Gaydaylicious

Breaking - Washington Legislature Passes Marriage - isseynini@gmail.com - Gmail

2012-02-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Issey,

On the heels of the good news from the Court of Appeals in California that Prop. 8 is unconstitutional, today brings fantastic news from Washington State! Both houses of the state legislature have now passed marriage equality legislation. All loving, committed couples in Washington are on the brink of being able to legally marry. The legislation just needs to be signed into law - and the governor has said she will do so. Congratulations to Equal Rights Washington and their allies on this magnificent victory. The drumbeat towards equality continues across the land.

In the months ahead, the eyes of the nation will be focused on places like Washington, California and also here in New York to see how we defend our marriage wins. We can count on the opposition to mount a ballot campaign to try to overturn marriage in Washington, in the same way they are pursuing the court case from California, and have already threatened to go after the legislators here in the Empire State who voted for equality. Our opposition is relentless and won’t give up. Neither will we.

There are 113 New York State legislators – Democrats and Republicans, Senators and Assemblymembers - who voted for marriage and all of them are up for election this November. Join us by volunteering with the Pride Agenda to get our supporters ready for the upcoming elections! As a community, we must flex our political muscle in standing by those who stood by us.

Help us let legislators know that voting for equality is not only the right thing to do, but also the politically smart thing to do. Let’s send a crystal clear message – to elected officials in other states looking to achieve marriage equality and those here in New York who will determine how quickly we can make progress on our issues. That’s what our opponents are looking to do, and we can do no less.

Onward!

Ross D. Levi
Executive Director
Empire State Pride Agenda

'via Blog this'

Marriage Ban Violates Constitution, Court Rules - NYTimes.com

2012-02-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

Marriage Ban Violates Constitution, Court Rules - NYTimes.com:

'via Blog this'

2012-02-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

Miss Kittin is one of my favorite artist in recent years, she is a very cool soul and this album is very very good, she touch the 80's better than what others have tried so hard to revive. I have listened to this up coming album and must say I highly recommend this one. I am not going to analyze it for you, but would let you judge for your self, follow the link and hear for your self, I you are going to fall in love with her music. It's a good Album and takes me back to my real 80's time where I start exploring the night life and my underground time. Check it out and, Enjoy.http://www.misskittinandthehacker.com

2012-01-30T18:28:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends!

Here is one more new ray of light out there, she is talented, young, beautiful and a great musician. Beauty for itself today, isn't enough to draw my attention. It has to have something to back it up, something powerful and useful, It must be real, and must have some kind of statement, otherwise it just fades away in the jungle out there.She has been around for some time now, but it like other rays , they are out there but we don't always get to see them. We're too busy looking at what isn't so important sometimes. But once in a while, we see something that shines and it sure takes our attention. This beautiful ray has taken my attention, Her name is Yael Naim, and her time as come, she is based in Paris and Tel Aviv -Israel, she was born in Israel though she is half French, creating her music in both countries, and now performing world wide.

In the last few years Apple helped the world discover more than their great products. They also helped us to discover other good talented people by featuring their talents in ads. Apple has specialized in exposing many unique qualities in the last few years. They have also shown how we can become better, and much smarter humans, slowly but surely planting these qualities in our minds and souls. May this world will have more companies like Apple. Our world would in much better shape.

With Apple push, and their decision to use Yael's Music as they were introducing their big wow, last year, the thinnest laptop in the world, "MacBook Air", Yael Naim got the chance to get the exposer she deserve.

If you have missed Apple ad than click on that link and Watch it now
"New Soul" @ http://www.apple.com/macbookair/#ad , it's a cute song which has been played over and over in many radio stations and TV shows around the world, and on "YouTube" as well.

Yael Naim also has chosen to make a great cover to Britney Spears big hit "Toxic". Her cover to "Toxic" got great reviews, and gave her great exposure in http://www.youtube.com// You should check it out, it is wonderful and brings out the real meaning of this song, gives it a clear understanding for what it means as you listen to it, and it puts it in a very respectable place, where it's belong.

As I dug more into Yael's Music, I have found this song, and I have fell in love at first listening, I have chosen to share this song with you guys. It is a beautiful song, it is a sad song but it's calm it is very real, and it touches you. Her performance in this song is simple and nude, which makes it even more powerful. It's her voice and her piano, clean and pure.

I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do. So here you go, Enjoy!

"You Are So Lonely"
By: Yael Naim

Paradise Circus (Gui Boratto Remix) // Massive Attack // Madonna::Scarl...

2012-01-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

2012-01-25T05:34:00.001-08:00

Meet the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry - isseynini@gmail.com - Gmail

2012-01-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

'via Blog this'

Dear Issey,

In small towns and urban centers we meet, we fall in love, and we contemplate marriage.

That's why it is so fitting that the leaders of cities all across America came together on Friday to launch Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, a bipartisan group of more than 100 mayors who have pledged to support the freedom of same-sex couples to marry.

Mayors for the Freedom to Marry is part of Freedom to Marry's national campaign to expand public support for ending marriage discrimination.

Watch the video featuring highlights from the launch event at the United States Conference of Mayors' winter meeting in Washington, D.C. and then share the video with your family and friends.

http://freedomtomarry.org/mayors-video

That mayors from diverse political persuasions, from red states and blue states, from cities and towns, have stepped forward to talk about why same-sex couples should be able to marry shows how far we've come and our momentum going forward.

The Mayors for the Freedom to Marry are making a powerful and unified statement about why marriage matters, how the freedom to marry improves the quality of life for all constituents, and how ending exclusion from marriage makes communities economically stronger.

Ultimately, these mayors know supporting the freedom to marry is simply the right thing to do -- and understand that the way to make it happen is to engage with others and make the case.

Watch our highlight video of the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry announcement and then share it with your family and friends in New York.

http://freedomtomarry.org/mayors-video

Thanks for all you do,

Evan Wolfson
President, Freedom To Marry

P.S. Find out if your mayor has joined Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. If he/she hasn't, please ask him/her to take the pledge: http://freedomtomarry.org/mayors

Good Move from Wikipedia

2012-01-18T19:24:00.000-08:00

Imagine a World
Without Free Knowledge

For over a decade, we have spent millions of hours building the largest encyclopedia in human history. Right now, the U.S. Congress is considering legislation that could fatally damage the free and open Internet. For 24 hours, to raise awareness, we are blacking out Wikipedia. Learn more.

What effect is the blackout having, so far?

The purpose of the blackout is twofold: to raise awareness of SOPA and PIPA among the general public, and to encourage people to share their views with their representatives. It's too early to tell what the ultimate impact will be, but here are some early indicators, as of 1PM PT January 18: keep reading about it at this linkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:SOPA_initiative/Learn_more

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=hotmednyc

2012-01-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=hotmednyc

Diller Scofidio + Renfro to Redesign the Pines Pavilion - NYTimes.com

2012-01-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

Diller Scofidio + Renfro to Redesign the Pines Pavilion - NYTimes.com:

'via Blog this'

Procera AVH™ Official - Clinically Tested Memory Supplement | Brain Supplement

2011-12-28T23:49:00.000-08:00

Are your parents are getting old and start making signs of memory lose

Using the comprehensive FDA style criteria for drug trials, Procera AVH™ was shown to significantly improve memory, mental clarity, mood & even IQ!

Procera AVH™ Official - Clinically Tested Memory Supplement | Brain Supplement:

'via Blog this'

Be a HERO and Help STOP SOPA Now!! I'll tell you How! This Video that M...

2011-12-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

Be a HERO and Help STOP SOPA Now!! I'll tell you How! This Video that M...

2011-12-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

How CNET/CBS interactive ignited and Fueled the Phenomenon of Internet Piracy

2011-12-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

How CNET/CBS interactive ignited and Fueled the Phenomenon of Internet Piracy:

'via Blog this'

Issey Nini - Google+

2011-12-28T10:16:00.000-08:00

Issey Nini - Google+: ".
PLEASE SHARE! This is my FINAL CUT of this STOP SOPA Video!
.
Thanks to ALL your suggestions I made a lot of Changes! The Next Video Exploring more details of the scheme will be much STRONGER!
The Evidence Blog is http://onecandleinthedark.blogspot.com
Alki David's Site to Join in the HUGE Lawsuit http://www.cbsyousuck.com
Be a HERO and Help STOP SOPA Now!! I'll tell you How! This Video that Must Be SHARED!

youtube.com – Go to http://onecandleinthedark.blogspot.com and http://www.cbsyousuck.com for thousands of pages of evidence and links to the original source research..."

'via Blog this'

Jonny McGovern "Dickmatized"

2011-12-28T09:59:00.000-08:00

that was on the cover. - isseynini@gmail.com - Gmail

2011-11-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV1jfnTZebE

2011-10-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

Laughter is a wonderful joy in my life, it's one of the best thing I love doing most. Here is something that will makle you laugh. I just loved it, it cracked me up. Enjoy

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qc1W4EBPfls" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/ASCENSION-RECOMMENDS---MASTERBEAT-T-DANCE---CLUB-PARTY---SUNDAY--OCTOBER-9-.html?soid=1101272491434&aid=I_F8rU3u8G4

2011-10-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

TIME TO PARTY NEW YORK CITY

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/ASCENSION-RECOMMENDS---MASTERBEAT-T-DANCE---CLUB-PARTY---SUNDAY--OCTOBER-9-.html?soid=1101272491434&aid=I_F8rU3u8G4

Gayllage @ Gaydaylicious.blogspot.com - Gay Wallpapers for your gay desktop

2011-07-21T01:09:00.000-07:00

Eurythmics - I've Got A Life

2011-07-21T01:08:00.000-07:00

Black Spark and the Clouds

2011-07-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

Black Spark and the Clouds

2011-07-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

Getting married in New York State?

The Marriage Equality Act goes into effect Sunday, July 24, 2011.However, because July 24 is a Sunday, many town and city clerks' offices may be closed. Please contact your local clerk's office to confirm their hours of operation on July 24th and for the remainder of the week, as some clerks' offices may offer extended hours.
Below is a list of some of the clerks’ offices that we know will be open on Sunday, July 24.
New York City
Clerk’s offices across the City: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Please note that New York City will be using a lottery system to select couples. There will be 400 slots available for the Manhattan City Clerk's Office; 112 slots available each for the Brooklyn and Queens City Clerk's Offices; 98 slots available for The Bronx City Clerk's Office; and 42 slots available for the Staten Island City Clerk's Office.
More information is available here: http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/lottery.shtml
Binghamton
Hours of Binghamton's Clerk's office: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Buffalo
Hours of Buffalo Clerk’s office: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ithaca
Hours of Ithaca Clerk's office: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Niagra
Niagra Clerk's office will be open by appointment. (716) 286-4393
North Hempstead
North Hempstead Clerk's office will be open by appointment. (516) 869-7650
Rochester
Hours of Rochester Clerk’s office: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Syracuse
Hours of Syracuse’s Clerk’s office: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
State law requires a 24-hour waiting period from the issuance of a marriage license before a marriage can occur, unless a waiver is obtained by the applicants. Some localities will have judges available to waive the waiting period. Contact your local clerk for more information.
Here is a list of helpful FAQs from New York State.
Here is a list of helpful FAQs from New York City.

