Hans Johnson: Buckley hardly tossed bouquets to gays,

proving that erudition is a club that still admits bigots. Read at The Task force:

Open letter from Barack Obama to the LGBT community

I’m running for President to build an America that lives up to our founding promise of equality for all – a promise that extends to our gay brothers and sisters. It’s wrong to have millions of Americans living as second-class citizens in this nation. And I ask for your support in this election so that together we can bring about real change for all LGBT Americans.

Equality is a moral imperative. That’s why throughout my career, I have fought to eliminate discrimination against LGBT Americans. In Illinois, I co-sponsored a fully inclusive bill that prohibited discrimination on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity, extending protection to the workplace, housing, and places of public accommodation. In the U.S. Senate, I have co-sponsored bills that would equalize tax treatment for same-sex couples and provide benefits to domestic partners of federal employees. And as president, I will place the weight of my administration behind the enactment of the Matthew Shepard Act to outlaw hate crimes and a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act to outlaw workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Read more:

Since the murder of Lawrence King, there have been two more murders of teens, both cited as "wearing women's clothing" -- in South Carolina

Friends mourn loss of jovial teen killed in shooting
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Adolphus Simmons, shooting victim.

Wade SpeesThe Post and Courier
A man was found dying of a gunshot wound on these steps at an apartment complex on Bream Road on Monday night.
That Adolphus Simmons dressed like a woman was of no consequence to his neighbors at the Bradford Apartments in North Charleston. To them, his shooting death Monday night was a senseless loss of a beloved friend. Read More

15-year-old charged with murderVictim shot to death outside home-->

The Post and Courier
Friday, January 25, 2008

Adolphus Simmons, shooting victim.
Victim shot to death outside home
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder in Monday night's shooting death of Adolphus Simmons at Bradford Apartments in North Charleston.
Police did not release the suspect's name because he is a juvenile, but they said he lived in the area of the apartments, which are on Bream Road near Dorchester Road at the head of the Evanston Estates community. Read more

Gay teen shot dead while dressed as woman in Fort Lauderdale
sun-sentinel

FORT LAUDERDALE - The shooting death of a gay teenage boy who was dressed in women's clothing is being investigated as a possible hate crime, while detectives try to determine whether he was targeted because of his sexual orientation.Simmie Williams Jr., 17, was attacked on the 1000 block of Sistrunk Boulevard by two young men who wore dark clothing and might live in the neighborhood, police said. Williams, who was wearing a dress and was known in the area by his first name or as "Chris" or "Beyonce," was shot about 12:45 a.m. Friday and soon afterward died at Broward General Medical Center, police said.It's unclear what Williams was doing in the area, about four miles from his house, but police are investigating whether he was working as a prostitute, officials said. Read More

MEDIA MONITOR: Michigan media foul up transgender issues coverage

by: Todd A. Heywood
Wednesday (02/27) at 20:37 PM
[COMMENTARY] We all have labels we attach to ourselves. It could be preppy, African-American or gay. Those self-imposed labels are a key aspect of a person's identity, and as members of the media, we have an obligation to reflect those choices. It becomes a matter of respect. And in general, the media do reflect those personal identifications, and as they change over time so do the media. For instance, it was common place for many years to use the term "colored" in reference to the African-American community. Now the media use the term black or African-American.
Unfortunately, not all categories of self-identification have received the same level of acceptance in the media.
In the last three weeks, Michigan has seen three sizable errors in the mainstream media in their coverage of transgender issues
Read more:

Ellen Degeneres: A Tragedy That Should Never Have Happened

Today Ellen talked about 15-year-old Larry King who was murdered by a classmate for being gay. If you would like to volunteer your services to help gay and lesbian kids who are being harassed and bullied or if you are having difficulties because of your sexual orientation, here are some wonderful services that can help. Read More

When it comes to bashing transgender people, there's a right wing tradition at work - and it's not about values...

The right wingers at the Traditional Values Coalition just can't seem to get enough of demonizing and making personal attacks on members of the GLBT community.
Just this week, they fired off another one of their wacky and mean-spirited press releases aimed at the GLBT community. This one accuses Dana Beyer, a transgender activist (and one of HRC's Board of Governors, BTW) of harassment when she confronts anti-gay petition gatherers working to overturn the brand new Montgomery County trans anti-discrimination law in Maryland. They also posted a YouTube video of one of the "harassing" incidents - just don't blink if you watch it or you just might miss the moment that's got the right wingers all in a tizzy.
One thing's for sure: the peeps at TVC are much better at spewing out anti-gay hatred than they are at truthfully presenting the facts or tackling real problems, like speaking out aggressively against the recent explosion of anti-GLBT hate crimes. Candace Gingrich, our senior youth outreach manager (pictured below), takes them to task on their latest antics in this guest post:
Read More:

ANOTHER BIG UPSET IN A "SAFE" REPUBLICAN DISTRICT-- THIS ONE IS IN FLORIDA, IN BOB ALLEN'S OLD SEAT (Another Larry Craig Style Bathroom Scandal)

