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via Queerty by Lester Brathwaite on 5/31/13
President Obama’s visit to Africa will coincide with the Supreme Court’s scheduled rulings on two cases determining the future of same-sex marriage, prompting hope that the Commander-in-Chief will address the oppression of those nations’ LGBT citizens.Obama will visit Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa in late June and early July, as the Supreme Court prepares to issue its decision on the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act. Whereas those cases could expand the rights of LGBT Americans, just being gay is considered a criminal offense in two of the countries on the President’s itinerary.
Indian Express reports:
According to the State Department’s 2012 human rights report on Tanzania, consensual same-sex sexual conduct is illegal and carries a prison sentence of 30 years to life. The report also concluded that gays and lesbians face “societal discrimination that restricted their access to health care, housing, and employment” and that there were no government efforts to combat such discrimination.South Africa has broad protections for homosexuals and is the only country on the entire continent that has legalized same-sex marriage. Even there, however, there have been instances of cruelty and violence, including “corrective rape” of lesbians.
Conditions are similar in Senegal, according to the State Department. The agency’s 2012 human rights report on the West African nation says that consensual same-sex activity, referred to in the law as an “act against nature,” is a criminal offense.
The White House was mum on what role, if any, the issue of gay rights would have during Obama’s trip, but gay rights activist and White House adviser under Bill Clinton, Richard Socarides, said the President could use his trip as a “teachable moment.”
“If the timing works out so that he’s there, it may provide a perfect opportunity for him to speak out about the principles we value in our democracy and how we would hope that others follow it,” said Socarides.
Besides the two Supreme Court cases, recent developments such as Nigeria’srecently passed bill that would imprison anyone for public displays of same-sex affection and Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill, which Obama has himself called “odious,” would provide ample reason for the President to address LGBT rights, while also reaffirming the United Nations’ pledge of solidarity.
via gay rights puerto rico - Google News on 5/31/13
 PolicyMic |
Gay Marriage 2013 Puerto Rico Makes Anti LGBT Discrimination Illegal
PolicyMic The future for LGBT individuals in Puerto Rico finally looks more promising after Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla signed a bill that bans employment discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation. On Wednesday, Gov. Padilla said that by signing ... Puerto Rico Governor Signs Two Gay Rights BillsOn Top Magazine Puerto Rico Signs Law Protecting LGBT Community From Employment...Hispanically Speaking News all 4 news articles » |
via gay rights puerto rico - Google News on 5/30/13
Puerto Rico governor signs LGBT civil rights bill
Wisconsin Gazette Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro García Padilla on May 29 signed into law civilrights legislation that prohibits discrimination against LGBT people and their families and protects same-sex couples under Puerto Rico'sdomestic violence law. The National Gay ... |
via Gay Puerto Rico Links's Facebook Wall by Gay Puerto Rico Links on 5/31/13
1:47 PM 5/31/2013 - Oscar López Rivera: After 32 Years in Prison, Calls Grow for Release of Puerto Rican Activist by democracynow
Oscar López Rivera: After 32 Years in Prison, Calls Grow for Release of Puerto Rican Activist by democracynow
Friday …
1:47 PM 5/31/2013 - Oscar López Rivera: After 32 Years in Prison, Calls Grow for Release of Puerto R
Oscar López Rivera: After 32 Years in Prison, Calls Grow for Release of Puerto Rican Activist by democracynow
Friday …
1:47 PM 5/31/2013 - Oscar López Rivera: After 32 Years in Prison, Calls Grow for Release of Puerto R
via Gay Puerto Rico Links's Facebook Wall by Gay Puerto Rico Links on 5/31/13
Caso cerrado...
PlanetaKike.com
Liked · about an hour ago
Caso cerrado...
| Puerto Rico News and Journals: http://prnewslinks.blogspot.com/ |
Caso cerrado...
PlanetaKike.com
Liked · about an hour ago
Caso cerrado...
| Puerto Rico News and Journals: http://prnewslinks.blogspot.com/ |
Caso cerrado...
