signed our letter to Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater urging him to balance the budget by generating revenues, NOT cutting education and critical health and social services. That letter will be hand delivered before the upcoming legislative session, but first we need to add as many signatures as possible.Click here to sign on to the letter and help protect our public schools and our state's most vulnerable.
http://progressflorida.org/page/s/stopthecuts


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Florida Senate poll shows Crist annihilating field
By Aaron Blake
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) looms hugely over his state's open Senate race, holding 2-to-1 leads over all Democrats interested in the race, according to a new Strategic Vision poll. The poll finds the popular governor, who will wait until after Florida's legislative session to make his plans known, leading Democratic Reps. Ron Klein and Kendrick Meek by 34 points each.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/florida-senate-poll-shows-crist-annihilating-field-2009-02-11.html

-Sales tax changes may prove tough
By MICHAEL C. BENDER
Floridians could pay more for bottled water, eyeglasses, Super Bowl tickets and other items if lawmakers decide to remove some of the 239 sales tax exemptions to help shore up a third consecutive year of budget shortfalls.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/state/content/state/epaper/2009/02/11/a4a_salestax_0212.html

-Gov. Charlie Crist takes heat from Republicans for supporting stimulus package
By Adam C. Smith, Times Political Editor
Charlie Crist: statesman or sellout? Democrats may be lavishing praise on Florida's Republican governor for enthusiastically supporting the Democrats' economic stimulus package, but Republicans are questioning whether Crist damaged his future in national politics.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/article975544.ece

-Bill would enforce Internet sales tax collection
A first-term Democrat in the House teamed up with a senior Senate Republican Thursday in front of a diverse coalition hoping to add more than $2 billion to Florida's depleted treasury by collecting sales tax on Internet transactions.
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/CD/20090213/CAPITOLNEWS/902130345/-1/capitolnews

-Rise in mail-in ballots is changing campaign strategies in Pinellas County
By Will Van Sant, Times Staff Writer
More voters than ever are using mail ballots, forcing candidates in the upcoming March municipal elections to confront a new political dynamic.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/local/article975507.ece

-Florida's second banana slips up
By Daniel Ruth,
If there is a bigger do-nothing job that comes with a government check, aside from being Prince Charles, it has to be wiling away the hours as Florida's lieutenant governor, a position blissfully held by Jeff Kottkamp, who has logged more frequent flier miles than the Steve Fossett.
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/article975483.ece

-Broward smoker's death due to addiction
BY PATRICK DANNER
A Broward jury on Thursday found that a Cooper City chainsmoker's death was directly attributable to his addiction to cigarettes.
http://www.miamiherald.com/466/story/901214.html



=

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#####

FLORIDA DIGEST - February 12, 2009

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

-ArtsUnited - ArtExplosion-Tonight!
Matthew Glass in The Slap & Tickle ShowSometimes funny, sometimes profound, but always irreverent, The Slap & Tickle Show by Matthew Glass, is a new one-man play that chronicles the trials and tribulations of an ex-twink managing his crazy life in the gay ghetto. This semi- autobiographical work introduces us to " Digby", showing us his over the top, smutty and always irreverent world. Subjects such as crystal meth, bug chasing, Manhunt and his personal quest to destroy the Abercrombie & Fitch Empire are all fair game. He questions what the world would be like if George W. Bush and Osama Bin Laden were lovers, the never ending fight against gay body hair, Taco Bell, Anne Coulter and why Catholics should love bareback sex. No stereotype is spared and in the most colorful and always-funny way we are forced to examine the gay lifestyle through Digby's very personal and shockingly honest point of view. Seating is limited for this world premiere presentation. MATTHEW GLASS Matthew is an actor/writer who will be seen in Camposition's upcoming revival production of Michael Yawney's sold out 1000 Homosexuals at the Colony Theatre during the 2009 Winter Party. He was previously seen in in the world premier of The BugChasers, as a writer and performer with Camposition Locally Matthew appeared as Bernard in Gablestage's Romance. (Best Supporting Actor, Best Of Miami 2007; Miami New Times & Best Comic Performance 2007; Miami's Sun Post) and Carl in The Alliance Theatre Lab's production of Lonely Planet He has worked at The American Living Room Theatre Festival, Coffee Clutch Playwrighting Workshop, NYC, The New World Repertory, Miami Children's Theatre, The Rude Mechanicals, City Theatre, Area Stage Company, Acme Acting Company, and the Florida Shakespeare Festival. He is a member of The American Dramatists Guild, Inc. and The Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. He is currently teaching Acting and Voice at The New World School of the Arts and teaches speech presentation skills for Florida International University's International MBA program.Thursday, February 12, 2009, 7:00 PMStonewall Library & Archives - 1300 East Sunrise Blvd.Fort Lauderdale - Free Admission
www.stonewall-library.org

