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!