Last Word

Stacey Campfield: Insurance companies charge homosexuals higher rates due to shorter, dangerous lives

2012-02-01T05:41:25Z

Tennessee state senator Stacey Campfield continued his media campaign against homosexuality and discussions about gay lives in schools by appearing on the David Pakman Show.

During his 10-minute interview on Monday, Campfield seemed to indicate that insurance companies raise their rates for homosexuals. He claimed this to be true because the companies have statistics showing that gays, when compared to others, live significantly shorter lives -- by a full 24 years!

Pakman asked the senator why his anti-gay politics are focused on anal sex between men. Campfield replied (DavidPakman.com):

"Well, obviously, like I said, it's not a healthy lifestyle. It's very dangerous. The average homosexual, for a variety of reasons, has a lilfespan of about 24 years shorter than the average person.... Actually, there's, uh, statistics for insurance companies who do that sort of thing.

"Well, now they try and discredit it. They say, 'What about older men in monogamous relationships?' Well, I hate to say it, but most homosexual relationships -- I shouldn't say most. Many homosexual relationships are not monogamous.... There's statistics on it. And actually, where you get a lot of this information --. You can pull a lot of this information up.

"Look at insurance statistics. If you are a homosexual man, your insurance rates go through the roof, and the reason is because you have so much shorter life span.... Life insurance."

Campfield either could not or chose not to elaborate futher on this latest stunning claim. He did seem to say that homosexuality did not exist in the animal kingdom because:

"I hate to use graphic language, but I've never seen or heard of an animal sodomizing another animal.... I know animals, they sort of -- I hate to say 'fake it' or whatever, to show of dominance over one another, but I've never seen an animal sodomize another animal, no. ... Well, that's what most people have said, that it's more of a show dominance. When they do that, they're showing dominance over another animal.... If you want to go online, you can look that up."

The senator added that he did not believe more bullying laws needed to be added to protect gay students. (Two teenagers committed suicide in Tennessee recently. Reports say they suffered through years of bullying.) Campfield said he did not think anyone should be bullied; but then claimed gay people choose to engage in homosexual activity, therefore, it is right to conclude that people choose to be gay.

The only other bright point heard in Campfield's gay-obsessed concerns came when the discussion moved to the recent incident where he was kicked out of a gay-friendly restaurant. David Pakman suggested that Campfield might have a sense now of what it feels like when homosexuals are discriminated against. Campfield replied:

"I'll be honest with you. I would not frequent a place that said, 'We're not going to serve homosexuals' in a restaurant. I wouldn't go there.... I don't think we should be discriminating based on that. I don't think that's a valid reason."

It is not apparent if Sen. Campfield knows that "homosexuality" includes women, too, or if he knows homosexuality incorporates many more relationship and intimacy options than anal sex. But with his high level of misinformation about AIDS, gays, and the needs of school children, the public likely does not need to find out.

Cynthia Nixon comes out again as "bisexual," but in a gay relationship

2012-01-31T07:18:18Z

For reasons all her own, actress Cynthia Nixon has given the Advocate magazine a clarification about her sexual orientation. She has been under pressure since a controversial remark she made to the New York Times seemed to indicate that being gay is "a choice" for some.

In her latest statement, Nixon still maintains that people shouldn't be "pigeon-holed into one cultural narrative," but she does acknowledge:

"While I don't often use the word, the technically precise term for my orientation is bisexual. I believe bisexuality is not a choice, it is a fact. What I have 'chosen' is to be in a gay relationship."

She went on to say that she does not believe people choose the gender of the individuals they are attracted to -- not in "our community" and not for "the majority of heterosexuals."

Nixon has been criticized by many people for confusing the issue of sexual orientation on both personal and sociopoliticial levels. In an Jan. 19 interview about her new role in the play "Wit," Nixon told a New York Times reporter:

"For me, [being gay] is a choice. I understand that for many people it's not, but for me it's a choice, and you don't get to define my gayness for me."

Several days later, she told a writer at The Daily Beast that she was bisexual, but she didn't care for that particular word as a label. And she insisted that her change from male partners to a female partner did not indicate she had been "walking around in some kind of fog":

"I don’t pull out the 'bisexual' word because nobody likes the bisexuals. Everybody likes to dump on the bisexuals."

Most media attention focused solely on her NYT statement, though, and she received a mixed reaction from both fans and her fellow celebs. Joy Behar, Barbara Walters, and chef Cat Cora all said it was "dangerous" of her to use such phrasing. Others were more sympathetic, like Harvey Fierstein, who wrote: "Would people please get a life and leave thd lady alone."

Nixon had her first public coming out as being in a same-sex relationship back in 2004. At first she was coy, saying:

"My private life is private... I have nothing to hide. So what I will say is that I am happy."

