Same Sex Marriage Passes in New Hampshire Senate 13-11!

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Wednesday April 29, 2009 · 12:07 PM PDT

2009/04/29 · 12:07

G'afternoon Kossacks!

As of now, it appears that New Hampshire's Senate has passed the gay marriage bill HB 436 in a vote of 13 Yea, 11 nay. This news is coming from reporter Tom Fahey at the The Union Leader, in New Hampshire. This news is still coming to light, so I'll try to update it today as I learn more. I'm sorry that this diary is rather brief, and so I'll work to update it. Click Here for Kos's entry on the New Hampshire developments, or Here for another diary on the matter from Freedapeople.

Poll

69 votes Show Results

What's your reaction to this news?

69 votes Vote Now!

What's your reaction to this news?

This is a good step towards equality.

56 votes

I'm stunned, but the marriage bill passage is awesome!

8 votes

I'm not sure ... I need to learn more.

1 vote

I have a mixed reaction about this situation.

1 vote

I have no opinion.

0 votes

Pie ;-)

3 votes

Congress Votes on Matthew Shepard-Hate Crimes Act Tomorrow (Please call/write your Reps)

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Tuesday April 28, 2009 · 11:13 AM PDT

2009/04/28 · 11:13

G'afternoon Kossacks,

Tomorrow, the United States House of Representatives will vote on the Matthew Shepard Act, also known as the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 (H.R. 1913). This important Act would provide federal assistance to states, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes that are perpetrated because of homophobia. In other words, this Act would help to provide local law enforcement agencies with the needed money to investigate and deter hate crimes against people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. This Act would amend pre-existing hate crime laws so that they would include sexual orientation and gender identity.

Below, you will see Matthew Shepard - the person for whom this Act is named. In October 1998, Shepard was tortured and killed by Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson because Shepard was gay. McKinney and Henderson are now in jail. It's the hope of many people that this Act will deter further hate crimes. I've got a couple of resources below the fold, but most of all, We need your voice!
::

Poll

48 votes Show Results

What do you think are the chances of HR1913 passing?

48 votes Vote Now!

What do you think are the chances of HR1913 passing?

It will definitely pass in the House of Representatives!

20 votes

There's a 85% chance or so...

13 votes

Maybe like a 50-50 chance of this passing...

7 votes

Not much of a chance... Less than 50% chance

2 votes

This legislation will just barely pass...

4 votes

I have no opinion....

0 votes

I don't know... I haven't been following this...

1 vote

Where's my pie?

1 vote

For Love: Steve & Ricardo's Cartoon on Immigration Equality

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Sunday April 26, 2009 · 10:43 AM PDT

2009/04/26 · 10:43

G'morning Kossacks,

As I was reading through the blogs this morning, I found an interesting cartoon about the upcoming UAFA bill (H.R. 1024, or S. 424). I found this video on www.PamsHouseBlend.com. The UAFA bill, or "Uniting American Families Act" is a bill that would enable gay and lesbian Americans to sponsor their loved ones who are from foreign countries. This bill has been introduced by Senator Leahy (D-VT) and Respresentative Nadler (D-NY). The cartoon below - from Youtube - describes the issue a bit more in-depth by dramatizing the situation through Steve and Ricardo's relationship. I have a bit more information below the fold, along with some ideas about how you can help to get this bill moving.

Poll

18 votes Show Results

What do you think of Steve and Ricardo's message?

18 votes Vote Now!

What do you think of Steve and Ricardo's message?

They're fantastic! They've got me thinking about writing my U.S. Reps :o)

5 votes

It's okay, but I need to learn more about the UAFA bill :- l

1 vote

I've already written my Reps and I'm involved in other ways :oD

2 votes

I'm not an American citizen, and I'm still supporting this bill! ;>)

1 vote

I have no opinion... :O}

0 votes

Meh. Where's my pie? :^/

1 vote

Yay for Ricardo and Steve!!!