-ArtExplosion Continues ...
Q-uba Art Exhibit Opens with Reception Q-uba Art Exhibit,New Works by Artist Hildana Ciserand Photographer Alex Heria
Friday, February 13, 6:30-8:30 PM
Stonewall Library & Archives - 1300 East Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale
**Hildana Ciser was born in Havana Cuba, and raised in the beautiful garden state of New Jersey. A self-taught artist since the young age of 5, Ciser was educated at William Patterson University, New Jersey. Ciser moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida 5 years ago and found inspiration in the tropical breezes and greenery that she was surrounded by. Soon after, she found the love of her life. That love has filled her life with new meaning to challenge her everyday and to continue her art. Hildana includes her love in most of her art if you just look for it. She feels blessed by her 3 children and two Bichon Frises. Her art work is very unique; every piece has a hidden meaning, which makes you stop and take a second look. Hildana has been inspired by the world renown artist Thomas Mcknight. She loved his art and his whimsical views of subject matter and bright colors.

**Alexander Heria was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1961. He moved to Miami, Florida at the age of ten. Heria received a BFA in photography from Florida International University, Miami in 1992, and a MFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston in 19994. He has taught photography and graphic design for seven years at FIU, Miami Dade College, and the Art Institute Miami. His photography has been exhibited locally and is in numerous private collections. Heria received a 2007 South Florida Consortium Fellowship. Heria is currently an artist-in-residence at the ArtCenter/ South Florida.
Free Admission
www.stonewall-library.org


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SunServe - Ft. Lauderdale
SunServe Valentines Dance
February 14, 7:00 PM
L'Hermitage Ballroom - A1A & Oakland Park Blvd.
Seating is limited - get your tickets now.
Purchase your tickets online atwww.sunserve.org.


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GLCCSF - Ft. Lauderdale
Community Meetings/Events

**MICHAEL BERNARD BECKWITH - AS SEEN OF "THE SECRET" - February 12, 7:00 PM, Center for Spiritual Living, 1550 NE 26th Street. For info and to reserve seats call 954-566-2868 or:Click Here.

**PRIDELINES YOUTH SERVICES - THE LAVENDER SALON - February 14, 7:00 PM. Coffee, dessert and entertainment for LGBT youth. Unitarian Univerasist Congregation of Miami, 7701 SW 76th Ave, Miami, FL 33143. For more information, www.uumia.org.

**PRIDELINES YOUTH SERVICES - MARDI GRAS SKATE NIGHT - Febauary 24, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Gold Coast Roller Rink, 2604 S. Federal Hwy. For mor information call 305-571-9601, or pridelines.org

**HEATHER CRAIG & MARY-JANE CUNNINHAM - ROCK N' COUNTRY - Februayr 28, 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM, Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews, Ft. Lauderdale. For more information call, 954-772-4947.

**LEADING GAY AUTHOR/GAY RIGHTS ACTIVIST, JEFF DUNGEON, TO SPEAK- March 12, Nova Southeast University, Knight Auditorium, De Santis Building from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. "Decriminalising Homosexuality in Northern Ireland - the First Successful Gay Case at the European Court of Human Rights or Saving Ulster for Sodomy?"

-SUPPORT TEAM GLCC
Florida AIDS Walk 2009
On Sunday, March 15, we will participate in a 10-kilometer fundraising walkathon through Fort Lauderdale to address the AIDS crisis in our community. We'll be joined by thousands of others who understand that we need to take action now to halt the escalating spread of HIV/AIDS in south Florida. We hope we can count on your support. We need caring people like you to sponsor our team's participation in the walk. You can make a donation to our campaign right here. If you wish to make a donation by check, please send an email to our Team Captain, Rober Boo at rboo@glccsf.org so we can add you to our list of offline contributors. Your gift to this worthy cause is fully tax-deductible. We encourage you to browse the rest of this website so you can learn more about Florida AIDS Walk.
http://ahf.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?team_id=2880&pg=team&fr_id=1060


