In Ecuador, clinics have been offering programs to 'cure homosexuality and parents have been placing their children in them. Under the guise of addiction clinic's, these institutions have been using torture and humiliation as means to create behavior modification.
The Ecuadorian government has been cracking down on the clinics especially since a CNN Report was aired highlighting the massive violation of human rights. The government recently appointed a new national Health Minister, Carina Vance, who has been an LGBT activist and she has been closing some of the clinics. CNN reported specifically on the story of lesbian Paola Concha. The report said,
Paola Concha is openly homosexual and is not afraid to speak about her sexual orientation publicly. But the 28-year-old Ecuadorian woman says her family didn't feel the same way.
Five years ago, when she was 23, she says, her family contacted a center that promised to cure Concha of her homosexuality. That, she says, is when her nightmare started.
"On December 8 of 2006, they stormed into my house, overpowered me, they put me inside a van and took me to a so-called 'therapeutic' center. By the time I got there, I was already handcuffed and beat up," Concha said.
The clinic was called Puente a la Vida, or Bridge to Life. In December, CNN was granted limited access to the clinic. It looked like a mid-level tourist resort with buildings, houses and meeting rooms where patients were treated. The facility is located on the outskirts of Quito, Ecuador's capital.
Concha says she endured all kinds of demeaning and abusive treatment during the 18 months she was held there.
"I was kept in handcuffs for more than three months. I would be left without food for more than three or four days. They would handcuff me in a bathroom to a toilet bowl facing a toilet that was used by 60 people at the center," Concha said.
As we are witnessing from all the end of the year reviews, the last year was a very good one for LGBT rights. While the intensity of the venom directed at us was breath-taking, we made major progress at ever level including the first time every the majority of Americans support marriage equality. Now as we enter 2012 we will be faced with a series of new challenges and the completion of work from last year.
At every level of LGBT lives there will be priorities and they are far too numerous to list. What are some of the most important challenges for 2012?
1. Re-Electing Barack Obama: The Republican candidates for President has been on a hate spree concerning LGBT rights. All pledge to roll back DADT, support a Constitutional Amendment banning marriage equality, fight LGBT adoption, etc, etc. Nothing is more important to protect our gains than the re-election of the President and hopefully at least one house of Congress. If the Republicans take all three we will be in fight for survival.
2. The Election of Tammy Baldwin To United State Senate and Other LGBT Candidates: Nothing would be more historical than electing our first openly LGBT United States Senator. Congresswomen Tammy Baldwin is running in Wisconsin to seek that honor and stands a real chance of being elected. In addition we have really exciting candidates running for Congress and in local elections. No one represents us better than our own.
3. Ballot Measures: There are three key ballot measures that need our focus. For the first time we have the real opportunity to defeat an attempt to ban marriage equality in a state constitution in Minnesota. Successfully defeating that measure would be major turning point in our struggle for equality. Equally important is in Maine where there will be on the ballot a measure to pass marriage equality. Winning both of these measures would deliver a huge defeat to the religious right. There is another ballot measure in North Carolina but they rigged this election against us by holding it in May with the Republican Primary. That one is an uphill battle.
4. Expanding Transgender Rights: No one suffers more from the brutal pain of oppression than our brothers and sisters in the Trangender movement. Expanding Transgender rights at the state level, obtaining appointments to serve in government and assisting with visibility is all our obligation. Especially insisting that they be protected by government from the brutality of hate crimes that haunts Transgender Americans.
5. International LGBT Rights: One of the major achievements of last years was the interlocking of American Foreign Policy with the rights of LGBT citizens. The epidemic of horrible legislation in Africa is continuing and LGBT citizens are being executed in some Middle Eastern nations. Stopping this epidemic of hate is essential and offering asylum to people fleeing for their lives is mandatory.
6. Court Cases: Our battles in the courts continue and we have some major decisions coming down all over the country at the federal and state levels. Especially crucial is the effort to repeal Proposition 8 by the American Foundation for Equal Rights.
-Well President Obama's team doesn't have to do any work in the next election. The re-elect campaign just has to run Ron Paul's anti-Gingrich ad over and over again. As they say back home, bless your heart, Mr. Paul.
