Articles in Anti-LGBT
Protesting 101: How to make fun of anti-gay bigots
Protest signs: NOM vs. Love
In 2010 the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) launched a nationwide tour to “protect marriage.” At each stop they were met with meager supporters and large protests against NOM’s message of hate and intolerance.
NOM complained that the protests were violent, intimidating, and hateful, which they weren’t. But it’s ironic because gays have been facing real hate and real intimidation for years and years.
This is a slideshow from protests I attended during Massachusett’s marriage equality fight, as well as from around the country.
David Boies takes down FRC’s Tony Perkins
Maddow: Amtrak’s gay ads upset Family Council
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Arson? Anchorage Gay Float was torched *UPDATES* AFD needs our help!
“They have finally finished the investigation, and said that it is not our fault or an accident,” wrote Paula. “They said that it was started by someone! They are still asking for information from anyone who may know who started it.”
“This has been a horrible situation for everyone involved, and worse to know that this may have been a targeted crime,” wrote Miss MeMe, Empress of the Imperial Court of All Alaska.“I have been incredibly proud that our community has shown great courage and Pride, and I know that we will continue to work together to conquer hate towards our community and its allies. We also continue to support the Butners during what has been a challenging time for them, and continue to be grateful for all of the support they have shown the LGBTA community over the years.”
“Insurance will not cover the sound equipment belonging to Daphne Do All LaChores, emcee of Drag Queen Bingo and PrideFest Parade announcer,” wrote Phyllis of Identity, Inc.Hence, a fundrai$er to replace the equipment—a spaghetti feed with salad on Saturday afternoon, August 14, 2010, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Guido’s, 549 W. International Road. Tickets $10.00 per person, $5.00 under 10 years old. $5.50 of every adult ticket sold will go to Daph. There will also be a 50/50 split the pot and silent auction to raise funds for the equipment.”
“We lost our trailer and all of the sound equipment, tools and supplies,” Daphne commented on Linda’s photo essay of the fire. “Ken and I started to upgrade the space into a workshop and storage facility to house all of the decorations and scraps of previous award winning floats. It’s all gone now.”
FotF targets Murkowski on DADT & Defense Budget, part 2
“The Abortion amendment FoF is talking about, is the Burris Amendment, which does not in fact affect the prohibition that currently exists on publicly funded abortions at armed services hospitals and even if the amendment passes, female service members will still be forced to privately finance the procedure, thanks to the Hyde Amendment. What it does, is allow military hospitals to provide abortions to women service members in war zones only, at the service member’s own expense.”
“Because that budget also includes the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and a provision for female service members to pay for an abortion at a military hospital, with funds out of their own pockets, should they happen to be raped in a combat zone… so of course the FoF does not like that at all, because as we know its better not to buy bullets and body armor for our service people should the budget include anything to do with the queers or women.”
Republican senator apologizes for anti-gay career
“I should begin with an apology. I am sincerely sorry for the votes I cast and the actions I took that harmed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Just as important to me, I am sorry for not stepping forward and speaking up as an elected official on behalf of equal treatment for all people. For nearly 26 years, the voters in my area of California trusted me as their elected representative. I look back now knowing there is so much more I could have done to inform the public about LGBT people and to fight for equal rights under the law. Regrettably and selfishly, I took another path in my life and political career—I chose to conceal who I truly am and to then actually vote against the best interests of people like me. All this was done because I was afraid–terrified, really–that somehow I would be revealed as gay.My past actions harmed gay people. In fact, all people are harmed when there is unequal treatment of anyone under the constitution and laws of our country. I do not believe in discrimination, and yet my votes advanced unequal of treatment of gay people and promoted the suspicion and fear that limits people from being forthright and accepted in society.Now, from what I have lived and learned, I want to do the best that I can to advance equality and freedom for all people. Given the shame and confusion that many feel over their sexual orientation, perhaps my situation can serve as an example of both the harm that can come from denial and fear, and the opportunity to try to make things right.… Now, I am somewhat of a novelty in politics. I am a gay Republican. I have always been a Republican, even as an eight-year-old boy with an intense interest in campaigning, elections and government. To me, Republican principles hold that each individual is special and unique; each individual should have the maximum freedom and opportunity under our Constitution; that government has no business in the private lives of our citizens.If these truly are the guiding values of Republicans—how did we ever get into the situation where my party is viewed as the anti-gay-rights party? Well, maybe because Republicans, including myself, have voted and acted to oppose equality and freedom for gay people.It’s time for fair-minded Republicans to speak up for what our party really stands for—individual freedom and limited government. If we truly believe the greatness of America is founded on the individual achievements of ordinary citizens acting with the maximum amount of personal liberty, then there should be no debate over where Republicans stand on the rights of LGBT Americans.”
