Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Gay Military & Allies Equality Video

Freedom to Marry & Outserve-SLDN released the latest video in their “Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry” campaign series. It features three prominent straight allies – Retired Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett, Army Major Mary Bergner & former Congressman & Army Captain Patrick Murphy speaking out in support of married gay & lesbian service members. The so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents legally married gay & lesbian couples from receiving over 1,100 federal protections that heterosexual couples receive. Evan Wolfson, founder & president of Freedom to Marry stated, “America’s gay & lesbian service members are just as brave, courageous & heroic as non-gay soldiers, yet they are still barred from sharing in the critical safety-net of protections that come with being legally married. No service member should have to worry about their family while they are risking their lives overseas. It’s time for the federal government to give gay & lesbian soldiers, their military spouses & their families the same respect & support that non-gay soldiers receive & strike down the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.” Army Veteran & OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson added, “As we await the Supreme Court’s decision, we are reminded that this is not just a gay or lesbian issue. This goes to the heart of readiness, retention & cohesion & America’s service members & veterans - no matter what their sexual orientation - know that this is a discriminatory & harmful law that must be relegated to the dustbins of history.”
WATCH VIDEO 
 
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 6:51 AM 0 Comments

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Oy Vey! My Son is Gay! The Movie


Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay! was produced by Russian filmmaker Eugeny Afineevsky & he feels there’s no time better than now to spread the message that love is love out into the world. With recent news of the horrendous anti gay bill passing through the lower house of Parliament in Russia banning even the spread of LGBT information he needs our help to distribute this completed hilarious indie comedy film through an IndieGoGo campaign. Afineevsky stated, “At a time when nations throughout the world are experiencing challenging & troubling times, I feel that people need to laugh; to feel inspired; & to realize that only through acceptance & tolerance can we move forward to creating a better world in which to live. Born in Russia, raised in Israel & currently living in the USA, I feel that I have been able to combine multicultural elements & offer a fresh, unique perspective on an otherwise sensitive subject matter. To use the language of comedy to address a difficult & sensitive subject with empathy; creating light & funny characters who are nearly caricatures of themselves; having the humor emanate from the characters, even when a given situation may not demand humor. Most of the movies on Indiegogo are just beginning their development. Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!! is a completed movie ready to be launched in movie theaters to reach a wider audience.” This fabulous film chronicles the heartwarming story of a Jewish mother played by the amazing Lainie Kazan discovering not only is her son gay but dating a Roman Catholic boy. The film also stars Emmy winner Jai Rodriguez, Vincent Pastore, Carmen Electra, Saul Rubinek, Emmy winning comedian & writer Bruce Vilanch & Grammy winning composer Desmond Child created a special song for the movie. Their deadline is July 2nd & they need our help.
For More Info & Contribute: indiegogo.com 
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 5:44 AM 0 Comments

Monday, June 17, 2013

Still No SCOTUS Gay Marriage Ruling

We spent the morning on the US Supreme Court Blog waiting to see if perhaps today they would decide on United States v. Windsor which challenges the constitutionality of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) & Hollingsworth v. Perry the challenge to California’s Proposition 8. Though the clerks advised us that it was unlikely to happen today we waited. At 10:26 EST SCOTUS's Amy Howe stated, “To be clear & to answer a lot of questions: No same-sex marriage, affirmative action, or voting rights cases today. We don't know when we will get them, but next chance is Thursday at 10A.” This process seems slower than watching paint dry but yet exciting being actually on SCOTUS Blog with over 20,000 other Americans waiting & hoping for a decision. The consensus is that though we will be going through this process yet again this coming Thursday, the decision in these cases will most likely not be decided until the end of Supreme Court session next week. With LGBT pride events happening this month across America you would think that these cases would have been decided by now. The question being: Is this a good or bad sign that the US Supreme Court appears to be dragging out their decisions? Updates to Come…:)
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 11:04 AM 0 Comments

Friday, June 14, 2013

Cosmopolitan Las Vegas LGBT Night

The Cosmopolitan the  newest luxury resort in Las Vegas is presenting “Confidential” by Eduardo Cordova, a sophisticated & fabulous experience to Bond every Wednesday at 9P beginning June 19th. “Confidential” brings vibrant nightlife together with a bit of the unexpected, culminating in a dynamic mid-week experience for all who come. Hosted by influential Las Vegas personalities this weekly LGBT clubbing event features beats by resident DJ Nick Ayler & handcrafted smart cocktails amidst the chic luxury of The Cosmopolitan. Complete with LED displays & LCD screens, Bond provides an amazing performance space for live music, dancing, lounging & partying. Designed with custom-made sexy daybeds & lounge chairs, the bar has windows overlooking the Strip, giving guests a hip vantage point to soak in the excitement of Las Vegas. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers a decidedly different entertainment spin. Located at the heart of The Strip, the resort’s uniquely vertical multi-tower design offers spectacular views of the vibrant city. The new 2,995-room resort features oversized residential-style living spaces with expansive, one-of-a-kind private terraces. The Cosmopolitan’s luxurious resort amenities include a 100,000 square foot casino; Sahra Spa & Hammam & Violet Hour Hair Nails Beauty; three unique pool experiences; Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub, a multi-level integrated indoor/outdoor nightclub & 150,000 square feet of state-of-the-art convention & meeting space.
This sound like something to definitely check OUT!! :)
For More Info: cosmopolitanlasvegas.com 
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 8:24 AM 0 Comments

