Oklahoma Rep. Sally Kern who once suggested "gays are worse than terrorism" is back to demonizing gays again. In an unusually public ceremony, Rep. Kern signed a “Proclamation for Morality,” which blames the U.S.’s current economic crisis on, among other acts of “debauchery,” same-sex marriage

The Advocate a premiere LGBT news magazine has come under pressure from trans activists and allies after it referred to a couple who were legally married in New York as a "same-sex" couple. In the article N.Y. Unwittingly Marries "Same-Sex" Couple, the couple Hakim Nelson and Jason Stenson were given a marriage license because the clerk was unaware of the birth gender of Nelson who now goes by Kimah.

Neither Jason nor Kimah identify as gay, and this is a poor example of reporting. Please read this and contact The Advocate and let them know it's time to report on trans issues accurately.

20 senators publicly stated their support for equal marriage, 32 are needed to pass the bill. Please check this list and contact your state senator and urge them to support marriage equality for all couples. Marriage is a civil rights issue, nobody should be denied the 1,800 state and federal benefits that come with marriage, such as the right to visit a loved one in a hospital, file joint tax returns, co-adopt kids, and many others.

The government was served with a lawsuit the week of April 27th regarding the Defense of Marriage Act which bars federal recognition of same-sex couples. Now the Department of Justice, under President Obama's authority, has till the week of June 22nd to respond. They can either carry out on with the lawsuit defending DOMA, or choose not to defend an unconstitutional law.



Take action now at http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2009/05/operation-doma-flip-flop.html

Andrew Wilkow guest hosted Mark Levin's right-wing radio show on Sirius XM (one of the highest-rated right-wing talk radio shows in America) insulted Rachel Maddow, Perez Hilton, gays and people with HIV/AIDS.

http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2009/05/your-daily-dose-of-maddow-perez-and.html

Jamison Green the former President of FTMInternational is interested in the sexual health and satisfaction of all trans men, whether or not they have had hormones or surgery, and in the experiences of their partners. Two surveys are available for trans men and their partners to help with the research. He will use the data as raw material for a book, tentatively entitled "The FTM Guide to SEX," plus academic presentations and journal articles to educate medical and therapeutic service providers about trans lives.

Michael Musto columnist for the Village Voice has come out with a bi-phobic, anti-scientific column titled Ever Meet a Real Bisexual? questioning the legitimacy of bisexuality.

"Everyone always says they're bisexual, blabbing on and on about how "sexuality is fluid, and I don't really like labels"--but usually I find these are just gay men who are afraid to come out. I know there are real bisexuals out there--mainly because I've heard that there are--and I do think it's a lovely idea to actually crave sex with people regardless of gender. I'm just wondering how real a phenomenon this is, as opposed to a smoke-and-mirrors coverup designed to keep antsy gays in the closet.

Most of the guys I know who say they're bisexual end up doing Bette Davis impersonations after a few drinks, and when you invite them to an all-girl bar, they get excited, thinking you mean Splash. But do you know anyone who REALLY is equally attracted to both men and women and effortlessly glides between those two dating pools without a second's thought or self-consciousness? If so, do you ever suspect they're full of shit?"

Suggesting bisexuality is a phenomenon, or that bisexual men are closeted liars is offensive and outright wrong!

Contact Michael Musto and tell him bi-phobia has no place in the Village Voice.

Post from Queers United

Between May 17 and June 28, 2009, groups of LGBT and allied people around the country will attend worship services at a church of their choice - a church that is not welcoming and affirming of openly LGBT members and guests. Each group will wear a lapel button that reads "gay? fine by me." For less formal churches we also have a t-shirt with this message. The lapel button (or t-shirt) serves as a conversation starter - opening dialogue with people in the church about faith, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

When that visible act of courage is paired with adequate training, then transforming hearts and minds becomes a bona fide possibility. That's why we've designed a three-part teleconference course and a resource webpage that covers the essentials of Nonviolent communication, Media talking points, and What both the Bible and science really say about homosexuality. Training teleconferences will be held on April 19, April 26, and May 3 at 4pm CST. To register for the trainings go to http://www.soulforce.org/moodle/login/index.php and enter your information.