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From Leon VanDyke

-WON'T YOU JOIN ME IN SENDING A LETTER ABOUT THE RECENT ELECTION'S RESULTS TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA BLADE. FEEL FREE TO EDIT...BUT REMEMBER ANYTHING TOO LONG WILL NOT RUN IN PRINT. HOPE THAT YOU FEEL THE SAME AS I DO HERE. IF YOU DO, FORWARD THE LETTER BACK TO ME WITH YOUR SIGNATURES AND I WILL COLLECT ALL AND SEND IT ON TO THE BLADE. - THANX, LEON - leonmax@aol.com

-The apathy of the LGBT community in Broward County on Primary Election Day February 10, 2009 was a genuine disgrace and now proven fiasco. It strikes us as evidence of the gross arrogance and lack of intelligent foresight on the parts of the majority of lesbians, gays, bi-sexuals and the transgendered residents of the area. Out of over 133,000 registered voters in Fort Lauderdale a bit more than half of those voting chose to vote for a gay candidate for mayor. Surely there are more than 8,000 LGBTs of voting age in Fort Lauderdale. What a huge loss of opportunity occurred on that day. There were three gay men running for the office of mayor. While that number may have diluted the possibility of any one of those gay men eventually outdistancing the Irish Catholic heterosexual man who won the election, those voting for the straight guy outnumbered the total votes cast for all three gay men. The total of all casting a vote on February 10th here in Fort Lauderdale proved to be between three and four thousand more than had voted in the last mayoral election. This most likely represented some heightened interest in the LGBT community upping the percentage of local votes cast higher than usual. Still, the numbers hardly were evidence of any overall sensibility in our community that taking a half hour out of our lives to cast a vote might make a major difference in the respect that electing a gay man mayor might engender. Instead, the whole process turned out to be a complete waste of monies, time and energies. Until the day that the voting age LGBT community here becomes genuinely involved in the politics governing its destiny, there is virtually no hope for attaining marriage rights for gays and lesbians on a national basis. Frankly my dears, unless and until we care enough to represent our own interests, why should anybody else give a damn..
Leon Van Dyke - leonmax@aol.com


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Equality Florida

-Sign Up for the Rally in Tally Today
!March 16, 2009
We had a breakthrough year in Tallahassee during 2008 and we want you to help keep that momentum going.We passed the Florida Safe Schools law and as a result students across Florida are protected right now by anti-bullying polices that specifically include LGBT students. Now we turn to 2009, a year of enormous possibility. With your help, we'll work to secure equality for LGBT Floridians and our families. Gather some friends or come alone. In either case, get to Tallahassee on March 16th. The Rally in Tally will be the largest gathering for LGBT Equality in Florida's history drawing equality supporters to the capital from all across our state. Be a part of it by registering today. The Rally in Tally is a coalition effort of local, state and national LGBT and allied groups including: Equality Florida, the GLBT Democratic Caucus, Impact Florida, the Dolphin Democrats, SAVE Dade, Unity Coalition/Coalicion Unida, PFLAG, Community Centers, Pride Groups, Local Democratic Clubs, Metropolitan Community Churches and more. The Rally also marks the start of Equality Florida's Lobby Week, when we sit down and talk to our lawmakers about issues of importance to LGBT Floridians. Lobby training will be provided, as well as all the materials and information necessary for you to have a successful experience. Even if you've never lobbied before, this year is the time to start. Register today! Join us in making 2009 a tremendous year of change and progress. If you are a member of an organization that would like get involved in the Rally in Tally, contact rally@eqfl.org and we'll send you an endorsement form and other information to get your group involved. Register at: http://ga4.org/Equalityflorida/events/rallytally/register.tcl?&_cm_=1

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Equality Florida
Florida Supreme Court Action Alert
Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Wells is retiring next month, and Governor Charlie Crist is in the process of selecting Wells' replacement. This is an extremely important moment for us as the balance of the court is at stake! Gov. Crist has already appointed several extremely conservative judges after being aggressively lobbied by the far right. And they're at it again. The ultra right-wing American Family Association has begun to rally around Judge Alan Lawson, telling their members to contact Governor Crist on Lawson's behalf. They are flooding the Governor's office with calls, faxes, and emails in support, urging him to appoint Judge Lawson immediately. WE CANNOT LET THE AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION DECIDE THE MAKE-UP OF THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT! If Wells is replaced with an ultra-conservative Justice, then lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Floridians will have a difficult time being heard in court. Plus, many of the issues that we care about, such as overturning the anti-gay adoption ban, currently heading to the court, will be jeopardized. Two Things you Can Do1 - Click here to email the Governor. Demand that he appoint a Justice that reflects the great diversity of our state.
http://ga4.org/campaign/Crist2 - Call Gov. Crist Today! (850) 488-7146


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#####

Thursday, February 12, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - February 12, 2009

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.