In 2008 she told Oprah Winfrey that she had been "pretty shocked" to fall for a woman, but explained her same-sex attraction cheekily with, "You haven't met my girlfriend."

In the last couple of years, she has become a full-fleged activist for gay marriage equality -- making a speech at the 2009 March on Washington, a PSA for marriage rights in New York, another speech where she announced her engagement to Christine Marinoni, and even sat next to Brian Brown of NOM to argue very successfully against his notion that gay marriage is "redefining marriage."

Now that she has redefined herself with more "acceptable" terminology, you may want to catch her on stage in "Wit." She plays an ovarian cancer patient in that Broadway play. Nixon is appearing at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 West 47th St., NYC.

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Meet Stacey Campfield: Gay & AIDS misinformation flows freely from Tennessee senator

2012-01-30T22:33:29Z

Gay radio talker Michelangelo Signorile interviewed Tennessee state Senator Stacey Campfield about his pending, "Don't Say Gay" bill. That measure would essentially prevent any discussion by teachers about gay lives or references to homosexuality. What Signorile got in response was pretty stunning.

The Tennesse senator let loose a plethora of ignorant comments about the "nature" of homosexuality, bestiality, and the combination of the two leading to AIDS:

"... most people realize that AIDS came from the homosexual community.... It was one guy screwing a monkey, if I recall correctly, and then having sex with men."

Listen to the conversation at Signorile.com.

When confronted by Knoxville TV station WBIR about his numerous faulty statements, Campfield did not back down, nor did he apologize. He basically blamed Signorile for asking him about the topic when, "I'm not a gay AIDS historian."

Have a look and decide. Is he mixing science and hearsay? Cherry picking negative facts to suit his anti-gay agenda? Or is there legitimate merit in his gay-focused political agenda?

You should also listen to RadioLab's excellent program about "Patient Zero: The Origin of AIDS," which aired two months ago:

]]> Campfield was refused service by a Knoxville restaurant this week for his anti-gay comments. He later told WBIR that, "I said, well, all that stuff is backed up by the CDC.":

Maryland churches show love for gay marriage rights: Rally in Frederick a big success [video]

2012-01-30T20:53:27Z

Two hundred people of faith gathered in the city of Frederick yesterday to tell legislators the time has come to legalize civil marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

Several Maryland officials attended the packed meeting including Attorney General Doug Gansler, Delegate Galen Clagett (D-Frederick Co.), Senator Ron Young (D-Frederick & Washington Cos.) and Senator Rob Garagiola (D-Montgomery Co.). They were given standing ovations by a diverse audience -- Christian and Jewish, all ages, straight and gay.

An announcement for the event listed a coalition of five sponsoring congregations -- All Saints Episcopal, Grace United Church of Christ, Congregation Kol Ami, Unity in Frederick, and Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ. The latter also served as host for the Jan. 29 event.

Manley Calhoun of Marylanders for Marriage Equality was also in attendance informing eager participants on ways they could work for the cause.

A number of same-sex couples shared their personal stories at the hour-long event. They told the officials about their needs as residents of Maryland and how they have dealt with the "trials and tribulations of not being married." Couples related their faith to real-life challenges, like: partner recognition at health care facilites, financial and legal inequalities, and dealing with situations involving children and other family members.

In stark contrast to the Frederick rally, an anti-gay protest is being held today, Jan. 30, from 5-6 p.m., next to the Annapolis State House. It promises to bring together a number of religious and political groups clamoring to keep a ban on gay marriage. These will include the Archdiocese of Maryland, the National Organization for Marriage and, allegedly, a large contingent from at least one of Maryland's (unspecified) black churches.

It is expected that the state Senate will pass a pending marriage equality bill with strong approval by Governor Martin O'Malley. However officials at Sunday's rally reminded attendees there is a "tough road ahead," with less certainty among House members who seem beholden to vocally anti-gay members of their constituencies. Should marriage pass, there will most certainly be a voter referendum to follow, and Gansler projected that they matter will end up in the court system. Warriage supporters would then battle over the Constitutionality of Maryland's discriminatory ban.

Dr. Linda Sowbel and her partner of 34 years, Betsy Van Ness, shared their family story. They have two daughters with son-in-laws and five grandchildren. Sowbel said, because they are not legally married, she had to put their home and assets into trust to avoid unfair taxing, and said they will not be eligible to receive certain retirement benefits. They shared an amusing tale of how Sowbel adopted Van Ness' daughters for estate reasons, but also the uncertainty they had to face with hospital visitation rights and the "additional anxiety" that situation caused. Van Ness concluded her speech with:

"We know we could go Washington, DC, or Massachusetts to get married. But we don't want to do that. We are Maryland citizens, and we want to get married in Maryland."

