Wrong Side of History

Masterpiece Cake shop vs. Colorado Civil Rights Commission

Supreme Court Oral Arguments

Update: U.S. Supreme Court Rules In Favor of Masterpiece Cake Shop.

A Movement

FCKH8

When you are marginalized, humiliated, harassed or threatened for being gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual, know that it is NOT O.K. You must take a stand! Whether it be through education, reaching out to friends, allies or the authorities. You cannot & should not remain silent.

In this turbulent & anti-LGBT environment, we need to work harder than ever by rising up & taking action. We must never back down for failure is NOT an option!

We will prevail in our fight for equality!

Powerful Message

Thank You President Obama

As we near the end of President Obama's term, our community will  forever remember a most special U.S. leader who rose above fear & intolerance to say, "enough is enough." A man who not only did so much for equality but who made history as the nation's most pro-LGBT president.

We the LGBT community will forever be in debt to your steadfast devotion to "all" American citizens life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness.

As a dark & uncertain chapter is set to begin in American history with the soon swearing in of one of America's most disliked & controversial candidates (lost popular vote by 3 million) & extremist congress since before the American Civil War, We the LGBT community along with various other right's groups will fight to preserve the very rights so many other non minority groups have enjoyed & taken for granted because LGBT rights are NOT special rights.

Rise up & be involved in your future!

#TheResistance #Resistance #Resist

Standing up for our rights!

Marylanders Who Believe Their LGBT Neighbors Are Second Class Citizens

Oh' The Shame...  Civil Marriage Petition Signers July 12 2012

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

New York's 1st Year Anniversary Of Marriage Equality!

Congratulations & Happy Anniversary!

 As this joyous 1 year anniversary is upon us, I look up & see the beautiful sky that still remains, the sounds of birds singing on this bright sunny day as well as the marriages of heterosexual couples in New York were never in jeopardy (as well as the high number of divorces prior to New York's Marriage Equality).

Those hate filled anti-marriage equality groups have once again shown their messages to be wrong.

As I look back to that memorable day, I'll always remember the love, joy, hopes & visions of those beautiful couples who said "I do" in this great state of New York.

I was honored & privileged to be a part of that historical day!

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

Honoring All Who Serve

Thank You

 

As we celebrate this Memorial Day, let us take a moment to reflect upon those who serve & who's past military service gave us this great land & so many of the freedom's we take for granted.

Including a most special & sacred freedom, the right to vote.

Yes, the right to vote. Even if it's later used against you through a Constitutional Amendment denying you of the same civil rights that you fought to protect for others.

That's what so many of our LGBT brothers & sister fought & continue fighting for alongside their heterosexual counterparts. Freedom. 

As an LGBT rights advocate, along with the thousands of other advocates & rights groups, we will continue to work tirelessly to bring the much needed change & freedoms you expect & deserve upon returning home to this great land we call America.

Thank you.

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

Civil Rights Heads For A Vote, Again...

IUS Civis!

 

With the recent push towards equality defeated at the ballot box in North Carolina, the rights of a minority group are once again heading to the ballot boxes. Up next, Maryland, Maine & Washington.

As the extremists, churches, religious groups & organizations fighting to "defend" traditional marriage have begun ramping up efforts to raise the funds to get out their message of; "The institution of marriage & family is under attack!" We, the LGBT community will once again pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off & begin the process of changing hearts & minds through education.

Typical messages of bigotry, intolerance & lies include:

* Lie: Gay marriage will destroy the foundation of what marriage is.

* Truth: Marriage equality will strengthen families by guaranteeing the recognition of said families as a married couple & therefore entitled to the legal rights/responsibilities/protections, tax breaks, medical decisions, etc. Who could argue having these rights/responsibilities would bring harm? Having legal protections & financial security is something all families want.

* Lie - Gay households are not a good environment to raise children & can make them gay.

* Truth - It has been proven that gay households have just as much love as their heterosexual counterparts. Something I sometimes believe to be more so as our community has long had to endure the struggles & burdens of proving to the rest their desire and ability to raise children.

As divorce rates across the country haven't fallen among the heterosexual community, the sun continues to rise each day in the states of Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, D.C. & Iowa.