8 votes

questions & responses with teh gays

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Thursday April 23, 2009 · 12:18 PM PDT

2009/04/23 · 12:18

A couple days ago, I was reading a great DailyKos diary written by a longtime Kossack BFSkinner. In the diary, BFSkinner opened up "the floor" for questions. So what were the questions you ask? Well, to explain briefly -- the diary was written so that Kossacks could ask questions about gay life, interests, and other fun things. I thought that diary was really interesting and useful because it promoted the chance to talk about matters that are often "swept under the rug by mainstream society" And that's one of the things that I often try to work on -- creating more opportunities for dialogue and socializing with teh gays. I hope this kind of diary can open those conversations. So this diary is both a recognition of BFSkinner's awesome diary (thanks buddy!), and also, it opens the door for more gay chit-chat and reflections. A personal story follows below the fold...

Poll

51 votes Show Results

Gay-Trivia: Do you know what the letters stand for in the acronym LGBTQIQ2S? (See the Tip Jar for Answer...)

51 votes Vote Now!

Gay-Trivia: Do you know what the letters stand for in the acronym LGBTQIQ2S? (See the Tip Jar for Answer...)

Sure do! I'm fully up to speed on the lingo...

8 votes

Well, I know most of them... (more than half!)

18 votes

I'm struggling with 1 or 2 of them...

13 votes

Can't say that I do...

2 votes

I have no opinion on this...

1 vote

Meh... Pie

1 vote

Whooooa, that's a ginormous acronym!

3 votes

Yay for gay trivia on DailyKos! Woohoo!!!

5 votes

Brian Williams, Pulitzer & How the Pentagon Owns TV Media

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Tuesday April 21, 2009 · 4:56 PM PDT

2009/04/21 · 16:56

Common Dreams reporter Glenn Greenwald deserves the credit for bringing this to our attention. Some of you may be familiar with the New York Times journalist David Barstow. If you're not aware, you should know that he wrote articles, which exposed how the Pentagon had co-opted former Military personnel who now work in the Media. The people co-opted by the military were working in major media companies, such as NBC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN and Fox in 2008. This NYTimes journalist won the Pulitzer because he exposed that these companies had, in several ways, contributed to the war's endless progression and justification. In other words, Barstow showed how the Pentagon used their former employees' positions in the mainstream TV media to advance Bush's agenda. Here's one of Barstow's pieces that won the Pulitzer: Link. Notably, Glenn Greenwald points out that this week, Brian Williams at NBC News would not acknowledge the media's involvement or how Barstow's Pulitzer had reported on Williams' own company (NBC). And more details follow below the fold...

Poll

24 votes Show Results

How do you feel about this? (You knew this poll was coming...)

24 votes Vote Now!

How do you feel about this? (You knew this poll was coming...)

I'm surprised frankly, but still trying to learn more...

3 votes

This makes me hopping mad!

6 votes

It's a mad mad world, and with Bush as Prez, this is to be expected...

5 votes

I have no opinion...

0 votes

Thank God for the Pulitzer committee!

8 votes

I'm too much in shock about this...WTF?

1 vote

Meh. Pie.

1 vote

Action Needed: Help Pass U.S. Legislation on Hate Crimes

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Monday April 20, 2009 · 3:50 PM PDT

2009/04/20 · 15:50

As some of you may know, the House Judiciary Committee will be having a vote on Wednesday the 22nd about an important bill concerning hate crimes. It's the "Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, or Matthew Shepard Act" (i.e., HR 1913). So on this Wednesday, the Judiciary Committee in the House of Reps will be voting about: what to do with this significant bill. For instance, will they give it the greenlight? We need as many "yes's" as possible to mobilize this legislation & get a vote on it. In the following, I explain a bit more about the act and who are your reps that are voting. We can definitely use some help, and I will make it easy for you to make your voice heard, I promise!

