I continue to believe that the [Supreme] Court will rule, five-to-four, in an opinion authored by Justice Anthony Kennedy, that laws prohibiting marriage equality violate the United States Constitution. Kennedy wrote the Court’s opinions in Romer v. Evans (1996) and Lawrence v. Texas (2003), and I think that he will see his longest-lasting legacy from over a quarter of a century on the Court being in the area of eliminating discrimination against gays and lesbians. I believe that his opinion will emphasize, as he did in Romer and Lawrence, the absence of any legitimate interest for prohibiting marriage by same-sex couples. As in Lawrence, and other opinions, he will point to the trend across the world
Source: bencrowther
Openly Gay Author Responds to XXL‘s Article on Homophobia in Hip-Hop
“So, yes, the reality is that gay men and women are in hip-hop. We are very much ingrained in this culture, and have contributed to it in ways you’ll never imagine. You’ll even be surprised to know that hip-hop not only started in the Bronx, but there were gay people right there at the inception of the movement. And, many of those lyrics you chant and reminisce to from years ago to present day, uhm, yeah, we spit, rhyme, and wrote those, too. In the words of Beyoncé, “Who run the world? Gays.””
Source: roughdiamondmtl
There are many discussions going on (on tumblr) about the word ‘homophobia’ being offensive.
Can anyone rightfully justify this for me?
Now, I know that there are other terms that one can use to describe ignorance/hatred towards the homosexual community, like ‘heterosexism’ - for example. But how does one justify the word ‘homophobia’ as ableist? I do not get it.
The simple fact is: There are people in the world who fear the gay community. They are taught this fear, and then this fear is a constant reminder in our society’s culture. This fear is portrayed EVERY SINGLE DAY via advertising, television, news, religious influence, protests, anti-gay legislation, etc.
This country was founded upon fear mongering (among other things). The religious right (i.e. the Westboro Baptist Church, National Organization for Marriage, Family Research Council, etc.) use fear tactics in ALL of their anti-gay PACs, press releases, AND teachings.
Ultimately, I just do not get how using the word ‘homophobia’ is deemed offensive. I would like to learn why, so I can justify changing my word usage. Please help.
What do YOU think?
PROJECT QUEER
Fighting NOM in N.H.
California-based gay activist Fred Karger (pictured) has produced a marriage equality commercial for New Hampshire, a state the National Organization for Marriage is targeting in their efforts to end same-sex nuptials.
The commercial, which began airing Thursday in the Granite State, aims to portray NOM as a hate group that helped overturn marriage equality in California and Maine by spreading lies.
“The National Organization for Marriage is coming to New Hampshire,” Karger warns in the commercial. “[NOM] is going to lie to you. They will say they are here to protect the sanctity of marriage — they’re not. They’re here to demonize gay people. Don’t let them destroy one more life, cause one more teen suicide.”
Watch the video by clicking the link above. Click here to learn more about Karger, who has indicated an interest in running for president in 2012.
Family Research Council Condemns White House Opposition To Anti-Gay Violence in Uganda
The above link is taken directly from the Family Research Council’s website. The article is written by its leader Tony Perkins.
Ugandan lesbian’s asylum appeal rejected because she didn’t own gay magazines
A lesbian asylum seeker who was granted a last minute reprieve from deportation to Uganda was rejected the right to remain in the UK because she didn’t own magazines or other literature relating to her sexuality it has been revealed.
Push for Change at Smithsonian
Following last year’s scandal involving a gay artist’s video being pulled from the “Hide/Seek” exhibition (pictured) at the Smithsonian, a group is calling for reforms at the government-funded institution.
Responding to complaints from Catholic groups and House speaker John Boehner, the Smithsonian pulled A Fire in My Belly, a video from late gay artist David Wojnarowicz, from “Hide/Seek.” Wojnarowicz’s video depicted ants crawling on a crucifix and was a tribute to a former lover who died from AIDS complications.
Led by the National Coalition Against Censorship, numerous arts and civil rights groups, including the ACLU, sent a letter to the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents “asking them to adopt explicit policies that uphold First Amendment principles, as well as an open procedure for responding to complaints, whether coming from the general public or from elected politicians,” according to a press release.
The Smithsonian’s Board of Regents meets on Monday to discuss the “Hide/Seek” controversy.
Ugandan gay activist’s funeral marred by protest
[trigger warning: brutal homophobic murder]
An anti-gay protester created a commotion at the funeral Friday for a prominent activist slain in Uganda, yelling out homophobic phrases that led to a scuffle with mourners attending the burial.
Hundreds of people attended the services for David Kato, who was bludgeoned to death earlier this week at his home in Uganda’s capital.
Police had to intervene after a homophobic outburst from Anglican priest Thomas Musoke led to a scuffle midway through Friday’s funeral, and Musoke was escorted away. While no one was hurt in the melee, gay rights campaigners said they had received threats that their cars would be stoned as they left the service.
Kato’s killing comes after a year of stepped up threats against gays in Uganda, where a bill has proposed the death penalty for some homosexual acts.
However, Ugandan authorities say his sexual orientation had nothing to do with his death, and that he was slain by robbers. In a statement earlier this week, police said they had arrested one suspect and were looking for another.
But gay rights campaigners at the funeral insisted that Kato’s death was linked to his activism and that the government had failed to protect gays in the country.
“What happened disgraced this nation and disgraced the soul of the person who had died,” activist Julian Pepe Onziema said.
