Jason Howard Green

Jason Howard Green

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Barack and Michelle Honor Stonewall


Our President, who I have not been hesitant to say has been dragging his feet on LGBT issues, is starting to make some stride. No we have not seen an end to Don't Ask, Don't Tell. No we have not seen a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. Not we don't have and LGBT inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act. But he did recognize the month of June as Gay Pride month. He did sign an order granting limited domestic partner benefits to gay and lesbian federal employees. And yesterday the President invited some LGBT leadership to the White House to honor Stonewall.

In case you haven't heard, Stonewall is the event that is recognized for triggering the modern gay rights movement. I do appreciate the gesture Obama is offering by hosting this event. I think this may be a way of trying to smooth relations with the gay community, cause Lord knows he could use the help.

During the event he made the following comment, "I know that many in this room don't believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that. It's not for me to tell you to be patient, any more than it was for others to counsel patience to African Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half century ago. But I say this: We have made progress and we will make more. And I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I've made, but by the promises that my administration keeps."

I still have high hopes for the President and I hope he delivers on some of the promises he made while campaigning. I will try to be patient and see. You can see a clip from the event below.


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Pleasant Surprise Over the Weekend

A few of my friends and I decided to go and hang out at a local coffee shop last Friday evening. It was just a way wind down from the week and officially jump off the weekend. It was my first visit to the Hob Knob and none of us knew that there was live entertainment lined up for the evening. Apparently Keven Peart (of the band Home Jones) has a gig in this spot every other Friday and we were lucky enough to catch him. Although we were only planning to enjoy a drink and a snack and then head our separate ways, we ended up spending the entire evening there - specifically for the phenomenal music we were enjoying. Please check out Keven below.

Jeff Holden (also of Home Jones) was also in the house enjoying Keven. When Keven invited Jeff to the microphone I was even more surprised. Jeff's voice is amazing. I had a chance to chat with him while Keven was performing. Not only is he the lead vocalist for Home Jones, he is also working on his own solo project. I sincerely believe there are big futures ahead of both of these amazing talents. You can learn more about the band at myspace.com/homejones. And you can hear Jeff below.


Monday, June 29, 2009

What's Up With Captain Pickard?

This was just too funny not to post.

25 Years For Not Disclosing HIV Status

This is one for the What the F*ck file. A man in Iowa has been sentenced for having sex with another man and not informing his sex partner that he was HIV positive. The man has been sentenced to twenty-five years. If that ain't enuff of a kicker, the man that is the supposed "victim" in this case does not have HIV. He just feels like a victim because he says he should have "had a choice" in whether he chose to be intimate with someone that is HIV positive.

And just when you thought you'd heard it all, guess what? In addition to his sentence, Nixk Clayton Rhoades will also have to register as a sex offender, undergo a sex offender treatment program, will have lifetime parole after his release and must uphold a five-year no-contact order with the sexual partner in addition to other court costs and restitution.

I thought Iowa was the progressive place to go to since they are one of the few states that allow for same sex marriage. This really is ridiculous. There is no way a judge should be allowed to get away with this.

"Best Couple" in Bronx High School

Don't be fooled by the rocks that they got . . . these two girls who attend high school in a South Bronx high school were just voted "best couple" for their senior class. Victoria Cruz and Deoine Scott are making history and changing attitudes by living their lives as out lesbians. When the time came for the seniors of Mott Haven Village Preparatory High School to vote for their favorite couple they weren't hesitant about nominating these young ladies that have been together for two and a half years. And though these young ladies plan on going to different colleges after high schools they have already sealed their commitment by getting engaged.

They would like to get married in New York although that is currently not a legal option yet. Ironically these two ladies live in the district of State Sen. Ruben Diaz, Sr, the legislator and Pentacostal minister that is the primary reason same-sex marriage legislation has not been introduced in the New York Senate. Although there is obvious homophobic attitude in their Senator, the girls claim that the reception they gotten at the school has been wonderful. There has been no backlash or reason for concern.

I am thrilled when I learn about stories like this one. The girls are an inspiration to their school and to many in the LGBT community. Thanx to the Advocate for bringing this story to my attention.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Life Is Hot for Kerry Washington

OMG. I can't wait to see Life Is Hot in Cracktown. The main reason I want to see this film is pictured to the left. Kerry Washington is quickly rising to the top of my list of favorite actors. She is so much more than just a pretty face (and a hot body). She's has twice played a lesbian. That fact alone places her very high on my radar. She is very politically savy and holds her own with Bill Mahr. I love a lady that is abreast on political and social issues and actually is an activist for things she believes in. But it is this latest movie that takes her to the top for me. In her latest role in Life Is Hot in Cracktown she plays a male-to-female transgender individual. This is a lady that is not afraid to tackle complicated and complex characters that are frowned upon or feared by others in Hollywood.