Last night progressives in New York celebrated a tremendous victory when Democrat Darrel Aubertine took an open state senate seat in one of the most conservative Republican districts left in northern New York. After 7 disastrous years of George Bush and a rubber stamp Congress, Republicans are on the run-- and not just in New York. Remember convicted Republican toilet trawler Rep. Bob Allen (R-FL)? Right after Idaho Republican Senator Larry Craig was arrested for soliciting sex from a young male policeman in a Minneapolis Airport men's room, Rep. Allen, who had written legislation against such activity, tried the same stunt. He was also arrested-- denied everything, of course-- and was then convicted and forced to resign from his House seat. Yesterday Republicans were confident their cookie-cutter candidate would hold the seat in the overwhelmingly red district. He didn't. At the same time upstate New Yorkers were voting in a Democrat in a district that hadn't elected one in over 40 years, Floridians were also expressing their contempt for what the GOP has come to symbolize. A flood of typically Republican negative campaign ads and all the regular smears-- over $250,000 worth-- failed to do any more for Campbell than it had done for Barclay in New York.
Read more at Down With Tyranny:

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CENTER WEST

There is some good news to report from The Center West. We will be at the "Matters of the Heart" Health Fair at the School of Mines tomorrow. We will have a table to provide information about the services we offer at The Center West and to offer free, confidential HIV testing and counseling.

We are also happy to announce that we have just reserved the theater at The Journey Museum for April 5th from 6pm until 9pm for a public showing of the film "For the Bible Tells Me So." This is an excellent movie that confronts head on what the Bible really says and doesn't say about homosexuality.

The movie will be shown free to the public. There will also be a panel discussion following the movie for those who wish to stay and take part. We are very excited to be able to show this film in Rapid City. Reserve the date!

There will be much more information about this provided as the date gets closer. Good things are happening at The Center West.

We are also in the process of organizing a regional Gay, Straight Alliance for those of High School and College age. Look for more on this next week.

Congratulations to the Advocates for Creative Theater Students at Central High School for an incredible performance of "The Laramie Project." We salute your talent and your courage!

My Apology to Black Women For Gay American and Charles Knipp: Jasmyne Cannick

At this year’s State of the Black Union, Dick Gregory apologized to President Bill Clinton on behalf of Blacks for our role in allowing Clinton to believe that he was Black.
In that same spirit, I feel compelled to apologize to Charles Knipp on behalf of gays for allowing him to think that he’s one of the Black women that he unsuccessfully tries to emulate. I also want to apologize to Black women on behalf of gay America for Charles Knipp. Knipp’s latest cry for help involved superimposing my head on some other Black woman’s naked body (link NSFW) and then tactlessly posting it on his website for my continuing to expose his constant mockery of the Black woman.
More at Bilerico Project

TruthWinsOut.org Unveils Four Original Videos Leading Up To March 3 Launch of Vibrant and Informative Website

February 26th, 2008
NEW YORK – TruthWinsOut.org (TWO) unveiled four new Internet videos today featuring prominent molecular biologist Dean Hamer, notable mental health expert and author Dr. Jack Drescher, ex-gay survivor Brent Almond and Nick Cavnar, who after decades left an ex-gay cult. This is the final week that the organization has released new educational videos addressing the “ex-gay” myth leading up to the March 3 launch of TWO’s updated website.
More at Truth Wins Out

Wayne Besen: Boycott Jamaica

Gay bashing in Jamaica is so prevalent that in 2006 Time Magazine wrote an article about the island headlined, "The Most Homophobic Place On Earth?" The New York Times this week showed that the anti-gay climate has only worsened, with the island caught in a downward spiral of outright psychosis. It is time to hand an ultimatum to Jamaica's public officials: Stop allowing rampant abuse of gay people or your economy will be crippled.
Read more Wayne Besen:

New Life for a School Film on Gay Tolerance

Debra Chasnoff's It's Elementary: Talking about Gay Issues in Schools, first aired in 1998, sparking a frank conversation about gays and lesbians in classrooms from kindergarten through eighth grade. Now it's being re-released on DVD along with a new lesson plan on gay tolerance.
Read more and view video from NPR:

We have this video, "It's Elementary" in The Center West library thanks to a generous donor. It is excellent! (O.M.)

SILENCE = DEATH: INTERVIEW WITH AVRAM FINKELSTEIN

“Silence = Death”. That simple phrase became - and remains - an anthem for AIDS activists. And it wouldn’t exist without Avram Finkelstein.
Raised by appropriately Marxist parents here in New York, the natural born activist became involved in the AIDS movement after his boyfriend died of the then-new disease. Mourning the loss of friends and family, Finkelstein and his five friends organized a casual group that would later become Gran Fury, a creative collective responsible for much of ACT-UP’s visual campaigns.
Old Belonsky spoke with Finkelstein recently and got an earful on how the public space has evolved, the role of gender in the presidential campaigns and whether a thirteen-year old American Idol fan can be called an “activist”. The answer’s “yes”.
Read more at Queerty:

Gay Producer Craig Zadan on “A Raisin in the Sun”

Let’s be honest: most people will probably tune into ABC’s drama "A Raisin in the Sun" tonight to see if Sean “P Diddy” Combs can act. He can. In fact, the entire cast is achingly brilliant. Check out the excellent New York Times review.
And with the 40th anniversaries of the assassinations of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy coming up, and the new “I have a dream” candidate Barack Obama trying to turn a political campaign into a movement for social change, many might think that the dream deferred – the “raisin” of the title from black gay poet Langston Hughes' poem “Harlem” (“What happens to a dream deferred?/Does it dry up/like a raisin in the sun?”) – is outdated.

