Thursday, May 3, 2007
Bush to Veto Hate Crimes Bill
Chalk it up to an amazingly idiotic dis-information campaign by the religious right ("with invocations of the "thought police," etc.)
Friday, April 27, 2007
Who to Root AGAINST in 2008
So, which Republican candidate for President should you be most afraid of?
Here are the results from the American Family Association's online straw poll:
Democrats | Republicans | ||
Joe Biden | 126 vote(s) | Sam Brownback | 5,084 vote(s) |
Hillary Clinton | 2,160 | Jim Gilmore | 170 |
Chris Dodd | 27 | Newt Gingrich | 16,909 |
John Edwards | 3,457 | Rudy Giuliani | 9,943 |
Barack Obama | 2,669 | Chuck Hagel | 113 |
Bill Richardson | 316 | Mike Huckabee | 5,084 |
| | Duncan Hunter | 1,034 |
| | John McCain | 8,262 |
| | Ron Paul | 3,590 |
| | Mitt Romney | 13,557 |
| | Fred Thompson | 42,951 |
| | Tommy Thompson | 762 |
| | Tom Tancredo | 3,358 |
So, if Fred Thompson wins, pack your bags and buy a plane ticket to Sweden...
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Legislative Progress
In Iowa, a comprehensive LGBT anti-discrimination bill won approval in the Iowa House of Representatives yesterday. The Senate has already passed the bill, and the governor has said he will sign it.
In Oregon, a same-sex domestic partnership bill cleared a key senate subcommittee today. The Oregon House has already approved the proposal, and the governor has indicated his support for the bill.
Finally, a federal LGBT hate crimes law was approved by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee today.
Woohoo!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Spitzer Hearts Sanjaya
Yesterday, we reported that Eliot Spitzer - the governor of New York - is drafting a gay marriage bill.
A week or so ago, we posted an item titled "Sanjaya is my (Homosexual) Papaya."
Then today - amazingly enough - we saw an item that combined both our love of Spitzer and our uncomfortable interest in Sanjaya.
At last night's White House Press Correspondents' dinner, Spitzer went up to Sanjaya, told him he was a fan, and asked for his autograph!
So basically, our heads are about to explode...
Monday, April 23, 2007
Adam Sandler is a Gay Poseur
New York, NY (AHN) - Funnyman Adam Sandler says his upcoming comedy, "I Pronounce You Chuck And Larry," has a message.
"This movie says there's nothing wrong with being gay," he told Newsweek. "There's just something wrong with being gay for Kevin James."
Co-stars Sandler and James play a pair of straight firemen who enter into a domestic partnership in order for widower Larry's (James) kids to be named as the beneficiaries to his life insurance policy.
To keep their plot from being discovered, the two must act as real newlyweds, according to ComingSoon.net.
"I know Kevin, and it's kind of a strange thing to have to play," Sandler joked with Newsweek. "So to ease the tension, before the first day of shooting, we had sex with each other. ..."It's an old tip I picked up from working with (Jack) Nicholson."
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 20.
Gay Marriage in New York
Spitzer has, from the start of his political career, endorsed same-sex marriage. Throughout his gubernatorial campaign, Spitzer reiterated his pro-gay position.
Even so, everyone thought it would take time before Spitzer diverted his attention from issues like health care reform and rampant cronyism to gay marriage.
In other words, "Wow, that was fast!"
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Domestic Partnerships for Washington
Pretty soon, same sex couples will be able to drive from Seattle to San Diego with some form of legal recognition.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Fred Phelps Cancels Virginia Tech Protest
Mike Gallagher - the syndicated, conservative, talk-show host - offered his airtime to Fred Phelps in exchange for Phelps' agreement not to protest the funerals of slain Virginia Tech Students.
In a personal message on his website, Gallagher explains:
"I am proud when a radio show like mine can actually do something good for people. Most times, those of us with a radio show or newspaper column can just talk about issues. Once in awhile, we can literally stop a horrible event in its tracks. This is one of those times. And whether you agree or disagree with me, I just wanted you to know -- from me -- why we're doing this."
The wisdom of giving Phelps airtime notwithstanding, it amazes us how these conservatives are willing to compromise their convictions when fag-hating is involved.
If intolerant conservatives want to compromise their values and "do something good for people," here's an idea: HOW ABOUT NOT BEING SO HOMOPHOBIC?!?!