via Gay Puerto Rico Links's Facebook Wall by Gay Puerto Rico Links on 5/31/13
#1322 - The Summer Jukebox Edition - 5/31/2013 - Audio
• #1322 - The Summer Jukebox Edition - 5/31/2013 -
| Puerto Rico News and Journals: http://prnewslinks.blogspot.com/ |
#1322 - The Summer Jukebox Edition - 5/31/2013 - Audio
• #1322 - The Summer Jukebox Edition - 5/31/2013 -
| Puerto Rico News and Journals: http://prnewslinks.blogspot.com/ |
#1322 - The Summer Jukebox Edition - 5/31/2013 - Audio
via Gay Puerto Rico Links's Facebook Wall by Gay Puerto Rico Links on 5/31/13
11:32 AM 5/31/2013 - Recuperadas dos obras robadas de Picasso y una de Miró - Video Review
Recuperadas dos obras robadas de Picasso y una de Miróby efe
Friday May 31st, 2013 at 11:31 AM
Uploads By Efe
1 Share
Recuperadas dos obras robadas de …
11:32 AM 5/31/2013 - Recuperadas dos obras robadas de Picasso y una de Miró - Video Review
Recuperadas dos obras robadas de Picasso y una de Miróby efe
Friday May 31st, 2013 at 11:31 AM
Uploads By Efe
1 Share
Recuperadas dos obras robadas de …
11:32 AM 5/31/2013 - Recuperadas dos obras robadas de Picasso y una de Miró - Video Review
via Gay Puerto Rico Links's Facebook Wall by Gay Puerto Rico Links on 5/31/13
11:23 AM 5/31/2013 - Another Close Shave: Asteroid 1998 QE2 Flyby
Another Close Shave: Asteroid 1998 QE2 Flyby Highlights Need For Aggressive Radar Astronomy
Friday May 31st, 2013 at 11:22 AM
Puerto Rico News
1 Share
First radar images of …
11:23 AM 5/31/2013 - Another Close Shave: Asteroid 1998 QE2 Flyby
Another Close Shave: Asteroid 1998 QE2 Flyby Highlights Need For Aggressive Radar Astronomy
Friday May 31st, 2013 at 11:22 AM
Puerto Rico News
1 Share
First radar images of …
11:23 AM 5/31/2013 - Another Close Shave: Asteroid 1998 QE2 Flyby
via Gay Puerto Rico Links's Facebook Wall by Gay Puerto Rico Links on 5/31/13
“No hay canal que se atreva” a traer a La Comay…by Pedro Julio Serrano
“No hay canal que se atreva” a traer a La Comay…by Pedro Julio Serrano
Friday May 31st, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Pedro Julio Serrano
1 Share
Por Noticel
El portavoz de la coalición …
“No hay canal que se atreva” a traer a La Comay…by Pedro Julio Serrano
“No hay canal que se atreva” a traer a La Comay…by Pedro Julio Serrano
Friday May 31st, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Pedro Julio Serrano
1 Share
Por Noticel
El portavoz de la coalición …
“No hay canal que se atreva” a traer a La Comay…by Pedro Julio Serrano
via Gay Puerto Rico Links's Facebook Wall by Gay Puerto Rico Links on 5/31/13
11:06 AM 5/31/2013 - Enviado por Alejandra Pérez: La mayoría de las escuelas públicas, los estudiante...
Enviado por Alejandra Pérez: La mayoría de las escuelas públicas, los estudiante...
Friday May 31st, 2013 at 11:05 AM
Noticias Y Blogs De PR - …
11:06 AM 5/31/2013 - Enviado por Alejandra Pérez: La mayoría de las escuelas públicas, los estudiant
Enviado por Alejandra Pérez: La mayoría de las escuelas públicas, los estudiante...
Friday May 31st, 2013 at 11:05 AM
Noticias Y Blogs De PR - …
11:06 AM 5/31/2013 - Enviado por Alejandra Pérez: La mayoría de las escuelas públicas, los estudiant
via Gay Puerto Rico Links's Facebook Wall by Gay Puerto Rico Links on 5/31/13
Oscar López Rivera: After 32 Years in Prison, Calls Grow for Release of Puerto Rican Activist democracynow· - Video
Published on May 31, 2013
http://www.democracynow.org/ - Hundreds of Puerto Ricans rallied this week to call for the United States to …
Oscar López Rivera: After 32 Years in Prison, Calls Grow for Release of Puerto Rican Activist democr
Published on May 31, 2013
http://www.democracynow.org/ - Hundreds of Puerto Ricans rallied this week to call for the United States to …
Oscar López Rivera: After 32 Years in Prison, Calls Grow for Release of Puerto Rican Activist democr
via Salon.com > LGBT by on 5/31/13
While NASA didn't take a cue from astronaut and David Bowie aficionado Chris Hadfield and film in outer space, the U.S. space agency's "It Gets Better" video is still a moving message from its staff to LGBTQ young people, particularly LGBTQ space nerds.
You can check it out here:
Continue Reading...
You can check it out here:
Continue Reading...
via Gay Voices by www.upworthy.com on 5/31/13
If you've ever feared rejection, I think this advice is worth listening to, whether you're gay or not.
via Gay Voices by Chris Jancelewicz on 5/31/13
Raise your hand if you thought Jordan Gavaris, who plays the hilarious Felix on sci-fi sensation "Orphan Black," is British. I'm guilty of that misclassification, and in my"Orphan Black" review nearly published a description of him as "British actor." The reality is Gavaris is Canadian, a local boy who grew up just outside of Toronto, but you wouldn't know it.
As heavily-accented Felix, Gavaris is an almost-scene-stealer; I say "almost" because lead actress Tatiana Maslany (Sarah, Alison, Cosima, etc.) is such a wonder in her own right. The two depict foster siblings so seamlessly that it's hard to believe they aren't related in real life, or at least old, dear friends.
HuffPost TV spoke with Gavaris about this breakthrough show, how he feels about the lone dissenting critic, and what's in store for Felix in Season 2 (we have a suggestion, producers/writers!).
OK, so it's a bit weird talking to you without your accent.
Yeah, a lot of people tell me it's jarring, but there isn't a trace of British in me at all.
How crazy is it to be a part of such an insane show like "Orphan Black"?
It's been a whirlwind. When I signed on, I thought I was doing a very ambitious little Canadian show. I thought it might find a viewer base and we might get a couple seasons out of it, if we were lucky. And now I'm very embarrassed because I was very wrong. It took off. I knew the script was good, but in Canada you're never quite sure how much money the production team has access to. I'm really shocked, so, so happy and slightly terrified. We've been renewed and that almost never happens, so it'll be a challenge to top what we've done in the first season.
And BBC picked it up as well. Now the British are going to be judging your accent!
Oh, I know. That's the thing. Now I'm going to be under scrutiny of the British public. I've gotten away with it in the States and in Canada, but I don't know about England! [Laughs]
Did you love this role right from the start?
