One Million Moms, and None of Them Gay?! Right…

I have always been fascinated with percentages. The Williams Institute of the UCLA School of Law has recent research indicating “that almost nine million American adults  – close to 4% of the American adult population — identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender…. and that 11% of the population, more than 25 million Americans, acknowledge some same-gender sexual attraction.” Going with the “gays are mother nature’s answer to overpopulation” defense, I am blown away that “One Million Moms” (you know, the group that protested Ellen being a spokesperson for JC Penney) is protesting a JC Penney advertisement that features two lesbian moms and their children with the powerful logos appeal and headline: Freedom of Expression.

Pink News says, “The ad also unequivocally states beneath the picture: ‘Wendi, daughters Raven and Clover, and partner Maggie.’ As OMM itself notes, the women are wearing wedding bands in the picture.” Here are my two thoughts: 1. Out of one million moms, sheer mathematics guarantees that a percentage of their number is gay… 2. Did women’s liberation stop with straight people? Are American homosexuals to truly believe that they are not worthy of the same rights and freedoms as anyone else? BS! “Officer Barbrady, I call shenanigans!”

Photo: JC Penney

JCP’s official statement: “We want to be a store for all Americans. In celebration of Mother’s Day, we’re proud that our May book honors women from diverse backgrounds who all share the heartwarming experience of motherhood.”

I’m sorry…are our civil rights getting in the way of your small mindedness? Tough! Be strong, my darlings! The homophobes are kicking up dirt and making noise because that is all they have left. Every day, I hear another case of civil unions in one state and unconstituional bills being proposed in another. Do not kid yourself: we are in a social war for individuality and validity. How do we fight this war of culture? That’s easy…

Be Yourself. Know Yourself. Love Yourself! ~*

Read the full article: JC Penny releases pro-gay ad, under fire from One Million Moms

Have a Heart: Got 10 Seconds?

Check out this video. Then,  please sign this petition: change.org/scouts

Ohio mom removed from Boy Scouts

A den leader and scout master, she was kicked out after a year’s service for being gay. She started a petition and needs several thousand more signatures to meet her goal. I know there are millions of gays, LGBTQ allies, and free-thinking individuals that have 10 seconds to sign a petition. C’mon, guys! Have a HEART! Are we, or aren’t we, one big gay family? Want to do something about it? Re-blog the cause! #BornThisWay

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.” ~Toulouse, Moulin Rouge

What an amazing endeavor! I salute you. 🙂

justabitradical

For Immediate Release

LGBT YOUTH SUICIDES POINT TO A LACK OF VOICE

New Publication Will Give Vulnerable Population A Way to Be Heard

According to statistics provided by the Youth Suicide Prevention Program, over 50 percent of trans* individuals will attempt suicide before they turn 20. Just a Bit Radical magazine editor and founder Catherine Oliver believes that having a publication to read or contribute to, where youth voices are heard and respected, can help make a difference in these numbers. JABR hopes to provide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQQIA) youth and their allies ages 13 to 30 with a publication that discusses ideas and issues that are important to them.

“I decided to start Just a Bit Radical because I was tired of seeing the suicides of LGBT youth every time I turned around,” says Oliver. “I was tired of seeing every magazine only…

View original post 166 more words

A World Over the Rainbow: George Clooney & Archbishop of Wales

As is often my pleasure and practice, I spent a great deal of time yesterday reading LGBTQ articles online. I must admit that I experienced the entire gamut of human emotions. My sensitive spirit and artistic mind will never understand “othering,” bigotry, and unbridled hatred. It is extremely easy to give into the words of others. Remember that everything you read is an argument. Yeah, that’s right; what you are reading at this very moment is an argument. Allow yourself to receive the words of others with the proverbial “grain of salt.” Sometimes, I read articles and feel empowered. Other times, I read articles and feel destroyed. Ultimately, I remember that I am an individual. I reject the programming of others’ beliefs and  control mechanisms. I dare to be different in the face of opposition. I was born this way.

photo from pinknews.co.uk

Years ago, on 3 March 2006, reporters for the Pink News asked George Clooney if he would ever play a gay cowboy. According to the news site, “Mr Clooney said he believed he had already played a gay character, ‘I was in a rubber suit and I had rubber nipples. I could have played Batman straight, but I made him gay’” (Brokebat Mountain). Recently, Clooney went a step further to say that he would never deny rumors about his being gay: “I’m not going to let anyone make it seem like being gay is a bad thing. My private life is private, and I’m very happy in it. Who does it hurt if someone thinks I’m gay? I’ll be long dead and there will still be people who say I was gay. I don’t give a shit.” Well, go ahead then, sir! In a sea of awful online articles about gays being less than pigs and the most recent gay teen suicides, Clooney was my own personal gay batman yesterday. He reminded me that we always have allies. We are never alone in the struggle for humanity. Read the full article: George Clooney: I will never deny gay rumours.

