Do You Feel Safer Now?

Historic Hate Crimes Bill Signed Into Law

Washington D.C. - President Barack Obama signs the much overdue hate crimes bill into law giving protection status to our community as well as persons with disABILITIES (wow, I am protected twice in 1 bill uh?).

But, at what moment do we truly celebrate this victory/compromise?

To receive the status this bill affords the LGBT community, it had to be attached to the military defense bill. It is disappointing to know that its the main reason for its passage and not because it was the right thing to do.

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful that now we will have some recognition for the horrible crimes committed against our community for nothing more than being who we are and showing the simple act of love. But, will we truly be a protected class? Hate is hate and hate knows no boundaries/protections.

It will not be enough being signed into law but rather the best defense against these acts is education. Education must begin at home, school, church, work, etc.

It's another step forward on the long and winding road called Equality we hope to finish in a land called America...

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National Coming Out Day/Equality March

A Voice By The Thousands Promising To Be Loud And Proud!

As National Coming Out Day approaches us once again, this year promises to be much more than a day of "self liberation" as thousands of queer Americans and supporters will descend upon Washington D.C. demanding to be heard on the issues of equality and fairness in everything from marriage to jobs, housing and the past campaign promise by then presidential candidate Barack Obama to lift DADT (military ban on serving openly).

As my disapproval towards those that want to deny us of our rights turns to anger, I find positive ways of venting that energy towards advocacy and education (as well as the creation of my award winning LGBT CAT toolbar) in many things I do such as having a conversation with someone regarding the many benefits and protections (such as the recent situation where a lesbian was denied access to her dying partner because Florida is a homophobic state and that hate can legally be used to deny you access to a loved one) we are NOT entitled to solely based on our sexual orientation/identity to being discharged from serving our country.

These discriminative issues just don't seem to make much sense in the great land of America, especially after my recent trip to Springfield, Illinois in where I learned so much more about a beloved man and former president named Abraham Lincoln who's famous Gettysburg Address invoked principles of human equality encompassed by the Declaration Of Independence "a new birth of freedom" that would bring true equality to all of its citizens and declared the sacrifices of battle had rededicated the nation to propositions of democracy and equality.

So, here we are, 2009' battling for the basic rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, happiness to be free to be who we are because that is what so many, including Lincoln have fought and died for.

So, as we come or step out to be heard, let us not forget the fight for equality does not come easy in a country that "guarantees it" but rather, which is manipulated by hate and bigotry.

Overcome them and we have won our fight!

Stand tall, stand proud and most importantly, be yourself!

Find thousands of LGBT resources from around the world:
http://lgbtminute.ourtoolbar.com

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As The Band Played On, DADT Played Even Louder

Celebrating The Sacrifices Of America's (straight) Armed Forces

As the band played on...

At an evening of celebration at the nation's premier military academy, West Point,
the MC of ceremonies began by speaking of how many sacrifices the armed services have and continue to give to this great nation of freedom and that we should all stand and feel proud as the flag is lowered.

Sitting there, I began to think of how for many American's, the word "freedom" does not truly apply as well as any celebrating of their sacrifices as I am often reminded of inequality and DADT.

Yes, the performances were outstanding as the military bands Hellcats, Jazz Knights and West Point Concert Band played into the evening followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Hudson.

So, as I celebrated the sacrifices of our military service members, a special moment of celebration and sadness from my heart went out to my brothers and sisters in the LGBT community who were shown thanklessness and discharged under DADT...

To you I say, "Thank You!"

And, may DADT one day no longer be a part of America's great policy of discrimination and bigotry.

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Goodbye And Thank You Dear Friend!

A True Ally In The Fight For Equality, You Will Never Be Forgotten.

U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy (February 22nd, 1932 - August 25th, 2009)

Some of Senator Kennedy's great contributions to our community included voting against the 1996 passage of DOMA, fighting against any attempts at passing an outright federal marriage equality ban, co-sponsor of ENDA and supporter of the Matthew Shepard Act.

Senator Kennedy leaves behind a legacy of fighting for the "little guy" and those with a "weak voice" in a country where bigotry, intolerance and hate make for passage of oppression and discriminative for many.

G-d bless you and thank you for all you have done for humanity.
P.S. If you see my beloved angel Booboo in Heaven, please tell her I miss and love her very much!

Visit the official Kennedy Memorial Site

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Railroaded

A Bitter And Costly Road Many New Yorkers Will Travel

Ok, so this is not actually about LGBT rights/equality (actually, once a year it is commonly referred to as the "Gay Train" by our community, come the last weekend in June and not to mention, it is very hot on board due to so many open flames that day) but, it is about unfairness.

With all the fiscal mismanagement in Albany and those who run this so called "commuter haven" that stretches it's ugly tentacles from NYC and lower CT all the way up most of the Mid Hudson valley of New York.

Metro North, which has for some time been crying "hardship, has been pressing the powers that be to do something. So, the "good ol' folks" in Albany decided to "railroad" those who live in the area where the train comes threw by creating exorbitant automotive registration fees.

My previous 2 year automotive registration renewal fee - $48.00
"New and improved" 2 year "railroaded" registration renewal - $163.50

Lets break down those purse lightening little fees:

Increase in flat rate registration fee - $71.00
Motor vehicle "use fee" $10.00 (I wonder if I could avoid it if I promise not to use my vehicle)
Metro North Train Fee - $50.00
6 cylinders under the hood. Yep, there's a fee for that too! - $32.50

$163.50

That cost does not include yet more fees on the way in 2010 with the new driver's license fees and license plates we will all be required to pay for...