The trailer for the movie looks hot. Even without Ms. Kerry I would go and see it, but she is just the icing on the cake. I loved her Ray. I loved her in She Hate Me. And I am sure I'm going to love her in this part. Life Is Hot in Cracktown is in theatres now and I'm sure I'll be seeing it this week. When you get a moment, please go and check it out. Please see the trailer below.

Happy Anniversary Stonewall

Today marks 40 years the famous Stonewall riots. Many attribute this rebellion as the birth of the LGBT Civil Rights struggle. There are many different stories about that night so we will never know all the details. What we do know is that the gays and lesbians and drag queens and transexuals in attendance that evening were tired of being bullied. Police raids were common place on most gay bars and those in attendance usually just submissively went along with the abuse. Things were different on the night of June 28, 1969. The men and women at Stonewall made a statement that they were not going to take this treatment anymore.

My mama used to have a saying, "when yout get sick and tired of being sick and tired, you'll do something." On that night in the Village, the LGBT community grew sick and tired of being sick and tired and they stood up for their rights. Here we are 40 years later and the progress we've made as a community is phenomenal. Yes, there are still obstacles we must overcome. And we've come too far to turn around now. But today I want to give thanks for those that were apart of Stonewall. Our community is in debt to you.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

The King of Pop Is Dead

My drive home today was one of the most tumultuous I've ever done. Today, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, died at the age of 50. In spite of his much televised and often covered controversial life, I remain a fan of the man and his art. The accusations of pedophilia that always come up when you mention his name do force me to raise and eyebrow; but to me those controveries lived in the shadow of his talent. Michael was an amazing singer and even more gifted dancer. Though we lost perhaps the greatest entertainer of all-time today, the legacy of music he leaves behind will ensure that he will remain in the hearts of millions for forever.

On the drive home today I had to call my mama to talk about what was the hot topic of the office, Michael's death. Because I didn't charge my phone last night the phone died right in the middle of the conversation. For the remainder of my commute it was just me and my radio and most stations were playing nothing but Michael's music. When I heard Gone To Soon I lost it. I was driving down the 101 in tears. Then PYT started playing and I was dancing so much I could hardly keep my hands on the steering wheel. The came Heal the World and the depression would sink in. Then came Wanna Be Starting Something and once again it was on.

It is disappointing to hear all the negativity and hateration floating around regarding his death. But fuck 'em all. Michael is the King. Always has been. Always will be. Justin Timerlake. Usher. Ne-yo. Chris Brown. All these kids owe there careers to Michael. You can see Michael reflected when any of them perform.
Michael Jackson - you will be missed.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Chris Brown Sentenced

Chris Brown pleaded guilty to assault because of the threat that Rihanna (under subpoena) was ready to testify in court against him. Because of his admission of guilt his sentencing was much lighter than expected. Chris gets to avoid jail time - nice to know because he's too pretty for prison. He would definitely have been someone's bitch. He has received a sentence of five years probabtion, a year domestic violence rehabilitation classes, and one hundred and eighty days of community service. In addition, Brown must stay fifty yards away from his victim at all times, with an exception for ten yards at industry events.

I'm not exactly sure how I feel about the sentencing. I know Chris did a terrificly horrible thing by physically assaulting Rihanna. That type of behaviour is never excusable. But as far as I know the incident was totally isolated. I could be wrong, but I never heard of him having a history of treating women (or men) this way. I've been known to lose my temper but I have never yet thrown a punch at someone. But oooohh - I wanted to.

I wish both Chris and Rihanna the best. I think they are both beautiful and talented. I hope they both learn and evolve from what has happened.

Work! Bitch!

Okay - that you to loldarian.com for giving me a heads up that Ciara dropped her latest video Work yesterday. I am so feeling this. I know that she is going to get a lot of comparisons to Beyonce for this and justly so. She's sporting (and whipping) a long pony tail reminiscent of Get Me Bodied. At one point she's dancing around kicking up dust - very Deja Vu. But it don't matter. Beyonce may have done it first. But Ciara does it better. Get into the video below.

Obama's Call To Action Falls On Deaf Ears

Rep. Alcee Hastings (pictured in the photo to the right) organized a letter asking our President to end the military discharging of gay and lesbian soldiers. Hastings succeeded in getting 76 members of the U.S House of Representatives to sign the letter. You would think with this number of people [this number of Representatives] asking the Obama to take action that he would do something. I would think this call to action would garner some result. But again the request for Barack to live up to his promises has fallen on deaf ears. The President still refuses to draft an executive order stopping the discharges.