Completely. I was salivating over it. There were a lot of pilot scripts floating around, but to completely honest with you, a lot of the parts were going to names. For "Orphan Black," all I got was the pilot script and that was enough for me. I was daydreaming about this part. I kept thinking about how certain scenes were going to play out and how these interactions were going to take place.
Is it fun to escape into the world of Felix, or is it daunting at all?
Daunting in the beginning, and then it got really fun. I was terrified I was going to fail at the start, but then as soon as I got a hold on the character, I relaxed. Once I get fully absorbed into the character ... I mean, my life isn't that exciting! I can't say and do the things Felix does in the world. I had so much fun every day. I did more improvising in the makeup trailer than I did on set. [Laughs]
Speaking of that, what do you bring aesthetically to the character of Felix?
I don't bring a particular item of clothing, but I have a lot of say in terms of hair and makeup. I was invited to a concept meeting, which almost never happens. I brought a binder full of stuff, it was like the "Studio 54" folks, Billy Idol, Mick Jagger ... a lot of these glam rockers from the '70s. Occasionally, I'd be out in Toronto between shoots and I'd find something really lovely for Felix's loft. One day I found one red shoe on Queen East and I picked it up and it's an art piece now in the corner. That was my contribution to the production design. [Laughs]
Everyone's going to be looking for the red shoe now.
Look for the red shoe! [Laughs]
Felix is an essential component to the show -- do you agree?
I knew I'd have to go there -- completely -- with Felix, and risk offending people in the process. I understand who Felix is and what he provides to the show. He balances the clone saga so well, and he adds all these points of levity. Otherwise, the script would be this cataclysmic spiral into the darkness. There needs to be balance. Even in the face of tragedy, human beings need to find a way to laugh. It's normal. It's life.
Where does Felix end up in the finale?
The origin of Felix is there in the seventh episode -- he and Sarah learn about how, sometimes, children who need to be hidden come down the pipeline. We find out that Felix needs to be hidden but we don't know why. He came through the same pipeline as Sarah, but we don't know what his origins are. But mostly, the finale is the showdown. The showdown everybody has been waiting for between Sarah and what we think is the big baddie. I can't reveal any more than that, other than Felix tries to help facilitate some of it. There's a showdown with payoff. The audience won't be disappointed at all.
What about for Season 2?
I don't know a lot about it. The writers keep that stuff under wraps, because they're afraid we're going to telegraph some of it if we know. I think Felix is going to grow beyond a support system and foster brother for Sarah.
You know what they're going to do? They're going to make you a clone too, and then there will be 10 Felixes. You could try and seduce yourself!
You know that Felix would instantly try to seduce himself. [Laughs] But yeah, if I get revealed as a clone, that would be phenomenal. I'm totally up to the challenge.
Have you received any particular feedback from the LGBT community about your character?
I've actually received mixed reactions. Some people are so excited that there's such an uninhibited character on television, especially in terms of his sexuality, but then there's the flipside, some people -- not in the gay community, in the straight community ... actually, it was a columnist named Bill Harris, who expressed his distaste over the fact that the character was home to some very ugly stereotypes. My problem with that is this: It is not OK, as a society, to collectively decide that you are going to represent one version of a minority. Why is it only OK to represent the traditional gay families raising a child with well-adjusted, great parents and wonderful jobs? It's great that those people are represented, and it's important to normalize this, but it's also important to represent the other side.
I've met men like Felix. They exist. That's why I think it's not fair to debase the character. I also think he's not a gay character. He's a character who happens to be gay. He's also an artist, he's a brother, he's multi-faceted. It needs to get to a point where these kinds of questions don't even exist. We need to get to a point where it's normalized on TV.
Catch the "Orphan Black" Season 1 finale on Space in Canada and BBC America in the U.S. on Saturday, June 1 at 9 p.m. ET.
As heavily-accented Felix, Gavaris is an almost-scene-stealer; I say "almost" because lead actress Tatiana Maslany (Sarah, Alison, Cosima, etc.) is such a wonder in her own right. The two depict foster siblings so seamlessly that it's hard to believe they aren't related in real life, or at least old, dear friends.
HuffPost TV spoke with Gavaris about this breakthrough show, how he feels about the lone dissenting critic, and what's in store for Felix in Season 2 (we have a suggestion, producers/writers!).
OK, so it's a bit weird talking to you without your accent.
Yeah, a lot of people tell me it's jarring, but there isn't a trace of British in me at all.
How crazy is it to be a part of such an insane show like "Orphan Black"?
It's been a whirlwind. When I signed on, I thought I was doing a very ambitious little Canadian show. I thought it might find a viewer base and we might get a couple seasons out of it, if we were lucky. And now I'm very embarrassed because I was very wrong. It took off. I knew the script was good, but in Canada you're never quite sure how much money the production team has access to. I'm really shocked, so, so happy and slightly terrified. We've been renewed and that almost never happens, so it'll be a challenge to top what we've done in the first season.
And BBC picked it up as well. Now the British are going to be judging your accent!
Oh, I know. That's the thing. Now I'm going to be under scrutiny of the British public. I've gotten away with it in the States and in Canada, but I don't know about England! [Laughs]
Did you love this role right from the start?
Completely. I was salivating over it. There were a lot of pilot scripts floating around, but to completely honest with you, a lot of the parts were going to names. For "Orphan Black," all I got was the pilot script and that was enough for me. I was daydreaming about this part. I kept thinking about how certain scenes were going to play out and how these interactions were going to take place.
Is it fun to escape into the world of Felix, or is it daunting at all?
