KISS A GIRL,GO TO HELL by: Perez Hilton, perezhilton.com
You know you've made it big when others start making covers of your songs. But this remix is a bit different.
It seems that the people at a church in Blacklick, Ohio, aren't too thrilled with Katy Perry's catchy I Kissed A Girl song.
So…..they've decided to change it up a bit.
The Havens Corners Church now has a sign outside with the new lyrics they've added to the song.
It says, "I kissed a girl and I liked it" and adds, "Then I went to hell."
The church pastor, Rev. Dave Allison, says that the sign is intended as "a loving warning to teens" since the Bible states that homosexuality is a sin.
He did admit that the sign has confused some people who don't know the song or get the message.
Guess Katy isn't that big in Ohio. [9/5/08]
ONLINE TV GROWS IN POPULARITY Sept. 4, 2008…Online TV viewing has been gaining in popularity. Nearly one-fifth of American households who use the internet watch television broadcasts online, double the viewership from 2006, The Conference Board and TNS report today. The top two destinations for online broadcasts are the official TV channel homepage and YouTube.com. > Full Story. [9/4/08]
GAY COUPLE SETTLES LAWSUIT AGAINST UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII FOLLOWING DENIAL OF FAMILY HOUSING (Honolulu, August 29, 2008) - A gay couple not allowed to move back into family housing at the University of Hawai`i, Mânoa, has settled their lawsuit against the school. > Full Story. [9/4/08]
UNCOVERED QUESTIONNAIRE SHOWS REPUBLICAN VP NOMINEE PALIN OPPOSES HATE CRIMES LAWS Uncovered Questionnaire Shows Republican VP Nominee Palin Opposes Hate Crimes Laws “Sarah Palin is against recognizing our relationships, against domestic partner benefits, and against hate crimes laws. The more we find out about her record, the more frightening her record becomes,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese > Full Story. [9/3/08]
MAJORITY OF AMERICANS AGREE THAT TRANSGENDER EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE JUDGED BY JOB PERFORMANCE, NOT GENDER IDENTITY Majority of Americans Agree that Transgender Employees Should be Judged by Job Performance, not Gender Identity New Workplace Report also Shows that Majority of Americans Support Marriage-Like Benefits for Same Sex Couples in the Workplace > Full Story. [9/3/08]
HRCSTATEMENT ON LOG CABIN REPUBLICAN ENDORSEMENT OF MCCAIN/PALIN WASHINGTON – The following is a statement from Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese on the Log Cabin Republican endorsement of John McCain and Sarah Palin: > Full Story. [9/3/08]
NUMBER OF COMPANIES WITH TOP RATING FOR LGBT WORKERS JUMPS BY ONE-THIRD WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation today released the seventh annual Corporate Equality Index, which rates 583 businesses on a scale from 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors. The 2009 edition of the CEI reports 259 businesses achieved a perfect score, a one-third increase over last year when the number was 195. The 259 top-rated businesses collectively employ more than 9 million full-time employees. These workers are protected from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because of their employers' policies on diversity & inclusion, training, health care, and domestic partnership benefits. > Full Story. [9/3/08]
MCCAIN PICKS LITTLE-KNOWN, ANTI-GAY GOVERNOR AS VP McCain Picks Little-Known, Anti-Gay Governor as VP “America may not know much about Sarah Palin, but based on what our community has seen of her, we know enough,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. > Full Story. [8/29/08]
94% OF 2008 FORTUNE 500 PROVIDE SEXUAL ORIENTATION WORKPLACE PROTECTION 94.2% of the 2008 Fortune 500 Provide Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Senator Obama and Senator McCain Take Opposite Positions on Sexual Orientation Workplace Protection > Full Story. [8/29/08]
LL MOURNS THE LOSS OF CIVIL RIGHTS GIANT DEL MARTIN 'Del Martin led the way for all of us who came later.' (San Francisco, August 27, 2008) - Civil rights leader Del Martin, who made international headlines in June when she and her partner became the first same-sex couple to legally marry in California, died today in San Francisco. She was 87. Martin's spouse and partner of more than 50 years, Phyllis Lyon, was at her side. > Full Story. [8/29/08]
PRESS RELEASE: HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN PRESIDENT JOE SOLMONESE STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF DEL MARTIN Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese Statement on the Passing of Del Martin > Full Story. [8/27/08]
EQUALITY TEXAS GIVES PRIDE FESTIVAL TO AUSTIN COMMUNITY Equality Texas redirects its focus to statewide advocacy; Austin-area Pride Coalition will move forward with production of local Pride events > Full Story. [8/26/08]
