The War Is Over

The Enemy Has Been Defeated

You were born out of intolerance, you were born out of fears

Causing destruction of lives, not to mention numerous careers

You were strong, you were bold, faithful for 17 years

But now the time has come & you have to leave here

As you begin your journey into history, we celebrate with pride & cheer!

Today is a new day in America. A time for renewal & a time for hope in the land of freedom and Pride!

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

Before The Cart

The Carrot...

 

Now that angry American voters have handed control of Congress back to the Republicans (those who voted for the GOP never learned) on a silver platter, many are saying "what the fuck?" as they get a real taste of things to come including increased taxes, raising the retirement age, corporate protections, no to anymore unemployment benefit extensions & not to mention a favorite "wedge" of the GOP, LGBT equality issues.

This time, the wedge is taken in the form of "keep the Bush era tax cuts for the wealthy or no compromise on DADT."

Yes, now, during a time of war when highly skilled people are discharged for being who they are, the likes of GOP's crusty Senator McCain, Congressman's Dana Rohrabacher, Fred Upton, Mark Kirk, Marine General James Amos & extreme homophobe Democrat Ike Skelton continue spewing their homophobic views on why DADT should remain all the while the Pentagon, numerous military personnel & a growing number of Americans have called for it's repeal.

Party of NO, the time to end hate & intolerance against your fellow American is now!

P.S. Democrats. Not only has your lack of a spine paralyzed you, it's impact will be felt more far & wide by so many. Thanks for nothing...

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Tidal Wave Of Uncertainty

Voter Anger To Bring Out Record Numbers

 

"Voting for change" What does this mean to you? How do you see this in the current election?

In voting for change, what will you be looking for in your party of choice?

Democrats:

Civil rights, health care, jobs, corporate regulation/reform, education, greener energy, campaign finance reform, strengthen gun control, reform intelligence community, protect social security, protecting the working man, pro-active judges.

 

Republicans:

Tax breaks for the wealthy, more jobs overseas, "moral police" - no to various civil rights/liberty issues, more collaboration of church/state, constitutional amendments, guns, non regulation of corporations, protecting the businessman, conservative judges.

Granted, not all politicians of their respected parties believe/support their parties issues but 1 thing is for sure, you can bet the other party is more likely to lean against it...

Could this truly be an election of change or will it remain business as usual. One thing's for certain, we've had enough...

Personally, our system is so broken, I believe it will take more than a miracle to fix. But for starters, a spine sure would be great...

 

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

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

One Step Forward, Two Giant Leaps Back

Openly gay? Ain't no way! - Once again, our openly gay brothers and sisters in uniform (and potential ones) have been tossed back under the Obama bus as the 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals has granted a temporary stay of Judge Phillips recent ruling striking down DADT as unconstitutional.

For the brief time DADT was not in force, the military's business of policing the world went on as usual with no apparent signs of collapse or breakdown of unit cohesion.

Now that you have accomplished to once again take away the right to serve honestly and openly Mr. President, can you say America is "once again" safer?

Change we can believe in, right?

Shame on you sir.

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Out With Honor

Uncle Sam Want's You Too!

Truly a military of one - 10/19/2010, Pentagon issues orders to all recruiters to accept openly gay recruits & to halt all discharges in response to a recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips striking down the 1993 law known as DADT as unconstitutional.

What does the future hold in sending this discriminative & destructive law into the history books as something of a distant memory?

What is know is that although the future of LGBT service members is not completely known yet, we can still celebrate a just victory!

Keep up the fight!

To all those serving, gay or straight, I say "thank you for serving to defend our liberties."

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

But, It's The Law...

Defending DOMA...

 

Flip Flopper - Tuesday, October 12th, the White House files a notice of appeal with the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts in support of the 1996 Defense Of Marriage Act.

"As a policy matter, the President has made clear he believes DOMA is discriminative and should be repealed," said Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler. The Justice Department is defending the statue, as it traditionally does when acts of Congress are challenged."

Once again, as your president, I've decided to make the decision to stand up against you who believed in and supported me & for whom I've promised change and fairness. In doing so, I will remain a coward and defend the discriminative and hateful act known as DOMA.

So much for taking a stand against this statue of injustice, unlike the brave actions of California's republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger & Attorney General Jerry Brown (who's sworn to defend the laws of the state even though they are discriminative)!

And you thought the Democrats where our friends?

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Discharge No More!

Federal Judge: "Stop Enforcing DADT!"

 

Once again, the courts have spoken up for justice when the cowards of State/Washington won't. This time, through the orders of U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips.