Daunting in the beginning, and then it got really fun. I was terrified I was going to fail at the start, but then as soon as I got a hold on the character, I relaxed. Once I get fully absorbed into the character ... I mean, my life isn't that exciting! I can't say and do the things Felix does in the world. I had so much fun every day. I did more improvising in the makeup trailer than I did on set. [Laughs]
Speaking of that, what do you bring aesthetically to the character of Felix?
I don't bring a particular item of clothing, but I have a lot of say in terms of hair and makeup. I was invited to a concept meeting, which almost never happens. I brought a binder full of stuff, it was like the "Studio 54" folks, Billy Idol, Mick Jagger ... a lot of these glam rockers from the '70s. Occasionally, I'd be out in Toronto between shoots and I'd find something really lovely for Felix's loft. One day I found one red shoe on Queen East and I picked it up and it's an art piece now in the corner. That was my contribution to the production design. [Laughs]
Everyone's going to be looking for the red shoe now.
Look for the red shoe! [Laughs]
Felix is an essential component to the show -- do you agree?
I knew I'd have to go there -- completely -- with Felix, and risk offending people in the process. I understand who Felix is and what he provides to the show. He balances the clone saga so well, and he adds all these points of levity. Otherwise, the script would be this cataclysmic spiral into the darkness. There needs to be balance. Even in the face of tragedy, human beings need to find a way to laugh. It's normal. It's life.
Where does Felix end up in the finale?
The origin of Felix is there in the seventh episode -- he and Sarah learn about how, sometimes, children who need to be hidden come down the pipeline. We find out that Felix needs to be hidden but we don't know why. He came through the same pipeline as Sarah, but we don't know what his origins are. But mostly, the finale is the showdown. The showdown everybody has been waiting for between Sarah and what we think is the big baddie. I can't reveal any more than that, other than Felix tries to help facilitate some of it. There's a showdown with payoff. The audience won't be disappointed at all.
What about for Season 2?
I don't know a lot about it. The writers keep that stuff under wraps, because they're afraid we're going to telegraph some of it if we know. I think Felix is going to grow beyond a support system and foster brother for Sarah.
You know what they're going to do? They're going to make you a clone too, and then there will be 10 Felixes. You could try and seduce yourself!
You know that Felix would instantly try to seduce himself. [Laughs] But yeah, if I get revealed as a clone, that would be phenomenal. I'm totally up to the challenge.
Have you received any particular feedback from the LGBT community about your character?
I've actually received mixed reactions. Some people are so excited that there's such an uninhibited character on television, especially in terms of his sexuality, but then there's the flipside, some people -- not in the gay community, in the straight community ... actually, it was a columnist named Bill Harris, who expressed his distaste over the fact that the character was home to some very ugly stereotypes. My problem with that is this: It is not OK, as a society, to collectively decide that you are going to represent one version of a minority. Why is it only OK to represent the traditional gay families raising a child with well-adjusted, great parents and wonderful jobs? It's great that those people are represented, and it's important to normalize this, but it's also important to represent the other side.
I've met men like Felix. They exist. That's why I think it's not fair to debase the character. I also think he's not a gay character. He's a character who happens to be gay. He's also an artist, he's a brother, he's multi-faceted. It needs to get to a point where these kinds of questions don't even exist. We need to get to a point where it's normalized on TV.
Catch the "Orphan Black" Season 1 finale on Space in Canada and BBC America in the U.S. on Saturday, June 1 at 9 p.m. ET.
via Gay Voices by The Huffington Post on 5/31/13
Bright Light Bright Light!
No, we're not quoting Gizmo from "Gremlins," we're talking about Rod Thomas, who goes by the stage name of Bright Light Bright Light.
The openly gay singer has released his latest video for his upcoming "Moves" EP. In the video there's a shirtless dancer expressing love and longing through dance. "Moves" was originally featured on his excellent album, "Make Me Believe in Hope," released last year.
The "Moves" EP is out June 3.
No, we're not quoting Gizmo from "Gremlins," we're talking about Rod Thomas, who goes by the stage name of Bright Light Bright Light.
The openly gay singer has released his latest video for his upcoming "Moves" EP. In the video there's a shirtless dancer expressing love and longing through dance. "Moves" was originally featured on his excellent album, "Make Me Believe in Hope," released last year.
The "Moves" EP is out June 3.
via Gay Voices by The Tampa Tribune on 5/31/13
TAMPA -- Eight years ago, Hillsborough County commissioners voted to ban any county promotion of gay pride events or displays.
To many residents, the vote was like planting a flag of intolerance atop the Frederick B. Karl County Center.
Much has changed since June 2005, including election of the county's first openly gay commissioner, Kevin Beckner. On Wednesday, Beckner will try to persuade the other board members to end the ban, removing what he calls a discriminatory policy.
"As a government we need to ensure that all our citizens are treated equally," Beckner said. "This policy does not do that."
Recent events and statements by other commissioners suggest Beckner might be successful. A couple of weeks ago, all seven commissioners signed a proclamation recognizing GaYBOR Days, an event sponsored by Ybor City merchants designed to attract gay tourists and visitors.
It was the first time more than a few commissioners had endorsed the event.
Also arguing for repeal of the ban is the changing political landscape regarding acceptance of homosexuality. In 2008, by a vote of 62 percent, Floridians adopted an amendment to the state Constitution banning same-sex marriage.
More recent polls show a majority of state residents now favor gay marriage.
Even among Republicans, the party most associated with opposition to gay rights, majorities now favor either marriages or civil unions between same-sex partners.
And as the GaYBOR Days proclamation showed, there are economic concerns to be considered. By branding the county as anti-gay, commissioners could be alienating potential tourists and investors.
