Federal judge strikes down Utah’s same-sex marriage ban – LGBTQ Nation
UPDATE: Appeals Court rejects Utah's request for emergency stay on marriage ruling
Monday, December 23, 2013
Federal judge strikes down Utah’s same-sex marriage ban – LGBTQ Nation
Federal judge strikes down Utah’s same-sex marriage ban – LGBTQ Nation
UPDATE: Appeals Court rejects Utah's request for emergency stay on marriage ruling
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Brutal offshore Christian Slave Camp to "Cure" Gay Kids Exposed
Brutal offshore Christian reform school exposed in new documentary | The Raw Story
“Kidnapped for Christ” is a new documentary that tells the story of teenagers sent to an evangelical Christian boarding school outside the U.S. where school personnel attempt to rid them of feelings of same sex attraction or other “ungodly” influences.
Monday, November 04, 2013
Senate Passes ENDA on Procedural Vote
Senate Passes ENDA on Procedural Vote | Advocate.com
With ALL Senate Democrats supporting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, including conservative Arkansas Democratic Senator Pryor, the Senate appears to be ready to pass ENDA this week. Five GOP Senators also voted in favor of ENDA today, but not Tennessee's Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, they voted against protecting LGBT people from employment discrimination!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Thursday, October 03, 2013
Ole Miss students, football team disrupt ‘Laramie Project’ play with gay slurs
Ole Miss students, football team disrupt ‘Laramie Project’ play with gay slurs – LGBTQ Nation
An audience consisting of mostly University of Mississippi students, including an estimated 20 Ole Miss football players, disrupted the University’s theater department production of “The Laramie Project” Tuesday night, heckling cast members and shouting anti-gay slurs
Monday, September 23, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
LGBT participation set for 50th anniversary March on Washington
LGBT participation set for 50th anniversary March on Washington | Gay : Washington Blade
LGBT people from throughout the country are expected to join civil rights movement leaders in a series of events this week that include a mass rally at the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic 1963 March on Washington for civil rights.
The rally and several of the other events, among other things, will honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, who delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, 1963, and the lead organizer of that event, black civil rights organizer Bayard Rustin, who was gay.
Three national LGBT organizations – the National Black Justice Coalition, the Human Rights Campaign, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force are among a broad coalition of U.S. civil rights groups participating in the events.
“The LGBT community is a key part of this broad coalition of Americans that will participate in the march,” HRC said in a statement on Monday.
1963 March on Washington (Photo public domain)
The HRC statement says the march on Saturday will call on Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, an LGBT civil rights bill that has been stalled in Congress for decades. LGBT participants will also join mainline civil rights groups in calling on Congress to pass a restoration of the Voting Rights Act, comprehensive immigration reform legislation, and other key priorities of the civil and human rights movement.
LGBT Rights Organizations Issue Open Letter in Support of 50th Anniversary of March on Washington
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Monday, August 05, 2013
Allen Cook, 1947-2013
Allen Cook, 1947-2013 | Memphis Gaydar
Allen Cook, Leader in Memphis Gay Community, Loses Battle with Cancer (Commercial Appeal)
The Memphis LGBT community lost a hero and pioneer of the Memphis gay rights movement Saturday Aug. 3. Allen Cook was one of a handful of gay activists in Memphis back in the 1980s who formed the Memphis Gay Coalition, and later the Aid to End Aids Committee (ATEAC) which became Friends for Life. He published the Memphis Gay Community's newspaper, GAZE, which became Triangle Journal News for over 20 years.
Many people have shared the ways Allen touched their lives, including those who called the Memphis Gay Switchboard, which Allen often manned from his home. Allen was the first person many talked to when they came out and called the switchboard. He helped organize to fight AIDS and care for the victims of the 80s plague that was ignored by Ronald Reagan. He helped create and establish Friends for Life to feed and care for people with AIDS in the midsouth. He touched hundreds, perhaps thousands, of peoples lives.
His later years were spent mainly in the quiet of his home which he shared with his partner of 30 years, John Stillwell. John had a stroke about 10 years ago and lost the ability to speak, and was partially disabled. Allen cared for John on limited economic means. After being laid off he and John survived only on Allen's meager Social Security benefits. A journal he left behind tells of the economic and emotional strain he endured, and left detailed instructions on how to care for John.