I'm aware that he can not do anything about don't ask, don't tell - that is the job of the legislature. But he does have the power to end the firing. He does have the power to temporarily cease this policy that is ruining the lives of my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. This man who claimed to a "fierce advocate" continues to do nothing. Domestic partner benefits that do not include health insurance don't count. The only reason people need domestic partner benefits is health insurance. Acknowledging that June is LGBT Pride month does not count. We know this already. It's been deemed as pride month for many years without his declaration. I want to see the President do something significant and relevent. I am growing tired of the pomp and circumstance I keep hearing and the action that I am not seeing.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Batwoman Is a Lesbian

How the hell did I not hear about this? Apparently in 2006, DC comics outed Batwoman as a lesbian. I do love the comics and I try to stay on top what's happening in the world of superheroes; but somehow I missed this juicy tidbit. She was outed in a limited weekly series three years ago, but now DC is announcing Batwoman (she's a woman now - she's batgirl no more) is returning with a monthly feature that should last at least a year. Hopefully this series takes off and we see a lot more of Batwoman in the future. It's about time we got some gay superheroes.

The LGBT community has been wanting this for years. I vaguely remember the Flash being gay for some reason (I can't rememer if that was something DC did or just some secret longing I just wanted to happen). On Queer as Folk we saw the creation of Rage, the comic brought to life by the partnering of Justin and Michael on the show. My friend William, creator of Heroic Rising, will also be bringing us a gay superhero. And we can't forget the ambigously gay duo that would often appear on Saturday Night Live. But we've been wanting a gay superhero featured in a comic book that we could frequently purchase for sometime now. For some reason I thought Marvel comics would be the innovative group that would bring it to us (I would love it if they made Storm a lesbian). But it looks like it's DC that had the courage first. Way to go DC! And way to go Batwoman. Now let's get more out gay heroes out there.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION

Lt. Col. Fehrenbach has served the military faithfully for 18 years. He has been rewarded for his above and beyond action. The Air Force has spent approximately $25 million on his extensive training. His service has been exceptional and his aviator skills are extraordinary. He is two years shy of retirement and he was outed. I first wrote about Fehrenbach in a post called Seriously Disappointed with Barack, please check it out here.

Fehrenback is now being forced out of the military for being gay. Barack promised that he would put an end to the ridiculous Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy of our military. Now this tremendous man and phenomenal soldier that has spent his life serving our country is suffering because of a policy that should now be obsolete.

After reading an email I just received from a friend (thanx for the heads up Bill), I just found out about a petition thats floating around in an effort to save the lieutenant and to end the DADT policy. I am asking if you would please go to the link below and add your name to the list. It's disappointing that it's come to this point but this man should not have to endure this kind of treatment.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT
http://www.sldn.org/page/ic/awsatdhcg4qssv/SgNTXREBCFYEUFg

Friday, June 19, 2009

Put a Stampp on it

Stampp Corbin is the San Diego City Commissioner. During the Presidential Campaign her served Obama by chairing his LGBT Leadership Council. Corbin was a huge supporter of Barack. But as this new administration continues to drag its feet on LGBT issues we are seeing more and more prominent LGBT individuals and organizations withdraw there support. Corbin is one of those individuals. He recently drafted an op-ed piece that explains why he is pulling his support and why he is encouraging others to do the same.

Below is the piece written by Stamp and posted to Pam's House Blend (thank you Pam for sharing this):

When it comes to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) equal rights, it has been a schizophrenic week for the Obama administration. Last Wednesday, Attorney General Eric Holder addressed LGBT Department of Justice employees at a Pride celebration held in the building. Holder said "...neither the frustrations of the past, nor the challenges of the future should deter us from our goal - our responsibility - to continue our efforts to ensure the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans."

Last Thursday, the Attorney General filed a legal brief in a California federal case challenging the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that made arguments that compared same sex marriage to incest. Thursday, President Obama announced the extension of some benefits to LGBT federal employees; just not the most coveted ones, like health care and pension benefits. Oh that's right, Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents that and you just wrote a legal brief defending it. When I wake up each morning, I feel a bit schizophrenic myself, "I love Obama, I hate Obama, I am ambivalent about Obama." It's maddening.
Someone get me a Prozac.

I ask, "Mr. President how can you argue for the legality of DOMA, when you are for its repeal?" You really are talking out of both sides of your mouth and my community knows it.

The Administration's specious argument was extolled in a press release "As it generally does with existing statutes, the Justice Department is defending the law on the books in court. The president has said he wants to see a legislative repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act because it prevents LGBT couples from being granted equal rights and benefits. However, until Congress passes legislation repealing the law, the administration will continue to defend the statute when it is challenged in the justice system."

