That's right, he's gay! He's here, he's gay, get used to it. Yesterday, Ricky Martin announced on his website that he is a "fortunate homosexual man." The Puerto Rican singer is a former member of boy band Menudo who hit the big time my freshman year of high school with solo hit, "Livin' La Vida Loca."
Congrats Ricky! We all knew you would salsa your way out of the closet eventually and are glad you did.
Crate and Barrel and Daily Candy have joined together to hold the Ultimate Wedding Contest. The contest asks couples to submit their love story in 100 words or less. Visitors to the site are asked to vote for their favorite pair of to-be weds. The prize is $100,000 towards the winning couple's dream wedding and the services of celebrity wedding planner, Jo Gartin.
Chicago native Gregory J. and his partner Jonathan are currently the 2nd runners up. The story of these two was brought to my attention by a mutual friend of Gregory and mine who told me that they were a couple, not only deeply in love, but also deeply committed to speaking out for marriage equality and LGBT rights. Today, in Washington D.C. they will be going to the courthouse to register for their marriage license.
Gregory and Jonathan's path has not been an easy one. In August of 2008 Jonathan was the victim of a violent hate crime in which he was beaten to the point of unconsciousness and suffered both mental and physical trauma. Throughout his recovery, Gregory stood by his side, encouraging him to heal by speaking out about his experience. Both have become activists for civil rights and the LGBT community. Jonathan contributed to a speech read at a protest in Boston and will speak at a LGBT march in Maine, he also authors a blog called Stuff On My Mind.
What would a girl do without her sassy gay friends? I, for one, would be much less happy and considerably less fabulous without mine. Thanks Second City!
Hearings were held yesterday regarding President Obama's agenda to repeal the United States' Military's ban on homosexuality. Department of Defense secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullens spoke, saying that there would be measures taken to alter the current Don't Ask Don't Tell policy.
If you haven't already read the Details Magazine piece entitled, The Lure of Dating and Ex-Lesbian it's probably worth checking out (nevermind the ridiculous picture accompanying, ugh). The article postulates that men are attracted to bisexuals or former lesbians because the of the possibility of seeing the girl on girl action they've dreamed of since age fourteen, if they can handle it.
The article is problematic in a few ways. Firstly, reporter Ian Daly does little to back up his argument that women are apt to "make the switch" because their biological clock is ticking. There are no statistics, just a quote from a University of Utah psychologist. Secondly, the examples he uses do little to illustrate his point in an effective manner, the title suggests we will learn what is enticing about these women, but in fact we only learn that men who date hasbians are just afraid they won't live up to their former female lovers.
Perhaps one of the best articles I've read on the topic of marriage equality and Proposition 8 was published about a week and a half ago in Newsweek.
Written by Theodore B. Olson, a self-identified Republican, the article presents pretty sound arguments for marriage equality and the dismissal of Prop 8. He writes:
Americans who believe in the words of the Declaration of Independence,
in Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, in the 14th Amendment, and in the
Constitution's guarantees of equal protection and equal dignity before
the law cannot sit by while this wrong continues. This is not a
conservative or liberal issue; it is an American one, and it is time
that we, as Americans, embraced it.
Thanks so much to my awesome friend Elli for lending her perspective to SATWC! This is a great post, so enjoy!
As homosexual individuals, we are in a constant process of coming out
to everyone we meet. Yes, it can be frustrating and scary but it can
also be rewarding and liberating. Regardless of the results, it's an
inevitable process. Nine times out of ten the "do you have a
boyfriend/girlfriend" question will pop up in casual (and especially in
small) conversation. And let's face it, if you're a gay, you either
have or have had that split second of asking yourself, "Do I tell them
I'm gay? Should I answer in gender neutral form? Do I pretend I'm
straight? Should I pretend I didn't hear the question and switch
subjects?"
I wrote a post a few weeks back addressing the proposed anti-gay legislation under debate in Uganda.
The New York Times published an article on Sunday addressing the role of American missionaries in the creation of anti-homosexual legislation in Uganda.
Apparently, last March, three American men, touted as experts on homosexuality, spoke to Ugandans about "curing" gays and "the threat homosexuals posed to Bible-based values and the traditional African family."
Acclaimed performer, Lady Gaga's, January 7th concert at St. Louis' Fox Theatre is being protested by Westboro Baptist Church (www.godhatesfags.com) out of Topeka, Kansas. The church, led by Reverend Fred Phelps, will be demonstrating on the grounds that Lady Gaga is "immoral and pro-homosexuality." The article published on KSDK.com is full of the other hate speech the organization is using to rally their troops...but honestly, the real kicker is the flier above.