Read more at Blerico Project:

I Married a Gay Man: How one woman recovered from a heartbreaking deception

Great story about the untold tragedy of forcing Gay people to marry as told by the other party involved! (O.M.)


"You have chlamydia," my obstetrician told me as I lay on the examining table, six months pregnant with my fourth child. "You've got to talk to your husband." I was in total disbelief. "This is impossible," I protested. "We're both monogamous." But of course I knew that wasn't really true, and the doctor's words forced me to finally acknowledge what I'd suspected for a long time: My husband was most likely gay.
Read more at MSNBC:

Garden State Equality: "Freeheld: The Laural Lester Story" wins Oscar

Lt. Laural Lester's fight to win death benefits for her partner wins Academy Award. Best part is that those announcing the winner were soldiers serving in Baghdad. See video.

More at Gay City News:

Deb Price: Gay leaders seeks more candidates of color

When Joe Angelo ran for city commissioner of Wilton Manors in southern Florida four years ago, he pledged to control development, build a new city hall and clean up neighborhoods to fight crime.
But when he won, the headline in the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel said: " FLORIDA'S FIRST GAY BLACK PUBLIC OFFICIAL."
"It was scary to see that big headline," recalls Angelo, 42, who's considering running for mayor. "But the day after the headline was the best day because I realized I was liberated."
Read more:

THOUGHTS ON THE OUTCOME OF SB65

Sorry I haven't posted for a couple days. I was attending the State Planning Group for HIV and AIDS Prevention for the South Dakota Department of Health. I am a voting member at large. It was a very good meeting with some very positive news that we should be able to share publicly very soon. After I returned, I was fighting illness all day Saturday and couldn't focus on anything other than how bad I felt. Feeling better today, however.

One of the topics that was discussed was SB65. This is the bill that would require those who intentionally spread HIV to register as sex offenders. Everyone was in agreement that this bill would do nothing to help in HIV and AIDS prevention and would probably have a negative impact on our ability to get people tested and spread the word about reducing risky behaviors. Everyone also understood the reasons why it passed.

Some individuals within our LGBT community have been critical and even derogatory over the fact that Equality South Dakota was not able to defeat this bill. Fact is, no one was under any illusions about the prospects of defeating SB65. Yes, miracles do happen as they did in 2004 when several of us testified in Pierre against the marriage amendment and managed to convince the Joint State Affairs Committee to kill the bill. We didn't expect to see that happening this time. But we felt that it was important to make our concerns known and to have a presence on this bill and in the legislative session.

Good things did happen because of EQSD and the Centers' involvement. David gave great testimony before the Senate committee. It is well worth reading. The arguments put forth were rational, well thought out and respectful. Equality South Dakota and the LGBT community was put in a very positive light and appealed to reason and logic.

Those of us from the Centers and from EQSD were able to dialogue with legislators and others and were able to get them to see the rationality behind our concerns. Unfortunately our legislative system is designed to prevent a lot of in depth reasoning and discussion. The shortness of the session and the number of bills and concerns brought to the legislature means that there is not a lot of time for reason and logic. So, much legislation gets passed because of emotion and feel good issues that may or may not have the desired impact.

That was the case with SB65. It had the appearance of doing something about the problem and appealed to the emotions of those constituents who don't vote on the rationality of issues. Fact is it was counterproductive and will not help, only hinder HIV and AIDS prevention is South Dakota.

We all knew that going in but thought it important to have a rational presence amidst a sea of emotionalism. Many legislators and constituents saw EQSD in a very favorable light. That was the goal going in and it was accomplished. David did a great job and deserves a great deal of thanks from the LGBT community for his effort and his courage.

Actually showing up for the battle is a victory in and of itself.

TOMMOROW'S RAPID CITY JOURNAL

I have just learned that the Rapid City Journal will have a story in Friday's paper by Mary Garrigan about Les and Lee Thiel's personal friendship with the Shepard Family from the days when they all lived and worked together in Saudi Arabia. Their daughter Lori Simpson was good friends with Mathew up until his murder.

Those who attended last summer's Pride festival will remember them from the Mathew Shepard Foundation booth at the Festival. They are great people and great friends of the LGBT community.