Oh really, so can I expect the same response when your brief is filed in a Massachusetts federal case on June 29th? I certainly hope not. Mr. President make a different choice. Choose to lead.

Both Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton filed legal briefs arguing against existing law. The president says he is a "fierce advocate" for LGBT rights. Really? I don't think comparing a marriage to my partner, to marrying my niece or sister, is being my fierce advocate. I expect the president will try to distance himself from the brief and even the press statement, but it is too late. If how I feel, as one of the president's most ardent supporters, is any indication, Obama is in for a world of trouble over the next year with the LGBT community.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT rights organization, rightfully condemned Obama for the filing of the government's DOMA brief. I could not agree more with the leadership of HRC. President Obama, your legal brief was clearly a mistake, a big mistake. After Prop 8, my partner and I feel we are playing a tragic game of Wipeout. Traveling through an obstacle course that we must master to get our rights; making it to the end in California, only to be told by voters that heat didn't count. I expected obstacles to be placed in our path by our enemies; I just didn't expect it from the President. I thought he was on our side; I still want to believe that.

Unfortunately, I will see everything that the Obama administration does for LGBT Americans through the lens of the DOMA brief. Meaning, I will be waiting for the other proverbial shoe to drop, while praying President Obama delivers on his promises.

Next week, I am boycotting the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council Democratic National Committee event honoring Vice President Biden to drive home my discontent. Many other prominent LGBT donors have also joined in the boycott. Is the announcement of benefits for LGBT federal employees to squash the boycott and the general uproar? Hmm...In politics, money talks. It is unlikely that Obama just put together this announcement in the last week to throw a bone to my community; it has been in the works for many weeks. I would have celebrated loudly had this been announced before the DOMA debacle, but now I will only give polite, muted applause. That pesky DOMA brief has ruined everything.

Mr. President, your DOMA mistake awakened a sleeping giant. He is mad as hell and is not going to take it anymore. You better get LGBT affirming legislation moving quickly or the coffers of the LGBT community will be slammed shut on the fingers of your administration and the DNC. You and the DNC may find themselves asking about our donations "if not now, when" as we have been asking about our rights for the last few months.

That's simply the way I see it.

These words from Stampp Corbin sum of how many within the LGBT community feel about our President and his administration. Many will now stop there support of the DNC (emotionally and financially) until something is done.

Pam's House Blend also discusses the number of people that will be boycotting the gay DNC fundraiser. The fundraiser will be hosted by Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis and it will feature Vice-President Joe Biden. People are very angered over the DOMA brief that compared same-sex marriage to incest that they are avoiding or boycotting the event. People are also enraged because Barack's administration continue to defend DOMA when they should be making efforts to get rid of it.

I'm hoping there is a change in tactics from this new administration soon. I'm also hoping that the President will become more vocal or atleast start taking some type of action to follow through on his promises. My friends keep telling me I shouldn't be so critical. "He may be doing thing behind the scene that we don't know about."

When I see evidence of those things that he is doing then my criticism will fade. But until that point I must continue to raise my voice about my discontent.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Coming Out In Baby Steps

The questions surrounding Ricky Martin's sexual orientation have been floating around for years. I've been wanting him on the LGBT team for years now. My reasons for wanting him to come out are not because I want him to be comfortable with who he really is. It's not because I feel he may be struggling with issues of self-esteem or self-worth and coming out will help. I want Ricky to come out simply because - well, just look at him. He would represent us sooooo very well. And I think he could be my next husband.

Well it looks like Ricky just may be ready to make those steps out of the closet. In an interview with TV Aqui magazine he didn't exactly kick down the closet door and coming screaming out but he did open the door and look around a little. Ricky stated to the editor of the magazine his heart could belong to either a male or a female.

If his heart can belong to a man or a woman then I guess he hasn't been lying all those times he's denied his homosexuality. So I guess Ricky is bisexual. Yeah - that's it. I think I'm gonna be bisexual too. But seriously - good for you Mr. Martin. If baby steps are what you need to come out then by all means take baby steps. I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want to do. Just know that when you're ready, I'll be here waiting.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Happy Birthday Barry

There was a time in my life when I would listen to Barry only behind closed doors. I didn't think it was kewl to let it be known that I just feel good everytime I hear him sing. But as I've grown older and learned not to care about what the next person thinks, I feel it's time I come out of the closet. YES, I am a fan-ilow of the Manilow. It may make me very very gay but I just don't care anymore. I love Barry Manilow and I don't care who knows (just don't tell my mama).

I have to dance everytime I hear Copacabana. It is probably the catchiest song of all time. I mean how can you not like that one? Looks Like We Made It is just beautiful and inspirational. Daybreak makes me think about the movie Serial Mom and thats not a bad thought to have. You know what's funny about I Write the Songs? Barry didn't write that song. Okay maybe not funny to you but I chuckle a little when I think of that. As accomplished a song writer as Mr. Manilow is, one of his biggest hits is I Write the Songs and he didn't write that song. And who doesn't love the song Mandy?