Vote Cinthia for Prom King
In Fresno, A Transgender Student Runs for Prom King
"I would never have run for anything if I had to wear a dress," said Cynthia.
In response, we echo the classmate of Cynthia's who had this to say:
"It's not like the stereotype where the king has to be a jock and he's there with the cheerleaders anymore...We live in a generation now where dudes are chicks and chicks are dudes."
Woah...Are You Guys Brothers?!?! (Happy 4/20!)
1) Don't smoke weed and drive
2) Don't smoke weed: You might make make out with your best friend
3) Straight boys are silly.
We endorse all three.
A Gaggle of Lesbians
Click here to find out: 'I'm a Man!' Lesbian Growled During Fight
Oregon Is Not for Haters
We at the Opus Gay have known for some time that these bills would pass. This is the reason Oregon is colored a dark Blue in the Rightswatch infographic at the top left of the page.
If you want to get a good sense of how gay rights is progressing in the various states (but don't want to take the time to read a whole lot), just take a gander at the Opus Gay's Rightswatch Graphic. Red means bad, blue means good, and grey means nothing. The darker the blue or red, the better or worse things are. Got it? Good.
Here is the inspiration for our color scheme:
Love Thy (Homomosexual) Neighbor
Did that wake you up - the fact that 22.9% of Americans don't want a gay neighbor?
Well...it didn't surprise us either. In fact, if anything, we're pleasantly surprised with being roughly half as popular as Muslims...
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Kids These Days...Sigh...
Though I am slightly offended, I can't help but giggle. If I were the principal in question, I'd find my students' inability to write more offensive than the substantive content of the web page.
Anyways...brb...I gotta go add "the dick" to the "interests" section on my MySpace page...
Unprotected "Research"
Bruce Atkinson (pictured), an MP from the Liberal party, said he went to the club because he was concerned about the spread of HIV.
Said Atkinson, "You have 30 or 40 men who were engaged in all sorts of sexual acts and it was dark and they couldn't possibly tell who they were involved with."
Even so, I doubt Atkinson would have gotten much action (supposing - as we do - that he were so inclined).
If only Ted Haggard had thought of this angle. Instead of being ousted from his pulpit for sodomy and drug use, he might have been hailed for his "outreach" efforts...
New Hampshire Gov.: Civil Unions? Fine by me.
The New Hampshire House passed the bill last month, and on Thursday, the New Hampshire Senate is almost certain to do the same.
If the bill passes, it will be the first time an American state has approved any kind of same-sex union without the impetus of a legal battle.
Yay.
The Butt of Jokes and The Joke of Butts...until recently
The New York Times ran a great article today about how mainstream American males are embracing fun underwear.
Among the fun things I learned by reading the article: "Ginch Gonch" is Canadian slang for underwear!
Here's the link: But What If You Get Hit By A Taxi?
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
UPDATE: The Daily Show on Steve Stanton (Video)
Well, here's the video!
Sanjaya is my (Homosexual?) Papaya
Sanjaya, Sanaya, Sanjaya...
Everybody is talking about Sanjaya. He's so popular that Papaya sales are up, like, a gajillion percent this month.
And the boy is obviously gay? Right?
Oh C'mon! It's Obvious!
Or is it?
Well...we're not the only ones that are troubled by Sanjaya's sexuality (And no: you're not a loser for asking these questions yourself), because Time Magazine reports:
"Of all of the searches for Sanjaya over the last four weeks, 41% were searching on variations of his name, "Sanjaya," or "Sanjaya Malakar," and various misspellings. At least 2.9% searched for information on Sanjaya's sister, who didn't make the cut on the show. The next most popular search topic regarded questions about Sanjaya's sexual orientation, with searches such as "Sanjaya Malakar gay," "Sanjaya gay" and "is Sanjaya gay?" What's missing are searches related to Sanjaya's musical selection or talent."
Feel Better?
And by the way, I was joking about Papaya sales!
Or was I...
HAPPY NATIONAL DAY OF SILENCE
Several states, cities, and communities had chosen yesterday to organize so-called "Gay? Fine by me." days. Many of these were cancelled due to the percieved incongruity between wearing a fun T-shirt and mourning the victims of the Virginia Tech Massacre (We don't really get it, but oh well...)