As our military continues to be overtaxed, the discharging of qualified and highly skilled soldiers continues for nothing more than the "crime" of who they love.

More than ever and as a constant reminder of the violent and deadly month between gay bashing's and teen suicides, our community must keep up the pressure along with our allies and those who say no more. Stop the hate!

When will being gay no longer be "illegal" outright in this land of the free?

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Stonewalled

A Brazen Act Of Hatred

 

The famed Stonewall Inn In New York City was once again the target of hate (the second attack against our community in NYC in less than a week). This time, from inside the walls of the well known gay bar and "Ground Zero" of the gay rights movement as we know it.

The power of hate knows no boundaries as the 2 brazen homophobic punks Mathew Francis & Christoper Orlando proved.

May this be a wake up call to those who seek out and prey on the gay community. We will fight back and remain silent no more!

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

DADT Struck Down!

Serve Proudly!

Thursday, September 9th Federal judge Virginia Phillips rules DADT unconstitutional!

Judge Phillips, the ban is a violation on the First & Fifth Amendment rights of gays & lesbians.

In her ruling, judge Phillips said the policy doesn't help military readiness and instead has a "direct and deleterious effect" on the armed services. 

The judge said she will issue a stop order against further discharges.

The federal government has 1 week to respond.

As we march out from under the bus, Mr. President, remember our community? Where are you? Will you be celebrating this victory or will you planning an appeal?

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

Gay Ol' Party?

Change To Believe In?

In a time where the left sentiment is at a big time low, could the new image of the right be known as "the Gay Ol' Party?" 

Riding a wave of change?

With the continued failure of the White House to come out (is there a pun here?) swinging in support of it's campaign promise of ending DADT and DOMA, it appears some powerful (and some gay) GOPer's like Ken Mehlman, Steve Schmidt, Dick Cheney & Laura Bush are coming out (another pun?) and riding the Democratic bunch of lies in hopes of loosening some support of the LGBT community from the usual dedication of the Democratic party.

With some will come no change, including the likes of Mike "puppy dog" Huckabee, Sarah "Russia from my back yard" Palin, Tom "I hate gays" Emmer to John "I'm just plain wrong" McCain, etc...

America's current political system is a system I will always believe that America's Forefathers never envisioned.

Possible solutions include:

1. Burning the whole political system completely to the ground and start anew like a Phoenix rising from the ashes.
2. Have candidates sign a "Contract of the People" in where they are evaluated & to see if they don't bring about beneficial change, are caught in the lies or fail miserably, they are fired just like at any other job instead of waiting for re-election.
3. Term limits of House/Senate.

I'm still not completely convinced I'm ready to see/support red just yet, but at the same time, I'm not feeling much love for blue either...

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

Sour Note

The Band Played On

 As part of it's summer season of "Music in the Parks," the beautiful grounds of the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, New York hosted a special performance of the prestigious, West Point Military Academy Band.

Such beautiful tunes of Tommy Dorsey, Irving Berlin and others from the big band era are enjoyed more in the likes of the company of that someone special while enjoying dinner makes it even more grand. The only exception was the sour note.

As the concert began to wind down, the maestro called special attention to "taking some time out to remember those who are sacrificing so that we may sit and enjoy this music." Also, "to those who served and who are awaiting to serve."

Immediately I began thinking to myself, "what about those who were serving proudly, only to be discharged for no other reason but DADT or those who want to serve but can't because of DADT?"

Following the concert, some came up and took pictures and gave their appreciation to the band. I decided (the shy and very nervous type) to head over to give "thanks and sorrow." As I approached the major, I said, "I enjoyed the music very much but at the same time was quite sadden to know so many who wish to serve can't because of DADT." His response, "I understand and sympathize." Hmmmmmmmmm...

For someone like me, it would be "double whammy" being I am not only queer, but disABLED too. We know how much the military has no use for individuals like myself even though, I too would fight for my country.

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

Setback.

Until Otherwise, Second Class Citizen You're To Remain.

After a recent victory of the lower court's decision to strike down anti-gay Proposition 8 as unconstitutional, an emergency appeal to stay was filed by the proponents of Prop 8 with the 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals.

Proponents of the discriminative Proposition 8 argument: "Gay marriages would harm the state's interest in promoting responsible procreation."  (Why then, when you file for a marriage license there isn't a section "are you planning, do you want or can you have children?") Shouldn't the state then deny your license application or have your marriage invalidated once they obtain this information at a later time?

