TASK FORCE EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURT DECISION NGLTF
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force expresses disappointment in Montgomery County Circuit Court decision allowing efforts to repeal transgender rights law to move forward
WASHINGTON, July 24 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force expresses deep disappointment in today's Montgomery County Circuit Court decision concluding that opponents of transgender rights collected enough valid signatures to place a measure on the November ballot to repeal a county law extending nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity. The Montgomery County Council in Maryland unanimously passed that law last fall, but opponents quickly launched a signature-gathering effort to place a repeal measure on the ballot.
In March, the county Board of Elections certified those petitions, but a group of Montgomery County voters brought a lawsuit against the Board of Elections challenging its conclusion that enough valid signatures had indeed been collected.
The challenge was mounted by these voters through the combined effort of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Equality Maryland and volunteers. For more than two months (days, nights and weekends), volunteers converged on the Task Force headquarters in Washington, D.C., to pore over the 25,000-plus submitted signatures and find flaws that would possibly invalidate the signatures. The legal team - local counsel Jonathan Shurberg hired by Equality Maryland, supported by Lambda Legal and Arnold & Porter on a pro bono basis - relied upon Task Force Transgender Civil Rights Project Director Lisa Mottet to supervise the review of faulty signatures. In addition, the Task Force Action Fund contributed $20,000 to Basic Rights Montgomery, the group set up to fight the measure on the ballot. Equality Maryland intends to appeal the ruling.
Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
"Never before has this country seen an effort to repeal a transgender nondiscrimination law. Why? Because rolling back rights is not only mean-spirited, it is morally wrong. Any effort to fraudulently put such a measure on the ballot must be fought, and we are proud to have stood side by side with Equality Maryland, Basic Rights Montgomery, our legal partners and many volunteers to ensure there was a thorough review of every signature submitted to the Board of Elections. We believe there were not enough valid signatures and we hope this will be shown on appeal. We remain committed to efforts to protect this important and necessary nondiscrimination law. If the measure reaches the ballot this November, we believe the fair-minded voters of Montgomery County will reject this attack on fundamental rights." [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]
HRC BACK STORY TO LIVEBLOG DON'T ASK DON'T TELL CONGRESSIONAL HEARING Today at 2:00 p.m. EST, Eric Alva, the first American soldier wounded in Iraq, will testify before Congress to speak out against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which forces people in the military to be dishonest about their personal lives or face losing their jobs. > Full Story. [7/23/08]
BALDWIN STATEMENT ON "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" HEARING
In a much-awaited and historic meeting, the House Armed Services Committee's Military Personnel Subcommittee is holding a hearing today to review the military's "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy. Since 1993, more than 11,000 service members have been discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which bans military service by openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans. Before today’s hearing, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), co-chair of the House LGBT Equality Caucus, issued the following statement: > 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]
GAY AND LESBIAN CONSUMERS MORE LIKELY TO FOLLOW LATEST STYLES AND TRENDS Gay and Lesbian Consumers More Likely to Follow Latest Styles and Trends New online study also shows gay and lesbian adults are also more likely to upgrade to the latest model > Full Story. [7/21/08]
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]
SENATE APPROVES REPEAL OF DISCRIMINATORY HIV TRAVEL AND IMMIGRATION BAN U.S. Senate Approves Repeal of Discriminatory HIV Travel and Immigration Ban Human Rights Campaign praises Senate for supporting repeal of draconian policy
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, praised the U.S. Senate today for approving the repeal of our nation’s discriminatory law barring HIV-positive visitors and immigrants. Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) secured a provision to repeal this ban in the Senate’s legislation to reauthorize PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The PEPFAR bill passed the Senate today with the Kerry-Smith provision by a vote of 80 to 16 and now moves to conference committee before being sent to the President.
Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) had introduced an amendment to strike the Kerry-Smith provision from the PEFPAR bill. However, the efforts of Senators Kerry and Smith in addition to robust advocacy from HRC and our coalition partners secured enough opposition to the Sessions amendment that the Senator agreed not to bring it forward for a vote.
“We applaud the Senate for rejecting this unjust and sweeping policy that deems HIV-positive individuals inadmissible to the United States,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We call on the leaders of the House and Senate to retain the Kerry-Smith provision in conference and ensure it is included in the final legislation sent to the President’s desk.”
“The HIV ban is ineffective, unnecessary, and simply bad public health policy,” said Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality. “It is especially harmful to gay and lesbian families, who do not benefit from the waiver available to opposite-sex couples. The Senate’s change is welcome, and long overdue.”