Glen Wallace and Jim White, members of the Evanglical Reformed UCC, said they became a couple 15 years ago, and they also had to pay thousands of dollars to obtain legal recognition regarding medical issues. Those legal rights are essentially conveyed to male-female couples through the low cost of obtaining a marriage license.

Rosalind Jack told the audience and legislators that she had been married to a man previously, but when she fell in love with a woman, she learned that there were major legal, financial and social differences between the two types of relationships. She said, for example:

"I did not have to worry about being turned away from his hospital bed, or from making health choices. With a woman, I could be her partner for 90 years and not be allowed at her bedside if she were ill, hurt or dying, because I might not even be considered her family."

Her partner, Paula Willey, echoed those same types of concerns with regards to assisted living facilities, Medicaid coverage, and also the unfortunate possibilty of unwarranted family intrusions. She said:

"My Will and Power of Attorney are legal documents. They protect me, and they protect Roz. But without marriage equality, they are vulnerable to challenges from disgruntled family members. And I have those!"

Maryland lawmakers strongly support gay marriage at rally [video]

2012-01-30T12:22:28Z

Three important state legislators helped to rally support for Maryland's same-sex marriage bill on Sunday, Jan. 29, at a church in the city of Frederick.

Delegate Galen Clagett, Senator Ron Young, and Senator Rob Garagiola (all Democrats) were joined by Attorney General Doug Gansler. Together they addressed a capacity crowd of 200, most of whom were there to represent a diverse set of religious groups. The sponsoring coalition was called Congregations United for Marriage Equality, and representatives from another organization, Marylanders for Marriage Equality, were also in attendance.

Galen Clagett (D-Frederick Co.) told the crowd that he was a sponsor of the House bill in 2011, and that he again signed onto the 2012 House bill earlier this week. He spoke of his past advocacy for racial equality and for the mental health community, adding that he was not afraid of change. He specifically noted that "19 Tea Party members of the 43 Repbulicans," two of which were "in our Delegation.... don't want change. But we will prevail this time."

Senator Ron Young (D-Frederick and Washington Cos.) said it he and Clagett seemed to be the "only two in the five Western Maryland Counties that did vote for" the 2011 bills in the House or Senate. He challenged attendees to contact and convince their lawmakers to vote for the same-sex marriage bills, "particularly in the House." He related his personal history to the notion that marriage will be destroyed by inclusion of gay couples:

"I was divorced, and I hear people say that same-sex marriage will destroy marriage. Actually, I guess divorce destroys marrige more than two people that really want to be together."

Young predicted "a tough road in front of us." He evidenced this with his inability to convince "the two young women from Prince George's County" to "come over" to his side. He also relayed the surprising story of a Democrat from Western Maryland who wanted to rally churches to, not support gay marriage, but to "throw out all the people who voted for same-sex marriage."

Rob Garagiola (D-Montgomery Co.) did not deliver a speech at the event, but did Tweet about it afterward, saying: "Good to see MD Dems united."

Maryland Atty. Gen. Gansler warns gay couples: 'Marriage will go to referendum' [video]

2012-01-30T10:48:00Z

Maryland's Attorney General, Doug Gansler, joined a standing-room only crowd at a church in Frederick on Sunday to support gay marriage.

Gansler called Maryland's current ban against same-sex marriage "unconstitutional." He then explained his reasoning for supporting equality for gay and lesbian couples. Gansler also offered his take on the nature of negative feedback from Republicans and religious leaders. And he predicted that the current marriage bill would pass but, he warned, supporters will need to make a significant effort to vote against an inevitable anti-gay referendum, saying: "That's where we're really going to need your help."

Gansler was joined by three state legislators: Delegate Galen Clagett and Senator Ron Young, both representing Frederick, and Senator Rob Garagiola of Montgomery County. The appreciative crowd of 200 gave the officials standing ovations for their continued support of marriage equality. The meeting was held at the Evangelical Reformed Church, United Church of Christ in Frederick, MD, and was sponsored by Congregations United for Marriage Equality.

The Attorney General explained his history with the issue, including a somewhat disputed Feb. 2010 opinion. He wrote then that gay couples who were legally married elsewhere should be recognized as such inside of Maryland, too:

"I've been testifying for this about three or four years now, ever since I've been Attorney General. I didn't tell my political people. I just did it because it's the right thing to do. And then in early 2010, we wrote the opinion recognizing out-of-state same-sex marriages, so that people who did want to go to another state, could come here from the five states -- now six, including the District of Columbia -- can come here and legally have that recognized.

"Obviously the law that we have -- marriage between a man and a woman -- is unconstitutional. It defies the equal protection, it's against due process, and it will change."