HRC STATEMENT ON SELECTION OF SENATOR JOE BIDEN AS DEMOCRATIC VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 23, 2008 Brad Luna | Phone: 202/216.1514 | Cell: 202/812.8140 Trevor Thomas | Phone: 202/216.1547 | Cell: 202/250.9758 Human Rights Campaign Statement on Selection of Senator Joe Biden as Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate HRC President Hails Biden as “A Proven and Effective Advocate for Fairness and Equality” WASHINGTON – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, hailed the presumptive Democratic nominee, Senator Barack Obama’s selection of Senator Joe Biden as his Vice Presidential running mate. During his career in Congress, Senator Biden has a proven record of fighting for and supporting issues of fairness and equality. “In selecting Senator Joe Biden as his running mate, Senator Obama has chosen a proven and effective advocate for fairness and equality that our entire community can be proud of,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Senator Biden’s record in the United States Senate is one of support and understanding that has been unwavering throughout his career.” Recently, Senator Biden, as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, played an instrumental role in securing the passage of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), legislation which included Senator John Kerry and Senator Gordon Smith’s provision repealing the discriminatory HIV travel and immigration ban. His working across the aisle guaranteed that the Kerry-Smith provision was adopted. Furthermore, when opponents of the provision attempted to garner support to strip the provision from the bill, Senator Biden fought to keep the provision in the bill and helped secure the votes for PEPFAR'S final passage. “We only need to look back to the recent passage of the repeal of the HIV travel and immigration ban to see the type of leadership we can expect from Senator Biden on the issues important to our community,” continued Solmonese. “It was because of his determination and tenacity that we were able to see this relic of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS torn down.” “If the support Senator Biden has proven on our issues is any indication of the type of Vice President he will be than our community can be assured that Senator Obama has chosen a thoughtful and staunch advocate for equality as his closest adviser,” concluded Solmonese. The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. - 30 -
Highlights of Senator Joe Biden’s Record of Support for the GLBT Community > Full Story. [8/23/08]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION GUIDE ADVISES EMPLOYERS ON BENEFITS FOR SAME-SEX SPOUSES "Marriage for Same-Sex Couples: Considerations for Employers" Aims to Assist Fair-Minded Employers in Providing Equal Benefits to Workers > Full Story. [8/19/08]
HRC STATEMENT ON DNC NATIONAL PLATFORM Human Rights Campaign Statement on DNC National Platform HRC testified before Drafting Committee on GLBT issues
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, issued the following statement today on the release of the Democratic National Committee’s National Platform as prepared by the National Platform Committee. On August 1, Legislative Director Allison Herwitt testified in Cleveland, Ohio at the National Platform Drafting Committee meeting. To read her testimony, visit: http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2008/08/hrc-legislative.html.
Statement by Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese:
“This year’s Democratic Party Platform does more to address policy issues important to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community than ever before. The 2008 Platform reiterates and strengthens past support for legislation that would protect our community, including calls for the passage of hate crimes and comprehensive employment discrimination legislation, and the repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in our nation's military. It is historic and important to note that for the first time this year, the platform pledges to fight discrimination based on gender identity. The platform also supports the full inclusion of same-sex couples and their families, with equal rights, benefits and responsibilities. For the first time, the platform opposes the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition of even those same-sex couples legally married under state law. The platform also supports other issues of importance for GLBT, and all Americans, including a call for a national strategy to combat HIV/AIDS, support for fair and impartial judges not driven by ideology, and requirements that faith-based programs not use federal dollars to discriminate.
The platform addresses many of our community’s critical issues, however it does not explicitly use the words gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. While this has prompted much discussion, it is our responsibility as a community in this election year to compare this document with the soon-to-be-adopted Republican platform and to judge which party would best advocate for us. Additionally, we challenge the Republican Party to, for the first time, adopt equally supportive language.
HRC applauds the efforts of GLBT members of the Drafting and full Platform Committees, including Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Diego Sanchez, the first-ever transgender member of the Platform Committee and a member of HRC's Business Council and Boston Steering Committee. Their presence is further testimony to the commitment of the Democratic Party to our community.”