There is one person that knew (before I went public) about my Barry crush. That was my bff Derrick. One day we were playing Marry, Date or Dump [if you've never played then get the game it's soooo much fun] with some friends. This card came up with the names Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart, and someone else that I can't remember. Derrick looked at me and started laughing. He was the only one in the room that pegged me perfectly on that card cause he knows me just a bit too well.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARRY.

And the Ignorance Continues

This is another one for the WTF file. Apparently the organization Christian Civil Liberties Union has approached the public library of Milwaukee. There request is just so bizarre that I'm not sure if I should laugh or be offended. The CCLU is apparently so disgusted by the book Baby Be-Bop that they would like permission to publicly burn or destroy the library's copy of the book. The group is also asking for $120,000 for damages caused to its members by the book being on the shelf.

The CCLU claims that the book is “explicitly vulgar, racial, and anti-Christian." They also charge that their four plaintiffs all of whom are elderly "claim their mental and emotional well-being was damaged by this book at the library” because the book contains the word "nigger" and derogatory sexual and political epithets that can incite violence and “put one’s life in possible jeopardy, adults and children alike.”

Amazon's description of the book is as follows:
A prequel of sorts to Weetzie Bat, the novel opens while Weetzie's best friend Dirk is still a child, lying on his mat at naptime. "Dirk had known it since he could remember" that is, that he is gay. Tenderly raised by Grandma Fifi, famous for her pastries and her 1955 Pontiac convertible, Dirk struggles with love and fear: "He wanted to be strong and to love someone who was strong; he wanted to meet any gaze, to laugh under the brightest sunlight and never hide." After his first heartbreak, with his closest friend (who cannot accept Dirk's love nor his own for Dirk), Dirk battles more fiercely for identity; beaten up by a gang of punks, he slumps into semiconsciousness and is visited by his ancestors, each telling a haunting, lyrical tale of love, faith and self-acceptance.

I need for someone to explain to me how something that sounds like a children's book (although it may have homosexual subject matter) does damage to four grown ass women. If you find the book offensive then the resolution to your problem is not to read the damn book. I have to apologize for my language. I just get so pissed when I learn that stupid people are allowed to walk around and breed. They want to publicly destroy the book but it has to be library's copy of the book? Buy your copy and destroy that if you want to have a public protest. I think this is a group that is just looking for some attention (and I'm probably giving them what they want by generating this post) but they need to just get a clue.

Ken Hutcherson - Gays Athletes Should Stay In The Closet!

Rev. Ken Hutcherson, former (and brief) linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and current pastor for Antioch Bible Church in Kirkland, WA is getting some attention now because of his recent statement that gays don't have a place in professional sports. He claims that out gay men would make their teammates uncomfortable. He stated, "It would be safer for the team and the individual if they didn't come out." Hutcherson is also working to appeal Washington state's domestic-partnership registry because he does not feel that gay rights should be considered equal rights. "It's not a civil rights issue like with racism -- there's no comparison,” he wrote on his blog. "I can't change being black… but there are a lot of people, especially in our churches, that have changed being gay."

WTF? It is unfortunate that people like this actually do have a following. At the vehemently homophobic site americansfortruth.com, they brag about how Hutcherson pursuaded students to boycott the 2008 Day of Silence of Mt. Si High School in Redmond, Washington. The Day of Silence is a day when students use their voice (or lack thereof) to raise awareness to anti-gay harrasment, bullying and name-calling. So in essence the Hutcherson boycott of the Day of Silence was a statement that this behavior [the type of behaviour that caused two young boys to take their own lives this year] is okay.

It is discouraging to learn that brothers of influence hold such homophobic and ignorant beliefs. It does bring joy to know that we still have allies in places like the NAACP. Julian Bond has promised that his organization will be an ally in the fight for LGBT equality. Let's hope bad apples like Hutcherson don't start to spoil the whole bunch.

Obama Grants Benefits to Same-Gender Couples

President Barack Obama just signed a memo granting certain benefits to federal employees same-gender relationships that are currently denied domestic partner benefits. This memorandum does not bring gay and lesbian couples the full range of benefits equal to there heterosexual counterparts [health insurance is not included] but it is a step in the right direction. Obama states in the video, "That 's why I'm proud to announce my support of the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act."

This video makes me feel a little better about our President. He has been so quiet for so long regarding LGBT issues I was beginning to wonder if everything he promised while campaigning was just rhetoric.


