STATEMENT OF BARACK OBAMA ON TEN YEARS SINCE MATTHEW SHEPARD’S MURDER
Chicago, IL – Senator Barack Obama issued the following statement today regarding the ten years since Matthew Shepard was murdered.
"Today, we pause to remember the heartbreaking and senseless murder of Matthew Shepard. A freshman at the University of Wyoming, Matthew was a young man committed to fighting for equality and changing the world around him. He was tragically taken from us far too early, an innocent victim of an abhorrent hate crime, and never had the chance to see his dreams realized.
"In the ten years since Matthew's passing, Congress has repeatedly and unacceptably failed to enact a federal hate crimes law that would protect all LGBT Americans. That's not just a failure to honor Matthew's memory; it's a failure to deliver justice for all who have been victimized by hate crimes, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. All Americans deserve to live their lives free of fear, and as Americans, it is our moral obligation to stand up against bigotry and strive for equality for all.
"Today, Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Matthew's parents, Judy and Dennis, and to all whose lives have been touched by unconscionable violence." [10/13/08]
THE AIDS INSTITUTE MOURNS THE LOSS OF THEIR LEADER Washington, DC – It is with great sadness that The AIDS Institute announces the passing of its Executive Director, Dr. Gene Copello, age 49, at INOVA Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia on October 7th due to complications associated with kidney disease. Dr. Copello joined Florida AIDS Action in 1999 and through his vision and inspiration transformed it into The AIDS Institute, one of the nation's leading HIV/AIDS public policy, research and advocacy organizations. The AIDS Institute has offices in Washington, DC and Tampa, Florida. > Full Story. [10/13/08]
CALIFORNIA COURT OF APPEALS UPHOLDS $300,000 AWARD TO BULLIED PAIR OF GAY AND LESBIAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (San Diego, October 10, 2008) --- In a 3-0 decision, the California Court of Appeal (Fourth District) today upheld a jury decision that found that Poway Unified School District officials took minimal or no action at all when two Poway High School students were subjected to relentless harassment because they are gay and lesbian. The ruling upheld an award of $300,000 to Megan Donovan and Joey Ramelli under the state education code. > Full Story. [10/13/08]
GLAAD ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE GLAAD is proud to announce its partnership with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Academy for Leadership in Action at this year's National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change. This year's conference is taking place in the "mile high" city, Denver, Colorado, from January 28 through February 1, 2009. We cordially invite you to join us at the conference and to be a part of this incredibly exciting skill building and learning opportunity. > Full Story. [10/13/08]
NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE HAILS HISTORIC CONNECTICUT SUPREME COURT RULING GRANTING THE FREEDOM TO MARRY TO SAME-SEX COUPLES National Gay and Lesbian Task Force hails historic Connecticut Supreme Court ruling granting the freedom to marry to same-sex couples > Full Story. [10/10/08]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN URGES SUPPORTERS TO “TXT OUT THE VOTE” WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, launched today a free tool for HRC members to send friends and family members a text message on Election Day reminding them to vote. Supporters are encouraged to visit www.TxtOutTheVote.com/p/hrc to set up these important reminders on this break-through tool created by CREDO Mobile.
"The outcome of November's election will have a profound impact on the LGBT community," said Human Rights Campaign Online Strategy Director Dane Grams. "Txt Out The Vote is another tool in our arsenal to encourage our members and their social networks to exercise their civic duty on November 4th."
Text message reminders are a proven method to increase voter turnout. A recent experiment conducted by Princeton University and the University of Michigan found that voters who received a single text message on the day before an election were four percent more likely to vote than people who did not.
Visitors to Txt Out The Vote simply enter their friends' mobile phone numbers and select from a handful of pre-written messages such as "Today is Election Day! Stand up for LGBT issues and don't forget to vote." Reminders will be sent out automatically on November 3rd.
Human Rights Campaign has been on the cutting edge of mobile communication. More than 25,000 HRC supporters have joined the HRC Mobile Action Network by texting HRC to 30644 to receive breaking news and action alerts directly to their cell phones.