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
-30-If you would rather not receive future email messages from Human Rights Campaign, let us know by clicking here.Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036 United States > Full Story. [8/11/08]
POWERHOUSE LINEUP OF SPEAKERS TO ADDRESS THE STATE OF THE FAITH MOVEMENT AND THE INCLUSION OF LGBT PEOPLE Pro-LGBT Christians will converge in New Orleans, Sept. 4–7, for Many Stories, One Voice conference > Full Story. [7/31/08]
TASK FORCE EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURT DECISION National Gay and Lesbian Task Force expresses disappointment in Montgomery County Circuit Court decision allowing efforts to repeal transgender rights law to move forward > Full Story. [7/24/08]
CONGRESS DEBATES 'DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL' [VIDEO] Congress Debates 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Associated Press Jul. 23, 2008. 03:44 PM EST > Full Story. [7/24/08]
NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE ACTION FUND CALLS FOR END TO DISCRIMINATORY ‘DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL’ POLICY WASHINGTON, July 23 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for holding the first hearing since 1993 on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which prohibits lesbian, gay and bisexual people from serving openly in the military. In addition to submitting written testimony, the Action Fund worked closely with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and other colleague organizations to prepare witnesses and members of the committee for the hearing. > Full Story. [7/23/08]
RIP - ESTELLE GETTY Sad sad news. > Full Story. [7/22/08]
LAMBDA LEGAL FILES FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICIALS FOR FIRING TRANSGENDER WOMAN (Atlanta, Georgia, July 22, 2008) - Today Lambda Legal announced a federal lawsuit against Georgia General Assembly officials on behalf of Vandy Beth Glenn, a transgender woman who was fired from her job as a Legislative Editor after she stated her intention to live as a woman in accordance with her health care providers' recommendations. > Full Story. [7/22/08]
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES MCCAIN, OBAMA TO ATTEND FORUM AT SADDLEBACK CHURCH
Presumptive presidential nominees Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) have agreed to attend a forum at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., on Aug. 16, the New York Times reports. According to the Times, the candidates will appear together for the first time since presidential campaign efforts began. The Rev. Rick Warren, who called the candidates personally to invite them to the forum, said that the event will focus on how they make decisions and on some of Warren's main focus areas, such as HIV/AIDS, poverty and the environment (Rutenberg, New York Times, 7/21).
Warren said that at the request of McCain and Obama, the forum will be held in a nondebate format and open to all media, although only Warren will ask questions. The candidates will appear briefly together before each one takes questions from Warren for an hour, according to the AP/Contra Costa Times. "While I know both men as friends, and they recognize I will be frank, but fair, they also know I will be raising questions in ... four areas beyond what political reporters typically ask," Warren said, adding, "This includes pressing issues that are bridging divides in our nation, such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, climate and human rights" (AP/Contra Costa Times, 7/21). According to Warren, he will develop his questions with feedback from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders associated with the group (New York Times, 7/21).
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – July 22, 2008 – The AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center reports Tropical Storm Dolly is nearing hurricane strength as it moves through the western Gulf of Mexico toward landfall early on Wednesday near the Texas - Mexico border. The gathering storm has raised concerns in the oil and agriculture industries.
The AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center reports Tropical Storm Dolly is expected to reach hurricane strength today as it moves over the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. There is a strong possibility it could reach Category 2 strength, with winds of 100 mph, before making landfall early on Wednesday near the mouth of the Rio Grande River.
Oil Production Impacts
The storm is not expected to have a major impact on oil and natural gas operations in the Gulf; however, several oil companies have begun to evacuate some rigs and platforms.
Exxon Mobil spokeswoman Margaret Ross tells AccuWeather.com nonessential personnel have been evacuated from company facilities expected to be in the path of the storm. She adds there has been minimal impact on production.
Royal Dutch Shell on Sunday and Monday evacuated about 185 people from its operations in the western part of the Gulf. Meanwhile, the U.S. Minerals Management Service has activated its Continuity of Operations Plan team to monitor activities in the Gulf until operations return to normal and the storm is no longer a threat.
Landfall Concerns
The strength of the storm by landfall will depend on its forward speed. On Monday, Dolly entered the Gulf at around 18 mph. Today, it has slowed to near 12 mph as it moves west-northwest across the Gulf.
“We are concerned that Dolly has the potential to cause damaging winds and life-threatening, widespread flooding across South Texas and northern Mexico. Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are likely across the region with locally heavier amounts possible,” said AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologists Alex Sosnowski and Ken Clark.