If you are considering getting married, you may want to review these guides from our friends at Lambda Legal and NYLCU.

Register your wedding with the Pride Agenda!

Black Spark and the Clouds

2011-07-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

Black Spark and the Clouds

At Last something so right and beautiful as sex always should be. Check out this new company. The creator is just the best thing that happen to porn in the last 30 years, I am sure going to fo;;ow those guys and would love to do something with them in the future if it would be possible, I's how I think of sex and how I believe porn should be present, clean sexy and beautiful, erotic.
I have been photographing men in the last 9 years, and I dont think that I will ever want to stop doing it. it is always beautiful and erotic as only us men could be. So check out Black Spark, the best thing that happened in gay porn in the last 30 years if you ask me.

The Heartist.

Black Spark and the Clouds

2011-07-03T02:18:00.000-07:00

Black Spark and the Clouds

December 14, 2010

2011-06-20T03:15:00.000-07:00

ASCENSION 2011 - DJs, EVENTS & PARTIES - OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!! - isseynini@gmail.com - Gmail

2011-06-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Quentin Harris & Aaron Carl - Apologize

2011-06-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Quentin Harris & Aaron Carl - Apologize

Quentin Harris -- Sacrifice (Wait ft)

2011-06-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

Quentin Harris -- Sacrifice (Wait ft)

Quentin Harris -- Sacrifice (Wait ft)

QUENTIN HARRIS & ULTRA NATE - GIVE IT 2 U OFFICIAL VIDEO.mov

2011-06-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

QUENTIN HARRIS & ULTRA NATE - GIVE IT 2 U OFFICIAL VIDEO.mov

New Color in my life. Sweet Man. good Music and More.

Check Out This beautiful man. very talented.

EAT, EAT

2011-05-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Love This Video

Amsterdam June 11 GayDay@Efteling

2011-04-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hey You love ones, Please Check this out. Amsterdam- June 11

The Dutch version of Gay Days Disney is happening in Amsterdam, GayDay@Efteling is more likely is going to be much more fun and crazy funny than the real Gay Day Disney, as we all know how much fun the dutch are, and how they love celebrating those kinds of events, this is highly recommended So don't miss it, book your ticket now, and go have some fun.

GayDay@Efteling

www.gaydayefteling.com

Gays, Bi, Gay-friendly Heteros, Lesbians,Transsexuals... Everyone is welcome to join!!! Let's make it a big Party!!!!!

Breaking News

2011-03-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Taylor, Lifelong Star, Dies at 79

The actress Elizabeth Taylor died Wednesday in Los Angeles at

age 79, the Associated Press reported. Ms. Taylor started in

movies at age 9, and it was a quick leap from "National

Velvet" to "A Place in the Sun" and from there to "Cleopatra"

as she transformed into a film queen. In a career of more

than 70 years and more than 50 films, she won two Academy

Awards as best actress.

http://www.nytimes.com?emc=na

Apple pulls "gay cure" iPhone app

2011-03-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

An hour later afterI have post the petition widget on my facebook and on my blog, I have got this in my gmail.
I was very pleased to hear that Apple was smart enough to remove this stupid app. As a good client I would have been very angry and sad if they would have kept it in their app store, there is no need for those kind of app's to be on any store. We are in 2011 and we all should be free and equal in all matters.
So I thank my friends and whom ever supported this and I thank Change.org for doing a great work, and I want to Thank Apple, because they are the best, and as a client I am so pleased to see that they were doing the right thing, just like always and have removed it from their store. Thank God Too.

Dear Issey ,

Amazing! After more than 150,000 petition signatures from Change.org members and saturation media coverage, news outlets worldwide are reporting that Apple has pulled an iPhone application launched by Exodus International that claimed to help "cure" gay and lesbian people.

This is a huge, public victory against the dangerous myth that gay young people can and should be "turned straight" -- a falsehood that contributes to the plague of depression and suicide afflicting these kids and young adults. Our friends at Truth Wins Out, the organization that started the petition on Change.org, are absolutely thrilled.

Apple did the right thing because an incredible 151,125 Change.org members -- including you -- stood together to demand it. We spread the word on Facebook more than 55,000 times. And together we attracted the attention of media around the globe, including CNN, MSNBC, Fox, ABC, CBS, and hundreds of newspapers and blogs.

It's simply amazing. Thank you for making this victory possible.

- Eden and the Change.org team

P.S. There's another urgent campaign on Change.org that could use your voice. A Japanese-American law student in San Francisco has petitioned AT&T and Verizon to stop delaying urgently needed donations from reaching aid organizations in Japan. (Donations via text message can take up to 90 days to get to the intended destination.)

The campaign has made national news and Senator Barbara Boxer has taken up the cause, but the phone companies have still not responded. Please click here to read more and sign the petition:

http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-the-delay-on-donations-to-japan-2?alert_id=FgUHVhnQEJ_vxucqrmeGN&me=aa

Our Deepest Fear

2011-03-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Lucas called on the LGBT Center

2011-02-22T19:52:00.000-08:00

Lucas called on the LGBT Center to cancel a party by

Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW), scheduled for March

5th. - Feb 22, 2011 New York, NY --

Gay adult entertainment entrepreneur and Advocate.com columnist, Michael Lucas, today threatened to organize a boycott against New York's LGBT Center for its decision to host a party for an anti-Semitic organization.

Lucas called on the LGBT Center to cancel a party by Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW), scheduled for March 5th.

He further demands that the LGBT Center's leaders publicly apologize, and pledge to ban any and all anti-Semitic groups from using their facilities in the future.

"I'm preparing to organize a boycott that would certainly involve some of the Center's most generous donors," said Lucas. "It was an inexcusable decision on the Center's part to associate itself with a hate group like Israeli Apartheid Week, but there's still time for them to reverse course and begin restoring their reputation."

Lucas says he has already spoken with a number of other furious LGBT Center supporters who plan to withdraw all future donations should the "Smash Israeli Apartheid" party go forward.

Anti-Israeli groups, like IAW, are using the pretext of support for Palestinians to stoke old anti-Semitic hatreds and perpetuate Jewish stereotypes. They're also growing increasingly and aggressively pro-Islam. Sociologists, like Phyllis Chesler of College of Staten Island says "Anti-Zionism is new antisemitism." The IAW is attempting to organize a boycott campaign against Israel.

Jewish and non-Jewish members of the gay community are baffled by the LGBT Center's decision to support a controversial organization that has nothing to do with gay rights.

"At first I thought this was a joke," says Lucas. "Israel is the only country in the Middle East that supports gay rights, while its enemies round up, torture, and condemn gay people to death -- often by publicly hanging or stoning them to death."

In fact, gay people in these societies flee to Israel for safety and protection.

"If the LGBT Center wants to host a fundraising and awareness party for anti-semites, they might as well go all the way and host a tea dance for Fred Phelps," said Lucas.

The executive director of New York's LGBT Center, Glennda Testone, can be reached at 212.620.7310. Her email is glennda@gaycenter.org.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRES CONTACT:
Len Evans
Project Publicity, Inc.
212-445-0066
len.evans@projectpublicity.com

We prevailed!

Congratulations to everyone who stood with me in support of Israel. With your help it took only eight hours to accomplish our mission.

The LGBT Center has decided it will not host the party by Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW), scheduled for March 5th.

According to an email I just received personally from Glennda Testone, executive director of New York's LGBT Center, it has been determined that “this event is not appropriate to be held at our LGBT Community Center”.

It is unfortunate that it took the effort of so many of us in order to obtain this decision. The gay center should know who they permit to use their facilities and should not have allowed this group access to the Center’s facilities and not have the need for our intervention.

I am embarrassed that some people within the gay community would take part in an IAW event and that many would choose to turn a blind eye to it. I find it shameful, dangerous and alarming.

I want to thank everyone who sent emails and made calls of protest to the Center. In this difficult time, Israel needs all of us. It is a tiny island of democracy in the jungle of the Middle East and Israeli democracy greatly needs our support. It is something that is important to preserve.

I stand with Israel for its right to defend itself, never to be exterminated again. Even if the entire world will think differently, I will not change my mind. I will always fight anti-Semitism in the world however it may try to hide.

Michael Lucas

Six trans women killed in Honduras in two months

2011-02-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

Bulletin from the cause: Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN!
Go to Cause
Posted By: Maurizio Cecconi
To: Members in Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN!
Six trans women killed in Honduras in two months

LGBT campaigners are calling on Honduran authorities to fully investigate the murders of six transgender women in just 60 days.

According to Human Rights Watch, the first death was on November 29th and the latest took place on January 17th.

The women were murdered on the streets or in their homes in the capital, Tegucigalpa, and in the cities of Comayagüela and San Pedro Sula.

The attacks ranged from gunshots to setting the victims on fire.

Indyra Mendoza, director of Honduran lesbian group Red Lésbica Cattrachas, said: “The impunity with which these murders have taken place has shaken the entire lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Honduras.

“We need legislative change and prevention programs to end discrimination in Honduras, because at the moment we are living our lives in hiding.”

Human Rights Watch said the women appeared to have been tortured before being killed.

The victims were Idania Roberta Sevilla Raudales, 58; Luisa Alvarado Hernández, 23; Lady Óscar Martínez Salgado, 45; Reana ‘Cheo’ Bustamente; Briget Makaligton and Fergie Alice Ferg.

The government is failing to tackle the killings, Human Rights Watch claims.

Dipika Nath, researcher in the LGBT programme at the charity, said: “The government needs to act urgently to fulfill its obligations under international treaties and swiftly arrest and bring to trial those responsible for these murders.

“It is up to the government to fulfill its commitment to protect the rights of all Hondurans regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation.”