Txt Out The Vote: www.TxtOutTheVote.com/p/hrc
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 LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
OVER 50,000 LATINOS/AS IN SAME SEX COUPLES; RAISING NEARLY 25,000 CHILDREN LOS ANGELES - Today, the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law released a new research study providing demographic and economic information for the more than 200,000 LGB Latino/a individuals and 52,410 Latinos/as in same-sex couples living in California. > Full Story. [10/9/08]
PALIN DECLINES TO ACKNOWLEDGE “NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY” GAY ALASKANS DISMAYED BY GOVERNOR’S REBUFF (Juneau, AK) --- Gov. Palin has declined to issue a formal proclamation recognizing "National Coming Out Day," in Alaska. Heartened by the Gov. Palin's positive comments about gays and lesbians in the Vice Presidential Debate, Alaskans Together submitted a formal request to acknowledge the day, which is observed on Oct. 11 internationally by members of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered) communities and supporters.
"But I also want to clarify, if there's any kind of suggestion at all from my answer that I would be anything but tolerant of adults in America choosing their partners, choosing relationships that they deem best for themselves, you know…," said Gov. Palin during the debate.
"Governor Palin called for 'tolerance', and we hoped she'd show that type of leadership as Governor with this proclamation," said Alaskans Together President Marsha Buck. "Coming out is a difficult and deserves recognition."
So far in October 2008 Governor Palin has issued proclamations for: "Careers in Construction Week," "10th Annual Christian Heritage Week," "Biomedical Technician Week," "Alaska Taiwan Friendship Week," "World Farm Animals Day," "Breastfeeding Awareness Month," and "Grand Opening of Rilke Schule Day."
"We were asking for the Governor to acknowledge and recognize the dignity of openly-gay Alaskans. We weren't asking for a policy position, beyond simple acknowledgement." Buck said. ### > Full Story. [10/9/08]
NETWORKS ASK VIEWERS TO "BE AN ALLY" ON NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY Los Angeles, October 7, 2008 – In honor of the 20th Annual National Coming Out Day on Saturday, October 11, cable networks and local affiliates will be airing public service announcements (PSAs) from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The "Be an Ally & a Friend" PSA campaign, now in its third year, shares with viewers the importance of accepting gay friends and family members. > Full Story. [10/8/08]
GLSEN STUDY FINDS NEARLY 9 OUT OF 10 LGBT STUDENTS EXPERIENCE HARASSMENT NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2008 – GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, today released the most comprehensive report ever on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, The 2007 National School Climate Survey. The report is being released in conjunction with the announcement that GLSEN will partner with the Ad Council on a multiyear national public education campaign targeting anti-LGBT language among teenagers. > Full Story. [10/8/08]
HERE! SET TO PREMIERE HOT GAY COMICS LOS ANGELES, CA – October 7th, 2008 – here!, America's premium gay television network is pleased to announce the premiere of the hilarious new series Hot Gay Comics. The series featuring the best in out-and-proud comedy is set to hit the network on Friday, November 14th. A far cry from traditional stand-up, it features both LGBT mainstays and up-and-comers in today's comedy world. > Full Story. [10/7/08]
76 PERCENT OF RESPONDENTS PLANNING TO MARRY IN LEGAL CEREMONY WILL TRAVEL TO CALIFORNIA SOUTHLAKE, Texas – October 6, 2008 – Earlier this year when the California State Supreme Court struck down its ban on same-sex marriage, many predicted an influx of gay and lesbian travelers to The Golden State to exchange vows. Those predictions may have well become a reality as a recent poll released by GayTravelocity.com found that 31 percent of respondents are planning to get married in a legal ceremony this year and of those respondents, 76 percent plan to travel to California to do so. > Full Story. [10/7/08]
HRC FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY VIDEO CONTEST WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, announced today an online video contest in anticipation of National Coming Out Day on October 11, 2008. In this crucial election year, individuals are invited to create a short video telling the world how they will come out and vote to make a difference in the hearts and minds of their friends, family, classmates, co-workers and country. > Full Story. [10/3/08]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN RESPONDS TO JOHN MCCAIN Q&A IN WASHINGTON BLADE WASHINGTON – Today, the Washington Blade released a story featuring a written interview with Republican Presidential nominee Senator John McCain. The interview, posted on the Washington Blade's website, happened earlier this week.