-Speaking of campaign ads, Rick Perry's anti-LGBT ad continues to receive widespread disapproval. The latest count on YouTube is that almost 650,000 people disapprove of the ad and only close to 20,000 people approve of it. Who needs focus groups with those kind of record breaking numbers!
-Those of you who hadn't been able to see "Venus in Fur" starring Nina Arianda and Hugh Dancy (photograph below)at the Manhattan Theater Club before it closes on this coming Sunday can breathe a sigh of relief! The award winning play is transferring to the Lyceum Theater on Broadway. Tickets will go on sale December 15th for the February opening at the Lyceum.
-The Williams Institute has released data showing that marriage equality in Iowa has pumped up to $13 million dollars into the Hawkeye State.
-While Mitt Romney says he was opposed to the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' he has proclaimed to The Des Moines Register editorial board that he would NOT seek to reinstate the horrible policy.
-JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is just baffled by all the uproar around the issues of economic justice. At a speaking event when he was asked about the unrest among the masses he said, "Acting like everyone who's been successful is bad and that everyone who is rich is bad. I just don't get it." Yes, clearly he doesn't...
-All that in Spain is not 'mainly on plain.' The Spanish Royal family is being rocked by scandal. King Juan Carlo's son-in-law, Inaki Urdangarin, has been cashing in on the Spanish monarchy's good name and is likely to be charged with committing fraud.
-History is being made again in Hollywood as Trangender Actress Harmony Santana (below)has received a "Best Supporting Actress " nomination in the prestigious "Independent Spirit Awards". She was nominated for her role in "Gun Hill Road".
-Handsome Cleveland Browns Linebacker Scott Fujita has come out for marriage equality in the latest of HRC's YouTube program.
-Towlroad.com reported the businessman and space pioneer Richard Branson has spoken out publicly against the horrible anti-LGBT legislation being pushed in Nigeria. On his blog, Branson said:
Like everyone else in society, gay people have an enormous amount to offer and Nigeria should embrace them not prosecute them.
All of us with influence in Nigeria must do what we can to stop this cruel law. I would urge educated Nigerians all over the world to do what they can to help fight this discrimination.
-"Mother Jones Magazine" has published an extraordinary article about life inside of Uganda for the LGBT community. As that nation debates the death penalty for the nation's LGBT citizens, "The Love That Dares" captures of the heroism of the community(photograph below) as it struggles to survive under such oppression.
-Author, political genius and commentator Robert Shrum has a great new column in The Week. In "The GOP Establishment Better Get Used To Newt" , he points out that Newt is likely here to stay.
-Is actor Tim Allen's new Fall show on ABC, "Last Man Standing" a winner or loser? The Daily Beast just published its list of television's winners and losers for the Fall Season. Check them out.
-Now this is taking 'home schooling' to a new level. Actor J.D. Lewis is taking his two sons, Jackson and Buck, to twelve countries in twelve months to teach them about the world. You can follow their wonderful adventures by clicking here.
-Sarah Palin is learning finally what it is like to be out of the limelight. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the former Alaska Governor has been pitching a new reality show about her husband Todd and his snowmobile racing. How quickly things change....there are no takers so far from any cable outlet.
-Public Policy Polling is reporting that for the first time marriage equality has pulled into the lead in Colorado. The states voters approve 47% to 43% in favor of same sex marriage. Making progress one step at a time.........
-Totally was absorbed by this YouTube.com video of "Hubble Ultra Deep Field in 3D". Sit back and be amazed by our ever expanding universe.
International Activists with Secretary Clinton in Geneva
At the historic speech in Geneva on International LGBT rights were fourteen LGBT activists from around the world. They were flown to Geneva by the Council for Global Equality. The very fortunate activists got to hear in person the historic speech. Here are the reactions from those activists - all who much go home and fight extremely tough battles. If anyone doubts the impact of the speech, these words should help answer the skeptics.
Arvind Narrain from the Lawyers Collective in India: "The Secretary made a passionate case for LGBT rights as gay rights while being very culturally sensitive. The generosity of mentioning the gains in South Africa, Brazil, India, and Nepal conveyed a wider sense of ownership of these issues."