Gansler said he would be testifying for the bill this Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the hearing of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. Marylanders for Marriage Equality was in attendance at the rally. Their website is calling for "phonebank" volunteers that day to counterbalance the opposition who, they say, will "be there to scare legislators into voting against loving and committed families." Gansler thanked straight allies and gay people for coming out publicly to stand for a "worthy fight":

"First of all, I want to thank all of you, for being here because many of you are not gay, and it's important for us that are not gay to stand up for doing what's right. But it's equally important for the gay community to do so, and these stories -- for people come out and say, 'You know what, I am gay. I'm your neighbor. I'm your teacher, I'm your fireman. I'm your police officer -- whatever it might be. Because then people --.

'"You know, when I was in high school, nobody was gay. (Really?!) And now people are, and it turns out that everybody -- we have the same desires, the same people. And I think that helps to change the public opinion. And it's helped some of these elected people coming out."

He covered many of the oft-heard alarmist arguments about same-sex marriage, too -- bestiality, polygamy and an infringement on people's "religious freedom" to be anti-gay:

"'What about sodomy?' Some state senator said, 'Well, now you're gonna let me have sex with my dog.' No, senator, we're not talking about your dog today. (You know, some of those Republican guys that are out there.)

"And polygamy? there's no movement for that. And I talk about much of this in my 46-page opinion, about same-sex marriage, and marriage, and the history of marriage in the state of Maryland.

"But some of the other arguments are actually somewhat interesting, as well. Because I'm from the side where I don't even get the other side anymore. I'll get many pastors, particularly pastors from the African-American community, will call and say, "This is against the religion. This is against the Bible." And I would have to remind them, though I'm not a religious scholar, there's nothing about gay marriage in the Bible. There is about tolerance, treating people with dignity, treating people equally and let God decide what the judgment ought to be."

Gansler said that the fundamental root of their arguments was the notion that "You choose to be gay." He mocked the idea that people of various ages wake up and say, "Hey, I think I'll be gay today." And he called civil unions "nothing short of a cop out" which is unfair.

He also discussed some legal history and concerns about the intermingling of church, state and marriage:

"And the last piece of it, of course, is, 'Well, what about this church and state thing? You're gonna make my church have it ....' Back in England, before we were a country, they mixed up church and state, right? There's nothing more of a blending church and state than it is your marriage. Then, we have a country that was founded, and right there in the Declaration of Independence, it was about 'Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.' And that's what this is about, the pursuit of happiness. And the First Amendment talks about freedom of religion, freedom of association. Nobody is ever going to make any church, temple, or mosque make someone get married or not get married."

Ganlser said legislators would add "stuff" to the bill, joking that it would be "because most of them aren't lawyers anymore." But he assured those misguided attempts would fail because of Constitutional law. He concluded with:

"I think we're going to pass it this year. It'll go to referendum. That's where we're really going to need your help. And then, at the end of the day, it's going to go to court. And there was something that was said about the Federal side. We have challenged DOMA. Some of my colleagues have challenged DOMA. President Obama has told his Justice Department, 'Don't defend this anymore.' So, at some point, the courts are going to fix it as well. So, hang in there, work hard. We'll get this done."

Baltimore's Catholic head uses atrocious "blacks vs. gays" argument against marriage rights

2012-01-28T12:45:07Z

Edwin O'Brien, Baltimore's soon-to-be Cardinal, used a speech this week to denounce marriage rights for Maryland's gay and lesbian couples. He angrily attacked the pending passage of marriage bills in the House and Senate. Maryland's Governor, Martin O'Malley, is a strong supporter of marriage equality and he helped to introduce the bills this past Tuesday.

On Wednesday, O'Brien put his own spin on one of the most heinous arguments put forth by social and religious conservatives -- that gay people's civil rights are an affront to black people and the rights of black people. He stammered through his divisive proclamation, saying (

"So, we will do everything that we can on our own, in conjunction with other religious groups --. Our African-American community, I think, is very strong on this issue as we are. And I think, to some degree, they're a little concerned to call this a matter of discrimination.

"Racial discrimination is discrimination because of the pigment of the skin [rubs back of hand]. And it can't be tolerated. But marriage goes far deeper than the pigment of the skin. It goes to the very roots of our culture. And we are in it to -- for keeps.

"I think in 30 areas of the country, 30 states where legislatures have passed this, the people's vote has voided it, has knocked it down. And we believe that we have a strong grassroots coalition here, that will uphold the sanctity of marriage in the traditional teaching and long-term practice of marriage between man and a woman."

Political maneuvers like Obrien's are frequently used by the opponents of gay equality to alarm and anger African Americans. He may have singled out African American voters for special appeal because black residents represent about 29% of the population of Maryland (more than twice the national percentage).

O'Brien's small-minded argument completely ignores the fact that: 1) there are people who are both black and gay, 2) not all African Americans agree with O'Brien's anti-gay political beliefs, 3) many churches in Maryland want to perform legal marriage ceremonies for gay couples, and 4) a large portion of Maryland's Catholic parishoners disagree with the Church's discriminatory stance.