PANEL DISCUSSION FOLLOWING THE LARAMIE PROJECT

I heard today and received confirmation from Lee Thiel that there will be a panel discussion following the Saturday matinee and evening performance of the Laramie Project at Central High School. the discussion will be from the stage after the performance. A representative from the Mathew Shepard Foundation will be part of the panel. There will be a counselor from Central High School and others on the panel. I was going to attend tonight's performance but in light of this information I have decided to wait and attend Saturday's production.

Hope to see a good representation from the LGBT community.

GREAT EDITORIAL FROM THE JOURNAL

Sowing seeds of tolerance
By Journal Editorial Board Thursday, February 21, 2008

Thank you to the Rapid City Journal for the great editorial.

"Asking high school age kids to look closely at the seeds of violence and the consequences of hatred should be encouraged by our educational system, not discouraged."

We agree wholeheartedly! Why is asking everyone to respect and get along with one another such a radical concept? I thought it was the basis of Christian ethics.

Yesterday, Don Wandler had a letter to the editor in which he chastised the school, the community, parents and everyone else for allowing "The Laramie Project" to be performed. Once again Mr. Wandler ignores the realities of intolerance and hides behind the rhetoric and spin of the right wing fundamentalists whose only goal is to promote their agenda of hatred and intolerance for power and profit. Mr Wandler seems to think he knows more than the judge, jury and the law enforcement people who handled this case. All of whom agreed it was a hate crime of the highest order.

But then we have heard from Mr. Wandler before. Readers may recall that after our Pride Festival last year a letter was sent to all those businesses that supported us, threatening them with a boycott for supporting the LGBT community. He claimed to represent an organization called Concerned Citizens of Rapid City. Turns out he was the only member.

All Mr. Wandler succeeded in doing was to expose himself as an intolerant bully who would use threats and intimidation to try to isolate and silence the LGBT community. Thank goodness he failed miserably.

What most people probably haven't remembered about Mr. Wandler is that he also appeared in the Journal on another topic. His picture was featured in the story about the Catholic Church having a latin mass. He was all for retaining the latin mass because it was more contemplative. Meaning he didn't have to go outside his own thoughts, prejudices, hatred and judgemental existance. He might have to learn something different and grow in his understanding of what Christian Love is all about. He might have to confront himself!

Christianity was not meant to get stuck in the sixth century.

Hope to see everyone at the play this week! Thank you to Justin Speck and to the students, parents and community members ot the "Advocates for Creative Theater Students" for producing and performing this play. I can't wait to see it.

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT TIME IN GREECE!!

Harrowing incident a troubling reminder of homophobia

NEW ORLEANS -- When the eight to 10 guys surrounded me, I knew I was going to get hurt.
When the first one pushed me in the back, I remember thinking I was going to die.
After a second shove, I had no thoughts at all -- only fear.
This is how I spent a portion of my Saturday night during NBA All-Star Weekend -- being gay bashed because the size large T-shirt I was wearing wasn't large enough for someone else's comfort.
As I walked by the group of men -- on my way to the Playboy party, no less -- one of them called me a faggot. Then another joined in. They followed me for a while, continuing to hurl names at me. I tried to ignore it but eventually the "Detroit" came out of me and I turned around and said some things I probably shouldn't have. Next thing I know I'm surrounded and wondering if I'm going to see the dawn and if not for a pair of New Orleans policemen who saw trouble brewing and yelled at the group to break it up, I might not have.
read more at ESPN

FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

Fred and Sandy Magnivito have graciously donated a copy of the award winning DVD, "For the Bible Tells Me So." to The Center West. We will have it available to anyone who wishes to stop in to view it.

It is a fantastick eye-opening DVD that goes right to the heart of the message of the Scripture and Homosexuality.

We will try to schedule a public viewing in the very near future. It will not be available to check out of the library any time soon.

Thank you Fred and Sandy!

Ace Lundon has a new project: The Closet Light

I received a phone call and an e-mail from our good friend Ace Lundon. He has a new and very worthwhile project called The Closet Light. It's not just about our LGBT closet but about all the closets we tend to hide in for a great many differing reasons.

"My name is Ace Lundon. I have been thinking about creating this project ever since my autobiography was published back in 1993 and I included the poem “My Closet Has A Light” in the book.
That poem was written by Patrick John Algarin when he was 17 years old and it gave me inspiration just realizing that folks in their closets can receive hope through others who provide lights. Read the poem.
We’ve all heard the old saying: some things are better left unsaid. Well, in my mind, it should not be left unsaid when it comes to folks living lies in closets; when they could be living in truth, even when that truth may hurt . . . even when coming out of a particular closet might bring them before a Court of Law because their closet “secret” was harming another individual.
We all probably have some closet in our life. It is past time that we should dare to learn about the closets of life.
We can make a difference and become a great help by creating a national - - even international conversation. Maybe the world will be a better world if folks could be helped to live in truth, not lies!"

See and read more about Ace's new project.

While you're there buy one of his t-shirts!

LET THE CENTER WEST BE A LIGHT IN YOUR CLOSET!!