=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Same-sex couples rally for marriage rights
By VERENA DOBNIK
Hundreds of same-sex couples, part of a nationwide protest, are lining up to be turned away by the New York City marriage bureau. As they walked away without marriage licenses Thursday, they wore signs saying, "Just Not Married."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/12/AR2009021200364.html


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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us

-A Virtual Matchmaker for Volunteers
By JANE HODGES
Many Americans fortunate enough to have a solid job in a soft economy -- or newfound free time due to a layoff -- may consider participating in volunteer work to make use of their time and talents. Indeed, President Barack Obama has stumped for volunteerism in recent television commercials, urging Americans to pitch in around their communities during a difficult time.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123439604394574921.html


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Gay Travel
An influential tourism group, The International Gay & Lesbian Travel
Association, picked Fort Lauderdale to host its 2011 convention over such popular destinations as Chicago and Philadelphia. About 1,200 people are expected to attend, each staying an average four days and spending about $1,700, Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, said on Wednesday.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzdigestdig02122sbfeb12,0,6211298,print.story


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Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Women's events planned for Winter Party Festival
From Yesi Leon: 2 great events for the Women's Winter Party
Women's Art Exhibit- Thursday February 26 - 7-10 PM
Fache Arts & Amy Alonso Gallery ,
750 NE 124th Street, Suite 2 , Miami
Guests enjoy a showcase of works by local artists at a reception featuring wine and hors d'oeuvres.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/


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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Utah: Protesters decry governor's civil union support
Dozens of protesters gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday to express their anger with Gov. Jon Huntsman for saying he supports civil unions.
http://www.floridablade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=23965


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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Michigan TV Station Ditches Plans to Air Antigay "Infomercial"
A Michigan television station has rescinded its offer to air an hour-long antigay "infomercial" produced by the American Family Association this weekend on the heels of a campaign by the Human Rights Campaign to have the program yanked from airwaves.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid72927.asp

-Naugle Out, Gay Candidates Defeated in Fort Lauderdale Race
Jack Seiler defeated three other candidates, including two gay hopefuls, to take over as mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., a city that has been rocked by its outgoing mayor's numerous tirades against gay residents. http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid72956.asp

-Utah Gov: I'll Back Gay Rights Bills
Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. says he would support a legislative effort to provide some rights to gay and transgender individuals. Huntsman was responding to a pair of Common Ground bills, backed by Equality Utah, the first of which would make it illegal to fire or evict someone for being gay or transgender. The other would establish a domestic partnership registry for inheritance and medical-decision making benefits.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid72876.asp


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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Rachel and the hooker guy
By Ali Davis, Contributing writer
Wednesday's Rachel Maddow Show started us off with a bang - or at least with some yelling-at-bankers porn, which is almost as satisfying. In addition to the red-hot CEO-shaming footage, Rachel gave us a visit with Congressman Barney Frank, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.
http://www.365gay.com/living/rachelwatch-rachel-and-the-hooker-guy/

-Do a good deed for Valentine's Day
By James Withers
Valentine's Day is evil. Oh sure, short fat Cupid is all smiles with his arrows and talk of love, but he is the spawn of Satan. And if you doubt, then you've not listened to Nina Simone's "The Other Woman."
http://www.365gay.com/blog/021209-courage-campaign-looking-for-signatures/


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Iranian lesbian granted asylum in the UK
By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk
A gay woman has been granted refugee status after three years battling the UK's asylum system.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11134.html

-Gay humanists back Dutch MP's right to criticise Islam
A gay humanist group has said the Home Secretary was wrong to ban a Dutch MP who is critical of Islam.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11136.html

-Hungarian government proposes registered same-sex partnerships
The Hungarian Government has approved a new bill on registered partnerships. It replaces a previous law on registered partnership that was struck down by the Constitutional Court in December, just weeks before its was due to come into force.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11133.html