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

America's Greatest Pageant Winner

Vanessa Williams is the grandest diva to ever winner a pageant. She is so bad that when controversy about her emerged (nude photos of Williams popped up several months after she won her prestigious title) she proudly resigned and walked away from the title Miss America. The win in itself was phenomenal as the title made her the first African-American women to wear the crown. But without it she has gone on to become on of the biggest names in entertainment winning Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award nominations. What is even more amazing is her advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community. She received the "Ally for Equality Award" from the Human Rights Campaign in 2008.

She recently sat down with the guys at Advocate magazine and granted them an interview. She talks about her new album The Real Thing (which by the way is phenomenal). She talks about the weddings of her gay friends she just attended. And she talks about her exhaustion with now de-throned Ms. California Carrie Prejean. And she talks about her role as Wilhelmina on Ugly Betty.

How can you not love this woman? No matter what she does, she does it well. Singing, acting and dancing all while looking soooo good. I want to be like her when I grow up. And I think she is getting better looking as the years roll by. Get into the article here.

Is the Ex-Gay Movement Hurting the LGBT Community?

I don't know about you but I know that I did not choose to be gay. For me, I sincerely believe with all my being that God made me who I am. Being this fabulous can only be a divine gift from God. But recently I am becoming more and more aware of ex-gays giving there testimonies and explaining how they have been delivered from their homosexuality. I'm not sure if there is an increase in numbers or if the status quo has remained the same but they're just getting more attention, but whatever the case the ex-gay movement is making its way more into the mainstream.

One of the more recent former homosexuals but now saved, sanctified and redeemed is Larrel. You can see her in the video below. Larrel and her band of followers are ex-homosexuals, ex-mastubators, ex-whatevers and ex-you-name-its. She says that she is so much happier since being delivered.


Thanx to loldarian.com for giving me a heads up about the video below. I don't know if the guy was delivered from his homosexuality or not. He went to his church and asked them to cast the homosexual demon out of his body. The video is a bit shocking. It contains the exorcism. The church ladies are running around hysterically. At one point the man is rolling about on the floor as if he is having a seizure. Towards the end he vomits and one of the ladies shouts "catch it in the plastic bag" as if this is the demon being released from his body. There are actually two parts of the video and version below is the second half.


I can only speak for myself; I can not speak for other people. But I can and will make assumptions. One of my favorite shows on BET-J was My Two Cents which featured two same-gender loving individuals as hosts, Keith Boykin and StacyAnn Chin. Chin made reference several times on the show that she chose to be a lesbian. I have no reason to doubt her. She seems very sincere. But I'm happy Keith pointed out to her on the show, "You do see how that confuses people don't you."

Keith Boykin did not choose to be gay. None of my gay friends chose to be gay. I did not choose to be gay. So when some individuals say that for them it was a choice, it gives people ammunition. They can then claim that this is the case for the entire LGBT community. IT IS NOT. For the majority of us we did not have a choice in this.

Adding more fuel to the fire is this seemingly new trend of ex-gays that are so pleased to announce there exodus from the land of homosexuality. Probably one of the more famous is acclaimed gospel singer Donnie McClurkin. McClurkin compared his homosexuality to diabetes. With diabetes you still have a desire for sugar but if you stay away from it long enough the craving slowly goes away. I guess he's saying that by not having sex with men, his homosexuality is going away. I'm not quite sure I can agree with that logic.

Again I have to say that I don't know these people and I can't speak for these people. Looking at the video of Larrel, she seems sincere as she's speaking. Knowing the prejudice and hatred people harbor at us I can understand an individuals desire to no longer be gay. My issue is the harm this is doing to the LGBT individuals that are comfortable in their skin and have no desire to change. These testimonies give the conservatives and the Christian-right more reason to continue their hatred toward our community. It also gives politicians reasons to deny us protective legislation and equality. It gives them the power to say, "Look at these individuals, they can change. Then the rest of them can change to."

Dustin Lance Black: The Controversy

Controversial blogger Perez Hilton (most recently famous for starting the Miss California ruckus by asking the gay marriage question to Carrie Prejean in the Ms. USA pageant) is back at it again. Hilton who has recently tried to use his popular influence to be an advocate for the LGBT community has shifted his popular site away from celebrity gossip and towards addressing issues important to the gay and lesbian cause. At least briefly anyway. He was apparently approached with pictures of gay hot boy of the moment Dustin Lance Black, Oscar winner for the screenplay Milk. The pictures show Black having unsafe sex.

Many have blasted Perez saying it was inappropriate for him to post these pictures. Dustin's Oscar win has garnered him a great deal of popularity also and he has been using his influence to be an advocate for the LGBT community. The photos (which I'll advise are not safe for work) can be seen by scrolling to the bottom of the page here.
(update - when last checked the pictures have been removed from Perez's site).