Below is a statement from Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese:
"We congratulate the Washington Blade on securing a written response from Senator McCain. Unfortunately, John McCain's answers to those well written questions do nothing but insult the intelligence of the LGBT community. Senator McCain's double speak fools no one. At the end of the day, his policies haven't changed at all.
It's interesting that John McCain thinks that being civil is going to win us over, but it doesn't make up for the fact that he is against every single policy that would protect and promote equality for the LGBT community.
It's 2008, 'some of my best friends are gay' doesn't work anymore. Sorry, we've already had one 'compassionate conservative' in the White House for eight years, we aren't interested in another."
To read a full report on Senator McCain's stances on issues of importance to the LGBT community, please visit: www.hrc.org/mccain
Paid for by Human Rights Campaign PAC and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee > Full Story. [10/2/08]
HRC PAC RELEASES VIDEO IN RESPONSE TO GOV. PALIN’S COMMENTS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign PAC, the political action committee of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, released an online video today in response to the comments by Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin that she believes homosexuality is a choice. Palin recently told CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric that she believes homosexuality is a "choice." The video released by HRC PAC is narrated by Michael Cole, senior manager of HRC's media center, who flew to Alaska with a video production crew to talk with Wasilla's LGBT community. > Full Story. [10/2/08]
HRC ENDORSES NATIONAL GAY MEN'S HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY Human Rights Campaign Endorses National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Awareness day to be held September 27
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, has endorsed the first National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD), an annual event being launched by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA). The awareness campaign seeks to bridge community and resources in an effort to bring urgent attention to the lives of many that have long been affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic here in the United States and abroad. It is a call to action that comes at a time of heightened complacency – leading to a resurgence of new HIV infections among gay men.
Data from 2006 collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that HIV affects gay men more than any other population in the United States. Gay men of all racial and ethnic groups and across all ages continue to be impacted by HIV. Despite these numbers, gay men are only tangentially represented in national AIDS Awareness Days. An awareness day devoted solely to this community fills a glaring gap in national HIV/AIDS consciousness raising efforts.
To learn more about NAPWA and National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, visit www.napwa.org.
WHAT: National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
WHEN: Saturday, September 27
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 LGBT 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. [9/26/08]
SEXUAL CLEANSING IN IRAQ STOP PRESS: This morning, after this article was published, news came from Iraq that the coordinator of Iraqi LGBT in Baghdad, Bashar, aged 27, has been assassinated in a barber shop. Militias burst in and sprayed his body with bullets. > Full Story. [9/25/08]
HISTORIC U.S. SENATE HEARING ON NEED FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEE PARTNER BENEFITS WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, today participated in the first-ever U.S. Senate hearing exclusively on the issue of federal employee partner benefits. The hearing, held by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, was titled “Domestic Partner Benefits for Federal Employees: Fair Policy and Good Business.” Coordinated by Committee Chairman Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Ranking Member Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), the hearing is an important and necessary step toward enactment of equal employment benefits for LGBT federal civilian employees.
“This legislation, which is long overdue, would bring the federal government up to the standards of America’s leading employers, who provide these benefits in order to recruit and retain the most talented workforce possible,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, as written in submitted testimony. “Equal pay for equal work is a value fundamental to American opportunity. The federal government should be the standard bearer for fair workplace practices. As long it denies gay and lesbian employees the comprehensive family benefits that their heterosexual colleagues receive, the federal government will fall short of that standard, and continue to lag behind the nation’s top employers.”
“I welcome this Senate hearing and consider it one more step in our march toward full equality,” said Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) who authors the companion bill, H.R. 4838, in the House. “Only when we eliminate discriminatory practices in the workplace will we allow both employees and businesses to reach their full potential. As an employer, the federal government must not only set an example, but must compete with corporate America for the best-qualified workforce. Offering domestic partner benefits is a means toward both ends.”