How judgment and fear-mongering at this level is considered more "Christian" than enjoying a Lady Gaga concert, I'm not sure.
Remember my post with the map showing where same sex couples live? Well, my main squeeze, Justin, sent me this today and I thought...interesting...and disturbing:
At this year's Reeling Film Festival I was excited to see a first: a gay Christmas movie. Director Rob Williams' Make The Yuletide Gay
is a coming out tale with a holiday theme. I wanted so badly to enjoy
this movie so that I could have something to fill my homo heart with
glee during the holiday season. Unfortunately, Williams delivers
nothing more than another tedious gay movie full of sexually charged
puns with characters say things like, "I'm getting my beaver ready for
Christmas," turning around to reveal a stuffed beaver with a big red
bow on it. While the story is upbeat and easy to watch with a
few genuinely funny moments, ultimately the film is reduced to a parade of
stock character types marching out their wittiest double entendres and
poorly timed gay jokes.
If, like me, you are looking to bring a little homo
for the holidays, I recommend passing by this recent release and
heading instead for one of these gems featuring a gay character. In my
research I discovered that gay characters in Christmas films break down
into two categories: 1.Animated children who are not technically known
homosexuals and 2. Gay brothers who inspire heated discussion about
broadly moral issues while seated around a holiday meal.
The Ugandan government is debating legislation today that suggests that gay sex with minors, disabled persons, or while infected with HIV/AIDS is punishable by death. Calling it "aggravated homosexuality." Consensual gay sex is also addressed in the bill has a proposed punishment of life imprisonment.
Much of this bill is stemming from a strong, evangelical christian sentiment in the legislature of the country. Claiming that it will protect the heterosexual family in Uganda and uphold their Christian values.
The obviously inhumane bill is largely supported by the Ugandan public and will most likely be voted into law in 2010.The London Times quoted an Ugandan citizen saying:
"Homosexuality is not natural and it's not African," said Arthur Owori, a
43-year-old technician. "What next? Will people start going with animals?"
This quote I pulled is unreal to me. Owori claims that homosexuality isn't African...like Evangelical Christianity is?!?!?! I've written before about my feelings against involving religion in any sort of state affairs, and though I'm not well versed on Ugandan law or their constitution, it sounds like they are running a seriously veiled theocracy over there. It is just more proof to me that a bulk of the hate in this world is birthed by organized religions and their purported "value systems."
Most of the kickback against this bill from European governments to human rights groups is being largely ignored by Ugandans. James Nsaba Burturo, the Minister of State for Ethics is quoted as saying:
"What is all the fuss about? You people in the West have no
respect whatsoever for our traditional values."
Congratulations to Annise Parker, the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. City. Houston, Texas, the fourth largest city in the United States with about 2.2 million residents made history by electing Parker to be Mayor in a run-off election on December 12th.
Parker, who has been open about her sexuality throughout her political career, acknowledged the obviously historical moment then said, "But now, from this moment, let us join as one community."
Check out the Time bio of this politician to watch in 2010.
Sorry this is so quick and dirty friends, the holidays are keeping this lady sup busy...But not to busy to round up some great news for you all. Enjoy!
The gay republican group, GOProud is set to sponsor the 2010 Conservative Political Action Conference in D.C. this February.
GOProud's press realease quotes executive director Jimmy LaSalvia:
"GOProud's
participation at CPAC is one of the most important things we will do
all year," continued LaSalvia. "This gathering of the nation's most
influential conservatives gives us an incredible opportunity to deliver
our message. GOProud
looks forward to continuing to work with the conservative movement to
promote policies that will improve the lives of all Americans -
including gays and lesbians."
The CPAC is a conference, known most notoriously for its 2007 event where Ann Coulter called John Edwards a faggot. Several of GOProud's co-sponsors at this year's event also have strong anti-gay missions. While on one hand it seems like a very brave undertaking for these gay conservatives to be active amongst the very same people who seek to limit their rights, on the other, I'm wondering what exactly GOProud's message is? Their website speaks mostly to conservative politics and very little to the currently tumultuous politics surrrounding marriage equality and LGBT civil rights. Their about page doesn't even discuss marriage equality as a part of their agenda.
What do you think of this Chicago? I'm all for conservative queers, but if they aren't trying to break through to their straight counterparts who are vehemently against their equal rights as American citizens. What is the point?
The Economist published this chart on November 25th in an article titled "Gay Couples in America: Same Difference." Discussing the heated topic of marriage equality and LGBT rights in the United States.