I'll be first to admit that I'm not a big fan of Perez Hilton. Well I wasn't. When his gears shifted away from celebrity fluff to covering issues more substantial he was starting to win me over. Then this issue came up and suddenly everyone is up in arms and angry at Perez. Well I have to say this - if you clicked on the link above and went and looked at the pictures then shut the hell up. Perez did nothing that most newsrooms and bloggers wouldn't also do if they had the opportunity. These pictures were going to show up with or without Perez but I'm defintely not mad at him for being the first to reveal them.

As for Dustin, he is handling this so eloquently. His response was perfect. "It is unfortunate that individuals and other outside parties are trying to profit from material which is clearly private." He goes on to say, "I have had the privilege to speak to people across the country, both gay and straight, on a number of critical issues including safe sex. More important than the embarrassment of this incident is the misleading message these images send. I apologize and cannot emphasize enough the importance of responsible sexual practices." Put it out there and keep stepping Dustin. Good for you.

I don't think any less of Perez for posting the pics. I don't think any less of Dustin for being in the pics. Being the first to post these pictures does not make Perez sleazy or irresponsible. His site is popular because he is frequently the first to drop big news. This is what Perez does. And I was proud to hear Dustin handle the situation as he did. He continued to endorse his message of safe sex and for this I do NOT think of him as a hypocrit. I would have been more dissappointed if he stopped spreading that message. Both of these men, Perez and Dustin, have a job to do and both of them are doing it.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

We've Come a Long Way Lord

There is a terrific article on 365Gay.com about an important event fastly approaching. The Stonewall Riot - the event which catapalted the gay rights movement from almost non-existant to pissed off protestors that spanned the nation - will be seeing its 40th anniversary this month. The article goes into the history of what happened that night and compares it to the rallies and protests we're seeing today for LGBT equality.

There was a hymn we used to sing in church back when I was a little choir boy. The verse of the song went We've come a long way, Lord. A mighty long way. As I was reading the article it made me realize just how far we have come. Back in the days of Stonewall, gays and lesbians, drag queens and transexuals were not interested in equality. They were just trying to end the bullying and harassment they received from every aspect of society including the police. Just in case you're not aware it was illegal for two men to have sex. It was illegal for two men to dance together. And it was illegal to cross-dress.

Though we still have a long way to go, we need to appreciate the accomplishments we've made. Accomplishments that have come thanks to the hell-raisers at Stonewall. Accomplishments that have come thanks to heroes like Harvey Milk and Bayard Rustin. Accomplishments that have come thanks to our many HIV/ AIDS Service organizations. Accomplishments that have come thanks to Prop 8 protestors and same-sex marriage organizers. And accomplishments that come thanks to the visibility of the many LGBT individuals that choose to live their life open and honestly.

Sodomy laws ended in 2003 because the case Lawrence vs. Texas made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Funding for prevention and intervention of HIV/AIDS is possible because groups like ACT-UP acted up and refused to be silent when gay men were dying left and right. Same-sex individuals can not only dance together now but do so as such fabulous functions like pride celebrations and circuit parties across the country and around the world. Not only is cross-dressing no longer illegal but several boys in dresses (i.e. RuPaul, Sylvestor, Lady Bunny) have enjoyed national and international fame and success. Yes, we've come a mighty long way.

But I won't get it twisted. We still have a long way to go. Until my brothers and sisters in uniform stop being fired we have to press on. Until all states grant us the right to marry we have to press on. Until employment non-disrimination protection is provided for all of the LGBT community (and we must include the T) then we must press on. Until gays and lesbians have the right to parent and adopt children like heterosexuals have then we must press on.

I'm smart enough to know that we will not get to the mountain top anytime soon. This journey that we're on is simultaneously exciting and frightening. But as I look around and I think things over, where we are now is soooo far from where we were, that just for a few minutes I won't complain. Yes we've come a long way Lord. A mighty long way.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Ms. California Loses Her Crown

I just have three words for former Ms. California (and hater of gay marriage) Carrie Prejean - beat it bitch. Donald Trump just told the girl she's fired which is just absolutely delightful to me. Many people have speculated that Carrie's answer regarding same-sex marriages is what cost her the title of Ms. USA. And I'll be honest I really didn't care about her answer one way or the other. Let's be real, it is a beauty contest. She will not be called upon help develop legislation. She will not decide what is or isn't unconstitutional regarding our community. She was just a pretty girl in a pretty girl contest. Her answer was her opinion and I can't hate on her for that.