John Smid’s Vagina Monologue

Jim Burroway
February 19th, 2008
I’ve wanted to post about this ever since I attended the Exodus Freedom Conference last summer. But to be perfectly honest, I was so flabbergasted by Love In Action Director John Smid’s workshop on masturbation that I was never able to figure out how to approach it. Read more:

Wayne Besen: 'Ex-Gay' Quack Therapists Declare War

Dr. Warren Throckmorton, the shamelessly self-promoting "ex-gay" therapist, has stepped up his holy war against gay people. This week, he organized a pack of fundamentalist quacks to file a formal written complaint with the American Counseling Association. Throckmorton's crew is upset because they believe the ACA is inhibiting their ability to destroy the mental health of gay and lesbian people in the name of religion. They also believe that they have the special right as fundamentalists to use bizarre techniques and ignore normal therapy guidelines.
Read more:

CIVIL UNIONS DON'T WORK.

New Jersey's Civil Union Review Commission report gives graphic evidence that Civil Unions don't work. It would seem that the only fair and equitable way to deal with this issue is to give full and equal access to marriage and all it benefits and responsibilities to the LGBT community.

COUNTERING THE EX-GAY MYTH

Wayne Besen and Truth Wins Out has given us a list of vides that give testimony to the lies and tragedy that is the ex-gay movement. It doesn't work and is very harmful to those who fall into its trap.

MYTH BUSTER
Billie Bean (former pro-baseball player)

MENTAL HEALTH EXPERTS
Dr. Jack Drescher
Dr. Andrea Macari

FAMILY
Susan Stanskas

Scandal
The Michael Johnston Story

Survivors
Clint Trout
Scott Melendez
Chris Camp
Nick Cavnar
Jaylen Braiden
Victoria Lavin
Brent Almond
Brian Nesbitt

Survivor Ads
Bald
Rubber Band Therapy
Cruising the Mall

Ex-Wives
The wives of ex-gay husbands speak out

Connecticut state legislator comes out, becomes nation’s first LGBT African American state legislator

Connecticut State Rep. Jason Bartlett publicly came out today during a meeting with The News-Times. The announcement makes Bartlett the nation’s first and only openly LGBT African American state legislator.
Read more:

I want a President

A great piece by an anonymous contributor to the Bilerico Project. I think it says what many of us are thinking.

Gay Africans and Arabs come out online

By Andrew Heavens
KHARTOUM (Reuters) - When Ali started blogging that he was Sudanese and gay, he did not realize he was joining a band of African and Middle Eastern gays and lesbians who, in the face of hostility and repression, have come out online.
But within days the messages started coming in to black-gay-arab.blogspot.com.
Read more:

"If you haven't heard or seen any gays in Sudan ..."
Read more at Meskel Square:

Remembering Our Dead, Echos From Our Fallen Sisters

Marti Abernathey February 17, 2008
I was looking at videos for my YouTube post and found this video titled “Twin Boys Living As Girls”. It was taped in the early nineties, and is from the Jenny Jones Show. I sat their thinking this was just another trans segment on talk TV.
It is not. When I realized who these two girls were, a sat here trembling, on the verge of tears.
More at Transadvocate

DESPITE THEIR CURRENT NOTORIETY, HAPPY ENDINGS ARE PART OF THEIR JOBS, NOT THEIR FATES

That was the gist of how author Josh Kilmer-Purcell ended his column, "Career Tips For Future Whores of America," in the March issue of Out Magazine. The three "theirs" refers to Jeff Gannon, Matt Sanchez, and Mike Jones, male prostitutes who have achieved a great deal of celebrity-- or at least notoriety-- after their well-publicized careers involving sex with anti-gay Republican closet cases.
Read more at "Down with Tyranny:

Hatred Poured Out On Our Children

Over the last few days since it was learned that an 8 year old is transitioning at a school in Colorado, quite a few blogs have been pretty ugly about it. I wrote about some of these blogs on the post Targeted Families, Targeted Lives.
Last night I learned that a 10 year old, Cameron McWilliams, committed suicide. Cameron had asked for permission to wear make-up, and been teased after he was found wearing his half-sister’s undergarments. His mother said that: "It was apparent he was unhappy and said he wanted to be a girl. He did like girls’ things."

Read more at Transadvocate:

Southern California Mourns15-Year Old Shooting Victim Larry King

Lorri L. Jean, CEO of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, teared up during a Feb. 15 news conference at the Jeff Griffith Youth Center as she talked about the “terrible tragedy” of the shooting death of 15-year-old Lawrence King by his 14-year-old classmate in Ventura County.
“This event is a terrible tragedy – but it’s even more so because Larry King and Brandon [McInerney, the alleged shooter] were still children,” said Jean.
You could hear a pin drop in the packed room as she seemed to speak for the whole community.
More of the story at The Bilerico Project:

Scratch-off lottery ticket to benefit people living with HIV

On Monday, Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced the nation's first state lottery ticket to benefit HIV/AIDS outreach and prevention.
All net proceeds from the sale of "Red Ribbon Cash" tickets will go directly to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the allocation of which will be overseen by a special advisory board.
Read more:

Charges Filed in SoCal School Shooting

Prosecutors on Thursday charged a 14-year-old boy with attempted murder and said he committed a hate crime in the classroom shooting of an eighth-grader who was declared brain dead.
Prosecutors would not say why they filed a hate-crime enhancement with the attempted murder count, but several classmates said the 15-year-old victim, Lawrence King, sometimes wore makeup, high heels and other feminine attire.
Prosecutors want the suspect tried as an adult and expect to upgrade the charges after King is taken off a ventilator for organ donation.