Ugandan Gay Rights Activist Is Beaten to Death -

2011-01-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

	Bulletin from the cause: Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN! Go to Cause
Posted By: Maurizio Cecconi
To: Members in Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN!
Ugandan Gay Rights Activist Is Beaten to Death NAIROBI, Kenya — David Kato knew he was a marked man. As the most outspoken gay rights advocate in Uganda, a country where homophobia is so severe that Parliament is considering a bill to execute gay people, he had received a stream of death threats, his friends said. A few months ago, a Ugandan newspaper ran an anti-gay diatribe with Mr. Kato’s picture on the front page under a banner urging, “Hang Them.” On Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Kato was beaten to death with a hammer in his rough and tumble neighborhood. Police officials were quick to chalk up the motive to robbery, but the small and increasingly besieged gay community in Uganda suspects otherwise. “David’s death is a result of the hatred planted in Uganda by U.S Evangelicals in 2009,” said Val Kalende, the chairperson of one of Uganda’s gay rights groups, in a statement. “The Ugandan Government and the so-called U.S Evangelicals must take responsibility for David’s blood.” Mrs. Kalende was referring to visits in March 2009 by a group of American evangelicals, who held rallies and workshops in Uganda discussing how to make gay people straight, how gay men sodomized teenage boys and how “the gay movement is an evil institution” intended to “defeat the marriage-based society.” The Americans involved said they had no intention of stoking a violent reaction. But the anti-gay bill came shortly thereafter. Some of the Ugandan politicians and preachers who wrote it had attended those sessions and said that they had discussed the legislation with the Americans. After growing international pressure and threats from a few European countries to cut assistance — Uganda relies on hundreds of millions of dollars of aid — Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, indicated that the bill would be scrapped. But more than a year later, that has not happened and the legislation remains a simmering issue in Parliament. Some observers think the bill could be passed in the coming months, after a general election in February that is expected to return Mr. Museveni, who has been in office for 25 years, to power. On Thursday, Don Schmierer, one of the American evangelicals who visited in Uganda in 2009, said Mr. Kato’s death was “horrible.” “Naturally, I don’t want anyone killed but I don’t feel I had anything to do with that,” said Mr. Schmierer, who added that in Uganda he had focused on parenting skills. He also said that he had been a target of threats himself, recently receiving more than 600 hate mails related to his visit. “I spoke to help people,” he said, “and I’m getting bludgeoned from one end to the other.” Many Africans view homosexuality as an immoral Western import, and the continent is full of harsh homophobic laws. In northern Nigeria, gay men can face death by stoning. In Kenya, which is considered one of the more Westernized African nations, gay people can be sentenced to years in prison. But Uganda seems to be on the front lines of this battle. Conservative Christian groups that espouse anti-gay beliefs have made great headway in this country and wield considerable influence. Uganda’s minister of ethics and integrity, James Nsaba Buturo, a devout Christian, has said “Homosexuals can forget about human rights.” At the same time, American organizations that defend gay rights have also poured money into Uganda to help the beleaguered gay community. In October, a Ugandan newspaper called Rolling Stone (with a circulation of roughly 2,000 and no connection to the American music magazine) published a story that included photos and whereabouts of gay people, including several well-known activists like Mr. Kato. The paper said gay people were raiding schools and recruiting children, a belief that is quite widespread in Uganda and has helped drive the homophobia. Mr. Kato and a few other gay activists sued the paper and won. This month, Uganda’s High Court ordered Rolling Stone to pay hundreds of dollars in damages and to cease publishing the names of people it said were gay. But the danger remained. “I had to move houses,” said Stosh Mugisha, a woman who is going through a transition to become a man. “People tried to stone me. It’s so scary. And it’s getting worse.” On Thursday, Giles Muhame, Rolling Stone’s managing editor, said he did not think Mr. Kato’s killing had anything to do with what his paper had published. “There is no need for anxiety or for hype,” he said. “We should not overblow the death of one.” That one man was considered a founding father of Uganda’s nascent gay rights movement. In an interview in 2009, Mr. Kato shared his life story, how he was raised in a conservative family where “we grew up brainwashed that it was wrong to be in love with a man.” He was a high school teacher who had graduated from some of Uganda’s best schools and he moved to South Africa in the mid 1990s, where he came out. A few years ago, he organized what he claimed was Uganda’s first gay rights news conference in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and said he was punched in the face and cracked in the nose by policemen soon afterwards. Friends said that Mr. Kato had recently put an alarm system in his house and was killed by an acquaintance, someone who had been inside several times before and was seen by neighbors on Wednesday. Mr. Kato’s neighborhood on the outskirts of Kampala is known as a rough one, where several people have recently been beaten to death with iron bars. Judith Nabakooba, a police spokeswoman, said Mr. Kato’s death does not appear to be a hate crime, though the investigation has just started. “It looks like theft, as some things were stolen,” Mrs. Nabakooba said. But Nikki Mawanda, a friend, who was born female and lives as a man, said: “This is a clear signal. You don’t know who’s going to do it to you.” Mr. Kato was in his mid 40s, his friends said. He was a fast talker, fidgety, bespectacled, slightly built and constantly checking over his shoulder, even in the envelope of darkness of an empty lot near a disco, where he was interviewed in 2009. He said he wanted to be a “good human rights defender, not a dead one, but an alive one.”

Camel Audio - Love this company

2010-12-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

Are you making music? than must find out more about Camel Audio

For each order from a new customer I will receive 10% of their order value as a credit against future purchases and you my friend will also receive a 10% discount on their order.

http://www.camelaudio.com/?CcID=zyoedagchc

Wow, This is a surprise- Breaking News

2010-12-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, Big Time

Senate, Voting 63-33, Paves Way for Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

The measure would end the policy that allows gays to serve in
the military only if they keep their sexual orientation
quiet. The House had previously approved the measure, 250 to
175.

More than 12,500 service members have been discharged since
the policy was mandated by Congress in 1993. A Pentagon
report released on Nov. 30 concluded that allowing gays to
serve openly in the armed forces presents a low risk to the
military's effectiveness, even at a time of war, and that 70
percent of service members believe that the impact of
repealing the law would be either positive, mixed or of no
consequence at all.
Read More:
http://www.nytimes.com?emc=na

The helpful hippo who rescues other animals from Mara river | Metro.co.uk

2010-11-22T20:47:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful story which you got to take a look into it.

So Sweet. check this out.

The helpful hippo who rescues other animals from Mara river | Metro.co.uk

Daniel Gortler - Piano - Schumann דניאל גורטלר שומאן - eBay (item 230550708685 end time Dec-14-10 06:30:22 PST)

2010-11-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

Daniel Gortler - Piano Schumann

A must to have in your music collection. And you must see the cover and the content inside as well, it is well done and very modern and clean, you can hardly find any thing like that when you browse classical music CD covers. So do buy the Album, you will enjoy both, the beautiful music and the wonderful sound of Daniel's fingers. Below you could find the link to place you order, it is straight from the Artist so you know it goes right to where it should. This is a great gift for the holidays my friends.

Enjoy it, Love, IsseyNini

http://shop.ebay.com/danielgortlermusic/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

Thoughts are energy

2010-11-19T07:57:00.000-08:00

Annie Lennox: New Video, 3D Virtual CD Allbum,

2010-11-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

The absolutely fantasic video for God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman was premiered around the world earlier this week on AOL.com

You can now view it on Youtube via the link the below. It is truly beautiful.

In addition to this Annie has been confirmed for a 'cornucopia' of TV performances in the run up to Christmas.

The first one is this weekend on Strictly Come Dancing - Sunday's results show.. where she will perform the beautiful 'Universal Child' Don't forget to tune in. BBC1 Sunday 7.30pm

Nov 14th - Strictly Come Dancing - BBC1

Dec 2nd - The One Show - BBC1

Dec 5th - Andrew Marr - BBC1

Dec 7th - Daybreak - ITV1

Dec 16th - Alan Titchmarsh - ITV1

Dec 21st - Loose Women - ITV1

Please refer to local TV listings for broadcast times.

There is still time to pre-order your copy of the album before its release next week. CLICK HERE for a sneak preview into the special edition copy of the album. You can look through the artwork and listen to snippets of the tracks!

For a limited time only you can pre-order your special edition copy of 'A Christmas Cornucopia' from Townsend Records and receive a limited edition Christmas card! There are 500 copies available, pre-order quickly to ensure that you receive one.

Click here to visit the store now.

A Christmas Cornucopia is released next Monday 15th 2010.

Pre Order Standard Edition:

This is Wonderful and it is a must to have at your music collection

Just like the rest of her wonderful music.

Shopping bags

2010-11-08T06:17:00.001-08:00

Victories for equality and justice

2010-11-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

Victories for equality and justice – You made it happen

The LGBT community worked hard to have our voices heard in this election.

We’re thrilled to report victories for our statewide endorsements: Andrew Cuomo for Governor, Bob Duffy for Lt. Governor and Eric Schneiderman for Attorney General. At our Fall Dinner, Andrew Cuomo said that he wanted to be “the governor who makes marriage equality a reality in New York State.” As Attorney General, Cuomo worked closely with the Pride Agenda to fight transgender discrimination in employment and to defend New York’s policy of fully respecting the legal marriages of same-sex couples performed out of state. In Rochester, Mayor Duffy has consistently supported measures to ensure that LGBT residents have the same rights and privileges as all other city residents. As a State Senator, Eric Schneiderman has also been a tireless advocate for the rights of LGBT New Yorkers and our families, and he is committed to continuing that support and advocacy as Attorney General and just acknowledged our longtime partnership by thanking the Empire State Pride Agenda by name in his victory speech.

In addition to contributing to these statewide victories, the LGBT community played a significant role in electing pro-equality State Senators.

In particular, the elections of Democrat Tony Avella in New York’s 11th Senate District, Democrat David Carlucci in the 38th Senate District and Democrat Tim Kennedy in the 58th Senate District are significant steps forward for LGBT equality and justice.
In this election, we showed candidates of all parties that when they support us, we will support them, and when they do not support us, we will hold them accountable. In fact, in the primary for the Democratic nomination in the 58th Senate District, Pride Agenda endorsed Tim Kennedy over an incumbent who had voted against marriage equality.
We sent the message to candidates running for office in our state that working toward equality for LGBT New Yorkers is not only the right thing to do, but is also politically prudent.

Finally, the victory of gay Assembly candidate Harry Bronson – our first LGBT legislator from outside of New York City – is another reminder that voters all across New York State believe in fairness and LGBT equality. While Bronson campaigned on a wide range of issues important to his community, his election also represents another step forward for all who support equality and justice for New York’s LGBT families. Having members of our community in elected office, sharing their lives with their constituents and legislative colleagues, makes an important difference in changing hearts and minds.

Along with our allies, we demonstrated that we will strongly support those who stand for equality and that we will mount serious challenges to those who do not. In the months leading up to the election, the Empire State Pride Agenda did canvassing in key districts across the state to have tens of thousands of individual conversations and to identify supporters of LGBT equality, phone banked and mailed our tens of thousands of supporters, placed paid staff and volunteers in key campaigns and initiated voter registration campaigns that signed up over 4,000 new college-aged voters.

We will continue to share our victories with you as they happen. Thank you for your work!

2010-10-13T01:24:00.001-07:00

Posted By: Fonda Berosini
To: Members in "The Cove" - Save Japan Dolphins
REPORT FROM THE GROUND: Dolphins killed, take action now!

Leilani Münter, green race car driver and volunteer for Save Japan Dolphins, called me yesterday. She is in Taiji with a camera crew, holding vigil over The Cove.

She confirmed the sad news: a pod of 15 dolphins has been killed.

Fearless and resolute, Leilani followed the fisherman to the slaughterhouse. Here is her video account of the ordeal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHnXyxo5NhY

“I just got close up photos of them cutting up the dolphins inside the slaughterhouse,” Leilani reports. “They left a door slightly open, and I stuck my camera under it. One of the fishermen eventually spotted me from the grocery store across the street and shut me down, but I got them cutting off the dolphins’ fins and chopping up the torsos. It was one of the hardest, worst things I have ever seen.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Tomorrow, Thursday Oct. 14,is International Dolphin Day and we will be protesting at Japanese Embassies and Consulate offices around the world. Please join us if you can. Check for your city on our blog here (it could be the second entry down – just look for the list of cities):

http://savejapandolphins.org/blog.html

Can’t make it? Consider making a call. You can find numbers to most offices here:

http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html

Please be respectful and polite. Ask them to please reconsider their policy of killing dolphins.