"If you look at the difference between the gay pride impact in Pinellas County and in Hillsborough County, we're talking about thousands and thousands of dollars being spent in Pinellas County because no one is discriminated against in that county by legislation," said the Rev. Phyllis Hunt, pastor of the gay-friendly Metropolitan Community Church in Tampa.
But Beckner faces an additional obstacle to passage because he needs a supermajority, or five votes from the seven commissioners. The supermajority requirement was the work of former Commissioner Ronda Storms, a religious conservative who sponsored the ban on promoting gay events.
Storms, who followed her eight years on the commission with a six-year stint in the state Senate, did not return phone calls this week. Last year, Storms was handily defeated by Bob Henriquez in her bid to become county property appraiser.
The event that triggered the ban was a Gay Pride Month display at the West Gate Regional Library. Several parents complained about the display, which was created by a library sciences graduate student at the University of South Florida.
Storms took up the parents' protest, saying tax-supported libraries "shouldn't be used as a bully pulpit to introduce (gay pride) issues" to children. The display, which cited famous gay authors, was removed hours before the commission vote instituting the ban on gay promotions.
Two commissioners, Mark Sharpe and Ken Hagan, remain from the time of the 2005 decision, when the commission voted 6-1 to pass the promotion ban. Both men voted for the ban, but Sharpe said he's ready to change course.
"We made a mistake in singling out one group and saying we're not going to recognize them," Sharpe said.
Beckner's fellow Democrat on the commission, Les Miller, said he likely will support the motion to repeal the ban. But, like other commissioners who had not seen the proposal in writing Thursday, Miller would not make a commitment.
"If he wants to get rid of that ordinance, I can be supportive," Miller said. "But there may be other things he will put in there. I can support it if that's all it says."
Also hedging were Commissioners Sandy Murman and Victor Crist, though the two Republicans suggested they would give Beckner's proposal a fair hearing.
"I think our policies need to include a more diverse population, but I really can't commit at this point because I don't know what the other issues are around it," Murman said.
Crist said he is opposed to singling out any group for discrimination and does not want to infringe on any group's right to free speech.
"I would have issues with spending tax dollars" on gay events, Crist said, "but if we're talking about First Amendment issues, that's a different ballgame."
Hagan and Commissioner Al Higginbotham could not be reached for comment.
Both men voted in January against creating a domestic-partner registry, another issue important to gays and lesbians. Sharpe, a Republican, sponsored the proposed ordinance creating the registry but it failed on a 4-3 vote.
It's not clear how much public opposition will materialize against Beckner's proposal. Religious conservative leader Terry Kemple, who opposed the domestic-partner registry, said he hadn't planned to attend Wednesday's meeting because he thought Beckner could only introduce the measure and set it for a future public hearing.
The policy Storms proposed in 2005 required a public hearing before the ban could be repealed, but it did not say the hearing notice had to be published in a newspaper. So the public hearing will be held Wednesday, followed by a commission vote.
"I think it's a bad move," Kemple said. "It's just another effort by Commissioner Beckner to engage in government promotion of homosexual behavior. I, and a lot of people who agree with me, are opposed to that."
The issue is scheduled to be discussed at 10:15 a.m.
msalinero@tampatrib.com
(813) 259-8303 ___
To many residents, the vote was like planting a flag of intolerance atop the Frederick B. Karl County Center.
Much has changed since June 2005, including election of the county's first openly gay commissioner, Kevin Beckner. On Wednesday, Beckner will try to persuade the other board members to end the ban, removing what he calls a discriminatory policy.
"As a government we need to ensure that all our citizens are treated equally," Beckner said. "This policy does not do that."
Recent events and statements by other commissioners suggest Beckner might be successful. A couple of weeks ago, all seven commissioners signed a proclamation recognizing GaYBOR Days, an event sponsored by Ybor City merchants designed to attract gay tourists and visitors.
It was the first time more than a few commissioners had endorsed the event.
Also arguing for repeal of the ban is the changing political landscape regarding acceptance of homosexuality. In 2008, by a vote of 62 percent, Floridians adopted an amendment to the state Constitution banning same-sex marriage.
More recent polls show a majority of state residents now favor gay marriage.
Even among Republicans, the party most associated with opposition to gay rights, majorities now favor either marriages or civil unions between same-sex partners.
And as the GaYBOR Days proclamation showed, there are economic concerns to be considered. By branding the county as anti-gay, commissioners could be alienating potential tourists and investors.
"If you look at the difference between the gay pride impact in Pinellas County and in Hillsborough County, we're talking about thousands and thousands of dollars being spent in Pinellas County because no one is discriminated against in that county by legislation," said the Rev. Phyllis Hunt, pastor of the gay-friendly Metropolitan Community Church in Tampa.
But Beckner faces an additional obstacle to passage because he needs a supermajority, or five votes from the seven commissioners. The supermajority requirement was the work of former Commissioner Ronda Storms, a religious conservative who sponsored the ban on promoting gay events.
Storms, who followed her eight years on the commission with a six-year stint in the state Senate, did not return phone calls this week. Last year, Storms was handily defeated by Bob Henriquez in her bid to become county property appraiser.
The event that triggered the ban was a Gay Pride Month display at the West Gate Regional Library. Several parents complained about the display, which was created by a library sciences graduate student at the University of South Florida.
Storms took up the parents' protest, saying tax-supported libraries "shouldn't be used as a bully pulpit to introduce (gay pride) issues" to children. The display, which cited famous gay authors, was removed hours before the commission vote instituting the ban on gay promotions.