These manipulative foes of gay rights seem to be conveying a devious message that goes something like this: "Homosexuals are abhorrent and have been disliked throughout history. Today homosexuals are trying to attach themselves to the accomplishments of black people. If black people allow this association to happen, it will drag down black people's position in society and diminish all the civil rights for which they have fought so hard. Gay people cannot be victims of discrimination because they choose to be different through their behavior. However, black people are discriminated against because of their skin color. And skin color is not a choice; it is not changeable -- yet sinful behavior is, right? Therefore, we anti-gay preachers think you proud African Americans need to rail against homosexuals now, because they are going to be ruinous, not only to your lives and religious freedoms, but to all of civilization itself. Proof is in the Bible, right? 'Marriage = man and woman. Gays = abomination. Sodom = destroyed.' And we all know that, 'The church is the heart and soul of the black community,' right? So, then, since we're all in this together, let's vote for our tried-and-true tradition of denying gays legal rights and social equality. We're not bigots. We don't hate anybody. It is not hate -- it is God's Word."

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has joined several other political and religious groups to set up a rally to continue denying gay people their marriage rights. It is to be held in Annapolis on Monday, January 30, 6-8 pm, next to the Governor's Mansion.

On Sunday, January 29, a pro-gay marriage event is to be held in Frederick, MD, that will include Attorney General Doug Gansler, two Delegates, and representatives from welcoming chruches. The event will be at the Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, 15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD, 5-6pm.

One recent survey did indicate that gay marriage supporters may indeed have a tough battle at the ballot box in November should an anti-gay marriage referendum arise. Survey respondents were split on legalization of gay marriages -- 49% in favor and 47% opposed. The author of that survey also singled out African-American voters as the key opponents to marriage equality.

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Video diaries convey hopeful experiences of gay youth at Baltimore's "Creating Change" conference [video]

2012-01-28T09:29:13Z

This week, Baltimore, MD is host to a large gathering of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activsts who are attending the NGLTF's 24th Creating Change Conference.

Several young college students have posted videos on YouTube discussing their personal experiences at the conferences "queer" institutes, along with theirs reactions to speakers and their thoughts about the effectiveness of specialized workshops. Topics at the sessions seem to span the spectrum of diversity including awarness of racial issues, the differently abled, bisexual health, transgender issues, politics, sex and lots more.

WBAL-TV has posted two news pieces: One explains the point of the conference and how it relates to the fight for same-sex marriage in Maryland; the other features appearances by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the Governor's wife Katie O'Malley, and Benjamin Jealous of the NAACP. Some controversy erupted after Mrs. O'Malley used the word "cowards" to describe state legislators who did not vote for the 2010 version of the gay marriage bill.

The students' documented reactions seem largely positive, but not entirely:

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Rick Santorum glitter bombed twice in one week [video]

2012-01-25T23:32:44Z

Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum was twice this week the target of "glitter bombing" -- once in South Carolina and once in Florida. Individuals were caught on camera shouting out at Santorum (whose anti-gay views are well documented) that he should stop the hate and that he is a bigot. The protesters also indicated that they self-identified as members of the Occupy movement. Some of the protestors were physically removed at each event.

Matthew Shepard's father confronts Tennessee about teen suicides, bullying, hate crimes

2012-01-25T21:46:00Z

Dennis Shepard, appeared at a press conference sponsored by the Tennessee Equality Project this week. He directed his comments toward parents about the need to hold the state's legislators responsible for protecting gay youth against bullying at school and online. He referenced the suicides of two Tennessee teens in his speech -- Phillip Parker and Jacob Rogers -- who were reported to be the targets of bullying at school.

Shepard asked if he could take part in the conference because of legislation being proposed in Tennessee. Unfortunately, certain lawmakers are pressing for a bills that will suppress the rights and freedoms of LGBT citizens. The "Don't Say Gay Bill" is meant to prevent any teacher from discussing anything to do with homosexuality in elementary schools. Also the "Bathroom Bill" is intended to criminalize the use of bathrooms or dressing rooms by people who are transgendered -- people who wish to use facilities appropriate to their self-identified gender which may be different from the sexual organs with which they were born. A third bill nicknamed the "License to Bully" would allow students to berate gay students and denounce homosexuality in class if their views could be considered "religious freedom of expression."

Dennis Shepard referenced the ongoing efforts of his wife, Judy Shepard. Both Dennis and Judy have worked tirelessly to promote the acceptance of gay, bi and transgender people since their son, Matthew Shepard, was murdered in 1998. Mr. Shepard also suggested that people's perception of LGBT individuals may be skewed by "flamboyant" media portrayals -- fame grabbers who do not reflect the otherwise equally "boring" lives of gay people:

"We have a problem in the schools. We've lost two young men in the last 30 days in this state to bullying. Some of which has to do with sexual orientation. These kids need a safe place and a safe haven to go to during the day, and it should be the schools. It should not be a place of dread and fear when you walk into a school. You're there to learn both facts and figures as well as your social skills.