Let’s show them that we aren’t giving up anytime soon.

As always, thanks for your support!

By Ric O’Barry
Campaign Director
Save Japan Dolphins
Earth Island Institute

Call to Action
Spread the word. Every invitation counts:
Invite Friends

Turn anger into action – Pledge to Vote on November 2

2010-10-12T11:00:00.001-07:00

Turn anger into action – Pledge to Vote on November 2

Everyone’s talking about candidate for governor Carl Paladino’s recent comments attacking the LGBT community before an audience of orthodox rabbis in Williamsburg, Brooklyn:

“That’s not how God created us. . . . I just think my children and your children would be much better off and much more successful getting married and raising a family, and I don’t want them brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option—it isn’t.”

In light of recent stunning anti-gay violence in the Bronx and a rash of suicides by LGBT youth across the country, The New York Times called his remarks “utterly gratuitous” and said that they suggest “at the very least an extraordinary level of insensitivity.” The Washington Post called them a “stunning display of tone-deafness and bigotry.”

What are you going to do about it? Don’t just sit there and shake your first at the television screen or grumble into your newspaper.

Take our “Pledge to vote” in the November 2 General Election for all candidates — those running for statewide office and those in the NYS Senate and Assembly — who support our equality and have committed to supporting our issues. And ask everyone you know who is offended by these insults to do the same. The upcoming elections must be our number one target to send the message that in New York State we hold our elected officials up to a higher standard. They also clear the way to proactively push for major priorities like marriage and transgender civil rights.

Join us and sign the pledge. If you’re angry like us, you can’t afford to sit this election out.

A special message from Sarah Jessica Parker

2010-10-05T21:42:00.001-07:00

To all my LGBT friends and their families — Andy Cohen and I consider it such an honor to host the Empire State Pride Agenda Fall Dinner on October 14th.

While there are many victories to celebrate this past year such as the passage of the Dignity for All Students Act, the Family Health Care Decisions Act and legislation to allow same-sex couples to adopt a child together, I know there are still many battles to be fought and won. The New York State Legislature still needs to pass a statewide transgender civil rights law (GENDA) and marriage equality legislation. And as we have seen from the horrifying recent rash of teen suicides across the country, state government needs to make sure that the anti-bullying bill that Governor Paterson recently signed is implemented thoroughly and effectively. These heart-breaking tragedies need to stop immediately.

The Pride Agenda is New York's leading LGBT advocacy group and it's with your support that we can win equality and justice for every New Yorker. We have a lot to be thankful for this past year but there is still so much work to be done. I'm so looking forward to seeing you all on the 14th and thank you so much for your continued support of this wonderful and vital organization!

With warmest regards, many thanks and my love,

Tragic suicides

2010-09-30T16:30:00.001-07:00

We are deeply saddened by the tragic suicide of Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers freshman who jumped off the George Washington Bridge because of the irresponsible and insensitive actions of his roommate and other peers. Fresh out of high school, the talented music student was videoed without his knowledge during a private, intimate moment with another male and broadcast on the internet.

Our hearts go out to the student and his family. It's our hope that as more states pass protections such as New York’s Dignity for All Students Act, more students and communities will become aware of the life-threatening costs of cruelty and homophobia.

This is coming on the heels of similar tragedies across the country: Seth Walsh (13) from Tehachapi, California, Billy Lucas (15) from Greensburg, Indiana and Asher Brown (13) from Houston. It is difficult to say if this is a trend, or if our society is becoming sensitive to this kind of story that we have heard far too often in the LGBT community. As a society, we all share responsibility for these deaths: neighbors, teachers, school administrators, parents, faith leaders, politicians and members of the media. Everyone needs to speak out when they see people, especially young people, singled out and targeted for harassment or abuse just because they are different. Lives are literally at stake.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank our sister organization, Garden State Equality, for the work that they have done and are continuing to do to make LGBT youth safe.

Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN!

2010-09-22T04:47:00.000-07:00

With Congress increasingly paralyzed by the partisan fury of the midterm elections, the Senate on Tuesday voted against taking up a major military bill that includes a provision allowing the repeal of the "don’t ask, don’t tell policy" regarding gay soldiers. Senate Republicans voted unanimously blocked debate of the bill — the huge, annual authorization of military programs — after the majority leader, Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, said he would attach a number of the Democrats’ election-year priorities to it while also moving to limit the amendments offered by Republicans. The vote was 56 to 43, with Democrats falling short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster and take up the bill. The Arkansas Democrats, Senators Blanche L. Lincoln and Mark Pryor, sided with all 41 Republicans in opposing debate. Congress has approved the annual Pentagon authorization bill for 48 consecutive years, and it seems likely that the measure will be brought up again after the election in the relatively calmer — if somewhat unpredictable — atmosphere of a lame duck session. The House has already approved legislation allowing the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” and the provision will likely be easier to pass in the Senate after Dec. 1 when a Pentagon study on the effects of ending the policy is due to be completed. As it stands, the Senate measure would not allow repeal of the policy until after the study is completed and President Obama and top military commanders certify that ending “don’t ask, don’t tell” would not harm morale or impede battle readiness of the armed forces. Among the amendments that Mr. Reid had pledged to attach to the bill was an immigration measure that would create a path to citizenship for certain illegal aliens who arrived in the United States as children. That effort was viewed by Republicans as a naked political ploy to mobilize Hispanic voters in races across the country, including Mr. Reid’s own re-election campaign in Nevada.

***

Senate to vote on out gay soldiers
The US Senate is to vote on a bill which contains a measure to repeal the ban on out gay soldiers in the military.
The measure has been added to the National Defence Authorisation Act and Democrat senators need 60 votes for it to progress to a debate on the floor.
The vote will take place on Tuesday evening.
The annual bill usually passes the vote but the controversial issue of out gay soldiers means it is not certain to succeed.
Republican senator John McCain has promised to filibuster the bill. This is an obstruction strategy used to delay a vote.
A review of the policy, known as Don't Ask, Don't Tell, is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Mr McCain has said that the Senate should wait until the review is completed and that lifting the ban will lower morale and damage the military.

Yesterday, bisexual singer Lady Gaga joined a march in Portland, Maine, to call for repeal of the policy and urge Republican Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins to support the repeal effort.

Majority of Irish people in favour of gay marriage

2010-09-16T03:54:00.001-07:00

Majority of Irish people in favour of gay marriage

An Irish poll on social attitudes has suggested that most people agree with marriage equality and would not think less of a person for being gay or lesbian.

However, more than a third remain against gay couples adopting children and trans people changing their birth certificates.

The Irish Times /Behaviour Attitudes demographically-weighted survey of 1,006 people found that 67 per cent agreed with allowing gay couples to marry and 60 per cent agreed that the recently-passed civil partnerships legislation did not undermine heterosexual marriage.

Ninety-one per cent said they would not think less of a person who came out as lesbian and gay.

Support was slightly lower for gay couples adopting children, with only 46 per cent of respondents agreeing with this. Thirty-eight per cent said they should not be allowed to adopt, while 16 per cent said they were unsure.

A similar level of approval was found when respondents were asked whether transgender people should be allowed to change their birth certificates to reflect their new gender.

Forty-eight per cent said they should be allowed to do so, while 39 per cent said they should not and 13 per cent did not know.

Ireland is to introduce legislation to allow trans people to change their birth certificates after trans woman Lydia Foy won a 13-year legal battle over the issue in June.

Moninne Griffith, director of Ireland's Marriage Equality group, said: "The Irish public are keenly aware that the current exclusion of lesbian and gay couples from civil marriage is deeply unfair and doesn't make any sense in today's Ireland.

"Put simply, being gay or lesbian isn’t such a big taboo, and neither is the subject of gay and lesbian couples getting married. The Irish people are clearly ready for it, so the question must be asked, why do the Irish government persist in denying the human right to marry?”

Ireland's first civil partnerships are to take place in January, although gay rights groups have raised concerns that they do not enough recognition and support of children whose parents are gay.

The rights the law will give include protections and obligations across areas such as protection of the couple's shared home, domestic violence, residential tenancies, succession, refugee law, pensions, taxation, social welfare and immigration.

Posted By: Maurizio Cecconi

Pro-LGBT candidates need us all tomorrow – Every vote will count!

2010-09-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

Pro-LGBT candidates need us all tomorrow – Every vote will count!

Tomorrow’s Primary Election could impact LGBT equality and justice in New York State for years to come. Can you really afford to sit this one out? The Empire State Pride Agenda has endorsed 20 pro-LGBT champions for tomorrow’s primary.

Vote Sen. Eric Schneiderman for Attorney General tomorrow.
Find out if we’ve endorsed a Senate or Assembly candidate in your district.Check our Primary Election Guide >

Sen. Eric Schneiderman has been a tireless advocate for the rights of LGBT New Yorkersand our families. As a State Senator, he has always gone above and beyond for equality: advocating for us in his district, marshalling pro-LGBT votes from his colleagues, leading floor debates on marriage equality, and taking the initiative to sponsor pro-LGBT legislation. As attorney general , he will never back down in the pursuit of justice. We encourage you to vote for him and our other endorsements in tomorrow’s primary election.

We need all LGBT New Yorkers and our supporters tomorrow. Check out our Primary Election Guide, listed below, and share with everyone you know in the state who cares about equality and justice. If you're not sure, you can find out your district at our action center, or find out for a friend.

Don’t forget to go out and vote tomorrow, September 14 in the Primary Election for the candidates who will go to Albany and fight for the LGBT community and our issues!

2010 PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDE

STATEWIDE RACE
Attorney General -- Sen. Eric Schneiderman (D), Open

NEW YORK STATE SENATESD 10 (Queens) – Lynn Nunes (D), Challenger
SD 16 (Queens) – Toby Ann Stavisky (D), Incumbent
SD 18 (Brooklyn) -- Velmanette Montgomery (D), Incumbent
SD 30 (Harlem) – Bill Perkins (D), Incumbent
SD 31 (Upper Manhattan and Bronx) -- Adriano Espaillat (D), Open
SD 32 (Bronx) – Carlos Ramos (D), Challenger
SD 46 (Albany) – Neil Breslin (D), Incumbent
SD 58 (Buffalo) – Tim Kennedy (D), Challenger
SD 60 (Buffalo) – Antoine Thompson (D), Incumbent

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLYAD 39 (Queens) – Francisco Moya (D), Open
AD 73 (Manhattan) – Jonathan Bing (D), Incumbent
AD 114 (Plattsburgh/North Country) – Janet Duprey (R), Incumbent
AD 119 (Syracuse) – Phillip LaTessa (D), Open
AD 131 (Rochester) – Harry Bronson (D), Open
AD 42 (Brooklyn) -- Rhoda Jacobs (D), Incumbent
AD 76 (Bronx) -- Peter M. Rivera (D), Incumbent
AD 82 – (Bronx) -- Michael Benedetto (D), Incumbent
AD 144 (Buffalo) – Sam Hoyt (D), Incumbent
AD 80 (Bronx) – Naomi Rivera (D), Incumbent

Play with my balls

2010-09-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

forked from: [Stardust] KiraKira Waypoints - wonderfl build flash online

Play with my balls

US federal judge rules ban on out gay soldiers is unconstitutional

2010-09-11T16:48:00.001-07:00

A US federal judge has ruled that the ban on gay soldiers serving openly in the military violates the US constitution.