Anyways...the National Day of Silence was not cancelled. Students across the country are encouraged to keep quiet today, and, if any one asks, they are to pass out a 'speaking card' with the following text:
"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies in schools. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?"
So feel free to turn your back on that annoying teacher...and go ahead and stare silently at that guy in the locker room. It's for a good cause...
The Daily Show on Steve Stanton
Mr. Stanton's firing was nothing more than a witch-hunt, and The Daily Show definitely captured the homophobic flavor of the affair.
Here is a partial transcript (although we recommend that you watch the re-run tomorrow morning/night):
Rob Riggle (correspondent): When 'Steve' announced that he was going to become 'Susan,' 'Steve' found himself out of a job.
Steve Stanton: I was fired because I'm a...uh...transgendered individual.
Rob Riggle: That's a charge Largo city leaders strongly deny.
Robert E. Jackson (Fmr. Largo City Mayor): You see, Steve was fired because people lost the trust in him. Transgendered had nuthin' to do with it.
Rob Riggle: Okay. If Steve Stanton walked into your office in a dress, and said: 'I wanna be your city manager, P.S: I'm cutting my penis off?'
Robert E. Jackson: ...I would say, 'please give me your resignation today. I don't think...that behavior - of cross-dressing - is in the best interest of the City of Largo.'
Rob Riggle: After fourteen years of service, positive feedback, multiple raises, and good reviews, you gotta go?
Robert E. Jackson: You better believe it.
Rob Riggle: Well what if he wore a pantsuit? Look at Hillary: it's working for her!
Robert E. Jackson: No! I don't wanna know what goes on in your bedroom, or wherever it is they get together...I guess the bathroom or the parks or something...
Rob Riggle: You heard it from the Mayor: if you like anonymous sex, come to the bathroom in the Largo City Park.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Go Soulforce, Go!
Many of you have probably heard of the Soulforce Equality Ride. Basically, it's a group of Christian GLBT people who are going around the country, visiting schools that condemn homosexuality.
As you can imagine, these visits are rarely cause for optimism. Usually, news stories about Soulforce go something like this:
JESUSLAND, VA (AP). Homosexual agenda-pushers - travelling on a flamboyant bus - tried to force their way into Fred Phelps University today. All the queers were arrested, and townspeople spray-painted their bus with homophobic slurs. University spokesman, Leviticus Iscoolio, condemned the protest.
Well...things are looking up for the Soulforce crew. Several weeks after eight Soulforce riders were arrested at Brigham Young University, the school modified its policy towards queers (though a university spokesperson insisted the change had nothing to do with Soulforce).
Then, Gordon College - a conservative, evangelical school in Wenham Mass. - decided to welcome to Soulforce riders to their campus.
Gordon College student John Stoeckle, the executive president of the student association, had the following to say: "I don't believe in a fortress-like approach to life...I find myself growing and realizing that the world is also a very complicated place, and we're often not really very good at loving people. We let beliefs become abstractions, and not people. And we have students at Gordon who are homosexual and really struggle with being here."
If that doesn't make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I don't know what will...
"David loved Jonathan more than women." II Samuel 1:26
Having broached the subject of that crazy ole' coot Phelps, I figured I'd mention a more uplifting story on the intersection between religion and sexuality.
An Indiana church is organizing an outdoor advertising campaign that challenges people to question their assumptions about the Bible and homosexuality.
The church that's paying for these billboards?
The MCC, or Metropolitan Community Church (which, on the philosophical spectrum of Jesus-centric organized religion- sits roughly one billion miles away from the Westboro Baptist Church).
Fred Phelps and the Virginia Tech Massacre
At this point, it's just a rumor - though it is corroborated somewhat by the church's website. It seems that the good ole' WBC feels that yesterday's massacre is divine retribution for this country's fag-loving ways.
Seems odd that God would choose a conservative Virginia university to make his point...
Fred Phelps' God's view notwithstanding: my condolences.
UPDATE:
Here is a quote from the church's website:
"WBC will preach at the funerals of the Virginia Tech students killed on campus during a shooting rampage April 16, 2007. You describe this as monumental horror, but you know nothing of horror -- yet. Your bloody tyrant Bush says he is 'horrified' by it all. You know nothing of horror -- yet. Your true horror is coming. 'They shall also gird themselves with sackloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads' (Eze. 7:18).