photo from pinknews.co.uk

Long have I enjoyed the greats of British Literature: Shakespeare, Marlowe, Aphra Behn, Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary Shelley, Jonathan Swift, Dryden, etc. Elizabeth I is my favorite monarch and political leader of all time. I have always loved the story of her father, Henry VIII. He did not agree with the church’s policy on divorce, so he created his own: The Church of England. Years later, Anglican Archbishop of Wales, Dr. Barry Morgan, gives “an impassioned plea for Anglicans to be more tolerant towards homosexuals” (Pink News). He says that “all life-long committed relationships deserve the welcome, pastoral care and support of the Church…. (Christians) need to show how the Gospel of Jesus is good news for gay people.” It is about time! Henry VIII was a smart man and clever king. His daughter was queen of the Golden Age, and his church is now considering gay marriage and equality as parts of its doctrine. Read the full article: Anglican Archbishop Of Wales backs same-sex marriage in UK. It really does get better. Never stop believing in your dreams or yourself!

Know yourself. Be yourself. Love yourself. ~*

Thank You, Matthew Shepard

photo from malone

 As a writer and artist, there are five sacred memories I carry with me everywhere: Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Larson, Harvey Milk, Alexander McQueen, and Matthew Shepard. These five former gentlemen inspire me in ways that I will never understand. Their contributions to my ability to be “out” are uncanny and awesome, worthy of never ending praise and love. For that reason, I write today to thank Matthew Shepard, again. He did not die in vain.

The Matthew Shepard-James C. Bryd hate crime laws were put to use for the first time last Thursday to indict two men for “gay bashing.” We are not alone. There is much  hate in this world, my friends. Stay informed. Find allies. Love your neighbor. Be yourself. ~*

Read the full article at lgbtqnation.com: Kentucky men indicted under Matthew Shepard federal hate crime law

Fighting the Good Fight in Nevada

photo from Crazy55

Tuesday was a moment in LGBTQ history. Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for Nevada in the name of 8 same-sex couples. This event issues a challenge against Nevada, calling the state’s constitutionality into question. The suit claims that Nevada’s stance against gay marriage violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. It’s getting better! You can’t stop progress. Viva LGBTQ! Find your allies. Love yourselves. Be yourself. ~*

Read the full article: Lambda Legal files federal lawsuit challenging Nevada’s gay marriage ban

It Better Get Better’s 1st Podcast

• IBGB Podcast – Transmission 1 

  Four people who represent the entire LGBTQ spectrum come together to discuss the It Gets Better project, their own stories and recollections of being bullied, and whether or not audio appeals are as effective when there are no accompanying visual elements. Also, this podcast launches our site: It Better Get Better. 
  
  

• IGB sound collage 

  By removing visual counterparts from IGB videos, we were able to study group and individual reactions to sonic appeals. I created this sound collage in the spirit of my Senior Seminar class. Are audio appeals as compelling and effective as their video counterparts? You be the judge.

Special Thanks and Attribution to:

It Gets Better Project™ – http://www.itgetsbetter.org

Hillary Clinton – “Tomorrow Will Be Better” / Adam Lambert – “It Gets Better”

Sarah Silverman – “Message To America, On Gay Suicide” / Kathy Griffin – “A Message from Kathy Griffin”

Alexander Skarsgård – “True Blood HBO PSA”

smokeyvw for use of pre-symphonic orchestra 2

Chris Zabriskie for use of his music: “Preludes 21-23”

Obama Campaign Says “No” to Bigotry

photo from thinkprogress.org

It makes my heart shine to see the HRC logo splashed all over a picture with our president. I know some people have issues with politicians. I get it; however, the man is standing up against bigotry on the state level. That has to count for something. Vote for whomever you want. Just remember that today OUR rights are on the line. Tomorrow? YOURS!

Read the full article: Obama Campaign Opposes Minnesota’s Marriage Discrimination Amendment

Lady Gaga is cover of Elle Magazine Indonesia (RT)

I love everything about this! Gaga is a cover girl in Indonesia. Work!

RT @liabgermanotta: Lady Gaga is cover of Elle Magazine Indonesia

Miss Universe is Finally a True Competition

After complaining to anyone who would listen about unfair “beauty” pageant standards for months, I am extremely excited to shut up finally (about this at least) and announce that transgender models are allowed to participate in the Miss Universe Canada pageant. It’s getting better! Jenna Talackova, 23, is returning to the pageant after being previously disqualified based on archaic, discriminatory rules.

photo from laist.com

If the pageant-contest is about inner beauty and exterior illusions, who cares what’s going on underneath those gorgeous sequin gowns? Exactly. I say work it out, miss girl! You’ve got our vote!

Read the laist.com full article: “Transgender Beauty Queen Welcomed Back to Compete…”