I met Allen when I moved to Memphis to go to graduate school what was then Memphis State University in 1984. I came to Memphis right out of Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas after coming out to myself and my family, to work on my master's degree in sociology at MSU. When I arrived at MSU the gay student group, GALA (Students for Gay and Lesbian Awareness) was defunct. I and a few gay students restarted the group, and Allen was very supportive of us.
In the 1990s, I organized the Memphis Lesbian and Gay Coalition for Justice (LGCJ) and once again Allen supported our efforts by allowing me to write articles in the Triangle Journal News. In the 2000s Allen allowed me to write a regular column, Queer Notes, and I helped deliver the TJN for $50 a month, which was probably most of his profit from the paper. When the Bush recession hit in 2006 he decided to turn the TJN over to the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center. It was around that time that John had a stroke and Allen was laid off from his job.
Sadly, I lost touch with Allen for many years, and like many did not know about the economic hardships they faced. We were reunited on Facebook a few weeks before his death. Allen began posting about his health and after going to the doctor was hit with the bad news, he had last stage inoperable lung cancer. No cure, no treatment to stop it. He posted about difficulties getting around, driving, etc. and I began to realize that he needed my help even though he did not want to ask for it.
After Allen posted a message on Facebook saying that John had a seizure and was taken to the hospital, I went to check on him fearing he was home all alone. Allen was very ill and almost bed ridden. He knew he was running out of time for get John's SSI set up so he could be taken care of. He was worried about John more than himself. I found out that Allen had been cooking for John even while his health was making it very difficult for him to do so.
I began posting messages to friends on his condition and many of his friends came together to form a support group. We set up a meal program and got legal help to get John's disability insurance.
Realizing the difficulties we faced providing him care at home, Allen moved into Methodist Residential Hospice care the last week of July. Many of Allen's friends got to visit with him and we did all we could to comfort him in his last hours. Allen kept a sense of humor even to the end of his life. He got irritated when people asked him how he was doing, "I'm dying!" he would tell them.
When I went to visit him on Saturday Aug. 3 I knew it would probably be his last day. I wanted to be by his side, and I watched him slowly drift into a deep sleep and held his hand as he stopped breathing. It was my first experience sitting with someone as they passed away, and one of the greatest moments of my life.
I regret losing touch with Allen and John for so many years, but will work with others to take care of John for Allen, and to remind the next generation of LGBT youth of what Allen Cook did to make their lives better in Memphis.
R.I.P Allen, we will not forget you.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
Why We Can't Celebrate: Fight for Gay Rights Not Over
Why We Can't Celebrate: Fight for Gay Rights Not Over
The Supreme Court affirmed the rights of gay people just as they rode roughshod over the rights of African-Americans
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Supreme Court Rules: DOMA Unconstitutional, Prop 8 Dead
SUPREME COURT ISSUES LANDMARK LGBT RULINGS
DOMA Unconstitutional, California Prop 8 Dead
Actually only Sec. 3 of DOMA was overturned, the section prohibiting Federal recognition and benefits for same-sex married couples. Sec. 2, allowing states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages in other states still stands. Overturning the remaining anti-marriage equality state laws and constitutional amendments will require another case challenging one of them, but this ruling clearly lays the legal foundation for a broader ruling upholding marriage as a federal right and overturning laws and amendments that infringe on that right. So there is much work to do... And just as important, maybe more so, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is still sitting in Congress waiting for action. Employment discrimination against LGBT people is still legal in most of the United States, and we can't make same-sex marriage the main focus on LGBT activism.
The struggle for LGBT equality continues and will be fought in state legislatures, Congress and the Supreme Court for many years, so the outcomes of the 2014 and 2016 elections will determine how long we have to wait for equal rights in marriage and work. We must organize to take the House back from the TeaRepublicans in 2014 and not allow a Republican in the White House in 2016.
After the Supreme Court Ruling, the Long Walk to the Altar Continues
Here's Almost Everything You Need to Know now that DOMA is (almost) Dead (NGLTF)
U.S. v Windsor Ruling
What DOMA going DOA means for Tennessee (Grand Divisions)
Right-Wing Reaction
Scalia Rants Against "Homosexual Sodomy" in Dissent
Marriage Equality and Beyond (DSA)
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Exodus International to Shut Down
Exodus International to Shut Down | Exodus International
The infamous anti-gay ("Ex-Gay") religious organization is shutting down.... finally
The infamous anti-gay ("Ex-Gay") religious organization is shutting down.... finally
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Pro-Basketball Player Jason Collins Comes Out
‘I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.’ | National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Blog
Unbelievably, Jason Collins is the first gay male professional team athlete to come out. Hopefully his courageous statement will help break down the homophobia in professional male sports...