The benefits for federal employees would include family health insurance, pension and survivor benefits and relocation expenses for families who are transferred. And for State Department employees abroad it would include access to anti-terrorism and language training, medical facilities, and evacuation services.
The Human Rights Campaign worked closely with the Senate staff in crafting the legislation and was a lead coalition partner in lobbying for the hearing. Advocating for the legislation was a top priority for HRC activists during the Spring Lobby Day. HRC also worked with employers in the private sector to endorse the legislation and reached out to all Congressional offices with up-to-date resources such as the Corporate Equality Index, demonstrating support and need for DP Benefits. To view the Corporate Equality Index, visit: www.hrc.org/cei.
The need for federal domestic partner benefits was also incorporated in HRC’s 7-Days to a Better Financial You, with stories from former Ambassador Michael Guest and other federal civilian employees explaining how the lack of benefits hurts LGBT families. To learn more about the 7 Days campaign, visit www.hrc.org/7days.
For coverage on the hearing and to read the full testimony, visit our blog, www.HRCBackStory.org.
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. [9/24/08]
STUDY SHOWS THAT OVERUSE OF PROVISIONAL BALLOTS MAY DISENFRANCHISE THOUSANDS OF VOTERS (September 24, 2008, WASHINGTON DC) - Today, Advancement Project, a leading voter protection organization, released "Provisional Voting: Fail-Safe Voting or Trapdoor to Disenfranchising Voters." This report explores whether the administration of elections─ specifically in the area of provisional voting─ has improved since the 2000 presidential election, when scores of eligible voters were turned away from the polls because their names did not appear on voter registration rolls, resulting in the disenfranchisement of a significant number of American voters. In particular, the investigation, research, and analysis of provisional voting in the report focus on select counties in Ohio and Florida during the 2006 general elections.
"The goal of this report is to highlight the recurring need to reform provisional balloting implementation and other election administration procedures so that no voter is wrongfully disfranchised in 2008 and future elections," said Elizabeth Westfall, Voter Protection Program deputy director, Advancement Project.
Key findings of the report show:
1. Flaws in the Voter Registration Process and Voter Registration Records Resulted in the Overuse of Provisional Voting and the Rejection of Ballots Cast by Eligible Voters. 2. Misinterpretation and Misapplication of the "Wrong" Precinct Rule Resulted in the Disenfranchisement of Voters. 3. The Provisional Voting Process Is Fraught with Confusion, Errors, and Misinformation. 4. The Provisional Voting Process Is Not Scrutinized or Transparent, Resulting in Continued Problems.
For example in Ohio, during the November 2006 general election, Ohio voters cast 4,186,206 ballots, 127,758 of which were provisional. Approximately 104,696 of these provisional ballots were counted, and 23,062 (about 18%) were rejected. Over half of the provisional ballots cast (65,239), and 65% of the rejected ballots (15,000), were cast in Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Montgomery, and Summit counties, counties with substantial populations of voters of color. The use of provisional ballots in Ohio, as measured by the percentage of ballots cast, appears to be increasing. In 2004, provisional ballots made up 2.7% of the total ballots cast during the general election. In the 2006 general election, it was up almost a full percentage point, to 3.6%.
In Florida's 2006 general election, 14,550 provisional ballots were cast, 3,857 (almost 27%) of which were rejected. This trend in Ohio and Florida may portend an increase in the use of provisional ballots in the 2008 general election unless state and local election officials institute measures to combat the overuse of provisional ballots.
"Our investigation reveals that instead of functioning as a fail-safe means of voting, provisional voting often creates a serious risk of disenfranchisement," continued Westfall. "As the country approaches the second presidential election with a federally mandated provisional balloting system in place, government officials and election administrators should make certain changes and improvements to ensure that provisional ballots are used and are recognized in a manner that achieves their original intent."
Advancement Project's report makes several key recommendations to reduce the over-reliance and over-use of provisional ballots in Florida and Ohio.