Sass Rogando Sasot from Society of Transsexual Women of the Philiipines: "The sincerity and courage of Secretary Clinton is an invitation for us to make the dignity of our common humanity the center and goal of our politics. Her speech is another step towards a world that's more inclusive, fair, and compassionate."
Polina Savchenko from the Russian LGBT Network: "Secretary Clinton's point about 'honest discussion' is particularly important for Russia because we suffer from extreme ignorance. Discussion is shut down in our country. Her message about decriminalization was also very important in our country right now."
Santiago Eder from Colombia Diversa: "It was extremely important that the Secretary of State of the United States of America introduced the concept that 'gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights.' It was a very symbolic and historic moment for the gay liberation movement."
Pauline Kimani of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya: "I really appreciated the speech. I loved the introspective parts and believe that the consultative process with these activists on the ground that was started today will continue for a lifetime!"
Adrian Jjuuko, Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law, Uganda: "It was a very powerful speech - which very relevant in the context of Uganda. Coming from the stature of HC, it amplifies our voices for equality much much further. I'm sure its impact will be felt for years to come.
Rev. MacDonald Sembereka of the Malawi Network of Religious Leaders Living with HIV/AIDS: "First and foremost, thank you Hillary Clinton and the U.S. government for starting a global discussion like never was done before. To me this has been a speech that touched all aspects of a discussion that we need to have globally. She covered all the pros and cons - and now the global discussion begins. I hope that the rest of the world takes it up."
Anastasia Danilova of Gender DOC-Moldova: "It was very important speech for Moldova because we have no political will or support in our country for the human rights of LGBT people. That is why it is so important to have the high level of Hillary Clinton's support for LGBT rights and freedoms. Personally, it was very empowering for her to talk about the importance of us - the LGBT activists."
Alice N'kom of ADEFHO, Cameroon: "I am so honored and privileged to be a part of this historical message. As a defender of women's human rights, it felt like it did after the Beijing conference on women -- the Secretary had the same impact on LGBT human rights today as she did with women's rights in Beijing. This makes our struggle a success. We will win, as we won in Beijing. And I hope my country and I will be a part of this side of history."
Sanja Juras of Kontra, Croatia: "It was certainly a very important speech and crucial that such a high official sent the message that LGBT rights are human rights. This makes a difference for people all over the world. For us in Croatia, the mention of freedom of assembly was very important, since these rights are violated, as during gay pride demonstrations this year."
Zoryan Kis of Fulcrum, Ukraine: "It was very exciting to really witness the history that Secretary Clinton said we are on the right side of. For the Ukrainian LGBT community the message that 'we are not alone' was so important to hear. The other message about the evolution of opinions and how Clinton's own understanding has developed was really helpful to our work. We cannot persuade people through accusations, but we have to work to help our society understand and accept LGBT rights."
J-FLAG Representative, Jamaica: "I was so honored to be a part of this moment in history. The central thing that stuck out for me is that progress begins with honest conversation. That is key for us at home in Jamaica to begin more rational, honest conversations about the rights of our people, including LGBT."
Vladimir Simenko of the Lithuanian Gay League: "Personally, as a human rights watchdog for two decades, I sometimes feel frustrated. But when I heard Hillary Clinton say that we have friends and partners abroad, I really felt that we are not alone. I truly feel motivated and inspired. We will use this message for our struggle - and hope that our government does too."
(Rarely have you seen this in this column but you MUST READ the Presidential Fact Sheet at the end of this introduction. It is mind-boggling in its scope. )
In the last weeks, we have seen nations around the world debate proposals that would round up their LGBT citizens and put them in prison. In some cases, governments have proposed the death penalty for our brothers and sisters overseas. The rash of legislation has become epidemic and is being pushed hard by religious fanatics who are using their LGBT citizens as political pawns to obtain power.
In the community, besides numerous petitions and calls for reasonable minds to prevail, there has been a sense of powerlessness as we watch their draconian measures proceed in governmental legislatures around the world.