Pending an appeal, the stay has been extended indefinitely, invalidating the lower court's decision to allow marriages to resume on August 18th. At this time, it is unknown if and when they would be allowed to continue.

State's interest in promoting responsible procreation???? Does anyone seem to remember the last time the state promoted procreation? Isn't that something decided on by 2 loving adults? Proposition 8 defenders are nothing more than a tyrannical bunch of bigots.

Now, the burden of proof of "harm to heterosexual marriages" lies solely on the proponents of Proposition 8 since neither Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) or Attorney General Jerry Brown (D) are willing to defend it.

May the sounds of wedding bells ring out once again for all citizens in the state of California and in the not to distant future, the rest of America.

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

$150,000 Victory!

On Target For Minnesota Governorship!

Thanks to your GENEROUS corporate gift, I, Tom Emmer am now one step closer to gaining control of the office of Minnesota Governor.

It would not have been made possible without the recent decision handed down from the Supreme Court Of The United States (Kudos to SCOTUS!), your support and that of numerous other anti-LGBT businesses and corporations.

As a favor to you, and to all the others who support me, I will do my utmost to keep the good citizens of Minnesota safe from any homosexual agenda. Second class citizens they are & second class citizens they will remain under my regime.

Again, thanks Target!

"Thank" Target by taking action!

What can we do you ask?

 Hit Target where it counts. Take aim at their bottom line.

Made any recent purchases at Target? Return them.

Cut your Target charge card in half and mail it back to them.

Contact friends, family, neighbors, your local LGBT community center, post messages on social networking sites encouraging to shop elsewhere.

Write a letter or contact Target's CEO Greg Steinhafel: EMAIL  

Phone (612)696-6234
Fax (612)696-6325
Guest Relations - (800)440-0680

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

Denied

No Harm To Heterosexual Marriages

In yet another sweeping victory for LGBT equality, Judge Vaughn R. Walker has ruled to deny a permanent stay on the recent ruling that struck down California's Proposition 8 (the voter approved marriage equality ban).

Judge Walker wrote: "California is able to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, as it has already issued 18,000 marriage licenses to same-sex couples and has not suffered any demonstrated harm as a result."

He did however, extended the temporary stay which remains in effect until August 18th.

Although proponents of Proposition 8 have appealed to the 9th Circuit Court, a permanent stay is considered highly unlikely.

A new day has come to California and hopefully, the rest of America...

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

Hate Down Under

A Vote For Me Is Hate You Will See!

Queensland, Australia - Seeking a bid for the Senate, Wendy Francis of the anti-gay, anti-family organization "Family First" (equivalent to America's own anti-gay, anti-family organization "NOM") has decided to play the old' "homosexuality hurts children card" by spewing her hate filled lies and bigotry. Recently, Francis was quoted as saying: "children in homosexual relationships are subject to emotional abuse. Legitimizing gay marriage is like legalizing child abuse."

Just pathetic how these hate mongers spend an abundance of time targeting the LGBT community instead of spending that energy addressing and tackling the issues that matter most, such as housing, jobs, taxes, health care, etc.

May the LGBT community & fair minded citizens of Queensland rise up and use the power of the vote to deny individuals like Francis from ever wielding authority.

Contact Wendy Francis and tell her she is wrong and that all families matter!

Get involved, it's your future!

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

"Impeach!"

Actions Of A So Called "Activist Judge"

Days after the recent victory in overturning Proposition 8 & removing hate from California's Constitution, Proposition 8 trial judge Vaughn Walker has been the focus of calls for impeachment, called an activist judge, had his sexual orientation called into question and various other attacks from right wing anti-American groups (The same groups commenting he should have recused himself, being he is gay, so they say). What if the judge is straight? Shouldn't he have also recuse himself since he would be biased toward bigotry?

With such pathetic showing from the right wing shouting: "What about the will of the people," "impeach" & "the people have spoken," it's no wonder more individuals/minority groups are not living in shackles...

Judge Walker is a shining example of the sacred duties bestowed upon a judge sworn to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

True justice & civil liberties is a right to be enjoyed by all.

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

Sorry

Bring Back Your Pink Dollars

Minnesota - After massive outrage from the LGBT community and it's supporters, a nationwide boycott was called against the shopping giant Target. 

Today, Target's CEO Greg Steinhafel announced that he was "genuinely sorry" and went on to say:

“While I firmly believe that a business climate conducive to growth is critical to our future, I realize our decision affected many of you in a way I did not anticipate, and for that I am genuinely sorry.”

If you ever considered how to get involved or, if you feel you don't have something to offer in the struggle, take a "page" from this example: The voice of one may be faint, combine that voice with many and the results are thunderous!