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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Gay-Marriage Opponents in Maine Launch Website
Carlos Santoscoy | On Top Magazine
The image of a straight couple holding their young son - all three bright and blond - graces the home page of the Maine Marriage Initiative website, which is devoted to opposing a newly introduced gay marriage bill in the Maine Legislature. "Families should be strengthened . not redefined," the text reads. The newly-launched website urges visitors to contact their legislators, join their Facebook social group, and offers information about the gay marriage bill. At a press conference last month, Democratic Senator Dennis S. Damon announced that he would introduce the gay marriage bill surrounded by members of several prominent gay groups - including Equality Maine, the Maine Civil Liberties Union, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, and the Maine Women's Lobby - and gay and lesbian couples wishing to marry. Read more

-FL: Fort Lauderdale Free from Anti-Gay Mayor
Carlos Santoscoy | On Top Magazine
Voters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida have decided on who'll replace anti-gay Mayor Jim Naugle. In a nonpartisan primary yesterday, the citizens of Fort Lauderdale voted in Jack Seiler, who, because he won a majority (57%) of the vote, will go on to become mayor, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports. Seiler is not necessarily a gay-affirming candidate, but even that must seem palatable to the gay and lesbian community that has so often been ridiculed by its mayor over the years. Two of the four candidates running - former city commissioner and gay activist Dean Trantalis and businessman Earl Rynerson - said they pursued the job because of the mayor's anti-gay stance. Read more

-Macedonia President Race Tackles Gay Rights
Balkan Insight
Macedonia's presidential candidates sparred over the issue of gay rights on Tuesday with the conservative frontrunner saying there is no discrimination but homosexuals are paranoid, while the socialist runner-up called for more protection of sexual freedom of choice. The debate in Macedonia started with a statement of Georgi Ivanov, the presidential candidate of the ruling conservative VMRO DPMNE party. "Our system discriminates against noone. Homosexuals stigmatize themselves and think they are in an underprivileged position", Ivanov told the local daily Spic. Asked to comment on the same issue, Ljubomir Frckoski, the candidate backed by the main opposition party ,the Social Democrats, said he supported all groups that faced discrimination. Read more

-Transgender Activist Threatened with Death
Big Gay News
Police officers are alleged to have beaten up a transgender woman, who is an HIV/AIDS campaigner and sex worker, after she refused to give them her money. They subsequently threatened her with death if she reported the incident. Her life is at risk. Three other transgender women have been killed in a nearby area in the last three months. Four police officers in a police car approached the transgender woman, who has asked Amnesty International to withhold her name, at about 12.40am on 20 December 2008 in the Palmira district of the capital, Tegucigalpa. She was working as a sex worker at the time. The police officers tried to rob her but, when she resisted, they grabbed her by the hair and repeatedly smashed her head against a nearby window, breaking the glass. She received numerous cuts to her face and knees. The officers then said that they were arresting the woman for breaking a window in order to gain forcible entry to private property. The officers took her to the local police station, and then to a local health centre to be treated for her wounds. Since she was bleeding, she informed the officers that she was HIV positive and the officers replied by saying "AIDS bitch, people like you should be in a separate place" (perra sidosa, gente como Ustedes tiene que estar en un lugar aparte) While on their way, the officers also told her "if you speak out, we will leave you dead in the countryside" (si hablas, te dejaremos muerta en el monte). She was taken back to the police station and was released without charge at around 11.30am. She has recently filed a formal complaint with the Human Rights section of the Public Prosecutor's Office about this incident. Link


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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article

-Hungarian Government Approves New Registered Partnership Bill
Budapest, February 11, 2009 - The Hungarian Government has approved today a new bill on registered partnership. The bill replaces a previous law on registered partnership that was struck down by the Constitutional Court in December 2008 just weeks before its supposed entry into force. As opposed to the previous version, the new bill introduces the institution of registered partnership only for same sex couples, however, it also introduces a different scheme of domestic partnership registration for both same sex and different sex couples. Support for the bill in the Parliament is still an open question.
http://www.hatter.hu



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Chronicle of Higher Education

-Georgia Legislators Less Inflamed by Sex Researchers
The dustup over Georgia State University faculty members who study racy-sounding topics such as male prostitution and oral sex has died down after two of the researchers explained their work to state legislators.
http://chronicle.com/news/index.php?id=5960&utm_source=pm&utm_medium=en



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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article

-Artist, exhibit sponsor face off over abstract nude paintings
A battle over what constitutes "overtly sexual" art unfolded on Long Beach's trendy main thoroughfare on Monday, with an artist demanding that two of her abstract nudes be put back up on the walls of a public exhibition organized by a program that deemed them offensive.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-long-beach-art10-2009feb10,0,2515704.story