Because of the actions taken by President Barack Obama yesterday that is no longer the case. The United States of America government is standing tall by our side ready to leverage its power to protect LGBT citizens, provide asylum when needed to LGBT refugees and hold nations accountable at all levels of our foreign policy and aid establishments
It is not possible to over estimate the importance and historical significance of these actions by the Obama administration. They will be attacked viciously by the Republicans, the religious right and those who make their living by hating gays. For any of you who wants to know what is at stake in this election just read this fact sheet issued by the White House yesterday. Thank you, Mr. President.
Today, President Obama issued a presidential memorandum that directs all federal agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons. Under the Obama Administration, agencies have already begun taking action to promote the fundamental human rights of LGBT persons everywhere. And now, following an interagency process coordinated by the National Security Staff, this memorandum directs the first-ever U.S. government strategy dedicated to combating human rights abuses against LGBT persons abroad. Today’s memorandum applies to the Departments of State, the Treasury, Defense, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Export-Import Bank, the United States Trade Representative, and such other agencies as the President may designate.
The memorandum directs agencies to:
• Combat the criminalization of LGBT status or conduct abroad. • Protect vulnerable LGBT refugees and asylum seekers. • Leverage foreign assistance to protect human rights and advance nondiscrimination. • Ensure swift and meaningful U.S. responses to human rights abuses of LGBT persons abroad. • Engage International Organizations in the fight against LGBT discrimination. • Report on progress.
Even before today’s memo, U.S. agencies have been working to protect and promote the rights of LBGT persons around the world. Since January 2009, Secretary Clinton has directed the Department of State to champion a comprehensive human rights agenda—one that includes the protection of LGBT people.
Around the world, the State Department is:
• Engaging bilaterally and regionally in conjunction with U.S. embassies, civil society, and multilateral agencies to encourage countries to repeal or reform laws that criminalize LGBT conduct or status.
• Reinforcing the human rights of LGBT people in multilateral fora, such as the UN Human Rights Council. In June 2011, the United States joined South Africa and a cross-regional group of co-sponsors in passing the first-ever UN Human Rights Council resolution on the human rights of LGBT persons.
• Promoting human rights worldwide. U.S. embassies are declaring the United States’ support for the human rights of LGBT people through innovative public diplomacy. Ambassadors and embassies have hosted public discussions and private roundtables, published op-eds and supported Pride events.
• Supporting LGBT human rights defenders and civil society groups, with programmatic and financial assistance, including efforts to document human rights violations; build advocacy skills; provide advocates with legal representation; and, when necessary, relocation support.
• Reporting on the conditions of human rights of LGBT people in each of its annual, country-specific Human Rights Reports.
• Strengthening the Department’s personnel and consular policies. The Secretary extended the range of legally available benefits and allowances to same-sex domestic partners of foreign service staff serving abroad. The United States also incorporated gender identity into federal equal employment opportunity policies in 2010.
• Protecting LGBT refugees, asylum seekers, and migrantsthrough a protection strategy developed with other U.S. Government agencies, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and NGOs.
-The world is about to have its second openly LGBT Prime Minister. Joining Iceland's lesbian Prime Minister Johanna Siguroardottir will be Elio di Rupo of Belgium (above). The Socialist should be sworn in today and form a government at the request of King Albert II. When asked if he was gay he simply said, "Yes, so what?" He has his work cut out for him in the deeply divided and economically troubled nation.
-In a teaser on Twitter, Public Policy Polling says that Newt Gingrich in North Carolina will be the first candidate to get above 50% in a state that is not their home state. This always has been one of Newt's strongest states.
-Big news coming out of Maine! In just twelve weeks, Equality Maine has gathered over 100,000 signatures to put marriage equality on the ballot. The Pine Tree State will vote next year and the polling is looking good.
-A social worker, Carol Mapley, will be the first Transgender person running for public office in Scotland. She will seek a seat on the Castle Douglas and Glenkins Council.
-Scottish sculptor Martin Boyce has won the very prestigious Turner Prize. The award is given to a British artist under 50 who had the best exhibit in the last year.
-Did you know that archaeologists estimate that there are over 20,000 slaves in different burial sites in New York City?