Read more:

UTAH: Bill Would Allow Unmarried Gay Couples to Legally Adopt

Gay and straight couples who are living together but not married are pushing for passage of a bill that would allow partners to legally adopt in Utah. Bill 318 would allow two unmarried people in a joint living arrangement to become legal parents of the child. Opponents of the bill worry it would diminish marriage and pave the way for gay marriage. Fox 13's Hope Woodside has more.

Gay teen, shot by classmate, declared clinically dead

An openly gay junior high student has been pronounced braindead following an attack by a classmate, according to the Los Angeles Times.
15-year-old Lawrence King, attending E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, California, was rushed to St. John's Regional Medical Center after being shot in the head and back in the school's computer lab Tuesday. His condition was said to be improving, but following an examination by two neurosurgeons, King is considered clinically dead and being kept on life support pending possible donation of his organs.

Read More:

Arizona bigots seek another marriage amendment vote

In the only state that fundies managed to put a marriage amendment on the ballot only to see it go down in defeat, John McCain's state of Arizona has a bunch of homobigots ready to try again to enshrine discrimination in its constitution because, apparently, the voters were snookered the first time. (AZ Star):

More at Pam's House Blend:

GLAAD: Problematic Coverage of Transgender Student in Colorado

Last week, Denver, Colo. based NBC Affiliate station KUSA-TV reported on the story of an 8 year-old transgender girl who is preparing to return to her Douglas County elementary school this week. Unfortunately, the story contained the highly problematic headline, “Boy wants to return to school as girl,” and offered an unbalanced take on the issue that featured numerous quotes from a critical parent.
Read Story:

An interview with Hillary Clinton

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) reiterated her “strong” support for a range of gay rights initiatives in an exclusive interview with the Washington Blade on Sunday.
She called for extending federal recognition to same-sex couples, repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and rejected claims that she doesn’t speak forcefully enough on gay issues — something that supporters of rival Sen. Barack Obama have asserted during the campaign.

NEW AND INTERESTING AT THE CENTER WEST

All you LGBT cowboys, cowgirls and other counry folk might like to see what we recieved in the mail today. If you like to dance, and who of us doesn't, and you like to "get down" with a "hoedown" then we have just the thing for you.

Today in the mail we recieved a box of pamphlets from the IAGSDC. That's the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs for those of us who might be too square to be "in the know."

So put on your "shit-kickers" or your "cloggers" and get down to The Center West and get yerself one of them there brochures. You too could be square dancin with the best of em. Or you can go online to their web site and check it out.

Polka anyone?

I'm A Transgender Veteran -- Where Do I Fit Into Laura Ingram's Slam Of Transgender People

I'm a disabled, Persian Gulf War Veteran, with a Veterans Administration disability rating of 100%. My disabilities are service connected. I served 20-years in the U.S. Navy, from 1980-2000, and received an honorable discharge.
I'm also transgender.

Read more at Pam's House Blend:

WAYNE BESEN: Ted Haggard’s Inability To Go From Gay To Straight Was Predictable

NEW YORK – TruthWinsOut.org said Ted Haggard’s inability to go from gay to straight was no surprise and indicative of these failed programs. Haggard entered an intensive “restoration” process after he was fired from New Life Church and resigned as head of the National Association of Evangelicals in 2006 amid allegations that he had an affair with a male prostitute.
Read more:

WAYNE BESEN: Where Is The Gay Jesse Jackson?

As the nail biter of a presidential race becomes more uncertain, the only thing guaranteed is a good cry on Inauguration Day. Electing our first woman or black president will bring sobs of joy, just as the election of a Republican will usher in wallowing wails of woe.

Read more of Wayne's Column:

National Condom Week 2008 > Feb. 10-16, 2008

ASHA Recognizes National Condom Week 2008; Offers Updated Online Resources

SIOUX FALLS EVENTS

GLBT Financial Planning Seminar, Tuesday, February 12 @ 7:00. Contact Greg Kniffen at 605-361-9998 or email: gkniffen@wradvisors.com. It's time to plan your future!! Get some good tips!

"Vagina Monologues" at Augustana Coleg in Kresge Recital Hall.
Thursday, February 14--7:00 mocktails and silent auction. Show at 8:00 pm.
Friday, February 15--Show at 7:00.

Monday, Feb. 11 at 7:00 in Morrison Commons Bldg--Siiverson Lounge: Discuss how you can " Change the Story of Women"--Panel and Open Discussion.