Why did this happen, you ask? It's simple. Your military chose to shoot at the servants of God today, and all they got for their effort was terror. Then, the LORD your God sent a crazed madman to shoot at your children. Was God asleep while this took place? Was He on vacation? Of course not. He willed this to happen to punish you for assailing His servants."
FLASHBACK:A 'Savage' Attack : Though Phelps is undoubtedly an outlier, he's not the only one who has blamed school shootings on the GLBT community. A couple of weeks ago, Michael Savage - the nationally-syndicated, conservative, talk-show host - did the same thing.
Here is a good comparison of Phelps, Savage, and others: Citing more sex-change operations, increased lesbian fertility clinics, Savage said of 9-11: "That was God speaking"
ASIDE:
It's a sad day, and I don't think we can count on Fred Phelps to make it any better.
So I thought I'd re-post this little news clip to cheer you up:
Friday, April 13, 2007
Matthew Shepard's Law
This time around (many similar bills have been introduced over the last decade), the bill's supporters are doing a better job of marketing. They plan to name it after Matthew Shepard (pictured). Second choice: "The Flags for Orphans Bill." (Simpsons reference...sorry.)
Anyways, I give the bill about a 90% chance of passing.
It's looking to be a good year for gay rights...
Thursday, April 12, 2007
"Homosexuality More Dangerous Than Smoking"
Turns out there was this crazy old coot in the gallery during the committee vote who wanted to read an article entitled "Homosexuality More Dangerous Than Smoking." Well that, of course caught my attention.
The article in question summarizes a "scientific" study done by the highly-regarded "Family Research Institute." Forthcoming studies include "Gay People Eat Children" and "Gay People Throw Feces at Each Other." Ugh....does anyone take these people seriously?!?!
Oh yeah: about a third of America...
Anyways, here's the article: Homosexuality More Dangerous Than Smoking
Lesbarus
Just the other day, I thought to myself "Hmmm...maybe I'll get me one of those Mini Coopers."
Then I read this article: Gay by Design, or a Lifestyle Choice?
And now, I'm not so sure.
By the way, why do lesbians get all the fun, automotive puns? "Lesbarus?" "Dykes on Bikes?"
It's not fair.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Civil Unions in New Hampshire
This would have an interesting effect on the prominence of LGBT issues during the primaries.
Given that New Hampshire is the second primary state, passage of the bill will make it all but impossible for presidential candidates to avoid talking about civil unions fairly early in their campaigns.
Exhibit #1: Dodd asks: What if your child were gay?
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
The Glass Closet
Extra! Extra! Anderson Cooper is Gay!
Hardly news, but the article has received considerable attention.
UPDATE: 2 days after I posted this item, Anderson hosted a program on Religion and Homosexuality. It's part of this series he's doing on Christians and Sex.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
You're One of Us Now! Muhaha...
Prager writes,
It is difficult to identify a more morally repellent act -- outside of violence -- than "outing" a gay person for political gain. Yet, those who "out" gay conservatives defend their actions -- and they do so by blaming their victims.
Of course, the premise required to pull off this "remarkable" argument is that being gay is indeed horrible. Hardly surprising - yet it is rare to see conservative blatherings that are so transparently reliant on a disapproval of homosexuality.
This is also a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Karl Rove is notorious for questioning the sexuality of political adversaries. Remember the Bush administration's efforts to discredit Joseph Wilson (Valerie Plame's husband) by portraying him as a flamboyant, girly-man?
At least when gay rights advocates or liberals "out" political opponents, it is not with a belief that they are accusing those opponents of something horrible.
On 'Outing' Gay Conservatives
Monday, April 2, 2007
How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love Your Mom
Anyways...today the NYT ran a heart-warming account of how a progressive family in the Northeast dealt with their son's coming out at age 12.
Uplifting? Yes.
At the same time, however, it does inspire a bit of jealousy on my part.
The mother of the boy is quoted as saying “Coming out was the best thing for him...We ask him, ‘Why didn’t you come out in fifth grade?’ ”
'Tis bittersweet for those of us whose parents might ask, "Why did you come out at all?"
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Gay Cousins
That said, I'm not sure if I'm entirely comfortable with gay cousins sleeping together.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
A 'Savage' attack...
Silly Savage. Transgedered people are Fierce, not Murderous.