Two commissioners, Mark Sharpe and Ken Hagan, remain from the time of the 2005 decision, when the commission voted 6-1 to pass the promotion ban. Both men voted for the ban, but Sharpe said he's ready to change course.
"We made a mistake in singling out one group and saying we're not going to recognize them," Sharpe said.
Beckner's fellow Democrat on the commission, Les Miller, said he likely will support the motion to repeal the ban. But, like other commissioners who had not seen the proposal in writing Thursday, Miller would not make a commitment.
"If he wants to get rid of that ordinance, I can be supportive," Miller said. "But there may be other things he will put in there. I can support it if that's all it says."
Also hedging were Commissioners Sandy Murman and Victor Crist, though the two Republicans suggested they would give Beckner's proposal a fair hearing.
"I think our policies need to include a more diverse population, but I really can't commit at this point because I don't know what the other issues are around it," Murman said.
Crist said he is opposed to singling out any group for discrimination and does not want to infringe on any group's right to free speech.
"I would have issues with spending tax dollars" on gay events, Crist said, "but if we're talking about First Amendment issues, that's a different ballgame."
Hagan and Commissioner Al Higginbotham could not be reached for comment.
Both men voted in January against creating a domestic-partner registry, another issue important to gays and lesbians. Sharpe, a Republican, sponsored the proposed ordinance creating the registry but it failed on a 4-3 vote.
It's not clear how much public opposition will materialize against Beckner's proposal. Religious conservative leader Terry Kemple, who opposed the domestic-partner registry, said he hadn't planned to attend Wednesday's meeting because he thought Beckner could only introduce the measure and set it for a future public hearing.
The policy Storms proposed in 2005 required a public hearing before the ban could be repealed, but it did not say the hearing notice had to be published in a newspaper. So the public hearing will be held Wednesday, followed by a commission vote.
"I think it's a bad move," Kemple said. "It's just another effort by Commissioner Beckner to engage in government promotion of homosexual behavior. I, and a lot of people who agree with me, are opposed to that."
The issue is scheduled to be discussed at 10:15 a.m.
msalinero@tampatrib.com
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Distributed by MCT Information Services
via Gay Voices by Alexandra Katehakis, M.F.T. on 5/31/13
It's vital for mindful acts of emotional and spiritual intimacy to steadily develop as a daily practice for healthy sex. To that end, Center for Healthy Sex has created daily meditations to help you reach your sexual and relational potential. (You can subscribe for free here.)
Even momentarily concentrating on healthy solutions rewires psychological patterns to receive and share healthy sexual love in the present. Here are three meditations with the themes of disappointment, karma, and reciprocity for you to ponder and practice this week.
Meditation 1: Disappointment
"Though lovers be lost love shall not." -- Dylan Thomas
Expectation is the springboard for disappointment and displeasure, especially when our desire to control what we aspire to gets wrested out of our sticky fingers by life and frustrates our dreams. A life lived in fantasy or in the throes of love addiction is tragic because it keeps us from ever having our feet on the ground solidly enough to be embodied and present. Constantly pursuing perfection steals the gift of what's in front of us right now on the altar of our life. How often have you fixated on an ideal way you wanted your partner to behave or look, and were so disappointed when they showed up, instead, as themselves? Clinging to your reigning fantasy blinds you to the infinite richness and texture of real human beings and leaves you an emotional pauper. Standing in reality with a willingness to accept the bounty that comes your way is the only antidote to disappointment.
Yet no matter how hard we try, we're often captivated by that cultural set up for disappointment, the "happily ever after" story. From childhood, we're told that once we find our soulmates, we'll skip down the aisle of marital bliss onto easy street. We uphold this myth with fervor, even in the face of the failure of half of all marriages. Holding the possibility that love can last forever while recognizing that it, like everything alive, will change over time liberates us from the unrealistic, childish hope that people will be different than they are. When we accept that beautiful and extraordinary moments come when we least expect it and are most surprised by it, this allows life's true magic to happen. To accept -- more, to be glad -- that reality rarely mirrors our fantasy or expectations paradoxically allows great possibility and less disappointment every day.
Daily healthy sex acts
Meditation 2: Karma
"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours." -- Wayne Dyer
Do you ever feel misunderstood? Perhaps your parents or partner don't always understand your actions or intentions. Count your blessings! People might ignore your virtue or genius, but they also ignore how selfish, envious, manipulative, and objectifying you are at unseen times, thankfully. The next time you feel misunderstood, consider it karma for all the times you're lucky you were.
It's easy to get upset when life doesn't go our way. But if life actually went the way of our spinning thoughts and conflicting motives, we would really be a wreck! Karma is the cumulative impact of our actions returned to us, and helps us develop this complex tool called human consciousness. The concept of karma might evoke being judged by some omniscient, omnipotent entity, but that's not karma, that's punishment trauma from childhood. A moment's contemplation convinces that our actions ripple in us psychologically, neurobiologically, sociologically. We carry their weight and chatter of them to others through our body language and the way we perceive and perform. In this manner, we are the judge, jury and executor of our karma.
The word karma derives from the Sanskrit word for action. We can't change the actions of cause and effect, but we may cause new effects at any time. When we bounce a ball against a wall with a certain force and at a certain angle, it will inevitably bounce back in a matching reaction. This is cause and effect. However, we may run forward and catch the ball, and this new, corrective action demonstrates how we might affect our karma. But how may we become more aware of the force and angle of our habitual actions? How may we know what actions to take and their karmic results? One way to change karma is to face it.