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

Unconstitutional

Proposition 8 Dead!

San Francisco - In a highly emotional & observed case with potential widespread implications around the country, California's Proposition 8 (the law that had denied lesbian & gay couples the right to marry) was today struck down as unconstitutional.

In striking down Proposition 8, U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker said: "Proposition 8, passed by voters in November of 08', violated the federal constitutional rights of gays and lesbians to marry the partner of their choice."

Prior to the ruling, Proposition 8 supporters filed a motion to stay effecting the outcome of the decision. Was it possible they knew Proposition 8 was doomed?

An appeal is certain.

Today is a new day in America. A day of celebration and one of renewal!

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

Not Your Best Buy

Destructive Buying

Richfield, Minnesota - In yet another discovery of a large corporation supporting hate and bigotry, it has recently been learned, electronics/appliance giant Best Buy has been spending in excess of over $100,000 to look out for it's "business interest" by supporting anti-LGBT political candidate Tom Emmer, the same homophobic candidate supported by Target.

We in the LGBT community and those that believe in, and support equality need to do our part by looking out for and supporting "our business interest."

Email Best Buy CEO Brian Dunn or call (612)291-6114 and tell him to do what's right by contributing equally to the funding of pro-LGBT candidates if he feels he must support someone of anti-LGBT to get ahead business wise. It's not just a right business practice, it's the right thing to do...

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

"Dangers" Of Equality

Refusing To Be Intimidated

Memphis Tennessee - In a recent attempt to ban LGBT discrimination, Councilwoman Janis Fullilo' has received everything from a slaughtered cat placed on the lawn of her home to death threats.

Why would someone be subject to such harsh extremism you ask? The answer is plain and simple, pure hate...

Councilwoman's Fullilo's stand for what's right and working to ban discrimination against LGBT folks in city government is something that should be rewarded with applause, not threats of death.

Contact Councilwoman Janis Fullilo and thank her for being brave in standing up against the bullies of hate. Tell you support her in her vision of ending discrimination and that you encourage her to continue her fight against intolerance and bigotry.

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

Targeted For Supporting Inequality

Take Aim Where You Spend Your Pink Dollars

American retail store Target, known for it's support for diversity of minority groups including women and the LGBT community also surprisingly support the very same cause they claim to be standing against, inequality and intolerance.

Recently, information was revealed that Target made a generous donation of $150,000 to anti-LGBT Minnesota ultra conservative Tom Emmer's campaign for Governor.

According to Their website, "Target contributes to political candidates, caucuses and causes in a non-partisan manner based strictly on issues that directly affect our retail and business interests.”

Well, it's time now for us to "affect our retail and business interests" by considering where to spend your pink dollars. As for myself, Target is no longer in my sight of places to shop...

Contact Target CEO Greg Steinhafel and tell him what you think of their business interests!
Email - CEO Greg Steinhafel
Phone - (612)696-6234 
Fax - (612)696-6325

Email - Assistant Denise May
Phone (612)696-6243

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

Death To Gay Couples

Sign Of Extreme Hate

Anti-LGBT organization, National Organization for Marriage has a new message to the masses regarding their views on marriage equality: "death to all gay couples!"

Extremist hate, plain and simple.

Bizarre how someone like Maggie Gallagher, the head of an organization that preaches love and family can condone such hate filled messages.

Maggie, you stand for families? Are you concerned that children of the families you spew your anti-love messages to might see it?

Contact National Organization For Marriage and voice your outrage/anger!

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

NOM's Big Indiana Failure

Drowning Out The Voice Of Hate & Bigotry

Indianapolis, Indiana - As the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage continues it's bigoted filled trek across America, an ever increasing number of counter protesters gather in tow.

Heard over the voice of NOM's president Maggie Gallagher are the loud and clear chants of the rainbow masses, "what do we want? marriage equality, when do we want it, now!"

Wherever the lies, the deception and bigotry of groups like NOM go, remember to stand up & join the ever increasing voices to counter with messages of tolerance, equality and love.

Stand against this kind of bullshit by getting involved, it's your future!

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

"You Can Do It, We Can Help" With Pride!

Building A Great Relationship Together

In it's latest attempt at spreading lies and deception, anti-LGBT right wing group, American Family Association (AFA) has come out calling for a boycott against the home improvement store giant Home Depot for it's support of equality.

AFA on Home Depot: “Apparently their definition of inclusion involves exposing young children to displays of sexually explicit conduct and helping children find websites that tell them how to have homosexual sex.”

