Jason Howard Green
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thank you Mr. Lopez - Great Video
Miami Sizzle Brings the Heat
DC Black Pride - What Does Pride Me to You?
So I went browsing thru YouTube to see if anyone had posted from Memorial Day weekend the goings down from the capital. Justin did a terrific job interviewing some of those in attendance and getting feedback as to why they thought Black Pride was important. Get into the video below.
Maya Angelou Lobbying for Gay Marriage
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Whoop That Trick - Get 'Em
Desmond Tutu - Gay Ally
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Arizona Reponds to Prop 8 Decision
In most cities yesterday people took to the streets shouting there disappointment. Phoenix was no exception. There were several couples on site that made the journey to California to conduct there weddings. I think there was a consensus to there feelings, though they were relieved that there unions are still recognized, they're still very discouraged by the events of the day. Basically the rights of the few have been stripped away by the majority and that just isn't right.
It was amazing to see people gathered for this cause. Protestors carried banners and posters. Couples held hands. People chanted and marched. The energy of the crowd was amazing and enthusiastic. But today is a new day and I'm left wondering what's going to happen next. I don't think I have the patience to see this fight carried out on a state by state basis. We will NEVER see marriage equality that way. We need a repeal of the Defence of Marriage Act (DOMA) that was promised us. But I'm getting more and more afraid that our President has no plans on making this happen.
If you like to see more pics from the event go here.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Sexual Molestion and the Black Community
Ursula Burns Named New CEO of Xerox
Teena Marie Interview with The Advocate
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Michael Steele & Gay Marriage Financial Drain
Five years after Massachusetts permitted same sex-marriage, a study now shows that these unions have contributed $111 million to the state's economy. I'm sorry but how is that hurting small businesses. Most businesses that profit from weddings are small businesses. So Michael Steele, what are you talking about? But I'm not really surprised, this isn't the first comment Steele has made that left me scratching my head.
Seriously Disappointed with Barack
The talking heads from his administration that speak on his behalf say that Barack Obama is still concerned about this issue. But I'm growing sick of rhetoric. I feel like a traitor to the race for speaking out about this, but once I heard the story below I felt like I couldn't hold my tongue any more. Something needs to be done. This man, Lieutenant Colonel Victor J. Fehrenbach, has spent 18 years fighting for his country. And now, two years shy of retirement, he is being forced out based on a policy that should be removed. And Barack has the power to do something about this but he refuses too. And for that I am livid. I am pissed. I just have this feeling in my gut like I've been lied to by someone I trusted and admired. I feel betrayed.
President Barack Obama, if you are the advocate for the LGBT community that you claim to be then I need to see some action. Yes I know you have a lot on your plate. I get that - I really do. But it is not asking too much to draft an order stating no more individuals will be dismissed from the military based on the policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. You don't even have to draft the order, have someone from you administration draft it and just sign the damn thing.
Stories like the one below are an insult to LGBT community. But it also serves as a sign of President Obama's apathy. To not do anything when something like this happens is a statement that he doesn't care. For that I am hurt. I have to say the love I felt for him is slowly fading. But I will hold on to my Audacity of Hope and hope that he will soon do the right thing. But as each week passes my glimmer of hope fades even more.
Please watch the story below. If this doesn't move you to call on the President to take some action, then nothing will.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Octavia St. Laurent - You Will Be Missed
Though she came to be known to most through Paris is Burning as Octavia St. Laurent. Her name would evolve to Heavenly Angel Octavia Saint Laurent Manolo Blahnik and finally she would settle on Octavia Saint Laurent Mizrahi. All that knew Octavia spoke about how sweet and how genuine a person she was. She will forever be an icon in the ballroom scene.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Remembering Theo Kirkland
Though I may never have known Theo, I can tell you that he left an impression on me. Having attended several black pride celebrations around the country I can honestly say that DC is one of my favorites. So to one of the organizers of this phenomenal event I say thank you. Thank you Theo for creating a venue where LGBT African-Americans can gather and fellowship and party and unite in solidarity. I also say thank you to Theo for being an advocate on LGBT issues.
With DCs Black Pride Celebration coming up, I'm hoping many of those in attendance will take a moment to recognize this terrific man for contributions he gave our community.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
MotherLover - LMFAO
Happy Birthday Jackson
Today is Janet's birthday. I could not let this day go by without saying Happy Birthday to the girl I had a gay guy crush on back in the day. Where ever you are today Janet, I hope you are doing the damn thang.
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Gospel According to B. Scott
Six Down, 44 More To Go
Thursday, May 14, 2009
New York Racial Divide on Same-Sex Marriage
According to the Quinnipiac study, New York state voters are split 46%-46% on the right of same-sex couples to marry, with African-American voters opposed 57%-35% and white voters in favor 47%-45%. Hispanics are split 45%-48%. These numbers have me very uneasy. If they are true then I'm pressed to ask the question why are so many black folks opposed to same-sex marriage? Why would a group familiar with oppression seek to oppress others? As I viewed the protest in Washington DC that opposed same-sex marriage(you can view it here) I noticed this was organized by and filled with all black folks. I just don't understand the hatred coming from African-Americans against the LGBT community.
Another LGBT Victory - This Time in Florida
This is a significant victory for us in Floida, but it's also important to point out that Florida itself still will not permit second parent same-sex couple adoptions. Yes they will now recognize that happened out of state, but don't think that you can do it in Florida. The ACLU has been successful in ending this ban in trial court and now they must present their case to the Florida Court of Appeals. Good luck to the ACLU and all LGBT couples trying to adopt in the Golden State.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
More from Wanda Sykes
AfterEltons Hot 100 Lists
You know you can't make everyone happy, so there were some people upset that they made a list exclusively for men of color. Well like my Mama alwasy says, "Fuck 'Em." I'm thrilled about each of the news lists they created. I do however question some of the names that made the top 10 in the Men of Color list. Denzel Washington and Blair Underwood were both on the list. Now don't get it twisted - yes these are some very sexy men. But there is a new wave of hotness that has come rolling in that should have trumped these mature icons. I ain't hating, I'm just questioning. But I'm still very happy the list was done.
