That's really what this diary is...a compilation of stories that I found interesting this week and have not seen diaried here. And, surprise, they have something to do with teh gay. Please feel free to post links in the comments about any news stories that I have missed.
This first one, I must admit, surprised me. I am not a big Howard Stern fan...I just don't find him terribly funny...but to hear him stand up for equal rights for GLBTs and take on his own listeners has certainly earned him my respect. Follow the link below for a transcript of the conversation.
"Howard Stern Defends Gays, Again"
I'm sure that all of you have seen this video...but it still infuriates me. So, without further ado, I give you Virginia Foxx:
Her statement responding to public outcry was little better.
It has come to my attention that some people have been led to believe that I think the terrible crimes that led to Matthew Shepard's death in 1998 were a hoax," she said. "The term "hoax" was a poor choice of words used in the discussion of the hate crimes bill. Mr. Shepard's death was nothing less than a tragedy and those responsible for his death certainly deserved the punishment they received.
"The larger context of my remarks is important. I was referring to a 2004 ABC 20/20 report on Mr. Shepard's death. The 20/20 report questioned the motivation of those responsible for Mr. Shepard's death. Referencing this media account may have been a mistake, but if so it was a mistake based on what I believed were reliable accounts.
Next we come to jobs...hey, everyone is concerned about the economy and the job market, right? Well, I found it very heartening to read that the Number of Companies with Top Rating for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Workers Jumps by One-Third. It's nice to know that so many companies are coming to understand the importance of a taking a stand against discrimination...even if the federal government isn't quite there (yet)...Oh yeah, despite Ms. Foxx, the House of Representatives Passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Act. Next stop, the Senate!
And for all of our sci-fi buffs, I'm sure that you will be glad to know that BioWare has lifted its filter on gay and lesbian Star Wars discussion. I was a bit surprised to hear that this had been an issue...but kudos to BioWare for fixing its position.
And finally, I would like to end with a call to action. Since Proposition 8 passed and wrote homophobia into the constitution of California, we have seen so many steps forward from New Hampshire, Iowa, Connecticut and Maine (amongst others), but the battle isn't over. To that end, I would like to know if any of you are planning to attend (or are interested in attending) the 2009 International Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference. I hope to be able to attend and report back in a diary, but I would love to hear from any of you who may attend or have attended such conferences in the past. Did you find the conference helpful? What are your ideas for moving forward? How do we best advocate for equality?
And with that, the floor is open for discussion. Thanks for letting me ramble and damn its good to be back at Kos!