-AllOut.org has collected and presented over 55,000 signatures to the Nigerian consulate in New York to protest anti-LGBT legislation in that nation. They collected them in just a long weekend. This is an amazing organization and you can still sign the petition by clicking here.
-In the NBC/ Marist Poll, Gingrich has jumped 20 points in New Hampshire and is in striking distance of Romney .
-Oh God, don't you wish you were an investor? On November 29, the Broadway smash musical Book of Mormon recouped its entire capitalization. It is all profit from now on and last week they played to a 102% house.
-The Los Angeles Times has a terrific story on openly gay philanthropist David Bohnett (below). He is currently the Chair of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and has given nearly $20 million to LGBT causes over the years. Be sure to read this wonderful article.
-Dr. Jeff Masters of WeatherUnderground.comwrites that if Hurricane Irene's winds had just been 10 mph higher the subways of New York City would have completely flooded. The entire article is amazing about the consequences of the Hurricane in the New York City area.
-You can find hope in Massachusetts! Elizabeth Warren is leading incumbent Republican Scott Brown by 4% according to UMass Amherst Poll.
-ArtForum.com had director John Waters select his ten favorite movies of 2011.
-Sundance Film Festival will premiere the documentary on Bishop Eugene Robinson - "Live Free or Die." This film reunites the team of Macky Alston and Sandra Itkoff.
-Bil Browing of the "Bilerico Project" has a good article that will make you think twice before putting any money in the Salvation Army's little red buckets this holiday season.
You might consider forwarding this story to your straight friends so they are fully informed because they are now at risk! The massive epidemic of hate against LGBT people continues unchecked in Africa. The latest is Nigeria. In all their wisdom, the Nigerian senate just passed legislation that would send not only their LGBT citizens to prison for marrying BUT also send any straight friends who supported them in their marriage to prison too!!!!
Yep, that is right, there is a new twist happening in some of the homophobic legislation that is being passed. Straights who support a same sex marriage go directly to jail with us for ten years. You read it right. Ten years in jail for witnessing our marraige! Wonder if they will allow us neighboring cells so we can stay in touch?
Under the proposed law, couples who marry could face up to 14 years each in prison. Witnesses or anyone who helps couples marry could be sentenced to 10 years behind bars. That’s an increase over the bill’s initial penalties, which lawmakers proposed during a debate Tuesday televised live from the National Assembly in Nigeria’s capital Abuja.
Other additions to the bill include making it illegal to register gay clubs or organizations, as well as criminalizing the “public show of same-sex amorous relationships directly or indirectly.” Those who violate those laws would face 10-year imprisonment as well.
The Post also cited the atmosphere of hatred directed at their LGBT citizens that is taking over the country:
“Such elements in society should be killed,” said Sen. Baba-Ahmed Yusuf Datti of the opposition party Congress for Progressive Change, drawing some murmurs of support from the gallery.
Gay sex has been banned in Nigeria, a nation of more than 160 million people, since colonial rule by the British. Gays and lesbians face open discrimination and abuse in a country divided by Christians and Muslims who almost uniformly oppose homosexuality. In the areas in Nigeria’s north where Islamic Shariah law has been enforced for about a decade, gays and lesbians can face death by stoning.
Each day the situation is getting worse for LGBT Africans. Just this past week we have seen gay men sent to prison in Cameron, Nigeria taking action to make consensual same sex a crime, Zimbabwe cracking down on its LGBT citizens and the surfacing again of Uganda's death legislation. All over the continent African LGBT citizens are being sent to prison and are in great jeopardy.
The extent of the epidemic of homophobia that is sweeping Africa is deeply disturbing and has reached the stage that the foreign policy machine of the United States must get involved. America must seriously consider doing the following:
1. Joining British Prime Minister David Cameron and threaten to block aid to nations persecuting members of the LGBT community.
2. Put the topic of oppression of LGBT citizens on the agenda for all future summits with African leaders held by both President Obama and Secretary Clinton.