US District Judge Virginia Phillips said yesterday she would issue an injunction barring the government from enforcing the policy.

Currently, gay soldiers must keep their sexual orientation secret or risk being fired.

The case was brought against the government by the Republican party's gay group, the Log Cabin Republicans.

Judge Phillips said the Justice Department would have the opportunity to appeal against her ruling.

This means that the Obama administration will have to defend the law while the president is pushing Congress to repeal it.

Government attorneys argued that the issue should be decided by Congress, not a federal courtroom.

President Obama promised to repeal the law in his 2008 election campaign but has been accused of stalling on the issue by gay rights groups.

A Pentagon review of the policy is underway and the government has said changes will not be made until it is complete.

Opponents to lifting the ban say it will harm recruitment and morale but Judge Phillips wrote that its restrictions "actually serve to impede military readiness and unit cohesion rather than further these goals".

An estimated 13,500 people have been discharged since the policy came into effect in 1993.

Posted By: Maurizio Cecconi
To: Members in Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN!

European Parliament debates the recognition of same-sex unions in the EU

2010-09-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Stefano Bucaioni
To: Members in Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN!
European Parliament debates the recognition of same-sex unions in the EU European Parliament debates the recognition of same-sex unions in the EU STRASBOURG, 8 September 2010 — Yesterday night, Members of the European Parliament from 4 political groups[1] told the Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship that more must be done to uphold same-sex couples’ fundamental rights throughout the European Union. Currently, same-sex couples in a marriage[2] or civil partnership[3] often lose custody, fiscal and consular rights when moving from one EU Member State to another—despite EU law guaranteeing freedom of movement. MEPs expressed dismay at the patchy application of a 2004 Directive on Freedom of Movement for citizens in same‑sex unions, and called on Commissioner Viviane Reding to ensure all married or in-civil partnership couples could exercise their fundamental rights. Commissioner Reding agreed; she responded that “the law is very clear: it’s about non-discrimination, right to free movement and mutual recognition. [...] If you live in a legally-recognised same-sex partnership or marriage in a country A, you have the right—and that is a fundamental right—to take this status, and the one of your partner, to country B. If not, it is a violation of EU law.” The Commissioner affirmed she was currently working on the issue through bilateral meetings, and bringing national governments to apply EU law. She added: “When is this going to happen? Now! Not in 5 or 10 years. [...] If there is no understanding [from governments], then more harsh measures have to be applied.” Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-president of the Intergroup on LGBT Rights, commented: “The fundamental rights laid down in EU law are for every citizen, regardless of their sexual orientation. We need the Commission to push forward, not to wait for Member States to ‘slowly’ or ‘maybe’ do what they must, by law, do for each and every EU citizen.” Michael Cashman MEP, Co-president of the Intergroup on LGBT Rights, further added: “This is about relationships, possibly the most personal and private aspect of one’s life. Basic EU rights must be guaranteed to everyone. This has nothing to do with changing Member States’ marriage laws: it has to do with enabling free movement across the EU.” During the debate, Ms Lunacek addressed Ms Reding: “Please push; many in this Parliament want to push with you.” Members of the European Parliament will now ask the Commissioner to clarify her commitments, and await the Fundamental Rights Agency’s January 2011 updated report on homophobia in the EU. http://www.lgbt-ep.eu/press-releases/european-parliament-debates-recognition-of-same-sex-unions/ Watch the full debate in 23 languages: http://tinyurl.com/EPmutualrecognition --- Arcigay's Press Release ITALY IS AGAIN THE LAUGHING STOCK OF EUROPE On September 7 at the European Parliament, during the debate on freedom of movement within the European Community and the rights of same-sex couples, Italy has once again proved itself the laughing stock of Europe on civil rights. The MEPs of PDL (People of Freedom Party) and Northern League have again distinguished themselves in negative over the topic of freedom of movement and discrimination against married/registered same-sex couples, on which the European Commission itself had already issued a resolution in 2004, calling on member states to facilitate this right. Italy had been called to guarantee the rights of same-sex couples, who legally married or joined in a registered partnership abroad and then move to Italy or travel there for short periods of time. These couples are in a condition of objective discrimination because of the restrictions to their freedom of movement rights and lack of automatic recognition of civil status. The majority of MEPs that have spoken during the debate, including the European Commissioner Vivian Reding, reiterated the request of a major involvement of the Commission in monitoring the resolution implementation. Only four speeches were recorded against: a Polish MEP of ECR (European Conservative) and three Italian MEPs from the governing center-right coalition: PDL (People of Freedom Party) and Northern League. In particular, MEP Oreste Rossi (Northern League) left the European Parliament stunned with a theological speech on natural family, which was so poor of arguments and so full of anger against same-sex couples that remembered the speeches of the most homophobic religious leaders. At the end of the debate, Commissioner Reading has confirmed that the European Commission will undertake to verify that the resolution on freedom of movement is properly applied in all states of the EU and that the implementation is not missing out the rights of same-sex couples. Arcigay welcomes the Commission's audit and will submit a detailed dossier on the obvious failings of the Italian government in implementing the resolution. http://www.arcigay.it/arcigay-italia-ancora-zimbello-d039europa-sui-diritti-delle-coppie-gay-e-lesbiche

Making history today - Dignity for All Students Act signed into law - isseynini@gmail.com - Gmail

2010-09-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

Governor Paterson Signs Dignity for All Students Act!

You did it! Thanks to years of advocacy by committed people like you, today Governor Paterson signed into law landmark statewide legislation with specific protections for LGBT youth. Won’t you take a moment to send an email to the governor thanking him for signing The Dignity for All Students Act today?

The Dignity for All Students Act prohibits and combats bullying and discrimination in public schools, including bias harassment based on traits like race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression. It requires teacher training on how to discourage incidents of bias harassment, inclusion of discrimination and harassment awareness in students’ civility and character education and the reporting of bias incidents to the State Education Department.

“Dignity” recognizes that students who are bullied can’t concentrate on learning, may drop out of school and sometimes take their own lives. It also marks the first time a New York state law has included explicit protections for transgender New Yorkers.

Today’s historic victory is the result of 10 years of hard work. In 2000, Pride Agenda joined with our partner GLSEN to pull together the Dignity for All Students Coalition, which now numbers over 200 very diverse groups like New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), the New York Civil Liberties Union and the Anti Defamation League. Thanks to a decade of your consistent pressure, the leadership of Governor Paterson and the tenacious work of its sponsors, Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell and Senator Tom Duane, “Dignity” passed the Legislature earlier this year with overwhelmingly bipartisan support.

It takes a minute to send a thank you note with our effective and easy-to-use action center. Your action today also sends a message to the next governor and all candidates running for office: we take action when our elected officials keep their promises – and when they don’t. You will also be signed up for our action center so you can continue to make your voice heard on the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and marriage equality.

Once you thank Governor Paterson, please spread the word and forward this email to everyone you know who cares about student safety, and share the link on your social networks like Facebook or Twitter. No student should have to fear for their safety while trying to learn in school. Thank you for everything you did to help win this historic victory today.

P.S. – You can also make a donation to our PAC to support pro-LGBT candidates who have committed to go above and beyond for our community –like this governor did today.

Tik Tok Parody - "ChiK KoK"

2010-08-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

This is even much much better, Go Girl...

Love it.

Staten Island Girls Remix Spoof

2010-08-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

That is even Better, Go Girls...

Katy Perry "California Gurls" Parody - California Boys

2010-08-05T05:20:00.000-07:00

HOME (English with subtitles)

2010-08-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

HOME a film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand

I have watched long time ago, on the first day it was out, I once again recommend to sit and watch this wonderful movie, it is well done, and any one should see it, so if you haven't done so than please find the time to watch it now, it is beautiful, sad, and well done, and above all so important for your knowledge. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have, and hope it will move you as much as it moved me. Stunning Videography, and wonderful music.

Enjoy And share it with others. xxx, Issey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU

John Liu's Press Shop Hires--UPDATED | The New York Observer

2010-07-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

John Liu's Press Shop Hires--UPDATED | The New York Observer

John Liu's Press Shop Hires--UPDATED

By David Freedlander

July 14, 2010 | 4:10 p.m

John Liu is about to announce a series of new hires for the press shop in the comptroller's office.

Joseph Tarver, who served for many years as Communications Director for Empire State Pride Agenda and, briefly as interim executive director, will be working alongside his former boss, ex-ESPA head and current deputy comptroller Alan Van Capelle.
And Josiel Estrella will be leaving her post at Bill Lynch Associates, where she has been for more than decade, to work as a press officer Comptroller's Office. Estrella also did a stint at with the Paterson 2010 campaign and the New York State Democratic Party. Her soon-to-be-ex-boss Lynch was a key adviser on Liu's 2009 Comptroller run.
A Communications Director to oversee the whole operation is said to be forthcoming.
Liu has been big on hiring big names; in addition to peeling Van Capelle away from ESPA, he has hired former City Councilman Simcha Felder and former Clinton adviser Eric Eve to previously anonymous deputy comptroller jobs.

U.S. judge rules DOMA unconstitutional

2010-07-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Maurizio Cecconi
To: Members in Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN!

U.S. judge rules DOMA unconstitutional
In an enormous victory for same-sex marriage, a federal judge in Boston today (Thursday, July 8) ruled, in two separate cases, that a critical part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional.

In one challenge brought by the state of Massachusetts, Judge Joseph Tauro ruled that Congress violated the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution when it passed DOMA and took from the states decisions concerning which couples can be considered married. In the other, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, he ruled DOMA violates the equal protection principles embodied in the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment.

In Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Health and Human Services, Tauro considered whether the federal law’s definition of marriage -- one man and one woman -- violates state sovereignty by treating some couples with Massachusetts’ marriage licenses differently than others. In Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), a gay legal group, asked Tauro to consider whether DOMA violates the right of eight same-sex couples to equal protection of the law. Both cases were argued, separately, in May, and the decision released today is a relatively quick turnaround, given that some judges take almost a year to decide cases.