The point I am making in this posting is that we need to take a stand against those that treat us unfairly. Be it equality or Albany!

Do you live in New York? Contact Albany and your elected officials and tell them to stop railroading us because enough is enough of this nonsense!
P.S. Albany and my elected officials have heard my anger!

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

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Strange Bedfellows: President Obama And Department Of Justice

LGBT Equality/Rights Tug Of War

Working towards equality while working against equality...

In a political system that just never ceases to amaze me, President Obama has gone public saying DOMA is anti gay and unfair and wants to work on its repeal. All the while, the Department Of Justice is working diligently to defend it.

How is it a government of, by and for the people can work so hard to defend something that denies people their rights?

Thank you Mr. President, for taking a stand and for making it publicly known that you believe this hateful law is just that, hateful and wrong and needs to go!

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Right Wing Nut Jobs: "Because I Can Do It"

GOP Rule: Gun Rights, Gun Rights, Gun Rights!

Look at my gun so powerful and deadly

While you worry about something so "mundane" as health care or gay rights, people are trying to take away "my rights" to carry this beautiful weapon that is designed to do one thing extremely well, and that is, kill.

What is wrong with this country? We have right wing nut jobs walking around outside town hall health care meetings (and some even with the US President speaking) making a clear statement wearing a sign, "Because I Can Do It," while making sure their devices of death are in plain view.

Where is it their rights are in jeopardy? Why is it I am constantly fighting and being denied the simple right to protect and care for the one I love?

If they believe so much that their rights are in jeopardy, shouldn't they join "our cause" and fight for our rights because along with their rights to have these weapons, I am also guaranteed the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness but that is constantly being denied. Rights are rights right? (hmmm...)

Kudos to President Barack Obama in doing the right thing in his tireless effort to solve America's health care crisis. Far from perfect but, he has taken a stand...

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

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A Change Of Taste Made By Many Voices!

*Update To, "A Cup Of Coffee Guaranteed To Leave A Bitter Taste"

Tim Hortons responds to inquiries about Rhode Island event sponsorship

"Recently, Tim Hortons was approached in Rhode Island to provide free coffee and products for a local event, as we do thousands of times a year across Canada and the United States.

For 45 years, Tim Hortons and its store owners have practiced a philosophy of giving back to the communities in which we operate. As a company, our primary focus is on helping children and supporting fundraising events for non-profit organizations and registered charities.

For this reason, Tim Hortons has not sponsored those representing religious groups, political affiliates or lobby groups.

It has come to our attention that the Rhode Island event organizer and purpose of the event fall outside of our sponsorship guidelines. As such, Tim Hortons can not provide support at the event.

Tim Hortons and its store owners have always welcomed all families and communities to its restaurants and will continue to do so. We apologize for any misunderstanding or inconvenience this may have caused."

Thank you to all who took a stand against hate, intolerance and inequality by sending a loud and clear message to Tim Hortons that not only is it wrong to support these anti family groups, it also makes bad business sense...

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A Cup Of Coffee Guaranteed To Leave A Bitter Taste...

"We Do Not Support Those Who Represent Religious Organizations"

Considered to be one of the best coffee's I ever had, I was even known to have made the statement; "Coffee so good, it's worth the middle finger!" That statement has a long story to it...

Recently, it has been learned that Tim Horton's will sponsor an upcoming event in Rhode Island promoting an organization NOT dedicated to protecting marriage and family. In it's fight for in inequality, National Organization For Marriage's voice and message is being sponsored by the Canadian Firm that not only supports it, but makes it known by allowing their logo to appear on brochures distributed by NOFM.

If this leaves a bad taste in your mouth (and it should), send a clear message to Tim Horton's letting them know (1-888-601-1616).

We must let these organizations know that supporting hate and intolerance is not only wrong, it's bad for business...

Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

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An Act Of Cowardess And Pure Hatred Against Our Community

A "Safe Space," Far From Safe...

Tel Aviv - The evil and far reaching power of hatred and bigotry reared it's ugly head and claimed the lives of 2 and injured up to 11 in a cowardly and despicable act.

In a place designated as a "safe space," a coward hid from behind a mask, stormed into the center and opened fire on a group of youth doing nothing more than enjoying an evening out.

When will all this hate and intolerance stop? When will adults teach their children? When will the churches teach love and acceptance? When will the politicians and right wing Christian groups stop using us and our rights as political wedge issues?

Enough is enough. The time to stop this hate, abuse, discrimination and killing of LGBT folks just for being nothing more than ourselves has to stop.

Take a stand and show you condemn the recent Tel Aviv attack and make a strong statement by contacting your family, friends, acquaintances, school, politicians and religious organizations and talk to them. Need help, contact a local LGBT Community Center and get involved by making a difference in your life and the lives of your LGBT brothers and sisters because you can...

Stop The Hate, Educate!

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How Do You Spell Hypocrite? GOP

Right Winger's "Morals Rule" Goes Down Hypocritical Toilet...

Do as I say and not as I do, DAMMIT!

Paul Stanley (R), a Tennessee State Senator, staunch foe against LGBT equality and pro abstinence supporter (he was against any support for Planned Parenthood because, "he did not believe in sex outside of the marriage") has resigned his seat after being caught (and blackmailed) with his filthy, hypocritical hands in the "bad morals" cookie jar.

In a typical GOP caught and damage control speech, he went on to say:

"Whatever I stood for and advocated, I still believe to be true," he said during an interview Tuesday with Memphis radio station WREC-AM. "And just because I fell far short of what God's standard was for me and my wife, doesn't mean that that standard is reduced in the least bit."

Family Values, Hmmmmmmm...

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