Reduce the Use of Provisional Voting, in the First Instance, by Eliminating Barriers to Voter Registration. Eliminate the "Wrong" Precinct Rule. Improve Poll Worker Training. Improve the Administration of Provisional Voting on Election Day. Increase the Scrutiny and Transparency of the Provisional Voting Process.
The report methodology included requesting, and to varying degrees receiving, specific data on the provisional ballots cast in particular jurisdictions, including the names of voters who cast provisional ballots, the reasons such ballots were cast, whether they were counted, and, if not counted, the reasons for their rejection. Advancement Project also requested copies of the provisional ballot envelopes in these jurisdictions, which provided additional details from poll workers and voters as to the circumstances under which individual provisional ballots were cast.
"Some may not be concerned about the misuse of provisional ballots since such ballots comprise only a fraction of the national vote," concluded Westfall. "But this year, where the presidential and other elections may be determined by a few hundred votes, provisional ballots could prove decisive."
For a copy of the report visit www.advancementproject.org
FAMILY EQUALITY COUNCIL ON CLAY AIKEN The following can be attributed to Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director fo the Family Equality Council. > Full Story. [9/24/08]
BOOK DESCRIBING CRISIS FACED BY GAY TEENS IN AMERICA LAUNCHES IN NEW YORK AND D.C Washington D.C – Close to 1,000 people last week attended events in Washington, D.C. and New York, N.Y., which launched longtime advocate and businessman Mitchell Gold's unique expose on the pain of growing up gay in America . The book, "Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing The Personal, Social and Religious Pain of Growing Up Gay In America," asks Americans to awaken to the pain being inflicted today on gay teens by a society that has been led to believe that such affliction is somehow morally or religiously justified. > Full Story. [9/24/08]
AKRON ROCKER ELIJAH BLACK TO MAKE TV DEBUT ON LOGO Akron Rocker Elijah Black will make his NATIONAL TV Debut on LOGO/MTV's "NewNowNext" video program which airs such artists as Nickelback, Madonna, Panic at the Disco, Fallout Boy, Maroon 5 and more. Tune in this Sunday night, September 28 to see Elijah Black's video for "Smile For Me" from his April 2008 critically acclaimed release "BETTER MAN." > Full Story. [9/24/08]
WILLIAMS INSTITUTE REPORT ON FED EMPLOYEES AND DP BENEFITS LOS ANGELES Today the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law reported that offering health and other benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees would add $41 million to the federal budget in the first year of coverage. Today the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs will hold a hearing on S.2521, ³The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act,² which would offer such coverage. > Full Story. [9/24/08]
SEARCH CRITERIA SHOWS DEALER’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS GAYS MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR FOR LGBT CAR SHOPPERS River Edge, NJ – Gaywheels.com, the sole source of information specifically targeted to and about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) car-shoppers, today announced its analysis of dealer searches by their users. Of the thousands of users that searched for a dealer on Gaywheels.com, nearly half (48%) did not specify a brand for their search. Among those who were searching for a specific brand, the most popular choice was Volkswagen. > Full Story. [9/23/08]
HRC JOINS ELECTION PROTECTION'S NATIONWIDE VOTER PROTECTION COALITION WASHINGTON– The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, announced today that it has become a coalition partner in Election Protection, the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection program, administered by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. > Full Story. [9/19/08]
WATCH TODAY: HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN RELEASES VIDEO URGING PEOPLE TO VOTE FOR EQUALITY WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, released an online video urging people to vote for equality this election season. The video – titled “We Have The Right”– was produced by the Human Rights Campaign and can be viewed online. > Full Story. [9/19/08]
RENT CLOSES ON BROADWAY AFTER 12 YEARS Broadway said farewell to the celebrated rock musical Rent, The Associated Press reports. The final show was dedicated to Adam Kantor, who wrote the book, lyrics and music for this story of life in New York's East Village, complete with artists, street drugs and AIDS (lead characters took AZT, one of the early HIV medications, onstage). > Full Story. [9/9/08]
KISS A GIRL,GO TO HELL You know you've made it big when others start making covers of your songs. But this remix is a bit different. > Full Story. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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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. 