GLAD attorney Mary Bonauto told Tauro that DOMA constitutes a "classic equal protection" violation, by taking one class of married people in Massachusetts and dividing it into two. One class, she noted, gets federal benefits, the other does not. Just as the federal government cannot take the word "person" and say it means only Caucasians or only women, said Bonauto, it should not be able to take the word "marriage" and say it means only heterosexual couples. Bonauto said the government has no reason to withhold the more than 1,000 federal benefits of marriage from same-sex couples, and noted that a House Judiciary Committee report "explicitly stated the purpose of DOMA was to express moral disapproval of homosexuality."

Maura T. Healey, chief of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division, told Judge Tauro that Section 3 of DOMA -- the section that limits the definition of marriage for federal benefits to straight couples -- violates the state’s right under the federal constitution to sovereign authority to define and regulate the marital status of its residents. Healey called DOMA an "animus-based national marriage law" that intrudes on core state authority and "forces the state to discriminate against its own citizens."

Christopher Hall, representing HHS, said Congress should be able to control the meaning of terms, such as "marriage," used in its own statutes, and should be able to control how federal money is allocated for federal benefits provided to persons based on their marital status. Tauro essentially replied that the government’s power is not unlimited.

Both Bonauto at GLAD and Healey at the Attorney General’s office urged Tauro to apply heightened scrutiny in considering whether the federal government had any legitimate need for DOMA. Heightened scrutiny requires the government to come up with a fairly significant reason for treating gay couples differently under the law. In both cases, however, the judge said that DOMA failed to meet even the most simple judicial review, rational basis -- in other words, there was no justifiable reason to the federal government to treat same-sex couples.

Both lawsuits are very precise legal attacks against DOMA -- targeting just Section 3 -- and most legal observers believe both cases will eventually be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court for resolution. The only other marriage case right now that has that same potential is the Proposition 8 marriage case in a federal district court in San Francisco. Judge Vaughn Walker heard closing arguments in that case in June and has not yet issued his decision. The next step for all three cases is the U.S. Court of Appeals.

http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=107807

Uganda. Gay Activist Pasikali Kashusbe Beheaded

2010-07-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Maurizio Cecconi
To: Members in Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN!

Uganda. Gay Activist Pasikali Kashusbe Beheaded

Disturbing and horrible news comes to us from Uganda as the severed head and mutilated torso of Pasikali Kashusbe a gay activist with Integrity Uganda just days apart.

"Judith Nabakooba, a police spokesperson, identified the head as that of Pasikali Kashusbe, one of the workers on Kigggundu’s farm and a member of Integrity Uganda. Pasikali and his partner Abbey are youth workers with Integrity Uganda charged with the responsibility of mobilising young LGBT people in activities which build community capacity to face up to the challenge of homophobia, especially in the area of attitude change and care through drama and sports activities. According to the police, a mutilated torso which was earlier in the week discovered in Kabuuma Zone, about half a kilometre away from Kiggundu’s farm was probably Pasikali’s The torso was described as belonging to a young man and had no genitals. Pasikali went missing over three and half weeks ago when the country was celebrating Uganda Martyrs Day. All efforts by his partner Abbey and other family members to find him had been fruitless".

Police say the motive for this slaying is unclear at the moment but in light of Uganda's recent "kill gays" law that it wanted to enact thanks to be whipped up into a homicidal frenzy by American evangelists the last few years it's very clear what the motive probably is.

http://www.back2stonewall.com/2010/07/shocking-news-uganda-gay-activist.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBjlbN3gtnQ

The Horrible Truth About Gay Marriage

2010-07-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Horrible Truth About Gay Marriage

AIDS Activists head to the Hill to save ADAP Today

2010-07-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

AIDS Activists head to the Hill to save ADAP Today

Hawaii gov. vetoes same-sex civil unions bill

2010-07-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

Posted By: Maurizio Cecconi
To: Members in Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN!

Hawaii gov. vetoes same-sex civil unions bill

HONOLULU -- Hawaii's governor on Tuesday vetoed legislation that would have permitted same-sex civil unions, ending months of speculation on how she would weigh in on the contentious, emotional debate.

Republican Gov. Linda Lingle's action came on the final day she had to either sign or veto the bill, which the Hawaii Legislature approved in late April.
Article Controls

"There has not been a bill I have contemplated more or an issue I have thought more deeply about during my eight years as governor than House Bill 444 and the institution of marriage," Lingle said at a news conference. "I have been open and consistent in my opposition to same-gender marriage, and find that House Bill 444 is essentially marriage by another name."

Had Lingle not vetoed it, the measure would have granted gay and lesbian couples the same rights and benefits that the state provides to married couples. It also would have made Hawaii one of six states that essentially grant the rights of marriage to same-sex couples without authorizing marriage itself. Five other states and the District of Columbia permit same-sex marriage.

Lingle's decision is expected to be the last say on the proposal this year, because state House leaders have said they won't override any of Lingle's vetoes.

She said voters should decide the fate of civil unions, not politicians.

"The subject of this legislation has touched the hearts and minds of our citizens as no other social issue of our day," Lingle said. "It would be a mistake to allow a decision of this magnitude to be made by one individual or a small group of elected officials."

For weeks, Lingle heard emotional statements from both supporters and opponents of the bill. On Tuesday, she invited leaders from both sides to her standing-room only news conference.

Opponents of the measure, including many religious groups, erupted in cheers and hugs when the announcement was made.

"What she did was very just, and I'm very happy about it," said Jay Amina, 50, of Waianae. "It sends a good message throughout the state of Hawaii - that our people here on the islands are standing for traditional marriage."

Supporters then shouted, "We'll keep fighting!" and "Let's go!" The group of about 100 joined in singing "We Shall Overcome."

"We had hoped the governor would do the right thing for civil rights an equality," Lee Yarbrough, of Honolulu, said while standing arm-in-arm with his partner. "This battle is far from over."

Earlier in the day, dozens of supporters had gathered for a daylong vigil in the state Capitol's ground-floor rotunda. Others waved flags and held signs along a busy street, to the honks of passing vehicles.

"I want to be able to get married," said Elizabeth Kline, a 22-year-old University of Hawaii student who quickly corrected herself to say she wants a civil union. "It's not marriage, but it's a step toward it."

A group of about 20 civil unions opponents raised their hands, closed their eyes and said blessings in front of the office doors of key lawmakers. They wore white shirts in a show of unity and buttons declaring "iVote," a promise of consequences come November if civil unions become law.

About 60 percent of the more than 34,000 letters, telephone calls, e-mails and other communications from the public to the governor asked her to veto the measure, the governor's aides said late last week.

Lingle said that "as difficult as the past few weeks have been, I am comfortable with my decision while knowing full well that many will be disappointed by it."

The Aloha State has been a battleground in the gay rights movement since the early 1990s. A 1993 Hawaii Supreme Court ruling nearly made Hawaii the first state to legalize same-sex marriage before voters overwhelmingly approved the nation's first "defense of marriage" constitutional amendment in 1998.

The measure gave the Legislature the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples. Lawmakers responded by enacting a law banning gay marriage in Hawaii but left the door open for civil unions.

Last year, civil unions easily passed the House but stalled in the state Senate. When legislators reconvened in January, it was passed in the Senate but shelved by House leaders until the final day of the legislative session.

Lingle blasted Democrats for reviving the bill and "manipulating the legislative process when it suits them."

"The legislative maneuvering that brought House Bill 444 to an 11th-hour vote on the final day of the session ... after the legislators led the public to believe that the bill was dead, was wrong and unfair," she said.

House spokeswoman Georgette Deemer said House Speaker Calvin Say would have no comment.

***

Associated Press writers Mark Niesse and Audrey McAvoy contributed to this report.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2010/07/06/general-us-hawaii-civil-unions_7746546.html

Out in the Silence

2010-07-06T02:01:00.000-07:00

Related movie that I have watched last night on Hulu.com

And right after I got an email with up date about the US Supreme Court rules school can refuse to recognise anti-gay student group.

Out in the Silence

A small American town confronts a firestorm of controversy ignited by a same-sex wedding announcement in the newspaper.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/157306/out-in-the-silence

US Supreme Court rules school can refuse to recognise anti-gay student group

2010-07-06T01:33:00.000-07:00

US Supreme Court rules school can refuse to recognise anti-gay student group

Posted by Maurizio Cecconi at 3:29am

The US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 yesterday that a law school does not have to recognise a religious student group which bars gay students.

The case could have repercussions for other US campus religious groups.

The University of California's Hastings College of Law withdrew its recognition of the Christian Legal Society chapter unless it changed its discriminatory rules.

Five years ago, the group decided to bar those who adhere to a "sexually immoral lifestyle" which they said included gays and lesbians. It also bars those who are not Christians.

The school's decision to withdraw recognition meant the group was not entitled to use reserved meeting rooms and members could not claim travel costs to attend national meetings.

Hastings College argued the group had failed to comply with its anti-discrimination directives, while the Christian group contented its First Amendment rights had been violated.

Lower courts found in favour of the college and yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled the group's rights had not been violated.

In an opinion for the majority, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, wrote: "We hold that a law school may maintain an open-access policy.

She continued that the policy applied to all students and all student groups.

"To meet First Amendment measurement, the school need not provide a religion-based exception," she wrote.

Justice Samuel Alito, writing for himself and the three other judges who voted in the minority, said the judgement marked a dark day for religious freedom.

“I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that today’s decision is a serious setback for freedom of expression in this country,” he wrote.

“There are religious groups that cannot in good conscience agree in their bylaws that they will admit persons who do not share their faith. For these groups, the consequence of an accept-all-comers policy is marginalisation.”

The ruling does not mean that the student group must change its membership policies or beliefs.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/06/29/...

BP is burning endangered sea turtles alive

2010-07-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

Subject: BP is burning endangered sea turtles alive

Hi,

News has emerged from the Gulf Coast that BP is burning endangered sea turtles alive.

That's right. BP is using "controlled burns" to contain the oil spill, and any turtles that are not removed from the area before the fire is lit are literally burned alive.

With BP already facing so much public outrage, we can step in and stop this from continuing. But we have to speak up right now. I signed a petition urging BP to stop burning endangered sea turtles alive. Can you join me at the link below?

http://pol.moveon.org/seaturtles/?r_by=21504-8754753-xhBYAKx&rc=paste

Thanks!

Iceland PM weds as gay marriage legalized

2010-06-28T01:35:00.000-07:00

Iceland PM weds as gay marriage legalized

Johanna Sigurdardottir, Iceland prime minister, married her long-time partner on Sunday as a new law legalising homosexual marriages came into force.

***

Miss Sigurdardottir, 68, formally married Jonina Leosdottir, a writer, after the couple submitted a demand for their civil union to be transformed into a marriage, the RUV broadcaster said.

Iceland's parliament on June 12 unanimously adopted legislation allowing gay marriage, in a law that came into force on Sunday.

Homosexual couples could previously enter into a civil partnership and benefit from the same rights as heterosexual couples, but this had not been considered a formal marriage.

Miss Sigurdardottir, born in 1942, took power in February 2009. She has lived with Miss Ledsdottir, who is in her fifties, for several years and the couple entered a civil union in 2002.

She is the world's first openly gay head of government.