The Mexican government has issued a hurricane warning from the U.S. border to Rio San Fernando and a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch from Rio San Fernando to the U.S. border, while a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect south of Rio San Fernando to La Pesca. Anyone along the Gulf Coast, especially in the areas under hurricane warnings, should take immediate steps to protect life and property.
Hurricane-force winds will pound the coast of South Texas, while tropical storm-force winds will extend into the mid to upper Rio Grande Valley. In addition, a coastal storm surge of 4 to 7 feet above normal tide levels can be expected, with the strongest surf striking the coast to the north of the eye.
Rio Grande Ag Impacts
Five to 10 inches of rain and locally higher amounts forecast for South Texas and northern Mexico could spark dangerous flash flooding that could threaten lives and property. The rain could have a major impact on agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley, the center of citrus production and the most important area of vegetable production in Texas, producing cotton, sugarcane, maize and a variety of sorghums. > Full Story. [7/22/08]
NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE NOW ACCEPTING SESSION PROPOSALS FOR WASHINGTON, July 16 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is now accepting session proposals for The 21st National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change. > Full Story. [7/17/08]
ANOTHER MISGUIDED EFFORT BY RIGHT-WING TO FOMENT ANTI-GAY SENTIMENT DURING PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN Washington -- Tomorrow, leaders of the anti-gay right wing will gather at the Family Research Council to discuss the results of their latest poll on the political impact of anti-gay amendments on the November ballot. This is clearly another effort by right-wing to force Republican presidential nominee John McCain into using gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues as a divisive wedge during the presidential campaign. In reality, the FRC's efforts another symbol of its movement's weakness in 2008 according to the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest GLBT civil rights group.
"Pollsters for John Kerry and George Bush, Mark Mellman and Matthew Dowd, have disavowed the idea that anti-gay voters were a factor in the 2004 election. Knowing that, candidates and voters should be skeptical of a Family Research Council-commissioned poll indicating that they are more likely to support a candidate who supports statewide amendments to ban marriage for gay and lesbian couples," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "The FRC poll is another attempt to browbeat John McCain into becoming more anti-gay."
Voters in California, Arizona and Florida will consider ballot measures to enshrine discrimination in their states' constitutions. Arizona voters defeated a similar initiative in 2006. In California, Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced his opposition to the efforts to reverse marriage equality. California made legal marriages for gay and lesbian couples in May and began conducting marriages in June. In Florida, Governor Charlie Crist has been on both sides of the issue. He opposed spending state GOP funds on the effort to place the amendment on the ballot.
Even GOP nominee, John McCain twice voted against a federal marriage amendment, which had the very strong support of the FRC and its allies. Those votes have created a conundrum for the anti-gay organizations, hence their efforts to re-ignite the issue with a poll.
"Efforts to use GLBT equality as a way to win votes are stale in today's political environment," continued Solmonese. "A recent Field Poll shows that a majority of Californians support marriage equality. The FRC thinks that anti-gay voters are McCain's best hope to win his home state of Arizona, but Arizona voters have already rejected this tactic at the polls.That just smacks of desperation. Our nation was built on the ideals of fairness, opportunity, and equality under the law. Pathetic attempts to claim otherwise are a disgrace. Besides, the right wing's tired tactics are unlikely to sway voters feeling the pressure of a strained economy and exhausted by five years of a no-end-in-sight Iraq War."
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. > Full Story. [7/10/08]
BERTHA TO SPARE OIL RIGS
Bertha to Spare Oil Rigs
First Hurricane of Season Not Concern for Gulf Interests
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - July 8, 2008 - AccuWeather.com Chief Hurricane Forecaster Joe Bastardi reports “Hurricane Bertha will not be a threat for the Gulf area.”
As the nation’s rising oil prices impact millions of families at the pump, it is welcome news that Bertha will not enter the Gulf of Mexico and will not impact energy producing interests in the Gulf.
“The biggest news is that it is not a Gulf problem,” Bastardi says of the first hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic Basin season. “My gut feeling is that, should it miss the connection with the trough to the north, a move close to the coast the middle part of next week is possible, most likely south of Hatteras, but not into the Gulf.”
According to Bastardi, the disturbed weather in the western Gulf is not likely to organize now that a new Pacific system is developing on the other side of Mexico. The active pattern is liable to produce another African wave that may be on a track that would be of concern for the Gulf by next week at this time, some 5 degrees south of where Bertha is now.