3. Extend asylum to African LGBT citizens who face imprisonment or death.
4. Cut off any US Funds to any organization that is actively organizing to support any homophobic actions in Africa.
5. Add significant educational programing on Voice of America and other officially sponsored outlets to get the truth to the people of Africa
-Governor Jerry Brown of California signed two historic laws for Transgender rights. The first law would make it easier for a person to change/upgrade their birth certificates to reflect their current status. The second extends protections for the Transgender community from across the board discrimination.
-The Washington Post/Bloomberg National Poll just released on Monday shows that Mitt Romney, with two and a half months to go before Iowa, still can't break that 25% barrier after six years of campaigning! The top five in the national poll were Romney at 24%, Herman Cain at 16%, Rick Perry at 13%, Ron Paul at 6% and poor Michele Bachmann at 4%. The winner in the poll was Undecided which came in at a high 29%.
-A Pew Research Center poll showed Romney and the President tied at 48% each. What is interesting is that those supporting Obama are voting because they like Obama and not so much against Romney. While those who are voting for Romney are voting against Obama and only 15% really want Romney.
-The insider buzz about "The Mountaintop" written by extraordinary playwright Katori Hall and starring the talented duo of Samuel Jackson and Angela Bassett is a 'hot ticket.' Those in the know says that "The Mountaintop" could walk away with a number of Tony Awards next year. The play about the human side of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr opens officially this week. You all better get those tickets now.
Playwright Katori Hall
-In Madison, Wisconsin, openly gay Pastor Scott Anderson is the first to officially be ordained a minister in the Presbyterian Church. Hard to believe this struggle is over since LGBT Presbyterians have been fighting this battle over forty years. Bravo to Rev. Scott Anderson!
-On Saturday, October 29, LOGO TV will air the splendid and powerful documentary called "Illegal Love." The film is about the struggle around the Proposition 8 campaign and has received praise at a number of film festivals including Cannes!
-GAYRVA.com has a wonderful story of two married male rabbis in Richmond, Virginia. The couple, Rabbi Andrew Goldman and Rabbi Jesse Gallop, are leaving their mark on the city as a new 'power couple.' This is a must read. Who would have thought Richmond?!
-The International President of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Gerald McEntee has written an incredible column for "Daily Kos" about why the Republicans will attempt to stop the President's jobs program. Also he and his 1.6 million members stand side by side with Occupy Wall Street. Just click here to read this very fine piece.
-The American Wildlife Foundation in their recent newsletter said that the number of Roan Antelope in Kenya has dropped from 200 in the 1970's to only 50 today. While there are other populations in Central Africa the outlook for the antelope is dim in Kenya.
-Secretary Clinton, listen carefully to this one: The United Kingdom's Conservative International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has started cutting off aidfrom the UK to any African nation which persecute members of the LGBT community. He has full backing of Prime Minister Cameron. Time we did the exact same policy here in the United States.
-Academy Award-winning actress and best-selling author Shirley MacLaine has been selected by the America Film Institute (AFI) to receive their "Lifetime Achievement Award" next year. Why in the world hasn't the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC awarded her the prestigious "Kennedy Center Honors?" This one is long overdue!
Actress Shirley MacLaine
-Hurricane Katrina and its images will never be far from our minds. Many of us will never forget the devastated Hyatt Hotel in downtown New Orleans. Believe it or not, it is just reopening this its doors on October 19! The rebuilding and renovations are all done and it is ready to host those Mardi Gras parties.
-Sarah Palin's personal documentary "You Betcha" has been packing them into the theaters, right? Nope, it is a huge flop. The movie has grossed just $10,000 since it opened. One theater reported there was just one person in one of the screenings.
-Now, here is one for the books: long shot Republican Presidential candidate Buddy Roemer is going to Occupy Wall Street this week to show his support. The former Louisiana congressman and governor switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in 1991.
-Wow. The Glass House Tavern keeps filling those tables with the elite of Broadway. Over the last couple of weeks you could see legendary producer Hal Prince, actress Judith Light, Phil Donahue with Marlo Thomas, Ethan Coen, Elaine May, John Turturro, MSBC's Thomas Roberts, Academy Award winning producer Bruce Cohen, Steve Guttenberg and Grammy winning Desmond Childs. If they keep this up, they will become the new "Elaine's" on the Westside!