"And what seems to be happening in this state, along with some other states, is that it's become a bully pulpit in more ways than one.

"Bullying is a concept that people knew about but didn't talk much about until lately. There's the physical bullying, which we're most used to -- which is what happened basically to Matt. Beaten to death.

There's the verbal bullying -- "He's so gay. She's so gay" -- using the words.

You have electronic bullying now. You also have the emotional bullying that people don't think about. When you brush by somebody and ignore them when they say "Good morning," just because they're different -- whether they're gay or straight doesn't matter, they're just "different." We should be applauding those differences, and trying to take advantage of those differences.

"How can these kids reach their full potential? Schools should be a safe haven, should be rooms and teachers who have volunteered to help these kids in case of bullying, in case of concerns they may have.

"I urge the legislature to work towards an all-inclusive law, or hate crimes, and also for the policies toward schools by the schoolboards to include other areas that are not protected, such as "gender identity, sexualy orientation." These kids are in fear and they are pushed further into the closet. This is not the time to do that. This country needs their best and their brightest to reach their full potential. They're not going to do that if they're afraid to come to school, if they're afraid to walk down the street, or even if they're afraid to go home and get on their computer. So, please, I urge all of you to help.

"The kids have potential: Let them succeed or fail on their own. Don't let them fail because of what has been termed "bullying" because they're different. It's not just the kids who are gay, its also the kids who are perceived to be gay. I get comments all the time from the so-called straight community: "Well that's okay when you're gay." And I say, "What if you had a son or daughter who isn't gay, but they're perceived to be and they're abused in that fashion, and they're beaten, because people think they're gay? What do you do then?" They have no answer.

"So, please, talk to you legislators. Talk to your community, to your neighbors. The legislature works for you. You vote them in. You verify that they're following their campaign promises. You hold them accountable. And, if not, you vote them out.

"When my wife speaks, she talks about a "sick community." And if you don't vote, you're part of the sick community ... silent, different and complacent. Don't be part of the sick community. The gay community is just as dull and boring as the straight community. Please remember that. The ones that you see on TV are trying to get their 15 minutes of fame, with the feathers and the boas. If you think that's all their is, they you have to remember that in Brazil, when they have Carnival, is everybody there gay? I don't think so. Now they're just as flamboyant, and they have the feathers and the boas.

"So, please, hold them accountable. Protect everybody. Get a hate crimes law passed in this state that protects everybody. They're all-American citizens. They need all the rights of all American citizens -- not just a limited number of rights. Protect your kids in schools. They need to have all-inclusive policies protecting them. This can only be done through you because you control the schoolboards. Make this a safe haven. They want a gay-straight alliance in their school, give it to them. More than half the kids in the gay-straight alliances are straight. It's the allies who are important.

"So tell your stories, get their support, and do whatever you can."

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Starbucks, Microsoft, others support gay marriage initiative in Washington state

2012-01-25T12:50:19Z

A number of major corporations are stepping forward to show their support for marriage equality in Washington state.

The Seattle Times has reposted a message today from Starbucks executive vice president, Kalen Holmes, that reads, in part:

Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples....

This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners. It is core to who we are and what we value as a company. We are proud of our Pride Alliance Partner Network group, which is one of the largest Employer Resource Groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees in the U.S., helping to raise awareness about issues in the communities where we live and work.

For the last 20 years, our benefits program has offered domestic partner benefits in the U.S. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs and alternative health care coverage....

We look forward to seeing this legislation enacted into law.

Microsoft's Brad Smith posted a message online a few days ago stating that his corporation had joined with several other well-known companies to support Washington's new marriage bill. His argument for legalizing same-sex marriage hinged on the perception that talented employees, who are gay and in relationships, would be motivated to move to other states that offer full marriage equality:

Today, Microsoft is joining other Northwest employers Concur, Group Health, Nike, RealNetworks and Vulcan Inc. in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. We believe that passing this bill would be good for our business and good for the state’s economy....

Our support today for Senate Bill 6239 and HB 2516, Washington’s marriage equality legislation, builds upon our previous work in this area.

As other states recognize marriage equality, Washington’s employers are at a disadvantage if we cannot offer a similar, inclusive environment to our talented employees, our top recruits and their families. Employers in the technology sector face an unprecedented national and global competition for top talent. Despite progress made in recent years with domestic partnership rights, same-sex couples in Washington still hold a different status from their neighbors. Marriage equality in Washington would put employers here on an equal footing with employers in the six other states that already recognize the committed relationships of same-sex couples – Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. This in turn will help us continue to compete for talent.