Homophobia has been a long-term problem in male professional sports, which I and UK gay activist Peter Tatchell tried to call attention to back in 2002, when we protested Mike Tyson's homophobic rants when he came to Memphis to fight Lenox Lewis... Mike Tyson Hugs Gay Activist
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Marriage Is Great, But Many LGBT People of Color Need Job Safety
An important look at poverty in the LGBT community, especially among LGBT racial minorities, and why we cannot let the fight for marriage equality divert attention from the main issue--economic justice.
Marriage Is Great, But Many LGBT People of Color Need Job Safety - COLORLINES
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Debate: Does Marriage Equality Reinforce a Conservative Institution or Support Social Change?
Scot Nakagawa (Why I Support Same Sex Marriage as a Civil Right, But Not As a Strategy to Achieve Structural Change) caused a stir on the LGBT blogosphere with his criticism of the push for gay marriage as a conservative movement and not an effective way to create radical change.
He is correct that the right to marry is not the end of the fight for LGBT equality, but I think he is wrong to dismiss the fight, and near victory, for gay and lesbian couples to legally marry as a conservative strategy that falls short of true liberation. The freedom to marry is not the only, or the most important, goal for LGBT liberation, but for many gay and lesbian couples it would be a major step forward in achieving civil rights and equality. There are other issues, like economic inequality and job discrimination, that most also be addressed, but it is not accurate to dismiss marriage equality as a conservative strategy and goal that falls short.
Here's a debate on the issue...
Debate: Does Marriage Equality Reinforce a Conservative Institution or Support Social Change?
He is correct that the right to marry is not the end of the fight for LGBT equality, but I think he is wrong to dismiss the fight, and near victory, for gay and lesbian couples to legally marry as a conservative strategy that falls short of true liberation. The freedom to marry is not the only, or the most important, goal for LGBT liberation, but for many gay and lesbian couples it would be a major step forward in achieving civil rights and equality. There are other issues, like economic inequality and job discrimination, that most also be addressed, but it is not accurate to dismiss marriage equality as a conservative strategy and goal that falls short.
Here's a debate on the issue...
Debate: Does Marriage Equality Reinforce a Conservative Institution or Support Social Change?
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
SCOTUS Update: It Doesn't Look Good for DOMA
SCOTUS Update: It Doesn't Look Good for DOMA | Common Dreams
By most accounts, the SCOTUS may not issue a sweeping national endorsement of marriage equality, but they are likely to dismiss the Prop. 8 case (thus allowing gay/lesbian marriages to continue to CA), and may strike down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which the Obama administration refused to defend. So we expect, at the least, for Prop 8 and DOMA to be put to rest in June....
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Big Week for Marriage Equality: SCOTUS Hears Arguments on Prop. 8 and DOMA
The U.S. Supreme Court Takes Up The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California's Proposition 8 this week.
A Wide of Potential Outcomes Possible in Same-Sex Marriage Cases
U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill announces her support for marriage equality – LGBTQ Nation
Before The Supreme Court Considers Gay Marriage, An American Change Of Heart
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
‘Equality House’ moves in across the street from anti-gay Westboro Church – LGBTQ Nation
Anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church bigots got a surprise across the street...
‘Equality House’ moves in across the street from anti-gay Westboro church – LGBTQ Nation
Monday, March 18, 2013
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
British Lawmakers Say Aye to Gay Marriage in Parliamentary Vote
British Lawmakers Say Aye to Gay Marriage in Parliamentary Vote
Looks like the British will beat the U.S. to marriage equality...
Looks like the British will beat the U.S. to marriage equality...
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tennessee 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Now Requires Teachers To Inform Parents If Their Child Is Gay
Tennessee 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Now Requires Teachers To Inform Parents If Their Child Is Gay | ThinkProgress
More from TN State Senator Stacey Campfield:
"Don't Say Gay" Bill Sponsor: "The Act of Homosexuality Is Very Dangerous"
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Nine States Least Likely to Legalize Gay Marriage Anytime Soon
Deron Dalton: Nine States Least Likely to Legalize Gay Marriage Anytime Soon
Yes Tennessee is on this list too...
Yes Tennessee is on this list too...