Poll

23 votes Show Results

What are the chances for passing H.R. 1913 into law?

23 votes Vote Now!

What are the chances for passing H.R. 1913 into law?

I think there's a great chance of getting this passed! WooHoo!

7 votes

I'd say maybe there's like a 75% chance we get it through...

8 votes

Hmmm, maybe 50-50?

6 votes

With all these Repubs, I don't know...

1 vote

I have no opinion on this...

1 vote

Pope Benedict XVI Criticizes AIDS Groups and Belgium

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Friday April 17, 2009 · 5:51 PM PDT

2009/04/17 · 17:51

Today, the gay news website www.365gay.com (and the Associated Press) is reporting that Pope Benedict XVI is now accusing AIDS groups of "intimidation." This news comes in response to the Pope's stance on condoms, and also, in reaction to the criticism he received for his comments about AIDS in Africa. For some context, I should explain that Pope Benedict said, "condoms weren’t the answer to Africa’s AIDS epidemic and could make the problem worse." What? Condoms could make the AIDS pandemic WORSE?!?! WTF? Because of these comments, the Pope sparked a firestorm of debate, as many of you may know. But now, the Pope is trying to accuse AIDS groups of silencing him and his views. In other words, he's blaming AIDS groups to shift the media narrative and tell people who's really wrong and disrespectful to the papacy. It's a sad strategy, to say the least.

Poll

60 votes Show Results

What do you think of Pope Benedict's reaction?

60 votes Vote Now!

What do you think of Pope Benedict's reaction?

Benedict is playing the victim, when he himself made an error...

8 votes

I wasn't aware this was going on...

0 votes

The issue is much bigger: The Pope's views are misinforming people!

31 votes

I can't begin to express my outrage...

12 votes

The Pope? Meh. Where's my pie?

8 votes

I have no opinion...

1 vote

Undoing Don't Ask, Don't Tell: Rep. Murphy Leads the Charge! (updated w/info)

Hybridity

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Friday April 10, 2009 · 11:23 AM PDT

2009/04/10 · 11:23

It appears that numerous people are thrilled to hear about a new leader, who will try to undo DADT (Don't Ask Don't Tell). For those who might not know, DADT has caused gays and lesbians in the Armed Forces to remain silent and hide their identities - as well as - it has been the cause of thousands of unfair discharges. According to the DADT link above, over 13,000 men and women have been discharged. Yes, that's right, 13,000 talented soldiers have been cast-out because of who they love. Unbelievable, right? News sources are now passing along some news that Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA) will be one of the major sponsors, who will try to pass legislation, which would repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This news is mostly being taken from Rollcall.com, where the story suggests that Congressman Murphy will be one of the leading voices to undo the Don't Ask Don't Tell policies/laws in place. More details follow below from Roll Call, as well as some personal reactions....

Poll

38 votes Show Results

What do you think of Murphy's new role?

38 votes Vote Now!

What do you think of Murphy's new role?

This could lead to some good things...

27 votes

I'm not quite sure yet...

1 vote

He isn't the best dude for the job...

1 vote

I have no opinion...

1 vote

Whether or not Murphy's good, I'm glad to hear there's a development...

6 votes

Murphy? Meh... Who knew?

2 votes

Thoughtful or Unethical? Mom Extracts Son's Sperm

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Thursday April 09, 2009 · 10:43 AM PDT

2009/04/09 · 10:43

MSNBC.com is reporting on a new story from Austin, Texas. I have to wonder if this story will lead to as much debate as the OctoMom story that will just never die. In this most recent story, a mother - Marissa Evans has received approval to harvest her dead son's sperm. Her reasoning for this is - "I want to keep a piece of him." Evans's goal is to one day have a surrogate pregnancy so her son will live on through children. The question is - Is she taking this too far? More follows below...

Poll

185 votes Show Results

What do you make of this? Thoughtful? Unethical?

185 votes Vote Now!