While Microsoft’s support for marriage equality is motivated by respect for our employees, we also respect the views of those who may not agree with our position. For example, we have many highly valued and highly successful employees who hold a wide range of views on this and many other issues. We’re not asking anyone to change their views to conform to the company’s position.

We also recognize that marriage has meaning as both a civil and a religious institution. Like the marriage equality bill passed last year in New York State with bipartisan and business support, this bill preserves religious freedom in Washington’s churches while ending discrimination in Washington law.

Like the New York bill, we believe Washington’s legislation should be passed into law. It will make our state and our economy stronger.

Washington's Governor, Chris Gregoire, released this statement thanking those companies for supporting SB239 & HB2516:

I thank Microsoft, Nike, Vulcan, Inc., RealNetworks, Group Health Cooperative and Concur for standing up for marriage equality in our state. They understand that our same-sex couples deserve the same respect and dignity as their peers and that loving, committed relationships add to vibrant and diverse workforces. The support of these employers is courageous and appreciated.

Actress Cynthia Nixon's gay "choice" remark: Reactions from Perez Hilton, John Aravosis, John Amaechi, Harvey Fierstein

2012-01-24T15:31:35Z

"I gave a speech recently, an empowerment speech to a gay audience, and it included the line 'I've been straight and I've been gay, and gay is better.' And they tried to get me to change it, because they said it implies that homosexuality can be a choice. And for me, it is a choice. I understand that for many people it's not, but for me it's a choice, and you don't get to define my gayness for me. A certain section of our community is very concerned that it not be seen as a choice, because if it's a choice, then we could opt out. I say it doesn't matter if we flew here or we swam here, it matters that we are here and we are one group and let us stop trying to make a litmus test for who is considered gay and who is not.

“As you can tell, I am very annoyed about this issue. Why can't it be a choice? Why is that any less legitimate? It seems we're just ceding this point to bigots who are demanding it, and I don’t think that they should define the terms of the debate. I also feel like people think I was walking around in a cloud and didn’t realize I was gay, which I find really offensive. I find it offensive to me, but I also find it offensive to all the men I've been out with.”

-- Cynthia Nixon, whose comment to the New York Times Magazine last Sunday has sparked a firestorm of criticism across the web including:

John Amaechi: "Oh Cynthia, please... It's not that you can't have an opinion, just don't conflate it with the best factual knowledge - that's what they do... and don't mistake what ppl chose to do, with who people are or will become..."

John Aravosis: "[I]f you like both flavors, men and women, you're bisexual, you're not gay, so please don't tell people that you are gay, and that gay people can 'choose' their sexual orientation, i.e., will it out of nowhere. Because they can't. And when you tell the NYT they can, you do tremendous damage to our civil rights effort. Every religious right hatemonger is now going to quote this woman every single time they want to deny us our civil rights. Thanks.”

Perez Hilton: "We totally hear her out and true, we cannot define her 'gayness,' but it wasn't a choice for us. We were BORN gay. And millions of gay people around the world feel the same way."

Harvey Fierstein: Folks are jumping down CYNTHIA NIXON'S throat for saying that: A- She's a lesbian by choice. B- She doesn't like the bisexual designation. Would people please get a life and leave the lady alone? There is very little black and white when it comes to sexuality. Isn't that what KINSEY taught us more than 60 years ago? Why are we being as intolerant as the bigots we despise? Let people experience their lives as they experience their lives. It's none of your damn business! Whether we are born this way or not should not be the basis for our citizenship anymore than our religion.

On Wednesday, the ladies of ABC's The View picked up on the controversy. Joy Behar made light of bisexuality, and said there was a "phenomenon" where wives leave marriages with men to be with women later in life. Sherri Shepherd said she did not like reading that event organizers had asked Cynthia Nixon to alter the wording of her speech to fit an "agenda." Shepherd added that, while she believed many gay people claim there is no choice in being gay, there exists some people who say they did choose to be gay and, "You can't say they're wrong."

Barbara Walters said that a problem exists where anti-gay people say, "You chose to be gay. We're going to send you to a psychiatrist to change, to a religious organization to change -- we're going to pray, we're going to move the gay, or we're going to punish the gay away." She added, "Many gay people have said, look, 'This is not a choice, this is the way I am.'" Behar agreed with Walters, concluding that Nixon's statement was "a dangerous thing to say."

Celebrity Chef Cat Cora of Iron Chef was on The Talk when host Julie Chen asked what she thought of Nixon's statement. Cora responded:

"Well, I'm gay and I was born this way. So, I really feel like it was dangerous and irresponstible of Cynthia, especially in this environment today when so many young people are taking their lives. I know, growing up as a young gay person, how much you hate yourself -- how much you think you're different. And for someone to say, 'It's a choice. You know you can be this way or that way." I just think it's dangerous. And I ask Cynthia to please reach out to the community and say that 'To all the people who do hate themselves right now -- all these young kids who are so impressionable, who don't like themselves already -- you're OK. One day at a time. It gets better.'"