Daily healthy sex acts
Meditation 3: Reciprocity
"How happy the lover,
How easy his chain,
How pleasing his pain,
How sweet to discover
He sighs not in vain." -- John Dryden
Most would agree that reciprocal affection -- two persons knowing themselves through each other -- is the Holy Grail affirming the self, the other, and the all of life. For life takes on meaning only through reciprocal interaction with the world. To a fishmonger, all things reek of the sea; to a teacher, life is a lesson. What we do is what we know, and how we interact is what returns our way. Reciprocity symbolizes inner and outer worlds matching up in synchronized harmony. The art of existence is to give and receive, see and be seen, and the quality of love as echo and mirror assures us that we have a genuine presence. But those who grew up with a caregiver who was physically or emotionally absent may feel more than this normal desire for reciprocity. They may experience a compulsive urge to accomplish the one, elusive thing they imagine will finally get those absent ones -- or anyone -- to connect with them.
If someone in your life doesn't reciprocate, there are two reasons. First, if your right-sized need for validation was denied in childhood, you will involuntarily recreate the same circumstances to correct it. Know that you get second chances so that you may change the art of your interaction, not so that others might finally treat you with the loving respect you deserve (and you do deserve loving respect). And there's another reason for unrequited regard: You must be able to receive, to be emotionally available. How many times do you deny or minimize others' genuine kindness? Life is a mirror that reflects your actions -- including your thoughts -- right back at you. People reciprocate exactly in proportion to how you treat yourself internally. Show yourself love, because you have enough love to reverberate for eternity and draw all the reciprocal connection your heart desires.
Daily healthy sex acts
For more by Alexandra Katehakis, M.F.T., click here.
For more on conscious relationships, click here.
Even momentarily concentrating on healthy solutions rewires psychological patterns to receive and share healthy sexual love in the present. Here are three meditations with the themes of disappointment, karma, and reciprocity for you to ponder and practice this week.
Meditation 1: Disappointment
"Though lovers be lost love shall not." -- Dylan Thomas
Expectation is the springboard for disappointment and displeasure, especially when our desire to control what we aspire to gets wrested out of our sticky fingers by life and frustrates our dreams. A life lived in fantasy or in the throes of love addiction is tragic because it keeps us from ever having our feet on the ground solidly enough to be embodied and present. Constantly pursuing perfection steals the gift of what's in front of us right now on the altar of our life. How often have you fixated on an ideal way you wanted your partner to behave or look, and were so disappointed when they showed up, instead, as themselves? Clinging to your reigning fantasy blinds you to the infinite richness and texture of real human beings and leaves you an emotional pauper. Standing in reality with a willingness to accept the bounty that comes your way is the only antidote to disappointment.
Yet no matter how hard we try, we're often captivated by that cultural set up for disappointment, the "happily ever after" story. From childhood, we're told that once we find our soulmates, we'll skip down the aisle of marital bliss onto easy street. We uphold this myth with fervor, even in the face of the failure of half of all marriages. Holding the possibility that love can last forever while recognizing that it, like everything alive, will change over time liberates us from the unrealistic, childish hope that people will be different than they are. When we accept that beautiful and extraordinary moments come when we least expect it and are most surprised by it, this allows life's true magic to happen. To accept -- more, to be glad -- that reality rarely mirrors our fantasy or expectations paradoxically allows great possibility and less disappointment every day.
Daily healthy sex acts
- Make a list of the last five times you were disappointed. Is there a pattern wherein you set yourself up to have a "bad" experience? What part do you play in your disappointments?
- Being in relationship with other human beings guarantees that we will be regularly disappointed due to human fallibility. Do you allow for human error, or do you expect perfection, trying to control others and outcomes?
Meditation 2: Karma
"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours." -- Wayne Dyer
Do you ever feel misunderstood? Perhaps your parents or partner don't always understand your actions or intentions. Count your blessings! People might ignore your virtue or genius, but they also ignore how selfish, envious, manipulative, and objectifying you are at unseen times, thankfully. The next time you feel misunderstood, consider it karma for all the times you're lucky you were.
It's easy to get upset when life doesn't go our way. But if life actually went the way of our spinning thoughts and conflicting motives, we would really be a wreck! Karma is the cumulative impact of our actions returned to us, and helps us develop this complex tool called human consciousness. The concept of karma might evoke being judged by some omniscient, omnipotent entity, but that's not karma, that's punishment trauma from childhood. A moment's contemplation convinces that our actions ripple in us psychologically, neurobiologically, sociologically. We carry their weight and chatter of them to others through our body language and the way we perceive and perform. In this manner, we are the judge, jury and executor of our karma.
The word karma derives from the Sanskrit word for action. We can't change the actions of cause and effect, but we may cause new effects at any time. When we bounce a ball against a wall with a certain force and at a certain angle, it will inevitably bounce back in a matching reaction. This is cause and effect. However, we may run forward and catch the ball, and this new, corrective action demonstrates how we might affect our karma. But how may we become more aware of the force and angle of our habitual actions? How may we know what actions to take and their karmic results? One way to change karma is to face it.
Daily healthy sex acts
- Examine your actions. List five actions you took today, and the energy and intentions you gave them. Were your actions, energy, and intention aligned? Realize that energy and intentions count as karmic actions.
- You can always invite right action into your life. You might share daily challenges with a trusted ally, therapist or sponsor and request direction. You might sleep on a problem and let intuition guide you, rather than simply react. You might follow a spiritual path through study or attendance. Today, pick one problem in your life and practice the tools to help you realize the next right action.