CNN highlights gay couple’s quest to have a baby :: EDGE San Diego

2010-06-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

CNN highlights gay couple’s quest to have a baby :: EDGE San Diego

US to give gay workers more parental rights

2010-06-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

The US Labor Department is to give gay workers equal access to unpaid leave when caring for a newborn or loved one.

It is expected to announce the change today, to bring medical leave for gay couples in line with rights given to straight couples.

Since 1993, heterosexual couples have been allowed to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for themselves or loved ones, such as in the case of a sick relative, a newborn baby or a new adopted child.

The change will give the same right to gay couples.

Associated Press reports that giving the right to gay couples will not require any legislative change, as the Labor Department will use a new interpretation of the current law.

However, this means it can be rolled back by future presidents.

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama expanded benefits for the partners of gay federal employees.

The new rights, which build on those granted by the administration last June, include access to medical treatment, relocation assistance, child-care services and fitness centres.

However, further changes such granting full equal health rights, would require congressional action.

Mr Obama is due to hold a reception for Pride at the White House this evening.

Posted By: Maurizio Cecconi
To: Members in Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN!

Legislature passes Dignity for All Students Act!

2010-06-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

Legislature passes Dignity for All Students Act!

Great news! Just a few minutes ago, the State Senate passed the Dignity for All Students Act in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 58-3.

This historic vote follows the passage of Dignity earlier this year by the Assembly. It now moves to Governor Paterson, who we urge to sign this bill into law.

Today’s vote in the State Senate marks a significant victory after years of fighting to protect students from bullying and harassment in schools. The Dignity bill creates tools for school administrators, teachers, parents and students to address bullying and bias-related behavior of all kinds that interfere with student safety and learning. Key provisions include: developing rules to prevent and respond to discriminatory harassment and hate violence; establishing teacher, staff and administrative training guidelines; incorporating discrimination awareness into civility and character education curricula; and required reporting of incidents of bias harassment to the State Education Department.

In addition to sexual orientation and other categories such as race, color, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, weight, and disability, Dignity offers protections based on gender identity and expression. This marks the first time that protections based on gender identity and expression would be included in state law.

Today’s victory could never have happened without the countless meetings so many of you held with your legislators or the thousands of phone calls, emails and letters so many of you placed and sent over the past several years.

The State Senate acted today on behalf of the LGBT community and all New Yorkers who believe in equality for everyone. Perseverance won out. You raised your voices, you never gave up, and Albany listened.

So stay with us, because today’s victory on Dignity is just the beginning. If we all stick together and keep working, our community will be celebrating more legislative victories in the very near future and the greater achievement of equality and justice in New York State.

TAKE PRIDE in today’s victory!

Love fails to conquer all as Malawi gay couple separate | World news | The Guardian

2010-06-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

Love fails to conquer all as Malawi gay couple separate | World news | The Guardian

'Splice' Trailer

2010-06-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

'The Human Centipede' Trailer HD

2010-06-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

GENDA stalls in Senate Judiciary Committee – the fight continues

2010-06-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

This is so fucked up and so wrong. Two Republicans who promised the Democratic leadership to advance the bill thru the committee broke their promises. What is wrong with this Senate? What's wrong with you people? is this is all you can do in 2010 for justice? NY is so behind the world over discriminations issues. I feel very sorry for all those transgender out there, who feel so unprotected and venerable because of simply who they are. ESPA has promised to keep on fighting until justice will be done. I hope that we all could keep on fighting about this issue until justice will be restored and done over this matter.

GENDA stalls in Senate Judiciary Committee – the fight continues

Today the Senate Judiciary Committee took up the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and failed to move it forward by a vote of 11-12. All the Republican Senators on the Committee voted against it, as did Senator Ruben Diaz as the lone Democrat vote in dissent. Some senators raised concerns about the use of bathrooms and other gender-segregated facilities, and a number of senators who voted against the bill expressed a willingness to support it if this issue could be sufficiently addressed. Committee Chair John Sampson promised to take these concerns back to the prime sponsor of the bill, Senator Tom Duane, for discussion.

“The bathroom issue is a concern that is based on worry, not reality. Thirteen other states and numerous jurisdictions across New York State including Suffolk County, Westchester County, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and New York City have passed similar measures without any of the mythical fears about bathrooms materializing. The same is true of scores of companies and employers, large and small. But if the New York State Senate is truly interested in addressing the public policy issues around bathroom use and not simply using it as a red herring, it better be prepared to answer the question of which bathroom transgender people should use. And asking them to stay home or hold it is not an option,” said Executive Director Ross Levi.

“This fight is not over,” Levi continued. “The Pride Agenda and the LGBT community and our allies will continue to engage with senators to explain the importance of ending discrimination against transgender New Yorkers every day until the end of session. Transgender people can be fired from their jobs, kicked out of their homes and denied service in a restaurant simply because of who they are. It’s time for New York to join the states, localities and companies that have already dealt with this issue and protect the civil rights of all its citizens.”

The Pride Agenda will keep you updated as we continue to work on this crucial issue.

New York lawmakers could finally vote on transgender non-discrimination bill :: EDGE Boston

2010-06-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

New York lawmakers could finally vote on transgender non-discrimination bill :: EDGE Boston

Expo reaches out to underserved group -- Page 2 -- Times Union - Albany NY

2010-06-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

Expo reaches out to underserved group -- Page 2 -- Times Union - Albany NY

Andrew Cuomo addresses ESPA 2010 Spring Dinner

2010-05-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

Watch Andrew Cuomo talk about our issues and read about our new Executive Director

This past weekend at our annual Spring Dinner in Rochester, the Pride Agenda shared a special video message from Attorney General Andrew Cuomo with everyone in attendance. His message was played just hours after he announced his candidacy for Governor earlier that day. In this video, Cuomo talked about his work as Attorney General on issues important to LGBT New Yorkers and expressed his strong support for marriage equality, transgender civil rights and safe schools for LGBT youth. You can watch the video here.

At the Spring Dinner we also announced that Ross Levi has been named the Pride Agenda Executive Director. Ross has been with the Pride Agenda for more than 10 years and has been a part of every statewide legislative victory ever achieved by the organization. Click here to learn more about the announcement and Ross’s extensive background working on our issues and in the LGBT community. You can expect to hear more from Ross very soon when he begins in June!

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2010-05-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

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Francesco,andreas with other buddies - XNXX.COM

2010-05-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

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Gay marriage a "dangerous threat", Pope warns

2010-05-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

Gay marriage a "dangerous threat", Pope warns

Posted By: Maurizio Cecconi
To: Members in Support decriminalisation of Homosexuality at UN!
Gay marriage a "dangerous threat", Pope warns Pope Benedict has called gay marriage and abortion "dangerous threats to the common good" during a visit to Portugal. The pontiff is on a four-day visit to the country and gave a Mass today to 500,000 people at Fatima, which is considered the Portuguese Lourdes. Fatima is one of the most revered sites in Catholicism after three shepherd children claimed in 1917 to have seen a vision of the Virgin Mary. Catholics flock to the site in search of miracle cures and to worship there. Addressing followers today, the Pope called for pastoral action to tackle abortion and same-sex marriage, which he called "some of today's most insidious and dangerous threats to the common good". He called abortion a "tragedy" and urged for protection of the "family based on the indissoluble marriage between a man and a woman". Portugal approved gay marriage earlier this year. In January, speaking just after Portugal's parliament voted in favour of the move, the Pope called it an "attack" on the natural differences between men and women. He recently criticised gay rights measures contained in Britain's Equality Act. He said measures designed to ensure churches were not discriminating when hiring staff were against "natural law". Following his attack, the government backed down on pushing the measures through. The Pope is due to visit the UK this September for four days, although protests have already been held by groups angry at his stance on gay rights, abortion, women and contraception. In an end-of year address in 2008, he said that the existence of gay people threatens humanity as much as the destruction of the rainforests does and that "blurring" genders through acceptance of transgender people would kill off the human race. He has also attacked the use of condoms to tackle HIV, saying they may make the problem worse. http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/05/13/gay-marriage-a-dangerous-threat-pope-warns/

Bay Windows - New England's largest GLBT newspaper

2010-05-06T02:12:00.000-07:00

Bay Windows - New England's largest GLBT newspaper

Making a Mark: Mega Promoter Mark Berkley Dies

2010-04-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

Making a Marc: Mega Promoter Marc Berkley Dies

Steve Lewis

The death of Marc Berkley a couple of days after the passing of Tom Buckley forces me and many to face that corner known as mortality. Having survived so much, it still seems that Marc was cheated a little, maybe a bit short changed. He had so much more to do and I can’t think of anyone else who can walk in his shoes. Nightlife drives the driven. It is a place where they can or need to prove something to the world, or more importantly themselves. In the swirl of its sounds and lights and sexuality, lies a fulfilling power that many like Marc and I must tap into to even breathe. The phrase “rest in peace” doubly applies to those who, in life and work (so often the very same thing), find rest or sleep to be the enemy. We are restless types, our brains calculating, planning and plotting even with eyelids closed. I am told that he died peacefully in his sleep after a weekend surrounded by friends in the Fire Island pines. I wonder if in his last few moments he was debating which DJ would be play at his memorial? Who would be the door man? Darryl or Fernando?

Continue reading: http://www.blackbookmag.com/article/making-a-mark-mega-promoter-mark-berkley-dies/18201

NYS Department of Health Expands Sources of Funding for LGBT Health and Human Services

2010-04-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: NYS Department of Health Expands Sources of Funding for LGBT Health and Human Services

This week, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) announced in a letter to the Pride Agenda that the health and human services needs of LGBT New Yorkers will now be considered in all decisions about how state funding offered though its Center for Community Health will be spent.

According to their 2005 report, the Center for Community Health is one of the largest sections of the DOH, with four offices, four divisions, over 1,100 staff people and a budget that exceeds $1.2 billion. This new policy to consider the needs of LGBT New Yorkers puts our community in line with how DOH has long treated other marginalized populations in New York State like people of color and people with disabilities when making programmatic and funding decisions. It will open the door for community-based LGBT organizations across New York State to better compete for state funding, and it gives a strong incentive to other organizations outside the LGBT community that hope to obtain funding from the Center for Community Health to make sure their services are responsive and sensitive to the needs of LGBT New Yorkers.

Additionally, the DOH announced that it will now: provide trainings on LGBT issues for staff involved in awarding these sources of funding, help identify and advocate for LGBT funding opportunities on the federal level, and develop a roadmap for implementing similar policies with the state’s other agencies.

This is a victory for the LGBT community! The assessment of LGBT New Yorkers released last year by the Pride Agenda found that our community suffers from a lack of access to health care that competently addresses our distinct needs. As the state government continues to take measures like these to acknowledge and respect the needs of LGBT New Yorkers, we move closer to full equality and justice for our community.

The expansion of opportunities at the Department of Health represented by this policy change comes as the result of years of advocacy by the Pride Agenda and the New York State LGBT Health and Human Services Network, a coalition supported and administered by the Pride Agenda of over 50 community-based non-profits providing health and human services to LGBT New Yorkers and their families.