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Lesbian champion Martina Navratilova makes quiet on-court statement about gay rights

2012-01-23T14:15:08Z

“She was all about Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. She repeated that about four or five times, so I just felt I couldn’t get through to her. ... Maybe she thought she could get through to me.”

Openly lesbian tennis legend Martina Navratilova on her last conversation with fellow legend Margaret Court, the Australian champ who now ministers a church and makes very public comments opposing LGBT rights and marriage equality. Court's most recent comments have spurred controversy at the Australian Open, where one of the tournament's main show courts is named "Maragaret Court Arena."

Navratilova had her first doubles match scheduled on Margaret Court Arena, raising expectations of further controversy. She made no public comments about the scheduling, but did wear a rainbow patch on her shirt for the match. (Associated Press)

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Another gay teen, Phillip Parker, commits suicide after bullying

2012-01-23T11:58:48Z

A 14-year-old gay boy, Phillip Parker, took his own life on Friday. Reports are coming out that he was the focus of bullying at Gordonsville High School in Tennessee.

His parents, Gena and Phillip Parker, told WSMV that their son had been treated badly because he was gay. His mother told cameras at a vigil on Saturday, "That was his choice, and nobody else liked it." His grandmother, Ruby Harris, indicated that young Phillip felt like he "had a rock on his chest," and he wanted to take it off so he could breathe. (WSMV)

Phillip's grandfather, Paul Harris, told News Channel 5:

"After he did what he did, we found out a lot that we didn't know and there is a lot of bullying that goes on at the school.... Whether it's verbal or physical a counselor at the school should be on top of it and notify the parents. We weren't notified, and Phillip didn't tell us about it."

The parents say they will be meeting with school officials today.

Phillip Parker's death follows news of other gay teens committing suicide under similar circumstances in recent weeks.

Jacob Rogers, 18, also from Tennessee, took his life on December 7. A friend of Rogers told WSMV that, despite seeing guidance counselors, he felt no one was helping: "He started coming home his senior year saying 'I don't want to go back. Everyone is so mean. They call me a faggot, they call me gay, a queer." The Tennessean reports that Rogers lived with his grandmother due to family issues, and he had at some point experienced difficulty with an eating disorder and substance abuse.

Jeffrey Fehr, 18, was a member of his California school's cheerleading team who hanged himself on January 1. The Sacramento Bee reported that Fehr was taunted by bullies for years, and that a relationship had recently ended between Jeffrey and another young man. His family said students started calling Jeffrey a "fag" in sixth grade, and his father, Steve Fehr, is quoted as saying: "We will second-guess ourselves forever.... But we do know that for years and years, people knocked him down for being different. It damaged him. It wore on him. He could never fully believe how wonderful he was, and how many people loved him."

EricJames Borges, 19, was a budding filmmaker who also took his life this month. Despite being a volunteer for The Trevor Project and making a video contribution to the "It Gets Better" Project," it seems Borges could not overcome the treatment he received in his "extremist Christian household," along with years of bullying at school where he was "physically, mentally, emotionally and verbally abused on a day-to-day basis." EricJames said that, during his freshman year at college, his mother attempted to "cure" him with an exorcism. His parents subsequently called him "disgusting and perverted" and finally kicked him out of their house.

]]> Phillip Parker's news video:

Jacob Rogers' news video:

EricJames' "It Gets Better" video:

Gay phone app Grindr hacked? Australian paper reports security flaw

2012-01-20T07:58:29Z

Headless torso shots and dark sunglasses may not have been enough to protect some Grindr users' accounts from unauthorized access by a "hacker."

According to an article written by Ben Grubb of Australia's Fairfax Media, the popular gay hook-up app for phones and tablets has been found to have security vulnerabilities. The article claims that an unnamed hacker created a website which listed users' pseudonyms. It then granted access to certain abilities associated with those accounts.

The URL of the website was not specified in the article, and the site is supposedly inactive now. But it allegedly allowed one to "impersonate" Grindr users to send out messages as those users and to change their profile pictures.

Grubb's article specifically discusses the accounts of Australian users but claims the hacker could "search for any Grindr user regarless of their location."

The alleged flaw is described as having to do with a "hash" shared between users' phone apps. Grubb says his media company spoke with Grindr's founder, Joel Simkhai, about the matter. Simkhai replied that he was "certainly aware" of the potential problems, and "they will be fixed as fast as humanly possible."

Simkhai is also quoted as giving reassurances about the security of chat messages sent between users.

Read about it at the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax sites. Or visit Grindr's website for more details about the app.

Coincidentally, there appear to be two new plays opening now in Australia -- "Confessions of a Grindr Addict" and "Grindr: A Love Story."

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