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Sherry Vine Is Living For This

Here TV America’s only gay TV network debuts an all-new episode of the hit variety series “She’s Living for This” on Friday, June 14th. “She’s Living for This” stars my good friend the fabulous Sherry Vine. This week’s celebrity guest star will be Varla Jean Merman & special guest Jackie Beat. The series is available nationwide on exclusively Here TV & also internationally on the YouTube paid channels via Here TV Premium. “She’s Living for This” provides a unique, modern update the classic TV variety show standard set by the likes of Sonny & Cher, Carol Burnett & Benny Hill. This fun-filled half-hour is packed with some of the best-known queer comics & entertainers on the scene. The second episode features Sherry Vine performing her hit “These Lips Were Meant to Blow,” an homage to Joe Manganiello, & a parody of Nicki Minaj’s “Starship.” Additionally, Varla Jean Merman performs her original song “Foreskin.” This episode  also features hilarious new comedy sketches, including “Murder She Told,” which stars Sherry Vine as Jessica Felcher, Varla Jean as the “actress,” & She’s Living for This regulars Busted & David Ilku, with a special cameo by Jackie Beat. For More Info: heretv.com/sheslivingforthis
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 2:28 PM 0 Comments

Maine Top Court Hears Trans Student

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) represented a transgender girl before Maine's highest court Wednesday arguing that her school had failed in its responsibility to treat her the same as other students. Following the argument before the Law Court, Jennifer Levi, director of GLAD's Transgender Rights Project stated, “I was pleased to present Nicole’s case to the court today & have been privileged to represent her & get to know her remarkable, strong & supportive family. We have a strong case here of a young girl trying to go to school & learn & the school failing to protect her. I feel confident that we got a fair hearing from the court & I look forward to their decision.” As a middle school student in Orono, Maine, Nicole Maines was treated like other girls until a male classmate followed her into a girls' room. The school addressed the boy's bad behavior by focusing on Nicole, forcing her to use a staff bathroom separate from the other girls. Eventually, the parents were forced to withdraw their daughter & her twin brother from the Orono school system & move them to another part of the state where they could go to school quietly & safely. Nicole also spoke after the argument stating, “I want all transgender kids to be able to go to school & not have to worry about being treated unfairly or bullied. I’ve been very lucky to have a family that’s stood by me & stuck up for me & I’m really grateful for them.” The decision in the case, Doe v. Clenchy, is not expected for several months. GLAD Attorneys Jennifer Levi (pictured above) & Ben Klein are representing the daughter along with Lewiston attorney Jodi L. Nofsinger of Berman & Simmons, P.A. Updates to Come…:)
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 7:12 AM 0 Comments

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Boston Police Transgender Protocol


Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition reports that Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis issued SO 13-025 a Special Order outlining department guidelines for police contact with transgender individuals. The Special Order states: “The policy of the Boston Police Department is to treat all individuals with dignity, respect, & professionalism. Officers shall at all times abide by Boston Police Department Rule 102 §9 (Respectful Treatment), as well as the City of Boston Office of Human Resources’ ‘Guidelines to Prevent Gender Identity Discrimination’ when interacting with transgender individuals.” The order defines terms including “transgender,” “gender identity” & “gender expression” & states that the police should use the name & pronouns the transgender individual prefers; that search or frisk shall not be performed for the sole purpose of determining an individual’s anatomical sex; & that officers may not fail to respond to a call for service based on the gender identity or expression of the caller. As part of the new guidelines, a Statement of Search Preference Form allows transgender individuals to request a female or a male police officer to conduct their searches. Jesse Begenyi, Interim Director of MTPC commended the Boston Police Department for taking this important step to help make interactions between the police & members of the transgender community much safer stating “MTPC thanks Commissioner Davis, BPD LGBT liaison Javier Pagan, former MTPC executive director Gunner Scott, & everyone who worked to draft & implement this important policy. We hope police departments statewide will adopt similar policies.” Another reason why it’s so great to live in Boston…:)
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posted by Charlotte Robinson at 6:30 AM 0 Comments