So, as the Maggie Gallaghers, Bryan Fishchers, Charles Worleys, Paul Camerons & other anti-LGBT voices of the world ramp up their efforts to spew their messages of lies, intolerance, bigotry & hate in Maryland, Maine & Washington, we the LGBT community will continue the message of equality through tolerance, love & most of all, education.

Love makes a family!

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

Extremist Christians Played Out Trump Card...

Deceptive Lies Of The Conservatives...

As Anchorage, Alaska readies for yet another showdown at an attempt to protect LGBT civil rights by using the ballot box (Proposition 5), extreme conservative Christians (those loving & compassionate ones) have once again began spreading fear through extreme bigoted lies...

In this recent propaganda video/TV spot, the owner of a daycare is put into a position that if she is forced to hire a transvestite, she would lose her customers. But, if she didn't hire the transvestite, she would most likely go to jail. Not to mention, the transvestite would take your kid...

If the recent financial disclosure of both sides is any indication of how citizens in Anchorage see it, Proposition 5 could well be on it's way to becoming law & giving the long overdue basic protections to a minority group that bigoted bullies including those behind the "Protect Your Rights" organization take for granted.

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

Recent Spate Of Anti-LGBT Attacks In Columbia County, DC

See/Know Something? Say Something!

Metropolitan D.C. police are seeking help in the recent attacks against 2 gay males & 1 transgendered woman in the Columbia Heights area. If you have any information or were in the area when the attacks took place, please contact:

  

 Metropolitan LGBT Police Liaison Unit

(202)727-5427

On Call - (202)506-0714

Hate crimes targeting the LGBT community affects us all!

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

 

Standing Up, Speaking Out

Beating Victim Speaks Out Against Hate

In response to a recent Atlanta, anti-gay beating captured on video before going viral over the Internet, 20 year old victim Brandon White comes out & speaks up against those bent on causing him harm because he is gay.

In a society with extremist Republican political candidates using their hate filled anti-gay "wedge issues," news commentators condoning violence against us for underwear ads, organizations of bigotry/hate including, "One Million Mom March" & their threat of targeting JCPenny's for it's use of a gay spokesperson to governments which seek to create laws to include death penalties to gays, it's no wonder the violent attacks continue against our community...

Enough is enough.

Thank you Brandon, for having the courage to stand up & speak out against those responsible for these atrocious & senseless acts of violence against our community.

May Mr. White be a role model for the rest of our community to stand up & speak out against the lies, intolerance & hate.

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

There Is Hope!

Whether Your LGBT Or Q...

You may have been told you or your "behavior" is wrong, immoral, disgusting or that it's just a phase you are going through. It is not. Because, you are unique & you are beautiful!

You may have heard some of the negative news or stories regarding our community whether from conservative politicians/political candidates, extremist Christians or hate groups but, there is a hope. Hope due to the tireless dedication of those fighting back against the lies, hate & intolerance.

Our community has made positive strides to include marriage equality in 6 U.S. states, the District Of Columbia (not to mention, 3 other states are on the verge of moving forward in the fight for marriage equality) & 14 other locations around the world. The U.S. military's discriminative DADT came to an end, numerous states have enacted various protections & non discriminative laws, LGBT political leaders have come out as have sport figures, actors & other influential figures. More large corporations are recognizing that some of their best employees are LGBT & have begun offering stipends to cover medical insurance tax costs for their employee's spouse/partner, creating zero tolerance policy against hostile workplace discrimination which includes LGBT to backing bills calling for full marriage rights. Extreme anti-LGBT governments like Uganda have world leaders, the U.N. & politicians speaking out against their potential laws against the LGBT community.

 

It is certainly not the end, but, rather the beginning on a long & often frustrating road towards equality.

There's still so much work to do & together, you & I can help make a difference by educating others.

No matter what anyone tells you, always be yourself because, it's "OK to be LGBT."

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

Fighting Against Global LGBT Oppression

Do As We Say, Not As We Do

As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton winds her way around the globe speaking of issues from public diplomacy, economic & energy to human rights, she speaks out comparing the struggle for gay equality to women's rights & racial equality, she said "cultural or religious traditions are no excuse for discrimination." & " Gay rights are human rights & human rights are gay rights. It should never be a crime to be gay."