Storms moving across North America this week could influence Bertha’s path. AccuWeather.com meteorologists note Bertha could become virtually stationary by the weekend. All interests along the Southeast coast and anyone planning vacations to beach resorts in the Southeast should monitor the AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center for updates on Bertha's progression over the next week to 10 days
LONG PATH TO THE ALTAR FOR GAY COUPLES IN CALIF. [VIDEO] Long Path to the Altar for Gay Couples in Calif. Associated Press • Jun. 16, 2008. 08:23 AM EST
California today becomes only the second state in the nation after Massachusetts to allow gays to get married. Last month's ruling by the state Supreme Court kicks in at 5:01 p.m. Pacific time. (June 16) > Full Story. [6/16/08]
GEORGE MICHAEL: A NEW ALBUM AND MAKES AMERICAN ACTING DEBUT
New York, NY (March 24, 2008) – After performing 80 shows in 12 European countries for a staggering 1.3 million fans over the past year alone, legendary superstar George Michael will be bringing his smash 25 LIVE tour to North American Arenas in the summer of 2008 in support of his new retrospective record. This will be Michael's first North American tour in 17 years. The new record, titled Twenty-Five, will be released April 1st and is a 29-song, 2-CD set featuring six new songs (including duets with superstars Paul McCartney and Mary J. Blige and a song from the Eli Stone finale, “Feeling Good”) in addition to many of Michael's iconic songs from both his solo and WHAM! career. In addition, a companion 2-disc DVD of 40 videos will also be made available.
The 25 LIVE tour broke several ticket sales records, most notably in Copenhagen. Michael's concert at The Parken Stadium sold over 50,000 tickets in the matter of minutes, shattering the previous ticket sales record at the venue, formerly held by U2. On the 25 LIVE tour, Michael left both fans and critics alike in awe:
"It was a master class in pop genius." - The Observer
"George proved he is simply one of the best vocalists this country has ever produced. A stunning performance." - The Sun
"Worth waiting for. The show was, in every single meaning of the word, perfect." - De Morgen
"A tremendous singer, a complete showman, all George Michael needs is a mike, his songs, and the magic on stage is instantaneous." - La Parisien
The North American leg of the 25 LIVE tour will kick off in San Diego on June 17th and will continue through San Jose, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York and several other major cities. The tour will incorporate 22 shows over the course of seven weeks and Michael will perform material taken from the entire span of his career, including some classic Wham! tracks. Michael has recently teamed up with iTunes and Ticketmaster to produce an innovative media package which allows fans rare access to Michael’s videos, songs, and tickets to one of his North American 25 LIVE concerts. The package goes on sale on iTunes on March 25th. Tickets to the 25 LIVE tour will go on sale to the general public the weekend of April 6th.
George Michael has enjoyed one of the most successful and enduring careers in the history of pop music, selling more than 85 million records globally and encompassing seven US No. 1 singles, two Grammy awards, three American Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award and two prestigious Ivor Novello awards for songwriting. His record "Faith" has sold over 20 million copies alone. In addition, Michael has garnered 11 British No. 1 singles and seven British No. 1 albums. He recently was declared the most played British artist on radio over the course of the last 20 years. On March 27th, Michael can be seen making his American acting debut on the new hit ABC series, Eli Stone, in which each episode is titled after one of his songs.
For more information about the George Michael, please visit:
CA SCHOOL SHOOTING; HATE-CRIME CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED Local Groups for Gay Rights KCOY CBS 12 Santa Maria • Feb. 15, 2008. 03:12 AM EST > Full Story. [2/15/08]
NEWS: "CALL FOR LOVE" SUPPORTS LGBT JAMAICANS A CALL FOR LOVE: Valentine's Day 2008 by Mel Bryant
"STOP THE VIOLENCE! STOP THE HATE!" More than 30 die-hard activists, including two associates from Jamaica AIDS Services, one of whom is currently seeking asylum in the United States after threats to his life, chanted these words as they gathered at the Jamaican Consulate on Third Avenue in New York City on Valentine's Day to CALL FOR LOVE. The international action campaign, organized by Metropolitan Community Churches in response to the recent wave of mob violence directed against LGBT people in Jamaica, brought together representatives from MCC, Human Rights Watch, The Center, UNITY Fellowship, Renewed Life Ministries, Lavender and Green, Hadwen Park Congregational Church and the Peace Corps.
The Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair of Global Justice Ministry of Metropolitan Community Churches, recounted many of the horrific events of the past year, including the January 29th break-in to the private home of three gay men by a mob wielding clubs and machetes. "Two of those young men, doing nothing more than existing in their own home, were clubbed and macheted to the point of hospitalization," she said. "One lost an ear and may suffer paralysis from the attack. A third young man is missing and presumed dead. Only the blood trail away from the home remains."