AFA goes on to say: “[I]t’s no longer ‘The Home Depot,’ it’s ‘The Homosexual Depot."

I say, "thank you Home Depot" for standing up against the bigots and hatred of groups like AFA.

Together, we can build great things together, including relationships based on love and commitment.

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

To Serve With Pride

White House/Pentagon In Full Support Of 2010 DADT Repeal



Doing What's Right For The Right Reasons.

May 24th - This evening, in a bold move of leadership, the White House and Pentagon have come out in full support of ending DADT by the end of this year.

The promise to repeal the military's discriminative act against gay service members from serving openly was one of President Obama's many campaign promises to our community in the fight for equality.

Let us hope this is a beginning to the end of many discriminative practices against the LGBT community because the time for bigotry and hate must end.

Mr. President, the time to do what's right is long overdue. I commend you for finally growing a spine and taking a stand (the threat of the 2010 mid term elections doesn't hurt)...

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

GOhyPocrite

Do As I Say, Not As I Do...

Anti-gay and abstinence only Congressman Mark Souter (R) of Indiana, who's recent extra marital stint with a female aide has once again reminded us of the lip service and hypocrisy the Republican party so much shovels out...

Quoting from his official website: "I believe that Congress must fight to uphold the traditional values that under-gird the strength of our nation,"

Thanks for "protecting" traditional families Congressman Souter!

Effective immediately, Souter will resign...

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

Caught With Hands In The Hypocritical Cookie Jar...

"With Love, You Can Be Helped"

George Rekers, prominent anti-gay activist & co-founder of the conservative Family Research Council has been caught with his hands in the hypocritical cookie jar during a return from a recent European trip.

Rekers, who had recently undergone surgery claimed the "rent a boy" was only to help him lift and carry his luggage.

Wondering just how heavy that luggage was and what else the "rent a boy" had to lift...

Dr. Rekers, I would think you would have access to at least 1 mirror but in case you don't, you can borrow one of mine...

Stand up against discrimination and hate, continue to make the voice of the LGBT community louder and stronger against closeted scumbags like Rekers!

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

If Elected, I Promise To Deny Gays Of Any Equality!

Count On Me To Fight Against Our Most Important Issue, LGBT Equality!

Illinois governor hopeful Bill Brady (R) on his agenda if elected: "Prohibiting any Marriage Equality or Civil Unions" by including them in a package of ideas that the voters would sure stand up for such as taxes, legislative term limits and a redistricting process.

Forget about things like the economy, jobs, crime, mortgage crisis etc!

What is it these so called politicians for "giving government to the people" are so scared of? Does the LGBT community really scare them so much? Is it we are outspent in funding/filling their coffers by the religious right? Could it be their backwards thinking/belief we will rub off on them, their family and friends or their insecurities of coming out themselves?

Hey, Bill Brady's of the world, remember: "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" and "All (wo)Men Are Created Equal"

GOP - "Gay Oppressing Politicians"

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Democrats Loss Widens...

Historical Upset As GOP Stains Massachusetts Senate Seat

In yet another blow to the Democratic party, Republican Scott Brown wins the Massachusetts Senate seat held by the late Senator Kennedy in one of America's most liberal states. Adding insult to injury, it comes on the day New Jersey swears in it's new homophobic Governor Chris Christie...

When will the voters of America wake up and realize the mess where in was due to the past 8 years of the Bush regime's failed GOP policies...

Democratic Party, THIS IS THE WARNING SHOT HEARD ROUND' THE COUNTRY!
When are you going to wake up and take notice? Time is running out! You have been warned...

Find 1,000's of LGBT resources from around the world with our award winning LGBT tool - LGBT CAT

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

Applauding Inequality

Celebrating The Denial Of Other's Civil Rights/Liberties

Trenton New Jersey - In another blow to "Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness" And "All Men Are Created Equal" in America, the New Jersey Senate has voted 20/14 against the passage of Marriage Equality even though there were plenty of "safeguard" provisions for religious/clergy to be under no obligation to perform such unions. Once again, bigotry prevails in continuing the tradition of gay and lesbian second class citizens...

What's ironic was the loud applause from the senate galley as the vote results were read. The results of continuing unfair restrictions on another's civil rights and liberties.

It's time for the government to get out of the marriage business as well as no longer offering the over 1,000 some odd benefits and rights that go with it. If they did, you can sure bet there would be less at the alter...

Another setback only to strengthen our voices and cause to not ask for but demand change! I say to my fellow LGBT, NEVER GIVE UP!

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