Aside from what's going on in Maine

Anybody going to this?

Everyone Help out in MAINE!

Thanks MEL for letting us know what to do. Go HERE to make a donation, or do more if you live nearby. Mel is generously doing a raffle for all kinds of excellent stuff!

It's important folks. Donate as much as you can. I'm doing so now.

Thank You, Citizens of New Hampshire

You are all friends, indeed. New Hampshire is #6 now. Read all about it at Huffington Post.

Thank You, Barack Obama

You are a friend, in words anyway. I'm sure you will be a friend in deed also, sometime very soon. Thanks for forwarding this Debbie!

*********************************

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

___________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release June 1, 2009

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION


Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.

LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country's response to the HIV pandemic.

Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.

The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.

My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.

These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America , by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States , do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

Time to Vote on all Marriages!

Oh I love how this makes such an easy point of this. It really isn't rocket science. But then again, everyone knew the colored schools, waiting rooms, water fountains, and ghettos were wrong too. Thanks KELLY for posting!

An Anniversary

I just realized that exactly one month from today, the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City (June 28 1969) will occur. How should we mark this significant date?

HERE is a primer i just read while fact-checking the date.

Seriously, now, y'all. How should we honor this date and what happened? And where we are now?

The Dallas Principles

No, it's not about Sue Ellen or Bobby. Have a look:

A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats

I just went to HRC's website over lunch to see the current picture of legislation up for consideration, and THIS is a huge amount of legislation in the works. 4 bills at the federal level, and a whopping 32 in the states... which must be at best an incomplete view, since it doesn't include HB 176 going through the Ohio Legislature currently. It really does make one wonder if the tide is really changing, and this flurry of legislative activity will actually lead to real, systemic change. We must do more to support one another--no matter who we are--or we will never have lasting success.

Thank You, Dan Stewart and Ross McGregor

You are friends, indeed. Have a look HERE to see what's brewing up in Ohio regarding same-sex rights. The two gentlemen in the title are sponsors of a HB 176, the Equal Employment and Housing Act, which seeks to make it against the law to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

Excerpt from the Do What's Right Ohio website:

From Equality Ohio Director Lynne Bowman:

"It is time for Ohio to remove the barriers at our borders that tells them they are not welcome if they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered," Bowman said. "It's time for our laws to match our values."

Only two Republicans - Ross McGregor of Springfield and Terry Blair of Washington Twp. - have signed on as co-sponsors. McGregor promised that after it passes the House, he will work for its passage in the GOP-controlled Senate.

The bill is supported by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, which would investigate violations and enforce the law. Ohio law already prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, religion, ancestry, national origin or disability.

Twenty states have adopted laws to bar discrimination based on sexual orientation and 433 of the Fortune 500 companies, 11 of Ohio's 13 public universities, 16 Ohio cities and the General Assembly have established similar workplace rules.

Bowman said statewide surveys conducted in 2006 and 2009 show support for anti-discrimination legislation grew from 66 percent to 72 percent among Ohioans.

Thank You, Julian Bond

You are a Friend, indeed. Thank you, Joe Solmonese. You are a Friend also. Oh, and California Supreme Court? Drop dead.

Oh Rachel!

How do i love thee? Let me count the ways, dear.

Thank You, Vermont Legislators

You are all friends, indeed. THIS is a sure sign of spring for gay equality.

Oh, and thank you Iowa Supreme Court also. Amazing

J'aime Montreal

There are so many reasons i love this city.

Vermont :: Live Free or Die?

That's not the title of a new Charles Busch story. No. I'm sure by now many of you know of what's been brewing in Vermont this week.

Yesterday Vermont Governor Jim Douglas announced that he will veto a gay marriage bill if it passes the Legislature. The marriage equality bill passed in the Senate and is expected to pass in the House as well. He calls this veto a personal decision. Whatever. Seems more like bigotry to me. Stand up and speak out. Call his office today at (802) 828-3333 and tell him that separate is never equal. I'm making my call in few minutes while i have some lunch downstairs.

Coming up on March 5

Thank You, Sean Penn

You are a friend, indeed.

Thank You, Dustin Black

You are a friend, indeed.

Prop 8 Updates

ANGRY BLACK BITCH has a GREAT POST up today about how all kinds of people are descending on the California Supreme Court regarding Prop 8. I read something the other day about how more people fled California last year than any other state (leaving the wingnuts behind who voted for prop 8? I thought that the distinction of state-most-fled belonged to Ohio or Michigan... for most of my lifetime anyway). Anyhow, i'm glad we have organized friends left in California--heck the BIRTH of organized friends practically happened in that cradle--and that they are mobilizing and not letting this issue fade into the sunset like George and Laura spiriting off to Preston Hollow (uggggggggh).

A big thanks to all these folks, Buckland, Herrera, Kay, Drew, Brill. You are all friends, indeed.

I just realized this is my five-hundredth post, btw.

First Queer Love on Daytime TV!

What's next? Gay porn on Oprah??

Hello People! Let's Go Shopping!

Brini Maxwell's sweet publicist Jennifer sent me an email thanking me for putting up a link to one of Brini's shows! Well, and also to make a plug for BRINI'S PRODUCTS FOR SALE!

Who can't imagine Brini playing Kim Novak? And who can't use some of those darling felt wool coasters? How about a see-thru vinyl apron festooned with an adorable tulip pocket? I already have Brini's sensible, chic, and useful Guide to Gracious Living. And i love Love LOVE the It's For YOU! pillows! Now if i could just find someone to get that rotary phone ringtone on my mobile...

Thank you Jennifer, for cheering me up with more Brini cheer. You are gracious indeed.