HRC has been a lead organization lobbying on Capitol Hill for the repeal. The Human Rights Campaign has worked closely with the offices of Sens. John Kerry and Gordon Smith, as well as Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), the sponsor of an effort to repeal the ban in the House of Representatives. Both Sen. Kerry and Rep. Lee participated in a national media conference call held by HRC in March. In addition to action alerts urging members to contact their Senators, HRC and Immigration Equality drafted a coalition letter on behalf of more than 165 organizations in support of the Kerry-Smith provision in the PEPFAR bill, and has directly lobbied numerous Senate offices on the repeal measure.
In December of 2007, Senators Kerry and Smith introduced legislation, the HIV Non-Discrimination in Travel and Immigration Act (S. 2486), to repeal the ban. In the House, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced similar the legislation, H.R. 3337, in August 2007. The travel and immigration ban prohibits HIV-positive foreign nationals from entering the U.S. unless they obtain a special waiver, which can only allow for short-term travel. Current policy also prevents the vast majority of foreign nationals with HIV from obtaining legal permanent residency in the United States.
The ban originated in 1987, and explicitly codified by Congress in 1993, despite efforts in the public health community to remove the ban when Congress reformed U.S. immigration law in the early 1990s. While immigration law currently excludes foreigners with any “communicable disease of public health significance” from entering the U.S., only HIV is explicitly named in the statute. For all other illnesses, the Secretary of Health and Human Services retains the ability, with the medical expertise of his department, to determine which illnesses truly pose a risk to public health.
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. [7/16/08]
HRC RELEASES STATEMENT ON MCCAIN COMMENTS AGAINST SAME-SEX ADOPTION Human Rights Campaign Releases Statement on McCain Comments Against Same-Sex Adoption Comments show McCain is out of touch with today’s leading child welfare organizations
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, issued the following statement today after Sen. John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, told the New York Times he remains opposed to adoption by same-sex couples implying that he is opposed to single-parent adoption as well. In the interview, published Sunday, July 13, McCain said, “I think that we’ve proven that both parents are important in the success of a family so, no I don’t believe in gay adoption.”
“McCain’s comments on adoption show a disturbing disregard for the reality that thousands of children and youth face -- the possibility of never having a permanent, loving home,” said Ellen Kahn, director of the HRC Foundation’s Family Project. “Leading child welfare organizations in the U.S. concur that there is no reason to prevent gay and lesbian people from raising children, and the child welfare professionals who are mandated to find the best possible families for children in need recognize that every potential loving parent, whether single or married, gay or straight, is a valuable resource for children who are in need of a permanent family. It is an insult to these professionals and the children whom they represent to suggest that the door should be closed to people other than a “traditional” married couple. It is also an insult to the thousands of children being raised by lesbian and gay parents, and who are thriving and contributing positively to their communities.”
This has been a consistent position for Senator McCain. Asked in 2000 about adoption by same-sex couples, McCain responded that he didn’t “believe it’s appropriate.” (San Francisco Examiner, March 1, 2000)
With the strong support of leading child welfare and adoption advocacy organizations, the HRC Foundation launched the “All Children – All Families” initiative to help adoption agencies become more welcoming and skilled in working with GLBT foster and adoptive parents. The program, which recently received a grant from the Freddie Mac Foundation, has been well received and is viewed as the premier resource among child welfare leaders. The program includes the “Promising Practices”guide, a tool for adoption agencies whichoffers examples of effective practices for working with GLBT foster and adoptive parents. The guide features sample policies and materials, and also features tips from leaders of welcoming agencies, researchers in the field, and GLBT adoptive and foster parents. The guide also includes an organizational self-assessment to allow agencies to gauge their current policies and practices and receive guidance for improvement.
Today there are more than one half a million children in the U.S. foster care system, with at least 100,000 awaiting adoption by loving, permanent families. Agencies might purposefully or inadvertently close the door to qualified families through their practices. Few agencies recruit GLBT adoptive & foster parents, and many GLBT people feel unwelcome or discouraged. Similarly, members of the GLBT community might not be aware of the opportunities in domestic adoption and foster care, or they might not know of agencies that welcome their families. “All Children-All Families” works to ensure that all qualified prospective parents who wish to open their homes and hearts to children and youth have the opportunity to do so, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The All Children – All Families program includes a national advisory board comprised of leaders and experts in child welfare who understand that the GLBT community has tremendous potential to provide loving families for our waiting children.” Additional information on the “All Children – All Families” initiative and the HRC Foundation Family Project can be found online at www.hrc.org/acaf.