What do you make of this? Thoughtful? Unethical?

The mother made the right choice...

23 votes

I'm unsure. This is totally new and complicated...

40 votes

I wouldn't have done this like the mother did...

46 votes

I have no opinion...

24 votes

I'm still in disbelief...

52 votes

Upcoming Vote on Hawaii's Gay Civil Unions: Spread the Word!

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Sunday February 22, 2009 · 4:21 PM PST

2009/02/22 · 16:21

If you could empower thousands of people, perhaps millions - Would you do it? If you have a few minutes, we could really use your voice, or written word because it could help those thousands of people who have been denied equal rights for too long. The people I'm talking about are - the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Hawaii and beyond. This week, the state senators of Hawaii will be considering a civil unions bill (H.B. 444 HD 1) which passed in the state's house of representatives a week ago. In the local newspaper of Hawaii - The Honolulu Advertiser - the reporter Derrick DePledge explains, "A civil unions bill likely will move forward at the state Legislature despite opposition from one lawmaker who had been seen as holding a crucial vote on the controversial issue." So now, I'm writing to ask for you to contribute to the dialogue.

Poll

16 votes Show Results

What could you do to help support equality?

16 votes Vote Now!

What could you do to help support equality?

I'll write a letter and make a phone call!

5 votes

I'll probably do one of the above to help or something else...

0 votes

I don't know enough to help, unfortunately...

3 votes

I have no opinion as of now...

1 vote

I will call my friends in Hawaii and talk it up!

2 votes

I'll login to HonoluluAdvertiser.com and tell why equality is important!

5 votes

Kansas Library Restricts Access to Sexuality Books (Updated)

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Saturday February 21, 2009 · 1:49 PM PST

2009/02/21 · 13:49

As some of you may know, The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library has now restricted access to at least 4 books about sexuality. This decision was made by the library's Board of Trustees in a vote of 5-3 (as of this past Thursday, I believe). The restrictions created directly affect minors. Now, because of this new rule, young people will have fewer resources to understand sexuality, which is a fundamental aspect of the humanity. The books being restricted are: 1.) The Lesbian Kama Sutra 2.) The Joy of Gay Sex, 3.) Sex for Busy People: The Art of the Quickie for Lovers on the Go; and 4.) The Joy of Sex. Some more thoughts, reflections and questions to you follow below the fold...

Poll

296 votes Show Results

Should these library materials be restricted and out of reach of Minors?

296 votes Vote Now!

Should these library materials be restricted and out of reach of Minors?

No, of course not. Restricting books like these is idiocy...

218 votes

I don't like the idea of restricting access, but I can understand it...

24 votes

It's not my decision to make...

2 votes

WTF!?! Restricting books to the people who need them?????

47 votes

I have no opinion...

5 votes

Utah State Senator Ousted from Committees for Homophobia

Hybridity

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Friday February 20, 2009 · 12:43 PM PST

2009/02/20 · 12:43

The Salt Lake Tribune has issued a follow-up story to the most recent GOP disaster in Utah: State Senator Chris Buttars's anti-gay remarks. You can find the first DailyKos diary about this story over at the page of ragged claws scuttling, but I wanted to give a follow up. Today, the Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that State Senator Buttars has been removed from 2 of his committees by the senate officials, including Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville. More follows below the fold.

Poll

62 votes Show Results

Though it's tough to know, How much longer do you think Buttars will plague the state of Utah?

62 votes Vote Now!

Though it's tough to know, How much longer do you think Buttars will plague the state of Utah?

Another a few days or so, hopefully... :o)

5 votes

Probably much longer than a week, sadly... :^O

6 votes

Somehow, I doubt his tirade will cause him to leave... :o(

31 votes

Not until next election cycle at least... :^(

11 votes

I haven't been following this story, so I'm unaware of this.... :-/

3 votes

I can't think because the Buttars makes me mad... :-{

6 votes

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