Thomas Roberts
-In the new NBC/Marist Poll, Romney clings to a slim lead in Iowa with 23% and pizza king Herman Cain is close behind with 20%. Ron Paul is a distinct third with 11% and Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry are tied at 10%. Iowa used to be in love with Bachmann and she was leading at one point. Boy, she must hate the pizza king!
-If you missed Ken Burn's documentary on PBS, Prohibition, you missed one of the best that I have ever seen from anyone let alone Burns. It was a remarkable tale of what happens when a minority passionately imposes their morality on the majority through a Constitutional amendment. Sound familiar? If you missed it, I strongly urge you to look for it on PBS or even better support his work by purchasing the DVDs. This is a masterpiece.
-Without a doubt, one of my favorite morning rituals is reading Ed Kennedy's Morning Meme on AfterElton.com. Beside the tons of information about the world,entertainment and the LGBT community he has the best videos. I love the ones that includes animals. This one had me laughing all morning today. Enjoy.
-The world's most powerful and expensive telescope, Alma, has started operating this week in the high deserts of Chile. The huge observatory will have the capacity to locate a new galaxy every three minutes. The photograph above is a composite between Hubble and Alma of the Antennae galaxies.
-Since DADT was repealed, the military has been making positive decisions left and right. Some on the civilian side of government should take notice. The Pentagon announced that military chaplains can officiate at same sex weddings.
-Conservative retailer Walmart has surprisingly added protections for its Trangender employees. Good for them.
-After playing for almost four years, Broadway's musical "Billy Elliot" is set to close on January 8, 2012. It won ten Tony Awards including "Best Musical." The show has been seen by over 1.6 million people and totally recouped its investment.
-A Washington Post/ Pew poll shows that 45% of Americans believe that America has become a nation divided into 'haves' and 'have-nots.'
-"Hung" Actor Thomas Jane says he was a male escort for other men in his youth in Los Angeles to help make ends meet.
-Bravo to the Italian Court that released American Amanda Knox who soon will be coming home. I am absolutely convinced that she was innocent and has spent four horrible years in prison!
-ACLU in Rhode Island has released a detailed report on why the recently passed civil unions are a 'fiasco' and the state must move toward marriage equality.
-A new Gallup Poll says that 55% of Americans believe that a third party is needed. Independents want a new party by a huge 68%.
-An ABC/Washington Post Poll tells us that 55% of Americans do not expect President Obama to win re-election. It can only go uphill from here!
-Add Nigeria to the growing list of African nations embracing witch hunts against the LGBT community. LGBT couples in the populous African nation could face up to three years in prison. Anyone assisting them in marriage would face jail time and large fines.
-Who would have thought we would ever see the day? The United States Senate confirmed openly gay Robert Lee Pittman to be a United States Attorney in the Western District of Texas. His nomination was supported by both United States senators from Texas!
-Boston.com's Big Picture has a photojournalism spread on global protests that have been taking place. Below is one of those photographs from a bold demonstrator in Bolivia fighting for university reform but click here to see all of them and get photographer credits.
-You can't get more 'redneck' than country singer Toby Keith which makes his statements on marriage equality all the more surprising. He thinks fighting over a piece of paper (marriage license) is a big deal about nothing and we should let everyone get married. Talk about progress!
-Equality Maineis halfway toward its goal of collecting enough signatures to place marriage equality on next fall's ballot. Make a contribution by clicking here.
-Tea Party Conservative Republican Congresswoman Renee Ellmers has come out against the anti-marriage equality amendment that will be on the North Carolina ballot next May. She says it just goes too far.
-A Boston Herald poll shows that Elizabeth Warren continues to run even with incumbent Republican Senator Scott Brown in Massachusetts. It also shows that Democrat Joe Kennedy would be ahead of Brown by 8% if he decided to run (which is not likely).
-Openly gay candidate for mayor of San Francisco,Bevan Dufty, has done a delightful and moving ad with his child, Sydney. It it is believed to be a first where a openly LGBT candidate has used their child in a political ad. Take a look.
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