We hope you will consider organizing a Sundays of Solidarity project in your area. It simply involves choosing a church in your area that could benefit from an SOS visit, using your contact list to recruit others to join you, attending the teleconference training sessions, and then organizing your group to take action on one of the Sundays between May 17 and June 28, 2009. To purchase a lapel button or t-shirt, please visit http://finebyme.org/sos.html.

http://www.queersunited.blogspot.com

The revived National Party in South Africa will allow gay and lesbian members to serve, but says that the government will help to "rehabilitate" them. They are also strongly against the constitution allowing same-sex marriages. It is a shame that the NP is thinking of itself above science which shows that homosexuality is natural and cannot be altered, attempts to "rehabilitate gays" fail.

http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2009/02/south-african-national-party-will.html

During the inauguration kick off party at the Lincoln Memorial, openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson of the Diocese of NH gave the opening prayer.

The problem is it was not televised by HBO or NPR and there were 'technical difficulties' making it nearly impossible for the crowd of 500,000 to hear a word.

Demand to know why Bishop Robinson was part of the "pre-show" and therefore not taped.

More info and contact info at http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2009/01/did-obama-team-play-us-over-bishop.html

Check out his record on LGBT issues.
http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/12/next-illinois-senator-attorney-general.html

Little People like LGBT people are considered "freaks of nature", they get stares and people misunderstand them. In looking for resources for Little LGBT People, I found virtually nothing. I decided, to make an entry to educate people about little people as well as provide as much info as I can for LGBT Little People. It is my sincere hope that LGBT Little People can find solace, comfort and community and that they can begin to network and build a foundation and support system for their own sub-section of the community.

For more info and resources on LGBT Little People, check out:
http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/12/diversity-lesson-101-lgbtqueer-little.html

It seems Dr. Phil likes to capitalize on transgender misunderstanding and hatred on his show.

"You fool me once shame on you, you fool me twice shame on me"

We must commit to no longer stand idly by as Dr. Phil continues his knack and enjoyment for stigmatizing trans folks.

More information and ways to take action here.

The Mission Gathering Church in San Diego has paid for a billboard in San Diego apologizing for people who supported proposition 8 in the name of God.

The sign says: "Mission gathering church is sorry for the narrow-minded, judgmental, deceptive, manipulative actions of those who took away the rights and equality of so many in the name of God. Our hearts are with you, Christianity for all"

Mission Gathering Church
3828 Herman Ave.
San Diego CA, 92104
Phone: 619.624.9335
Fax: 619.624.9395

http://www.queersunited.blogspot.com

A transgender hen succesfully transitions into a rooster!
http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/10/transgender-chicken-has-transitioned.html

Today's open forum is set to examine whether we may see something similar to the "Bradley effect" on queer issues in the upcoming election.

"The Bradley effect, less commonly called the Wilder effect, is a proposed explanation for observed discrepancies between voter opinion polls and election outcomes in some American political campaigns when a white candidate and a non-white candidate run against each other. Named for Tom Bradley, an African-American who lost the 1982 California governor's race despite being ahead in some voter polls, the Bradley effect refers to an alleged tendency on the part of some voters to tell pollsters that they are undecided or likely to vote for a black candidate, and yet, on election day, vote for his/her white opponent." (Wikipedia)

The "Bradley Effect" was a shocking dose of reality about the inconsistency of polls to determine how truthful people are about their voting decisions. It also went on to show the racial implications of the governor's race.

While it is now 26 years later, the notion of a "Bradley Effect" has resurfaced because Barack Obama, a bi-racial candidate is running for president of the United States of America. It is interesting to ponder whether people are indicating they will vote for the democratic ticket while in private will vote against it because of the racial implications.

I also wonder whether this can be applied to certain LGBT issues up on the ballot this Nov. 4th. There are marriage amendments in California, Arizona, and Florida this year. There is also the question of a constitutional convention in Connecticut and a ban on adoption by unmarried co-habitating couples in Arkansas. All of these referendums hold major implications for Americans straight and gay.

People opposed to gay rights often argue that they "have gay friends" or are "not bigoted against gays." It has become increasingly unpopular to be associated with "homophobia." Is it possible there is a segment of the population that claims they will vote against these marriage amendments and in favor of LGBT rights while secretly espousing another point of view to hide their own fear of being labeled a bigot?

http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/10/open-forum-can-queers-have-something.html

The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled 4-3 to legalize same-sex marriage.
http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/10/connecticut-legalizes-same-sex-marriage.html

Sources have confirmed to me that Mark Buse John McCain's chief of staff is being outed today!

http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/09/breaking-news-john-mccains-chief-of.html