-Porn Star Stormy Daniels to Take on Sexual Hypocrite Sen. David Vitter?
Sen. David Vitter's phone number was found in the records of the notorious D.C. madam. Now he faces re-election (and massive karmic payback) against a sultry adult entertainer named Stormy. Max Blumenthal has an exclusive interview. With 2010 midterm elections approaching, Louisiana Republican Sen. David Vitter is positioning himself as a leading conservative stalwart. In July 2008, Vitter joined accused bathroom-stall sex solicitor Sen. Larry Craig in co-sponsoring the anti-gay-marriage Marriage Protection Amendment, then addressed a massive antiabortion rally on the National Mall three days after Barack Obama's inauguration. Vitter was also the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's lone vote against sending Hillary Clinton's secretary of State nomination to the Senate floor.
http://www.alternet.org/story/126103/

-We would like to announce Ali and Mohammad left India to Canada today. In July 17, 08 we call to action for Ali and Mohammad, an Iranian gay couple asylum seeker in India who needs urgent support by Canadian Embassy there. "UNHCR submitted our case as "urgent" and "high priority" for resettlement to the Canadian embassy in New Delhi. The Canadian embassy started processing on our application on May 17, 2007, and we completed interviews with the Canadian embassy on July 19, 2007. We even received our health checkups in the same week. However, we are still waiting for our process to be complete so that we can resettle in a safer country." They said in their telephone conversation in July 2008. You can find more information on IRQR website in Queer Refugee page.

-Downsized Nine-to-Fivers Turn to Kinky Sex Work
"I've seen it before," says Linda, "during the tech bust in 2002. Women who thought they would always make a decent living in the tech sector lost their jobs." They came looking to Linda's industry for freelance work, and now it's happening again: professional women whose cubicle-bound careers have been downsized are entering Linda's corner of the "gig economy" -- a corner that involves whips, ropes, and occasionally, nipple clamps. With staff jobs evaporating and former nine-to-fivers cobbling together incomes through scattered side projects, freelancing as a dominatrix -- or "pro-domme," as industry types prefer to call it -- has become a plausible gig option.
http://www.alternet.org/story/125614/

-Selective Prosecution of Males in Underage Sex Cases?
A 14-year-old Massachusetts boy has been charged with various sex crimes for his involvement in sexual game-playing with three girls aged 12 and 11. Although he too is a minor, the state declined to charge the girls with any wrongdoing. Strange as it may seem to say, that type of sexual behavior among children that young is not all that unusual these days. Where the plot thickens, though is that his attorney moved the court for an order requiring the state to produce documents showing that its prosecution of the boy was not sexually motivated. That is, he's claiming that the state discriminates against boys in its decisions about prosecution in sex cases involving minors. The state vociferously objected to the defense motion, but the trial court ruled for the boy and the Supreme Judicial Court agreed.

-Young Black Men Unaware of H.I.V. Risks, Survey Finds
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/health/10hiv.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail0=y


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HeartStrong - February Update

-We are busy in the SE doing outreach work over the next month or so. We've already done one HeartStrong Educational Forum in Lakeland FL. This coming Sunday the Atlanta chapter of PFLAG is hosting us and we will be having an HS Forum at their regular meeting. For location and time go to http://www.pflagatl.org

-On Sunday the 22, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga, TN will be hosting us for a Forum during their regular morning service. This is our only visit to TN this year.

-We still have 9 additional forums to do and tons of outreach work. We recently spent an afternoon here in FL in the parking lot of an office building for the Seventh Day Adventist church. We left our GLBT friendly "tracts" under windshield wipers and even got to hand them personally to people coming and going from the building. We believe there is no bad way to get our life saving information to people. Maybe most of the people who get our info throw it away. But we are reaching for that one person who needs to know they are not alone, that one parent who needs to know how to respond to their child coming out as GLBT or that one teacher from that one school who is ready to begin living an honest life. Our work can be tedious but we believe that it is effective and our success is realized through the lives we have saved, the families put back together and knowing that everything we do counts. You can help us in our work. Maybe you can't drive around the country and personally visit schools and pass out materials. But you can empower us to do it. We've been doing our outreach and educational work since 1996 and we are only able to do it because of the sacrifical giving of our HeartStrong friends. Thanks for you time!
Marc Adams
Founder/Executive Director, HeartStrong
http://heartstrong.org/HeartStrong/125012100.html


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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - February 11, 2009

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