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. [7/15/08]
GLBT CONSUMERS SEE FINANCIAL SERVICES DIFFERENTLY THAN OTHERS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE > Full Story. [7/14/08]
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
HRC RELEASES STUDY GUIDE FOR DOCUMENTARY ON GLBT PEOPLE AND FAITH Human Rights Campaign Releases Study Guide to Accompany Documentary on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender People and Faith Curriculum created to complement For the Bible Tells Me So aims to stimulate conversations and encourage advocacy on GLBT issues > Full Story. [7/7/08]
HABBO AND MATTHEW SHEPARD FDN PARTNER TO REACH TEENS ONLINE Habbo Joins Forces with the Matthew Shepard Foundation to "Erase Hate" Among Teens > Full Story. [7/2/08]
MICHELLE OBAMA PRAISED FOR CONNECTING HISTORICAL DOTS OF DISCRIMINATION Faith In America today praised Michelle Obama for connecting the historical dots of discrimination and prejudice for Americans in a speech yesterday in New York. > Full Story. [6/30/08]
BOY BUTTER LUBRICANT LINE IS LAUNCHING THE FIRST GAY PERSONAL LUBRICANT AD ON TELEVISION BBL LLC, maker of the popular Boy Butter lubricant line is launching the first Gay Personal Lubricant Ad on Television starting June 30th. > Full Story. [6/30/08]
ACLU APPLAUDS FIRST-EVER CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON GENDER IDENTITY IN THE WORKPLACE Washington, DC – The American Civil Liberties Union today applauded the House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Heath, Employment, Labor, and Pensions for holding the first-ever congressional hearing on transgender issues and gender identity discrimination in the workplace. Chaired by Representative Robert Andrews (D-NJ), the committee heard from retired Army Colonel and ACLU client Diane Schroer. The ACLU is currently representing Schroer in a Title VII sex discrimination lawsuit against the Library of Congress. > Full Story. [6/26/08]
“NEWSWRAP" FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 21, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending June 21, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,056, distributed 6-2308) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] > Full Story. [6/23/08]
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]
“NEWSWRAP" FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 14, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending June 14, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,055, distributed 6-16-08) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] > Full Story. [6/16/08]
MAKE CHANGE, NOT LAWSUITS Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations urge couples marrying in California to 'Make Change, Not Lawsuits' > Full Story. [6/11/08]
“NEWSWRAP" FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 7, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending June 7, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,054, distributed 6-9-08) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] > Full Story. [6/10/08]
GAY MARRIAGE ON CALIF. BALLOT [VIDEO] Gay Marriage on Calif. Ballot Associated Press • Jun. 03, 2008. 04:31 AM EST
An initiative to outlaw gay marriage in California has qualified for the November ballot. The measure would amend the state constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. (June 3) > Full Story. [6/4/08]
CALIFORNIA MARRIAGE DECISION TO BOOST STATE ECONOMY A recent study from UCLA predicts that marriages among gay and lesbian couples could provide $370 million to the state economy in the next three years. The study estimates that about half of California's 92,000 couples will have wedding ceremonies. > Full Story. [6/4/08]
10 STATES ASK FOR DELAY IN CA MARRIAGE RULING Republican attorneys general from ten states have asked the California Supreme Court to stay its marriage decision until after the November election. The attorneys general stated in a letter to the court's chief justice, Ronald George, that allowing marriage for gay and lesbian couples would cause legal challenges from state residents who marry in California. The letter said that gay and lesbian couples could demand equal treatment in tax filing and visitation rights. Supporters of the November ballot initiative to ban marriage for gay and lesbian people have also requested the court stay its decision until after the election. > Full Story. [6/4/08]
IDENTICAL TWINS HELP WITH FINDING GAY GENES The brand new University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Center for Gender-Based Biology is announcing the launch of a groundbreaking study to identify the genes responsible for sexual orientation. > Full Story. [5/30/08]
THE CLIKS NAIL A NEXTY! Canadian rockers The Cliks proudly took home a "Brink Of Fame: Music Artist" Nexty at last weeks "NewNowNext" Awards. It was the first annual award show put on by MTV's popular LGBT Logo channel. See The Cliks win-and perform-when the NewNowNext Awards show airs Saturday, June 7 on LOGO. And tune in the Wednesday before (June 4) at 3:30 EST, as The Cliks will be making an appearance on MTV's "TRL" ("Total Request Live")!