Our appreciation goes to the Department of Health, especially the AIDS Institute and the Center for Community Health, who have been very supportive partners throughout the process. Through our collective efforts, the pool of funding streams that LGBT community-based organizations can compete for and secure will be dramatically expanded, and the state has taken a significant step toward better meeting the health and human service needs of LGBT New Yorkers.

Gay appointed to federal appeals court

2010-04-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

Bay Windows - New England's largest GLBT newspaper

[HQ] Lady GaGa Live Brit Awards 2010 | Telephone & Dance In The Dark

2010-04-20T04:24:00.000-07:00

Well Done Gaga.

Michael Lucas Wants to Take You to Israel | Travel | Advocate.com

2010-03-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

Michael Lucas Wants to Take You to Israel | Travel | Advocate.com

Pride Agenda leader to join NYC Comptroller’s Office

2010-02-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

Pride Agenda leader to join
NYC Comptroller’s Office

John Lea - Memorial Service

2010-01-27T18:06:00.000-08:00

In the wake of van Capelle's departure, ESPA's veteran managing director for operations Joe Tarver will take over as interim executive director while

2010-01-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 27, 2010 9:50 AM1 COMMENT
Van Capelle To Leave ESPA, Join Liu »
BY ELIZABETH BENJAMIN

Alan van Capelle, the outspoken gay advocate who has served as the point man in the fight to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, is leaving the Empire State Pride Agenda to join Comptroller John Liu's staff.

Van Capelle is breaking the news this morning to the staff at ESPA, where his seven-year tenure makes his the organization's longest-serving executive director. He will be Liu's deputy comptroller for external affairs, serving as a chief advisor on intergovernmental relations, politics and communications. He will start his new job in early March.

"Executive directors tend to have a shelf life of five or six years," van Capelle told me this morning. "I think change is good. Period."

"The tremendous success the Pride Agenda has had over the last seven years may have been while I was executive director, but it wasn't solely because I was executive director....There are a lot of talented people who could lead this movement. My departure will provide an opportunity for somebody else."

Van Capelle's departure comes almost two months after the LGBT community suffered a significant setback in the fight for marriage when the Senate defeated the measure, 24-38.

ESPA has pledged to continue the fight, and some have suggested bringing new blood in to try to push the measure over the finish line might be a smart move.

Advocates, including van Capelle, had long pressured Senate leaders to put the marriage bill onto the floor for a vote, even though it was never clear the legislation had sufficient support to pass.

This was a controversial strategy that split the gay community, with some worrying the death of the bill on the Senate floor would make it more difficult to ever see it pass, and others - like van Capelle - arguing that getting senators on the record would be instructive for the next election cycle.

Van Capelle had an ally in Gov. David Paterson, who championed gay marriage as part of his comeback strategy (still a work in progress) and repeatedly put the bill on the extraordinary session calendar during the Senate stalemate last summer.

But his approach did not sit well with some, particularly when he took senators - including the chamber's lone openly-gay member, Sen. Tom Duane - to task at ESPA's fall dinner for repeatedly failing to bring the bill to the floor.

Van Capelle said he is convinced a marriage bill "definitely" will pass and stressefd that ESPA is in a "solid position" to play an aggressive role in the fall elections to elect senators who pledge to vote "yes" when the measure next come to the floor.
Liu's hiring of van Capelle is yet another sign that the comptroller is thinking about broadening his reach in potential preparation for a mayoral run in 2013. It also might help neutralize the anger in the gay community over his decision to bring soon-to-be-former Councilman Simcha Felder on as a deputy comptroller.

The appointment of Felder, an Orthodox Jew, sparked anger among some LGBT advocates, who noted the councilman didn't vote for lesbian Council Speaker Christine Quinn (although he was long a Quinn ally) and didn't support gay rights bills Liu himself supported.

In the wake of van Capelle's departure, ESPA's veteran managing director for operations Joe Tarver will take over as interim executive director while a search is conducted for a permanent replacement.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/01/van-capelle-to-leave-espa-join.html#ixzz0dpb46wPg

NYC Man Wanted in Murder of John Lea Arrested in Vermont

2010-01-25T06:37:00.000-08:00

NYC Man Wanted in Murder of John Lea Arrested in Vermont

NYC Man Wanted in Murder of John Lea Arrested in Vermont

Justin Waller, wanted in the murder of NYC resident John Lea, has been arrested in Vermont and has confessed to the murder, the Rutland Herald reports:

"New York City Police detectives arrived in Manchester early Friday morning requesting assistance in locating Justin Waller. Manchester Police said Waller was a person of interest in the slaying of his partner Jonathan Lea at their apartment located in the Hells Kitchen area of Manhattan. Police said they tracked Waller’s activities around the Manchester area for most of the day, eventually locating him at an apartment on Cass Terrace. Police said Waller has confessed to the killing as well as using Lea’s credit cards for purchases and transportation to the area. Waller was lodged at the Marble Valley Correctional Center in Rutland as a fugitive from justice. His bail was set at $500,000. Upon extradition back to New York Waller faces the charge of second-degree murder, according to police."

Police found Lea's body on Thursday amid a gruesome crime scene.

Waller had recently been Lea's lover, according to the NYDN, and was living with him:

"A co-worker of Lea's, Michael Herz, said the lover - identified by friends of the victim as Justin Waller - was 'down on his luck' and was supposed to stay with Lea only briefly. 'A few days turned into a few weeks. A few weeks turned into a month. A month turned into two,' Herz said. 'This weekend is when John was going to tell him he had to leave.' Herz added of his slain co-worker: 'He was an extremely giving person and, apparently, that's what ultimately did him in.'"

Hands Up for Marriage Equality, a benefit to support the LGBT civil rights movement hosted by Lady Gaga

2010-01-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

WHAT: Hands Up for Marriage Equality, a benefit to support
the LGBT civil rights movement hosted by Lady Gaga

WHEN: Saturday, January 16, 10 PM – 4 AM

WHERE: Club Worship, House of Blues at Harrah’s Showboat Casino, Atlantic City

COST: Admission is a minimum donation of $20 at the door. No advance tickets will be sold.

This Saturday, January 16, immediately following her Atlantic City concert, Lady Gaga will host “Hands Up for Marriage Equality,” a benefit in conjunction with Out in AC, the LGBT signature event brand of Harrah’s Entertainment. The event at Club Worship in the House of Blues at Harrah’s Showboat Casino will benefit the Empire State Pride Agenda, Garden State Equality, Equality Pennsylvania and The Power.

“I am honored to be able to continue to raise awareness and money for this cause and these outstanding organizations,” Lady Gaga said. “Organizations like these are in the trenches every day working on behalf of all of us, whether you are LGBT or straight. Equal and full civil rights are supposed to be for all of us.”

Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan van Capelle encourages everyone who can make it to attend the benefit. “Lady Gaga has been a passionate, outspoken ally to LGBT people, and she’s a great example of how celebrities can use their popularity to help secure equal rights for millions of Americans. We also thank Harrah’s Entertainment, which is clearly setting the bar high in its industry by being a model employer for LGBT people and by taking a public stand in support of legislation that improves the lives of LGBT Americans.”

Lady Gaga's shows in NYC sold out in a matter of minutes, so hundreds of members of the LGBT community and its supporters are already headed to Atlantic City this weekend. If you're already going to her show on Saturday, make sure to check out this amazing benefit as well. And if you're still looking for something to do on your long weekend, consider planning a great night in Atlantic City and supporting the work of the Pride Agenda at the same time!

Paterson to announce policy on transgender rights

2009-12-16T03:28:00.000-08:00

Breaking News: Gov. Paterson to announce policy on transgender rights

This Wednesday, December 16 at the LGBT Center in New York City, Governor David Paterson will announce a major policy affecting transgender civil rights in New York. The Pride Agenda has been working on this issue since Governor Spitzer was elected and has continued to work on it with Governor Paterson. Please join us for this important event if you are able.

What: Governor Paterson to announce major policy on transgender rights

Where: LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St. (Manhattan)

When: This Wednesday, December 16 at 10:30 AM (doors open at 10:00 AM)

Having our community and our allies show up in large numbers for this significant moment is the best way we can thank Governor Paterson for his work moving LGBT equality forward. We hope to see you there!

If you can join the Pride Agenda at this event, please RSVP to Matt Brunner at mbrunner@prideagenda.org or (212) 627-0305.

Marriage Equality in the New York State Senate

2009-12-03T21:42:00.000-08:00

Pride Agenda Executive Director Reacts to Today's Vote on Marriage Equality in the New York State Senate

Moments ago, the Pride Agenda released the following statement from Executive Director Alan Van Capelle:

"While we are disappointed by today’s vote, we are pleased that the issue of marriage equality at last was debated in the New York State Senate. We had long called for a public debate on this matter so we could determine who was truly on our side.

It is a step forward for our democratic process in New York that a debate and vote have now occurred. Now we know where we stand, and where we need to concentrate our efforts in the future.

We are incredibly thankful to those who have stood with us and will continue to stand with us as our community presses forward to win marriage equality. In this regard:

We thank Governor Paterson for his unstinting support;

We thank each of the Senators who pushed for a vote and stood with us when it was time to be counted;

We also thank the members of the New York State Assembly—led by Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell—who have three times now voted for marriage equality by increasingly bipartisan majorities; and

We thank our many allies in the labor, faith and the business communities for their support and willingness to speak out.

To the tens of thousands of LGBT New Yorkers who have worked hard for equality, and to those who may for the very first time have become politically involved due to this fight, our message is as follows:

Our fight continues. Marriage equality is coming to New York. Time clearly is on our side and you can be sure that we will never stop working until we win.

To those Senators who do not yet see our families as deserving the same protections as other families in New York, our message is simple:

We are more committed than ever to this fight. We will redouble our efforts in your district to ensure that our voice is heard. We know our cause is just. We know that a growing majority of New Yorkers believes in the same values of fairness and equality that we do. If you cannot support us, we will find candidates for public office who do, and we will work through the democratic system to affect needed change."

Assembly Vote on Marriage Signals Continued Momentum

2009-12-01T22:56:00.000-08:00

Assembly Vote on Marriage Signals Continued Momentum

Just a few moments ago, the New York State Assembly passed marriage equality legislation for the second time this year in a bipartisan vote of 86 to 51. By taking a vote in what is called an “extraordinary session,” the Assembly has removed any obstacle to the bill being sent to the Governor for his signature if the Senate votes on the bill when it reconvenes tomorrow to conduct business.

The Pride Agenda gives special thanks to the New York State Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Sheldon Silver, that has now voted and passed the marriage equality bill three times. Our thanks also to the legislation’s prime sponsor Assemblymember Danny O’Donnell for leading the successful effort again on the floor.

It is anticipated that forces opposing marriage equality may be coming to Albany tomorrow to put pressure on the State Senate to take no action on the bill. We continue to expect the Senate to give this issue the respectful debate and vote it deserves.

The Empire Pride Agenda

2009-11-06T16:36:00.000-08:00

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