Homer July 4th emcee "would not say the words lesbian or gay" *Updated with contact info
I am writing on behalf of the Homer Chapter of PFLAG, to express my heartfelt appreciation to the community of Homer for the cheers and support we received for our float during this year’s 4th of July Parade. This year, PFLAG (Parents, Friends of Lesbians and Gays) marched with the newly-formed Homer Youth Gay-Straight Alliance, in order to strengthen efforts at providing support and solidarity for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered) youth in Homer.I am also writing to express my concern about the significant omissions by the emcee of this year’s parade, Tim White, while he was reading the description of our organizations and float. Rather than reading the prepared statement as written, he omitted the names of our organizations and would not say the words lesbian or gay, which were part of our statement. This omission was quite obvious and did not appear to be accidental.It is tragic to think that this incident might be related to anything other than a logistical mishap, especially on a day when we are celebrating a day that is all about freedom. It is my sincere hope, and that of Homer PFLAG, that the Homer Chamber of Commerce is committed to having the voice of the 4th of July Parade be one that would never in any way be associated with discrimination, censorship, or homophobia.Some people have said, “Why do those gay people need to have a special float in the parade at all?” I would answer, that the reality of discrimination and ignorance towards LGBT people is very real in Homer, Alaska—particularly for young people. The intention of PFLAG and the GSA in our community is to promote equal treatment of all people—regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In the words of the ACLU, “freedom does not protect itself.” Silence is deadly—and the silence of this year’s parade emcee has given us an opportunity to speak a bit louder.
Mailbag: the Good, the Bad and the Clueless
As Alaska’s only LGBT news and events blog, Bent gets mail with a variety of questions, suggestions and tips. In addition to events and news from locals, this week included a donation, a hater, a rude reporter and a clueless outsider.
The Good
A wonderful reader made a donation to Bent Alaska through the donation button on the blog. THANK YOU. As a volunteer blogger, I write because it’s important and useful and fun. I also appreciate contributions, for the financial support and for the compliment that you consider Bent worthy of support.
If you like Bent, please consider making a contribution through the Donate button on the top right side of the blog. Thanks!
The Bad
As an LGBT blog in the moderate main city of a conservative state, Bent also receives mail full of anger, fear and hate. I don’t take it personally — those messages say more about the person who spent several minutes of their life attacking someone they have never met just because that person is different. For example, today’s hater said that I’m going to Hell for being gay, a common theme:
“Homosexuality is a sin against God. God loves you so much. He will allow you to live a lie if you so choose; not because He hates you, because He is HOLY, set apart from sin. Your sin will result in death. You will spend eternity in hell — forever seperated from God. You must repent of your sin, and except Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. If you are a homosexual, repent. Your eternity draws near.”
This comment was on a post about Jerry Prevo calling gay Christians “deadly” and attacking the popular Christian musician Ray Boltz, who is gay and recently performed in Anchorage. Since Prevo is not HOLY and he spreads lies about us all the time, I guess this hater thinks Prevo’s lies will result in his death.
The Good and Bad
Bent gets media requests from local reporters as well as from LGBT news agencies all over the country. The national focus is often “What is it like to be gay in Sarah Palin’s home state?” and “I’d like to interview someone gay in Wasilla.”
The local reporters ask about specific topics, and they’re reporting LGBT stories more often since the equal rights ordinance. The LGBT community has developed good connections with the local reporters.
Last week, I had an unpleasant exchange with a straight young reporter I’d never heard of. He kept asking for my phone number, over and over, but offered no reason to work with him – no story, no introduction, no knowledge of LGBTQ issues — and was rude when I declined.
This reminds me to be grateful for all the polite media professionals — print, online, TV & radio – who report our community’s news with accuracy and respect. Thank you.
The Clueless
Bent Alaska has many readers who subscribe to the blog through RSS and email. They get each post when it’s published, with all the photos and links, including the title linked to the post’s permanent page and the words “You are subscribed to Bent Alaska” with the blog name linked to the home page. [The subscribe tabs are on the top right side of the blog.]
One subscriber from the Lower 48 clicked the Reply link and asked, “Do you have a website?”
We all have brain-dead moments, and I try to be polite no matter how absurd the question. I explained that yes, this post came from my website.
His reply: “What is the address of your website?”
Clueless.
FotF targets Murkowski on DADT
“… After their intro remarks, they summed up by using all the buzz words and concepts, something like “if you don’t condone ‘open homosexuality’ in the military or want your tax dollars spent on abortions at military bases, call Lisa Murkowski and tell her to vote no on the defense budget which has amendments to repeal DADT and bar abortions on military bases.”“There was absolutely no opportunity to talk to a live person at the end… We need to counter by calling her to vote YES!”