Cliks frontman and founder, Lucas Silveira was blown away and had this to say, "We were extremely honored to win the Nexty. I really can't tell you what an amazing thrill it was not only to win, but to have been presented the very first award The Cliks have ever won by Cyndi Lauper. I just felt it was so fitting, as she has been such an amazing source of support for us by having us on the True Colors tour and really thrusting us forward. We are also so grateful that MTV Logo exists, and for how really significant they have been in our visibility and success in the US. This essentially was the best way to start off the summer. Thank you to all of you who voted for us and to Logo for all of their acknowledgement."
Tom Silverman, founder and CEO of Tommy Boy Entertainment, the New York City-based company which distributs the nations top LGBT label, Silver Label, raved, "The selection of The Cliks as the 'Brink of Fame: Music Artist' has meaning well beyond the LGBT community: It signals the beginning of Logo's power to help cross over bands from that community to the mainstream. We applaud Logo for recognizing the Cliks first and foremost, as one of the world's great new rock bands."
In 2007, The Cliks scored two #1 NewNowNext videos ("Oh Yeah" and "Complicated), appeared on "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson," were special guests at the request of Cyndi Lauper on her True Color Tour, opened for the legendary UK rock band, The Cult for their US/Canadian tour and Cliks' lead-singer, Lucas Silveira, was tattooed by Kat Von D. on "LA Ink."
Summer 2008 will see The Cliks returning to Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Tour, releasing their new digital-only single, "My Heroes (SUV)," going into the studio recording the follow-up to their popular debut album, "Snakehouse," and touring Germany and South Africa. • > Full Story. [5/29/08]
“NEWSWRAP" FOR THE WEEK ENDING MAY 24, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending May 24, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,052, distributed 5-26-08) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] > Full Story. [5/28/08]
SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR REJECTS PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS TO HIV/AIDS SERVICES
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom recently rejected proposed cuts to HIV/AIDS services in his fiscal year 2009 budget, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. According to the Chronicle, Newsom rejected a proposal by Mitch Katz, director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, to cut $3 million of the $10 million the department allocates to 30 not-for-profit groups that provide HIV/AIDS services.
Katz made the recommendation in response to an order by Newsom earlier this month to reduce $11 million from the health department's budget to help alleviate an estimated $338 million city deficit. Katz recommended maintaining medical care and housing for people living with HIV/AIDS but reducing funds for food deliveries, legal services, support groups, acupuncture, massage and herbal therapy. The health department, which is projected to lose $54 million next year, already has made cuts and halted other programs. Although AIDS groups will "fare better than they'd feared," the city still plans to implement a 22% reduction in funds to all community programs, including AIDS groups that receive public health funds, the Chronicle reports. In addition, it is not clear how much federal funds the city will receive for HIV/AIDS programs next year.
Katz said he made the recommendations because the city does not have the "funds to provide these services to anyone else with chronic diseases -- people with cancer, people with neurological diseases." He added, "If the city is saying that complementary therapy is our priority, it would need to be the priority of all people who benefit." Newsom said, "I just couldn't in good conscience justify" the funding reductions. He added, "To the extent there are any cuts, they won't be at this magnitude -- not even close."
Some HIV/AIDS advocates praised Newsom for not implementing the reductions but said the city should be investing more money because there are more people living with HIV/AIDS in the city and the amount of federal funding to San Francisco is uncertain. According to state figures, there are 4,512 HIV-positive people and 8,973 people with AIDS living in San Francisco. In addition, 800 to 1,000 people are newly diagnosed annually, the Chronicle reports. Ayrick Broin -- communications director for Immune Enhancement Project, which receives city funding -- said, "Maybe [AIDS groups] have gotten some extra dollars, but we've also done more protesting." He added that HIV/AIDS groups have "been the most vocal in getting the public aware and realizing this isn't a problem that's going away."
Mark Cloutier, executive director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, said, "In order for people [living with HIV/AIDS] to participate in primary care, they need these other services." He added, "For people to remain adherent to their treatment regimen, they have to have their mental health issues and substance abuse issues under control, and they need to be stably housed so their lives are not chaotic" (Knight, San Francisco Chronicle, 5/28).
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. 