"Enough is enough!" she called to the lunchtime crowds passing by the Consulate. "The time has come for people of goodwill around the globe to break their silence and demand that the Jamaican government and its political and social structures guarantee the safety of all Jamaicans."
Rebecca Schleiffer of Human Rights Watch recounted the horror of three gay men trapped in a pharmacy by a mob of two hundred in Montego Bay last year on Valentine's Day. "Those three young men had to place an international phone call to the Human Rights Watch," she said, "and we had to act on their behalf before the police would intervene. And even then," she continued, "those charged with protecting the lives of Jamaican citizens joined in the taunting and threatening gestures, punching one of the three in the face and stomach."
Jamaican Nathaniel Cunningham, who is seeking asylum in the United States because of death threats for his work with Jamaica AIDS Services and his courage in being out as a gay man, said, "The nightmares must end! No more sleepless nights wondering if you will be next! It's time for all Jamaicans to feel safe in their own homes and in their own country!" Cunningham led the crowd in chants calling for love to replace hate.
Speaker after speaker, including the Rev. Judith Hanlon, Pastor of the Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC, who had traveled to New York from Worcester, MA to participate in the demonstration, called on the Jamaican Consulate to intervene and promised to keep the pressure on until change is as evident as the violence has been. Prior to the demonstration, Rev. Bumgardner and Jamaican activist Junior Walker were politely rebuffed in their attempt to meet with the Acting Consul General, Lincoln Downer. They did, however, manage to deliver a letter calling attention to the CALL FOR LOVE campaign and promising ongoing efforts until the violence ends.
As the demonstration ended, those gathered placed flowers carrying the banner, "For the Jamaican Victims of Homophobic Hatred and Violence." As Rev. Bumgardner prepared to lead the crowd in a prayer of remembrance and promise, the Consulate's building manager came outside to say that praying on the sidewalk was not allowed. "We are going to pray now," Rev. Bumgardner responded, at which point the building manage stepped away and waited for the prayer's conclusion. A few moments later he reappeared to say that the flowers must be removed. After some negotiation, the flowers were delivered to the Consulate with their banner intact.
The Valentine's Day public actions in New York City, along with similar actions in Philadelphia, Toronto, Miami, and Washington, DC, marked the beginning of an international public awareness campaign organized by Metropolitan Community Churches.
For More Information On The New York City Action or Upcoming "Call For Love" Events, Contact: The Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair MCC Global Justice Team GlobalJustice@MCCchurch.net. 212-629-7440 > Full Story. [2/15/08]
GSA NETWORK, TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER, AND EQCA SADDENED OVER SHOOTING OF GAY JR. HIGH STUDENT IN OXNARD GSA Network, Transgender Law Center, and EQCA Saddened Over Shooting of Gay Jr. High Student in Oxnard > Full Story. [2/14/08]
MINISTERS WANT STATE TO LEGALIZE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE > Full Story. [2/14/08]
GLAAD APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS TO NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS GLAAD APPOINTS SIX NEW MEMBERS TO NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS > Full Story. [2/11/08]
OUT IN AMERICA ANNOUNCES LGBT WEDDING ALLIANCE Rainbow Wedding Network and Out in America Create Marketing Alliance Targeted at the Gay and Lesbian Wedding Niche > Full Story. [1/5/07]
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STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – July 22, 2008 – The AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center reports Tropical Storm Dolly is nearing hurricane strength as it moves through the western Gulf of Mexico toward landfall early on Wednesday near the Texas - Mexico border. The gathering storm has raised concerns in the oil and agriculture industries.
Exxon Mobil spokeswoman Margaret Ross 
New York, NY (March 24, 2008) – After performing 80 shows in 12 European countries for a staggering 1.3 million fans over the past year alone, legendary superstar George Michael will be bringing his smash 25 LIVE tour to North American Arenas in the summer of 2008 in support of his new retrospective record. This will be Michael's first North American tour in 17 years. The new record, titled Twenty-Five, will be released April 1st and is a 29-song, 2-CD set featuring six new songs (including duets with superstars Paul McCartney and Mary J. Blige and a song from the Eli Stone finale, “Feeling Good”) in addition to many of Michael's iconic songs from both his solo and WHAM! career. In addition, a companion 2-disc DVD of 40 videos will also be made available. 