Meditation 3: Reciprocity
"How happy the lover,
How easy his chain,
How pleasing his pain,
How sweet to discover
He sighs not in vain." -- John Dryden
Most would agree that reciprocal affection -- two persons knowing themselves through each other -- is the Holy Grail affirming the self, the other, and the all of life. For life takes on meaning only through reciprocal interaction with the world. To a fishmonger, all things reek of the sea; to a teacher, life is a lesson. What we do is what we know, and how we interact is what returns our way. Reciprocity symbolizes inner and outer worlds matching up in synchronized harmony. The art of existence is to give and receive, see and be seen, and the quality of love as echo and mirror assures us that we have a genuine presence. But those who grew up with a caregiver who was physically or emotionally absent may feel more than this normal desire for reciprocity. They may experience a compulsive urge to accomplish the one, elusive thing they imagine will finally get those absent ones -- or anyone -- to connect with them.
If someone in your life doesn't reciprocate, there are two reasons. First, if your right-sized need for validation was denied in childhood, you will involuntarily recreate the same circumstances to correct it. Know that you get second chances so that you may change the art of your interaction, not so that others might finally treat you with the loving respect you deserve (and you do deserve loving respect). And there's another reason for unrequited regard: You must be able to receive, to be emotionally available. How many times do you deny or minimize others' genuine kindness? Life is a mirror that reflects your actions -- including your thoughts -- right back at you. People reciprocate exactly in proportion to how you treat yourself internally. Show yourself love, because you have enough love to reverberate for eternity and draw all the reciprocal connection your heart desires.
Daily healthy sex acts
- Reciprocate your beloved's love on as many levels as you can -- in actions, words, body language, vocal tone, and spiritual blessing.
- Think of those you attract to your life. What within you might they be reciprocating? Often when we work on our issues and surrender selfishness, people who don't reciprocate our truer selves ultimately leave our lives.
- Be an echo of an echo today. While it's healthy to take have an original presence, it's a useful practice to be able to reflect others. Today, focus on your capacity to reciprocate in all your interactions.
For more by Alexandra Katehakis, M.F.T., click here.
For more on conscious relationships, click here.
via Queerty by Jeremy Kinser on 5/31/13
Remember American Idol‘s Nathaniel Marshall? We didn’t either, but the season 8 contestant made it to the final 36. A Queerty reader informed us that Marshall, instantly recognizable by his tattoos, has now embarked on a gay porn career under the name Jadyn Daniels. See this very NSFWlink for more information on his first film, which will be available June 2.Watch a clip of Marshall on Idol when he admitted to being a “bit crazy” and having a “loud personality.”
via gay men puerto rico - Google News on 5/31/13
 New York Daily News |
Gay Pride Parade hits Queens on Sunday
New York Daily News “Twenty years ago, gay people were afraid to show their faces in public,” Krumholz said. This year's festival will also feature openly-gay boxer and Olympian Orlando Cruz. “I am proud to be who I am — Puerto Rican andgay,” Cruz said in a statement. and more » |
via gay men puerto rico - Google News on 5/31/13
Coming Out As Bisexual: 'Real L Word' Star Whitney, Bree Essrig Join 'The ...
Huffington Post Daryl Hannah, director of media and community partnerships for the Gayand Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said, "[The support for Frank is] an extension of the overall kind of support we're seeing across the country for LGBT people, and not just ... and more » "Gay Puerto Rico" bundle created by Mike Nova
A bundle is a collection of blogs and websites hand-selected by your friend on a particular topic or interest. You can keep up to date with them all in one place by subscribing in Google Reader.
There are
via Gay Puerto Rico's Facebook Wall by Gay Puerto Rico on 5/31/13
Gay Pride Parade hits Queens on Sunday - New York Daily News
New York Daily News Gay Pride Parade hits Queens on Sunday New York Daily News “Twenty years ago, gay people were afraid to show their faces in public,” Krumholz said. This year's …  Gay Pride Parade hits Queens on Sunday - New York Daily News
via Gay Puerto Rico's Facebook Wall by Gay Puerto Rico on 5/31/13
Gay Marriage 2013 Puerto Rico Makes Anti LGBT Discrimination Illegal - PolicyMic
PolicyMic Gay Marriage 2013 Puerto Rico Makes Anti LGBT Discrimination Illegal PolicyMic Puerto Rico has gradually become a more LGBT-friendly place in the Caribbean …  Gay Marriage 2013 Puerto Rico Makes Anti LGBT Discrimination Illegal - PolicyMic
via Gay Puerto Rico's Facebook Wall by Gay Puerto Rico on 5/31/13
Gay Marriage 2013 Puerto Rico Makes Anti LGBT Discrimination Illegal - PolicyMic
PolicyMic Gay Marriage 2013 Puerto Rico Makes Anti LGBT Discrimination Illegal PolicyMic The future for LGBT individuals in Puerto Rico finally looks more promising … Gay Marriage 2013 Puerto Rico Makes Anti LGBT Discrimination Illegal - PolicyMic
via Queerty by Jeremy Kinser on 5/31/13
Cruising
Arguably the most controversial gay-themed movie ever made, Cruising stars Al Pacino as a jittery cop who infiltrates New York’s S/M scene to investigate a series of unsettling gay murders. Director William Friedkin’s 1980 mystery, which inspired James Franco’s recent Interior. Leather Bar., remains one of cinema’s most unfairly-maligned thrillers. It’s again available on DVD after a lengthy moratorium. Watch the trailer below.
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