I applaud her efforts & appeals to nations to end the criminalization of homosexuality & to stop the discrimination of LGBT citizens abroad. At the same time, I can't help but take notice of the injustices against us right here in her own back yard...

Stop the criminalization & discrimination of LGBT citizens???

While here at home, as an LGBT citizen in many parts of America...

* You can be fired.

* Denied housing.

* Denied marriage.

* Denied the same rights/privileges/responsibilities of marriage that heterosexual couples take for granted.

* Unfairly taxed.
* Lack of anti-bullying laws to protect our most vulnerable youth.

* Discrimination in healthcare.
* Face various abuses of power from law enforcement.

* Lack of other legal protections against those targeting us in a crime.

How can the Secretary of State speak out against other nations & their hatred of it's LGBT citizens when so much criminalization & discrimination goes on right in her own back yard?

If America is going to be the mouthpiece for equality, it needs to lead by example by doing more to end LGBT discrimination's right here at home...

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

New Hampshire Marriage Equality Under Threat

Marriage Equality, A Threat To New Hampshire

 "Let the majority (GOP) decide on minorities civil rights"

Even though the MAJORITY of New Hampshire citizens oppose repealing marriage equality...

As progress in LGBT rights slowly moves forward on the national stage, the desire to push them back in some states by those who continue to feel we as a community are not worthy of the "special" rights so many heterosexuals take for granted.

Take New Hampshire, "Live Free Or Die," where dealing with the issues of jobs & the economy take a back seat by those such as Rep Gregory Sorg (R) who still believe we, the LGBT community remain the biggest threat to society. Rep Sorg, in a recent statement said, "gay marriage will cause harm to society over time, even if it's not evident now." Going on to further say, "Some societal changes take generations to manifest themselves."

Estimated Expenditures would increase $50,500 to "correct" the wrongs of the state in fy 2012.

Contact your state Representative or, if you are not a resident but have family/friends from New Hampshire, tell them to help take a stand against this injustice by contacting their Representative & asking them to vote no on Bill 437 because hate & inequality has no place in the state of "Live Free Or Die."

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

The GOP Wedge Trump Card

Out Of Touch Once Again...

On Tuesday afternoon, the vote so many North Carolina GOP representatives were desperately seeking has finally been delivered on a silver platter. Could it be a bill for jobs creation? NOPE! Maybe tax cuts for the state's citizens? NOPE! Hurricane Irene Help? NOPE! What about education issues? NOPE! The environment & energy? NOPE! Possibly health care? ABSOLUTELY NOT! The most important & pressing issue for the state's lawmakers is "marriage in-equality" & making sure traditional straight marriage is "protected" by passing a Gay Marriage Amendment ballot.

"Protected," forcing a vote against the civil rights of a minority by the majority...

Out of the ass of Senator Jim Forrester (R): "this wasn't a slap in the face to them, it was just something I thought we needed to do to continue to have a strong family structure here in North Carolina."

Shame on those who are put into positions of power that seek nothing more than to hurt others with their hatred/extreme ideologies.

Well Mr. Obama, anything to say?

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

Pride In A Community

Community With A Big Heart

 

 

In Wake Of The May 22nd Tornado that devastated the community of Joplin, Missouri, the LGBT community is coming together to make a difference & can use your help.

The EF-5 tornado spared little in it's path including the loss of over 100 lives, destroying businesses, homes & the "Unity Spirit Of Christ MCC," a church founded by & for the LGBT community.

Ways you can help:

American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org

Spirit Of Hope MCC - (816)931-0750

GLO Center - (417)869-3978

Show Me No Hate - Ed Reggi showmenohate@gmail.com 

MCC Of Greater St. Louis - (314)361-3221 help@mccgsl.com

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

The Numbers...

Uphill Battle

As the fight for equality in 2011 begins to ramp up & the majority of house seats begin to warm with GOP bottoms, this year promises to be one of further complication, but not of impossibility!

Make this the year to:

• Get off the couch
• Come out
• Speak out
• Help financially
• Volunteer

Quoting former President John F. Kennedy, "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

What can YOU DO for our community because now, your voice & actions are needed more than ever!

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

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...

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!