This graph shows where most of the same-sex headed households exist and to no surprise the trend is predominately coastal, in the liberal northeast and in California, Washington, and Oregon. The largest concentration of same-sex headed households is in D.C. where there are 14 for every 1,000 households.
That's right, last night began the New York State Senate debate on same-sex marriage and it seems like the legislation has a decent chance of passing. Check out the deets here.
UPDATE: The NY State Senate squashed the same-sex marriage bill 38-24. You know what they say, "If at first you don't succeed, try try again."
It's Wednesgay again at ole SATWC and I'm here with an event happening Thurs-Sat nights until December 19th at the Theatre Building Chicago.
Girlie-Q, Chicago's only LGBT Burlesque company is putting on Delight Before Christmas a variety show bent on exposing the true meaning of Christmas. Sure to be a fun time, check it out at 1225 W. Belmont. Tickets are $15-$20 and the show starts at 8:15!
That's right Chi-town, today, December 1st, is World Aids Day.
Currently there are 33.4 million people world wide who are HIV positive! That is no small number! Today, take a minute to re-educate yourself on HIV statistics and learn what you can do to increase awareness and help fight HIV and AIDS.
The major political agenda of many gays these days is for marriage equality. Wanting to have a union legally recognized and protected is huge for life partners who can receive tax, health care, and other benefits if joined to the woman or man they love.
Legalizing same-sex marriage is important because it also legitimizes same-sex divorce. Currently dissolving a same-sex union or marriage is a tricky endeavor, than can mean having to move to Massachusetts the same way Betty Draper had to head off to Reno in the final episode of Mad Men.
After ABC cancelling Adam Lambert's Good Morning America performance post AMA's, he was quickly picked up by CBS's The Early Show. There he told his interviewer that he thought much of the controversy surrounding his Sunday night performance is stemming from the fact that he's openly gay. Catch the clip above.
WTF is everyone's problem about Adam Lambert's American Music Awards performance? I mean, why can Madonna go around kissing every teen idol she sees with no recourse and an openly gay man can't? Why is it that two girls kissing considered sexy and two guys repulsive?
I mean, I'm truly baffled. I feel like this is a "no,duh," moment and folks are saying he has to be concerned about losing fans. Hello, have you met pop-stars and the gays? They love each other. Adam Lambert's star is only beginning to rise and his immense talent could put him among the ranks of stars such as Christina Aguilera and Cher. Get over it America, he's here, he's gay, get used to it.
It's a sexy and newsy day here at SATWC, and even though this one is a little late, it's a story we've been following since the start.
Congrats to Caster Semenya who gets to keep her gold medal from the 800 meter run at the World Championships in Berlin. The IAAF is not releasing results of gender testing being done to determine her sex and eligibility, but have determined that her win in August will be upheld.
I personally am very excited for this 18 year old. At a time of such transition in one's life, regardless of gender, it must have been horrifying for her to withstand the media storm that surrounded her questionable gender. Well-done Caster!
When Glee returns from its mid-season break in January it will air on the same night as American Idol. How much more lovable lesbian can America get on a Wednesgay night?
There's rumor of an all Madonna episode of Glee in the works...
To me, Dolly Parton is beyond awesome. I mean, when my friend Tripp put her greatest hits on my iPod it was pretty much the end for me. "Jolene" is one of my favorite songs.
My love of Dolly aside, it is great that she is out advocating for the gays with Joy Behar on CNN.com , saying, "I always say, well sure why can't they get married, they should suffer like the rest of us do."
Is it just me or is Joy being a little dismissive of Dolly? Does she not understand the majesty she is speaking with. She's probs just jealous of Ms. Parton's endlessly youthful beauty.
Today the Chicago based American Medical Association voted at their interim meetin in Houston, TX to oppose the United States Military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, and also spoke out against gay marriage bans.
The AMA claims that these policies pose a health risk to GLBT citizens, saying that because of their inability to be honest with their military doctors, health issues go undiagnosed and untreated.
They also believe that laws preventing same-sex marriage and denying the rights of the married to GLBT couples can cause negative effects on health due to lack of insurance, as well as lack of payment of life insurance, social security survivor benefits, and tax breaks that make life easier financially. Lord knows financial stress is enough to give anyone more than a few health problems.
I say three cheers for the doctors of this country who are using their lobbying clout to make a stand for gay rights. Everyone deserves to be happily and healthily themselves, no?
Check the Tribune for more deets on the meeting in Houston and other legislation this extremely influential professional organization is discussing.