U.S. President Barack Obama called on the Ugandan government to hold the perpetrators accountable.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder,” Obama said in a statement Friday. “David showed tremendous courage in speaking out against hate. He was a powerful advocate for fairness and freedom.”
Kato, who had been threatened multiple times, was found with serious wounds to his head caused by an attack with a hammer at his home late Wednesday. He died on the way to the hospital.
A Ugandan tabloid newspaper called Rolling Stone had listed a number of men they said were homosexuals last year, including Kato. Kato’s picture was published on the front page, along with his name and a headline that said “Hang Them.”
Kato and two other gay activists sued Rolling Stone over claims that it had violated their constitutional rights to privacy and won the case earlier this month. A judge issued an injunction banning the publication of the identities and personal details of alleged homosexuals.
Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and gay men and women face regular harassment. A controversial bill introduced in 2009 and still before the country’s parliament would see the death penalty introduced for certain homosexual acts. The bill prompted international condemnation and hasn’t come up for a vote.
Its introduction followed a conference in Kampala that was attended by American activists who consider same-gender relationships sinful. The U.S. evangelicals believe gays and lesbians can become heterosexual through prayer and counseling. Some gay Ugandans still resent that American intervention.
In the wake of Kato’s murder, fellow activists said they would continue campaigning despite fears for their safety.
“We can’t lose David just like this,” said activist Sandra Ntebi. “We are more determined because he is not around and we will do whatever it takes.”
Hillary Clinton: Gay activist David Kato was “brutally murdered”
From the State Department:
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON
Murder of Ugandan LGBT Activist David Kato
We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Ugandan human rights defender David Kato, who was brutally murdered in his home near Kampala yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues. We urge Ugandan authorities to quickly and thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible for this heinous act.
David Kato tirelessly devoted himself to improving the lives of others. As an advocate for the group Sexual Minorities Uganda, he worked to defend the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. His efforts resulted in groundbreaking recognition for Uganda’s LGBT community, including the Uganda Human Rights Commission’s October 2010 statement on the unconstitutionality of Uganda’s draft “anti-homosexuality bill” and the Ugandan High Court’s January 3 ruling safeguarding all Ugandans’ right to privacy and the preservation of human dignity.
His tragic death underscores how critical it is that both the government and the people of Uganda, along with the international community, speak out against the discrimination, harassment, and intimidation of Uganda’s LGBT community, and work together to ensure that all individuals are accorded the same rights and dignity to which each and every person is entitled.
Everywhere I travel on behalf of our country, I make it a point to meet with young people and activists – people like David – who are trying to build a better, stronger future for their societies. I let them know that America stands with them, and that their ideas and commitment are indispensible to achieving the progress we all seek.
This crime is a reminder of the heroic generosity of the people who advocate for and defend human rights on behalf of the rest of us – and the sacrifices they make. And as we reflect on his life, it is also an occasion to reaffirm that human rights apply to everyone, no exceptions, and that the human rights of LGBT individuals cannot be separated from the human rights of all persons.
Our ambassadors and diplomats around the world will continue to advance a comprehensive human rights policy, and to stand with those who, with their courage, make the world a more just place where every person can live up to his or her God-given potential. We honor David’s legacy by continuing the important work to which he devoted his life.
ESPN: On homophobia and recruiting
Some women’s college basketball coaches use a subtle vocabulary to diss certain programs. But there’s no polite way to say this: Their homophobia is polluting the recruiting trail.
Report details past problems with former Michigan assistant AG who targeted U-M student body president with anti-gay attacks
Former Michigan assistant attorney general Andrew Shirvell was warned about using state resources to launch anti-gay attacks on politicians two months before he began targeting the University of Michigan’s student body president, newly released documents show.
Why NOM Is Lashing Out At New Hampshire’s Top House Republican D.J. Bettencourt
When New Hampshire’s House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt decided lats week to table his party’s planned repeal of the state’s same-sex marriage law, we cheered! The National Organization for Marriage, however, fumed.
Having spent oodles and oodles of cash to help elect Republicans to the state legislature, NOM wanted some return on its investment — but Bettencourt screwed Brian Brown & Co. out of a 2011 victory. So how did NOM respond? With retaliation, bombarding Bettencourt’s Salem district with mailers claiming the ultimate of sins: that he “stand[s] with Governor Lynch and does not support traditional family values.”
Not that Bettencourt is taking it lying down. On Friday, after having previously said that while he didn’t think same-sex marriage was a priority but he’d take up the bill anyhow, he confirmed he’s pushing the House Judiciary Committee to leave it alone until next year.
“Same-sex marriage remains a deeply controversial issue,” says Bettencourt in an open letter to House Speaker William O’Brien.
“This assault on our agenda has the potential to take important focus and energy away from our focus on the budget. Therefore, it is my belief that the same-sex marriage repeal must be retained in the Judiciary Committee this year so that our full and undivided attention is focused on New Hampshire’s outstanding financial issues.”
The takeaway? Whenever we see supposedly social conservative Republican lawmakers feuding with NOM, it’s a win for the gays.
Activists Fight Wyoming Anti-Gay Marriage Bill
Wyoming gay rights activists rallied over the weekend to protest a state bill that would prohibit recognition of out-of-state marriages for same-sex couples.
In Casper, about 50 people turned up for a pro-marriage equality rally, waving signs reading “Civil rights for Wyomingites” and “Protect our people like we protect guns,” the Casper Star-Tribunereports.
University of Wyoming students also protested the bill, HB 74, in Laramie. If the bill passes its third reading in the state House Monday, the legislation will then be debated in the senate.
Read the full story here.