Check out the Hot 100 list here.
Check ouf the Hot 100 Men of Color here.
Check out the Hot 100 Men Over 40 here.
Check out the Hot 100 Out Gay Men here.
And let me know what you think. Who should be in the top ten for men of color.
Former Army Sec. Clifford Alexander on DADT
Why Gay Marriage Won't Happen in New York
But there is one big obstacle that may keep same sex marriage from happening. The Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith may not even put this legislation up for a vote. He has stated that without 32 votes, "I'm not bringing the bill to the floor." Thing is - he doesn't know how many votes it has and he's not interested in learning how many votes it has. According to the guys over at Queerty, Malcolm Smith's actions are based on a promise he made to anti-gay Senator Ruben Diaz. Diaz would not endorse Smith for majority leader unless he promised not to introduce gay marriage legislation. Diaz and a group of Hispanic religious leaders will be holding an anti-gay marriage rally outside of the governors office this Saturday.
I don't care about what promises he made, Malcolm Smith needs to stop playing with the rights of the LGBT community. Hopefully his constituents will call him on this. And if he chooses to continue with this form of political bullying, let's make sure he's not around for another term to do it again. If you would like to contact Senator Smith you can find his contact info here.
Jada Pinkett Smith - Call Me Gay, It's Okay
Life Plus 60
Outing and NPR
Monday, May 11, 2009
4 Teens Rape Classmate - Will Be Tried As Adults
Wanda Sykes Addresses First Lady and President
Friday, May 8, 2009
When The Principal is the Bully
Murder-Suicide Claims Lives in Atlanta
Russell Simmons Open Letter to Gov. Patterson
RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 2
Gay Marriage and Pageants Continues
Mike Epps Apology to the LGBT Community
personally against the community."
Finally Seeing Justice Three Years Later
Amnesty International on the Senegal Nine
Marion Barry on GayWatch - Too Funny!
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | M - Th 11p / 10c | |||
Gaywatch - Marion Barry | ||||
thedailyshow.com | ||||
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Barack Obama's Gay Silence
Now while CNN is questioning his silence on LGBT policy, I must point out that the LGBT community is still a big fan of Barack. He has appointed several LGBT people into some powerful and influential positions. There are two openly lesbian judges that are being considered for the Supreme Court seat that will be filled soon. And according to a poll that judged his first 100 days in office, gays and lesbians think he is doing a great job.
I know Barack has a lot on his plate with the economic climate were in, with the Swine flu panic, and with American idol winding down to the final three. But it is time for him to step up and follow through with some of the promises he made before he took the office. I'm not giving up on him yet - and I don't see me ever giving up on him. He's the rock Obama. But he can do more.
Watch the CNN video below:
Thursday, May 7, 2009
McDonalds & The Big Payback
They tried to contact the general manager of the location were unsuccessful in getting a response. So they organized a protest and members of the LGBT community came out in support. The store has now offered $2000 to each person that was there in July and will give diversity training to Kentucky managers as a result.
Marlatt said "McDonald's could have saved itself a lot of embarrassment if they'd just done the right thing from the start and done something about this, but it's great that so many people stood up for us and came forward to say [that] treating people the way we were treated is wrong. We just hope the trainings keep McDonald's from letting this happen to any of their customers from now on."
DC Mayor Signs Marriage Recognition Bill
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
5 States Down - 45 to Go
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
LGBT Youth Forum in Tempe
Who's Supporting Same Sex Marriage?
The poll also reported that it's not surprising that the first states to approve same-sex marriage are mostly New England states. CNN Polling Director Keating Holland says, "a majority of people who live in the Northeast say they approve of same-sex marriage. Solid majorities in the South, Midwest and West all oppose gay marriage."
I have to say this again - I don't always pay attention to polls because who's to say if they're corrector not. But I am a huge follower of CNN and I believe they would be a group that tries for fair and accurate reporting. So what if this is true? What if the majority of Americans oppose same sex marriage? Does mean that we shouldn't go forward with our mission for marriage equality? No it doesn't. This poll doesn't change a thing. The leadership of this country needs to be doing the right thing not the popular thing. Should we have waited for the majority of Americans to approve abolishing slavery? Should women's suffrage been pushed back until it had the popular vote? There comes a time when things have to be done because they are the right thing. Not because it makes you look good. Not because it's what everyone else is thinking. Do it because it's the right thing to do!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Must Watch Movie - Strange Fruit
The movie is by no means new but when I mention it to friends, no one seems to have heard of it. So I encourage all of you within the sound of my voice to get it and watch it. Here is the product description from Amazon:
New Hate Crime Legislation Passes the House
I'm very proud of the fact that the representative that introduced this legislation was an African-American. Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) seen in the above right picture, introduced the hate crimes bill earlier this month. It's great to see some of our black leadership stepping up and doing positive things for the LGBT community
But the introduction of legislation was not welcomed with open arms. It's interesting to learn some of the responses that came as the bill was debated. Some references to LGBT murders (like Angie Zapata and Matthew Shepard) were mentioned as a reason why legislation like this is needed. And then hatred and ignorance reared it's ugly head.
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) in her arguments against made this statement about Matthew Shepard. "We know that that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn't because he was gay. This — the bill was named for him, hate crimes bill was named for him, but it's really a hoax that that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills." Did that really happen? Did she call the murder of Matthew Shephard "a hoax?"