Update: Obama Shirtless
And here's a link (love the pun):
'Fit' to be President?
It's not the greatest body in the world, but the president is right about one thing: NO ONE would want to see Dennis Hastert in a similar pose.
....shudder....
"Sleek, hairless pecs glistening in the surf"
Here's a quote from his speech to the Radio and Television Correspondents dinner last night that supports my theory:
"By the way, I’m not sure whether or not Senator Obama is here — the last I heard he was not coming to the Radio and TV Correspondents dinner — not enough press. People Magazine recently had a photo of the Senator there on the beach in Hawaii, his sleek, hairless pecs glistening in the surf. It shows how biased the press is. Have you ever seen a shot like that of Denny Hastert?"
I would argue that anyone who is willing to joke like that does not have a huge problem with homosexuality. Either way: LOL.
Here is a link to an article that includes a full transcript of Bush's speech: Bush and Rove Let It Loose, For a Bit.
Post-mortem
A 72-year old activist in Detroit who was beaten in what preliminarily appeared to be a homophobic attack, his subsequent death increased political support for including GLBT protections in federal hate crime legislation.
Well, the big story in gay news outlets today is that the relevant medical examiner has ruled that Anthos' death was unrelated to any alleged attack.
But, as the Detroit Free Press asks, "Does it matter how he died?" Does anyone really doubt that gay people sometimes endure harassment or physical violence because they are gay? There are plenty of potential poster children for LGBT hate crimes. Let's move on.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
For those of you who aren't MySpace friends with John McCain
John McCain MySpace Page Hacked: Now 'Supports' Lesbian Marriage
Mr. Silverfox
Upon further reflection, I realize that anyone who changes their name to "Julio Roberto Silverwolf" is newsworthy - especially when the name change follows a FTM sex change!
It kinda reminds me of the time Homer Simpson changed his name to Max Powers (he got the name off a blow dryer) - only with a neat, gender-bending twist. I hope things go as well for Mr. Silverwolf as they did for Homer...
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
What's the difference between a lesbian and a Catholic?
As for the answer to my riddle? Any thoughts?
A Reason to Be Hopeful! (Re: Race and Sexuality)
Hypocritical? Understandable? or just Sad? - On Race and Sexuality
The NYT ran a great article today about historically African-American churches whose leaders have come out in favor of gay rights. While it's hardly news that some of these leaders have come under fire for such views, the magnitude of the effect in terms of lost parishioners is - to say the least - dispiriting. Indeed, one such pastor lost almost his entire flock when he voted to support the blessing of same-sex unions.
Of course, it's no secret that racial and sexual minorities have had an uneasy relationship. I wonder though: does this reflect a specific aspect of how black people are inclined to think about gays (think hip-hop culture, sexism, etc.)? or is this a reflection of the religiosity and other characteristics of the African-American population as a whole (think income levels, geographic distribution, etc.)? Most theories focus on species of the former explanation, while I am inclined to believe the latter.
It is worth noting that many Caucasian gay people have some negative feelings towards black people that definitely can not be explained away by referring to the demographics of the gay community as a whole. Given all the recent attention that has surrounded homophobic statements by prominent black men (Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington and former NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway) , I think it's important to remember that this phenomenon - whatever the explanations behind it - is a two-way street. Furthermore, Caucasian gays may be even more culpable.
"Clarification," or "Why Gay People Can't Climb"
Well...because a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth like a bajillion. Ergo, here's a video that should give you a flavor of what I'm talking about:
Think ENDA, not N'Sync
At present, no website completely satisfies me in this regard. Some sites put too much emphasis on the gay side of the equation (think stories about Elton John). Other sites put too much emphasis on news (think general stories about Hillary that are acutely irrelevant to any gay political issue).
I'm hoping to steer a middle course that will be more focused, and - at least to me - more interesting. Think ENDA; not N'Sync...
"Ok, sure, whatever," you may say. "But what is the origin and significance of the title of this blog?"
To that I would reply "If you don't already know, then you probably wouldn't care."
If I were in a slightly more charitable mood, however, I would tell you that the origin of the name is "an extremely funny segment from the Daily Show with John Stewart." And the Significance? "It makes me laugh."
Ok, Ok, here's the clip: http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Video_Daily_Show_reveals_Opus_Gay_1011.html