My pleasure in seeing her lose the title is a bit selfish. One - I was sick of her periodically popping up defending her answer. Girl it's behind you. Just let it go. Two - I was sick of the Christian right and various other conservative groups elevating her to iconic status. She was becoming the poster child for what good Americans should be thinking (not doing because we can't forget those nearly naked photos of her popped up following the competition). I still don't understand the controversy over the photos. She was a contestant in a beauty contest but for some reason people acted all shocked when revealing photos of her were discovered. So we can require her to parade across the stage in next to nothing but when she does some modeling outside of the competition for some reason we develop morals and what she did was wrong. The photos were not published in some racy magazine and they were done by a professional photographer. I just didn't get it.

I have a feeling that this isn't the end of Ms. Carrie baby. She may pull a Vanessa Williams and become more famous following the pageant than she was before. But no matter what I feel about her (and I'm not a fan) I must admit - that picture above is fierce. The wind swept hair. The Wonder Woman pose. The bitch is serving.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Simply Beautiful




Thank you to the guys at Queerty.com for sharing these.


What Is She Holding on to?


Lynda Cater on Gay Rights, WonderWoman and Music

Just left AfterEllen and was very pleased to see an interview with probably the greatest gay icon of all time. Bigger than Ms. Ross. Bigger than Cher. Bigger than Elton. I'm talking about the one and only Wonder Woman herself Lynda Carter. Now I don't know about you - but her show shaped me more than probably in other show when I was a kid.

I should be a little embarassed to tell this story, but I'm not. I distinctly remember my brother and I playing as kids. It was summer so there was no school and we were left to our devices to amuse ourselves. So we decided to become superheroes and frolic about the yard. My brother was Batman. He made a mask for himself and that was the only alteration he needed. But as for me, there was no other hero worthy of my time than the timeless Diana Prince herself. This was the 70s so the coochie cutter shorts weren't really taboo - all kids straight and gay were wearing these. But I matched those short shorts with some cowboy boots. Then I found a towel and crafted myself a halter top. I went into my Mama's room and found some braclets. Then I found a piece of her hair jewelry that I could craft into a tiera. I was probably 5 or 6 at the time, but child Iwas fierce. And I remember singing the theme song from the show as I went running about the yard. Good times - good times.

But back to Lynda Carter. She states in her interview that she was once told, "Girl, I'll tell you something, if you ever have a gay following you will know that you've made it." So about fifteen years ago when she received a phone call from a lesbian magazine wanting to talk with her she was thrilled because that was the moment she realized the LGBT community idolized her. She speaks also in the new interview about gay marriage and equality for the gay community. She seems to get it. She understands that were not asking for special rights just equal rights.

The interview is a very worthwhile read because she talks more to and about the LGBT community. She talks about her days wearing the red, white and gold costume and about the her appearing in the upcoming Wonder Woman movie. She even talks about the other iconic women we adore like Charlies Angels, Lucy Lawless (Xena) and Lyndsay Wagner (the Bionic Woman). And she talks about her new CD. Music was her first love and she is returning to it. Her CD At Last will be available on June 9. Get into the interview here.

Binational Same-Sex Couples

There is an interesting article today at 365Gay.com pertaining to same-sex binational couples. Gay men and women that live in the US that go into a relationship with someone living here but not a citizen (usually here on a student or work visa) have a lot to consider about their relationship. When the visa expires that other person is expected to leave the country. Now if this were a heterosexual couple, a simple marriage would solve this problem. But since we're denied marriage in most this solution doesn't hold true for us. In that respect the same-gender loving community is vulnerable.

We all know that life has many trials and tribulations. Attemping to find that person you want to spend the rest of your life with is one of the most difficult challenges many deal with. Usually you have face this challenge many times in that search for that special one. So it should be a wonderful and dear thing when you find him or her. But the consequences you must deal with if that person is from another country are great. I witnessed these difficulties myself as I know several couples that have experienced or are currently dealing with this. In one relationship the outcome wasn't pretty - one partner was forced to leave involuntarily. He was actually detained by immigration and deported.

Enter the Uniting American Families Act (formerly Permanent Partners Immigration Act). There are currently about 36,000 same-sex couples kept apart by US Immigration laws. The Uniting American Families Act would add the words “permanent partner” every time the word “spouse” appears in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. This would in essence give these couples the same rights and priviledges straight couples enjoy when it comes to citizenship status. Permanent partners would need to prove they are committed, unmarried to anyone else, have no close blood relationship, and the inability to legally marry their permanent partner.

I for one hopes this bit of legislation lives to become a bill. I'm unsure whether the Congress we have is ready to pass something this progressive but I think the country is ready for it.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Great Short Film - Souljah

Just watched a terrific new short film on Logo. Soulja is only about twelve minutes long, but there is a lot packed into those twelve minutes. Check it out below.

More great videos from DowneTV on DowneLink.com, the biggest gay social network