Tues., Feb 12 at 7:00 in Morrison Commons Bldg--3-in-1 room: "Women in the Global Community: Stopping the Abuse."

(The Vagina Monologues is a MUST SEE!) Adults: $5.00, Students: $2.00.

Obama on National Black HIV / AIDS Awareness Day

HIV/AIDS is appropriately described as a global challenge. Yet we know that the struggle against HIV/AIDS is not distant – our determination to take action must begin in our own communities.
A report released a few months ago on the state of HIV/AIDS in the District of Columbia makes this point painfully clear. Over 12,500 people living in the District are known to have HIV/AIDS. One in 20 residents has HIV, and 1 in 50 has AIDS – the highest rate of infection of any city in the country. The impact is particularly grave in the African American community, as more than 80 percent of HIV cases identified in the District between 2001 and 2006 were African Americans.

More at Obama's Web Site

Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert interviews HRC's Joe Solomonese

For his "Better Know A Lobbyist" segment last night, Stephen Colbert brought out his faux-condescending inner pundit to interview HRC president Joe Solomonese.

"I thought you worked for homosexual rights," Colbert says, on learning that "HRC" indeed stands for "Human Rights Campaign," as opposed to "Homosexual Rights Campaign."

Read more on Page One Q:

Deb Price: Between the Lines" Provides a Voice for Gay Community

For 15 years, this Michigan newspaper has advocated for gay rights.

Despite plenty of experience with the thrill of being swept up by her partner's energy and latest gotta-do idea, Jan Stevenson was floored in 1995 by four words: "I bought the newspaper."

Read more at Alternet:

New Department of Justice anti-discriination policies

Attorney General Mukasey has reversed the discriminatory policies of Ashcroft and Gonzalez in his new EEO statement

Salt Lake City OKs Domestic Partner Registry

Gay couples and other unmarried domestic couples in Salt Lake City will soon have an unprecedented legal recognition in Utah.

Read more at Deseret Morning News:

SLC domestic partnership registry: Legislature may scuttle move hailed by gays: Salt Lake Tribune

Salt Lake City has fired a booming shot on behalf of same-sex and other domestic partners' right to receive insurance benefits. But the Utah Legislature is reloading - with the progressive capital squarely in its sights.

Read more in the Salt Lake Tribune

MISSION UPDATE

On Tuesday, Sharon Ludwick Warner, Board member for EQSD PAC, arranged a meeting between myself and Jim Castleberry, Executive Director of the Cornerstone Rescue Mission so we could discuss the LGBT communities concerns regarding the Mission.

I wish to report that it was a very frank and productive meeting. I was assured that the Mission is open to everyone and that discrimination and intolerance would not be allowed. Director Castleberry explained the steps that were being taken to eliminate problems and to ensure that everyone would be treated equally and fairly. He is moving his office back into the Mission. This will allow him to have a better handle on the day to day operations and problems at The Mission.

The staff member about whom the compaints were expressed is leaving at the end of February. I am told this is a mutually agreed upon move due to differences of opinion on the operating philosophy of the mission.

Understanding the problems inherent in operating the Mission and dealing with the myriad of problems associated with the variety of clientele utilizing the services, I was pleased with Director Castleberry's willingness and dedication to making the Mission a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in need of the services they have to offer.

My impression is that Jim Castleberry is a good man and this community is fortunate to have him in charge of such a difficult yet vitally necessary operation.

Local Newsworthy Happenings

This week has been incredibly busy and I haven't had much time to post on what has been happening. I will try to catch up here.

I usually don't watch Fox News. But for some reason I found myself watching it on Monday Feb. 4th. I am so glad I did. They have a segment now called "The Rising Stars of the West Contest." It features students from various High Schools in the area competing for scholarships.

Monday evening featured Rapid City Central High School Junior, Brooke Grassby speaking about the Laramie Project which she is in. It was great and took a lot of courage. I urge everyone to go to the Fox News Web Site and check it out. If you agree with me, rate her high. I gave her a 5.

The Rapid City Journal today had a great guest editorial from Human Rights Watch about why South Dakota Legislature should not pass SB65 (The bill to add to the sex offeder registry those who intentionaly pass HIV on to others.)

Much of what it said was similar to what I posted on this blog earlier and was also used by EQSD in testimony delivered to the legislature earlier in the session.

I took Ryan Bowker to the airport on Tuesday to catch a flight to Detroit for the annual "Creating Change Conference" sponsored by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. This is a huge conference with LGBT activists from all over the world conviening for workshops, meetings, networking, etc. It is the big one of the year.

The free, all expxense paid trip is part of what Ryan recieved for winning the National Colin Higgins, Youth Courage Award last year. To my knowledge Ryan will be the only person from South Dakota at the conference this year.

I recieved a call from him when he landed in Detroit. He was excited and thrilled to be part of such an incredible event.

A Message to LGBT Americans: “I Want to Be Your President

By Senator Hillary Clinton

As I have traveled around the country these past twelve months, what I sensed in my heart has been confirmed – America is embracing its LGBT sons and daughters with an acceptance and understanding as never before. On the campaign trail, a father of a gay son will ask about ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. A woman will ask why she can be discriminated against just because of who she is. Sometimes they wait furtively for the crowd to thin and then whisper their confidences in a soft voice and sometimes they stand up proudly at town meetings and want me to share my views on how I will help lead the change to assure that this country fulfills its promise to everyone.

Read more at Our Chart:

Military takes no action against gay medic from Chautauqua County

TV appearance brings no penalties, so far
By Lindsey McPherson Updated: 02/04/08 8:16 AM


WASHINGTON — The U.S. government’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy calls for the military to discharge service members who disclose that they are gay, but Army Sgt. Darren Manzella — who came out of the closet on national television — is still serving his country without being disciplined.

Read more at The Buffalo News:

A force divided: No evidence gay airmen degrade unit cohesion or readiness

By David L. Gainer

The “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on homosexuals in the military has been controversial since it became law in 1993. Gays and lesbians have served their nation admirably since the days of the Continental Army. However, the current law and the Defense Department policies that implement it were founded on the assumption that gays in the ranks would be detrimental to unit morale, unit cohesion and combat readiness.

Read more at The Air Force Times:

From Reagan Backwards: In attacking gays, GOP contenders fail tests of fairness and independence

You won’t find it celebrated at his official library and shrine in Simi Valley. But 30 years ago, in the run-up to his own successful bid for chief executive, Ronald Reagan denounced a looming statewide ballot measure in California aimed at punishing any teacher or professor in a public classroom rumored to support homosexuality.

Read more at Gay Politics.com:

More too at Queerty:

Significant Movement of Edwards (LGBT) Supporters to Obama

Over the last few days, a large number of former Edwards supporters have migrated to the campaign of Senator Barack Obama.
During a call requested by Senator Obama, nearly 80 activists from clean tech, the LGBT community and other progressive groups who had supported John Edwards listened to a personal appeal from the Senator. Mostly San Francisco-based, the participants asked questions of the campaign team. Afterwards, a vast majority of the group signed on with the Obama campaign.

Read more at David Mixner.com:

SJSU suspends blood drives; gay-donor ban called discriminatory

LEADER SAYS U.S. BAN ON GAY DONORS IS DISCRIMINATORY
By Dana Hull and Leslie Griffy; Mercury News

In a controversial move believed to be a first by an American college, San Jose State University President Don Kassing has suspended all campus blood drives because of a longstanding government policy that bars gay men from donating blood.

Read more at San Jose Mercury News:

Safe Food and Safe Sex: More Thoughts on Risk

Filed by: Patricia Nell Warren
February 2, 2008 11:43 PM

There's a yardstick of health safety that is never mentioned in the LGBT sex world…which is surprising, because this yardstick is one that measures our lives every day. It’s about food. No fewer than 120 animal diseases can be transmitted to humans, including some whose symptoms make for grisly reading. Today many Americans take for granted the firewall of food-safety regulations that has been built around us. We buy those attractively packaged steaks, eggs, bacon, etc. in the supermarket, or we feast on the beautifully presented entrée in the four-star restaurant. Or we drive up to the fast-food window and confidently grab a sack of burgers -- trusting blindly that those edibles are clean and safe to eat.

More of the article from Patricia Nell Warren at The Bilerico Project:

New York: State Court Recognizes Gay Marriages From Elsewhere

By ROBERT D. McFADDEN
Published: February 2, 2008
A New York appellate court ruled Friday that valid out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples must be legally recognized in New York, just as the law recognizes those of heterosexual couples solemnized elsewhere. Lawyers for both sides said the ruling applied to all public and private employers in the state.

Readmore at The New York Tmes:

Obama Picks Up LGBT Supporters From Edwards

A critical mass of John Edwards’s LGBT steering committee is going public with support for Sen. Barack Obama over Sen. Hillary Clinton.
By Kerry Eleveld

Read more in The Advocate:

Barack Obama: A Call for Full Equality

Over the last several weeks, the question of GLBT equality was placed on center stage by the appearance of Donnie McClurkin at one of my campaign events. McClurkin is a talented performer and a beloved figure among many African Americans and Christians around the country. At the same time, he espouses beliefs about homosexuality that I completely reject.

Read more from Obama at the Bilerico Project:

Obama Explains Why He's the Best Candidate for LGBT Americans

When the Obama campaign announced that Donnie McClurkin would be among the featured singers on the presidential candidate's gospel tour in South Carolina this weekend, it inadvertently ventured into the void between African-American Christians and gays and lesbians.

Read more in the Advocate:

More hypocrisy on the right: DVD Sanitizer Accused of X-Rated Behavior

Remember Clean Flix? It's the Utah-based DVD business that was a favorite of conservative politicians and an anathema to the studios because it edited feature films to remove or alter content deemed inappropriate.
Read more:

Straight pupil sues school for suppression of pro-gay speech

A Florida student has taken her school to federal court in defense of her First Amendment rights. Read more at Page One: