Several local LGBT organizations and advocates announced Monday via Facebook their plans to launch the DC Anti-Violence Collaborative (DCAVC), a new group dedicated to ending cycles of violence and oppression directed against members of the LGBTQ community and its heterosexual allies.
The group, intended to be another resource in addition to existing anti-violence, public safety and LGBT service organizations, will meet monthly and has plans to organize two town hall-style meetings this fall. It will also be launching a new online tool to report and map incidents of anti-LGBTQH violence.
''The DC Anti-Violence Collaborative will allow us to start coordinating vital services for survivors of violence in our communities,'' said Ruby Corado, the founder and executive director of the LGBT service organization Casa Ruby. ''There is a tremendous need, and by working together across organizations, we will be better able to address that need.''
''DCAVC will help us create an inclusive advocacy agenda in a safe space for all intersections of the LGBTQH communities,'' Hassan Naveed, co-chair of Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV), said in a statement. ''It's time for us tighten coordination in our advocacy efforts and make sure we are providing representation for everyone.''
The group's official launch will take place on Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Columbia Heights Plaza, near the intersection of 14th Street, Kenyon Street and Park Road NW. Local advocates and survivors of violence will be among those speaking at the launch rally.
''The central idea behind the DC Anti-Violence Collaborative is that organizations and activists can come together in a place to address, collectively, issues of police violence, hate violence, sexual violence, and partner violence through advocacy, education, grassroots organizing, and providing services,'' said Jason Terry, an organizer with the DC Trans Coalition. ''I see this as really long-term work that over time can build collective power and collective safety.''
...moreOnce the ultimate display of protest, marches may already have been replaced by digital revolutions.
On this episode of Money Minute, we talk about the nearly 1,100 federal benefits and privileges now available to same-sex couples.
Cedar Point amusement park, one the biggest coaster parks in the US, initially limited the contest to male and female couples because it said state law doesn’t allow gay couples to legally marry in Ohio. A spokesman says the park decided to cancel the event once it started to take on political undertones, reported the Sandusky Register.
Akron couple Scott Kenimond, 37, and Eric Morrison, 28, who had considered holding their commitment ceremony at the park, recruited friends and strangers to send “tweets†to Cedar Point, asking them to allow gay couples to apply.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s legal or not,†Morrison said. “You should be able to have a commitment ceremony."
Cedar Point simply decided to cancel the contest.
The theme said there was no negative intent for the contest, but that “Cedar Point does not take any official stance on political issues.â€
“I’m disappointed they would choose to go that way rather than stand behind their LGBT community,†said Morrison. “Ultimately, they’re playing it safe. But it’s a cowardly choice.â€
What kind of message does this send to their LGBT employees? to their LGBT park guests?
With marriage equality gaining in popularity, why not allow it, and be the hero?
THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT -
Cedar Point does not discriminate against any guest for any reason. The ‘Friday the 13th Wedding’ event was created as a fun, in-park promotion to generate excitement for the kickoff of HalloWeekends. There was no negative intent.
When the promotion logistics started to take on political undertones, as indicated by several guests who gave us feedback, it was decided that now is not the best time for this event. Cedar Point does not take any official stance on political issues.
Outside of official park-provided promotions, Cedar Point does offer opportunities for all couples to have weddings, commitment ceremonies and other events here at the park. We encourage guests to contact us if they’re interested in planning such an event.
Ohioans’ certitude about gay marriage a decade ago has given way to ambiguity, potentially setting the stage next year for a second major battle on one of the most divisive social issues of our time.
Some backers of a constitutional amendment to allow two consenting adults to marry regardless of gender want to go to the statewide ballot in the 2014 gubernatorial election, a roll of the dice on a question that 62 percent of voters answered in 2004. They amended the constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman, effectively prohibiting same-sex marriages in Ohio.
Since then, polling shows a shift in Ohioans’ views, and there have been high-profile Republican defectors to the pro-gay-marriage side, including U.S. Sen. Rob Portman of Cincinnati and former Ohio attorney general and state auditor Jim Petro â€" both of whom changed their positions after eachhad a child come out.
Cedar Point amusement park, one the biggest coaster parks in the US, initially limited the contest to male and female couples because it said state law doesn’t allow gay couples to legally marry in Ohio. A spokesman says the park decided to cancel the event once it started to take on political undertones, reported the Sandusky Register.
Akron couple Scott Kenimond, 37, and Eric Morrison, 28, who had considered holding their commitment ceremony at the park, recruited friends and strangers to send “tweets†to Cedar Point, asking them to allow gay couples to apply.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s legal or not,†Morrison said. “You should be able to have a commitment ceremony."
Cedar Point simply decided to cancel the contest.
The theme said there was no negative intent for the contest, but that “Cedar Point does not take any official stance on political issues.â€
“I’m disappointed they would choose to go that way rather than stand behind their LGBT community,†said Morrison. “Ultimately, they’re playing it safe. But it’s a cowardly choice.â€
What kind of message does this send to their LGBT employees? to their LGBT park guests?
With marriage equality gaining in popularity, why not allow it, and be the hero?
THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT -
Cedar Point does not discriminate against any guest for any reason. The ‘Friday the 13th Wedding’ event was created as a fun, in-park promotion to generate excitement for the kickoff of HalloWeekends. There was no negative intent.
When the promotion logistics started to take on political undertones, as indicated by several guests who gave us feedback, it was decided that now is not the best time for this event. Cedar Point does not take any official stance on political issues.
Outside of official park-provided promotions, Cedar Point does offer opportunities for all couples to have weddings, commitment ceremonies and other events here at the park. We encourage guests to contact us if they’re interested in planning such an event.
Ohioans’ certitude about gay marriage a decade ago has given way to ambiguity, potentially setting the stage next year for a second major battle on one of the most divisive social issues of our time.
Some backers of a constitutional amendment to allow two consenting adults to marry regardless of gender want to go to the statewide ballot in the 2014 gubernatorial election, a roll of the dice on a question that 62 percent of voters answered in 2004. They amended the constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman, effectively prohibiting same-sex marriages in Ohio.
Since then, polling shows a shift in Ohioans’ views, and there have been high-profile Republican defectors to the pro-gay-marriage side, including U.S. Sen. Rob Portman of Cincinnati and former Ohio attorney general and state auditor Jim Petro â€" both of whom changed their positions after eachhad a child come out.
In his new album, HIS FIRE, Leonard showcases a deep evolution in his voice, songwriting and producing from his 2010 home-recorded debut album, WITH A PEN.
NEW SONG AND VIDEO - WANTING IT ALL
"His Fire is a personal collection of confrontations," says Leonard. "When I started writing this album, I was drawn to the physical and emotional effects and fears of fire and its parallel relationship to man. Both can be warm and giving. Both can be strong and attractive. And both can be rather impulsive and even seen as threatening. Every song on this record is me confronting the fire and digging beneath the flames."
Leonard's passion for powerful music and individuality has helped pioneer a growing and supportive community of singers and songwriters in Chicago and has produced and hosted concerts and events that have helped raise thousands of dollars for various causes. In 2011, Leonard received the Windy City Times' 30 Under 30 Award for his outstanding contributions to the Chicago LGBTQ music and sports communities.
Russia has come under serious criticism for passing an “Anti-gay propaganda†Law which forbids anything to be said about the LGBT community to people under the age of 18 years. The law also makes LGBT parades or gatherings illegal.
Canadian Author Robert Joseph Greene has been campaigning for the law to be repealed since his gay short fairytale love story “The Blue Door†was used by Russian protesters. The short story is from Greene’s book The Gay Icon Classics of the World II which is a collection of gay love stories from different cultures. The story is about a Tsar who proclaims that his three sons could marry anyone they choose but he didn’t figure one of his sons would pick a man for his life partner.
“The law has caused considerable alarm and confusion for parents in Russia, “ says Greene “We found a website where Russian mothers are voicing their concerns about the lawâ€
Svitman.ua, a Ukrainian based Russian website that features parenting articles, recently published the full short story of “The Blue Door†for parents to read. It is illegal to publish the short story on any Russian site. Svitman has received over 87 comments from Russian parents but their concerns weren’t about the story but about the new Russian law.
Based upon the collective online comments from parents, the story was not viewed as inappropriate. However, what was more alarming was that Russian parents worry about how the new Russian anti-gay propaganda law would affect their families.
“Will I be arrested if my son or daughter turns out gay?†writes one mother’s comments.
With Russia hosting the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, The new Russian “Anti-gay Propaganda†law has been criticized by Western politicians and human rights groups, and has raised concerns that visiting gay athletes and spectators could face discrimination or even legal action.
“This is history repeating itself when the Nazi’s hosted the 1936 Olympic Games,†says Greene “The IOC was silent when the 1936 German Olympic committee wanted to ban jews and blacks from participating and the IOC is virtually silent now and the situation is clearly deteriorating for the LGBT community just as it was for jews back in 1936.â€
Svitman link: http://svitmam.ua/user/vikad/
If we look at the Russian crisis of anti-gay laws, the rise of anti-gay fascist groups and the killing of political opponents, it becomes very clear that Russia is on the verge of collapse. Putin is also trying to revive Cold War tensions with the Snowden affair and is bullying LGBT citizens as if this had any chance of resuscitating the flaccid Russian economy. These are the symptoms of Russia's sickly infant, her dying democracy.
It's camp. It's fun. It's funny. And it addresses the real live current issues of diversity, acceptance, same-sex marriage, and the ability to be who you really are -- but through fresh eyes and with a novel approach. The producers hope to open the eyes and hearts of some, and to entertain everyone.
Also, please invite all your friends and family who you think might enjoy a romantic comedy that will challenge their beliefs on issues like interracial marriage, ageism, common body issue stereotypes, and GLBT issues, this feature film will make them laugh and think.
There is no nudity. No violence. No bad language. So, why watch? We believe you'll be glad you did. We also know your friends will think your amazing for having recommended such an amazing film to them FOR FREE! Yep, no Netflix account needed here.
My third album, "Everything I Have," is the album I was born to make. As the liner notes say, "It's hard to imagine working any harder or capturing more of my heart and soul than I did on this record."
These are the stories of my life...spirutual beliefs, joys, heartbreak, insecurities, resiliance, and of course love. My name is John Jones, and this is "Everything I Have."
Special thanks go to:
Steve Willis for directing the video and creating it's concept.
Post production by Cody Swanson (editor), Shannon Laskey (graphics), Dustin Wadsworth and Thomas Ramsey (post effects).
The groovy dancers in the video are Princess Lockerooo in red, C.J. Quinones looking all sexy in the tank top and Muffinhead Daehniffum in all white.
Milk Studios in NYC for donating their exquisite space to a zany drag queen and crew!
Bobby Shaw for everything! And all the DJs who have supported us on our intergalactic quest to make the universe dance.
Billy Erb (NYC) for his amazing album cover photo.
My friend/phenomenal singer Phillip Ramirez for introducing me to Wayne/Lybra Records and for always encouraging me to sing and write music."
Queer Nation has organized a boycott of Russian vodka.
From their statement:
In light of the Putin regime's attacks on the LGBT community, Queer Nation is calling for a worldwide boycott of Russian vodka.
Do not buy or drink Russian vodka: Brands include Russian Standard and Stolichnaya. Demand that bar owners do not buy or serve Russian vodka. Ask your favorite club promoters, DJs, and entertainers to insist that Russian brands are not served in the venues in which they perform.
It's time to target Russia. Dump Russian vodka!
Stoli has shown support to LGBT community in the past - is a boycott the answer, to send a message to Russian Government? At first, I wasn't sure it was the right choice - but now I do - even though Stoli has shown support to the gay community, the Russian government still shares in Stoli's profits. We MUST put pressure where we can, so they stop this madness over there!
Dan Savage, columnist, author, and founder of the It Gets Better Project, published an article in Seattle's independent newspaper The Stranger on Wednesday titled “Why I’m Boycotting Russian Vodka,†urging gay bars to stop serving the brand and others like Russian Standard, Shustov, Starka, and Stolnaya.
“[T]here is something we can do right here, right now, in Seattle and other U.S. cities to show our solidarity with Russian queers and their allies," wrote Savage on Wednesday. "And to help to draw international attention to the persecution of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans people, and straight allies in Putin's increasingly fascistic Russia: DUMP RUSSIAN VODKA.â€
The SPI Group, which owns Stolichnaya Vodka, contacted The Advocate today to release an open letter to the LGBT community. The statement stressed that Stoli “firmly opposes such attitude and actions†committed by the Russian government and continues to be a “fervent supporter and friend†of the community, pointing to past endorsements of Pride events and LGBT organizations.
The statement claimed that the Luxembourg-based company is not affiliated with the Russian government, and that the vodka's production is divided between Russia and Latvia.
Cory Monteith, who played heart throb Finn Hudson in the Fox hit "Glee," was found dead in a Vancouver, Canada, hotel room Saturday, police said. He was 31.
Vancouver police said the cause of death was not immediately apparent, but they ruled out foul play.
Medical examiners will conduct an autopsy Monday.
Monteith's body was discovered by staff members at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel after he missed his checkout time, acting Chief Constable Doug LePard told reporters.
Monteith apparently had several people over to his room at one point Friday night, but LePard said Monteith, who had checked in July 6, was seen on hotel surveillance video returning to his room in the early morning hours by himself.
Monteith spent time in rehab this year, checking into a drug addiction treatment facility in late March.
He had been frank about his struggles with substance abuse, telling Parade magazine in 2011 that he began using drugs at 13, and by 19 went into rehab after his mother and friends intervened.
"I had several interactions with him yesterday where he said that he was doing amazing," Shankman said. "He even said I am feeling fantastic. I'm like everybody else, really devastated and confused by what happened."
If you are in anyway inspired by Greater>Than, I would be incredibly grateful if you would take the time to share it with anyone you feel might benefit from the message. We are trying to reach as many students, parents, and teachers as possible.
Thank you,
Jess Godwin
The music video was inspired by a young woman who struggled in school until she started taking guitar lessons: Paula’s Story:
But starting today... I'm laying it out there. I'm done playing it safe.
I don't have a manager or a label or any sort of funding other than the tip money I make playing piano downtown at The Joynt, and also, ironically to some, in the churches on Sunday morning... (we'll see how long I'll be singing “Glory to God†should this video see the light of day).
As far as the ascetic achievements of the video... lets just say I was lucky to have a good friend introduce me to the best team I could have asked for... who held on to the roller coaster that was this project and dealt with all my intensity and craziness as the true professionals they were.
I wrote the song during a drunken piano jam session at a party. I recorded the vocals in my parents basement and worked with my friend Max Steger: http://maxsteger.com/ to record and mix the rest of the instruments.
I feel like music industry people wouldn't like the idea of me “pigeonholing†myself by telling this story as I have. But I don't believe the world sees change until it sees honesty.
So I went in on my own.
BUT my story would never have seen the light of day were it not for the kindness and generosity of so many that helped me through this process, many of whom asked for nothing in return. I know my passion and intensity for this project were a lot to deal with (that might be the understatement of the year.. ;)) I want to thank my crew and everyone involved for doing your best to help me keep my sanity... just barely. And thank you for sticking with me; for your flexibility and patience and helping to bring my vision to life. And to mom and dad... I know you guys don't always understand just what the hell I am trying to do, but continue to love and support me nonetheless. It means everything to me...
-Steve
HOW CRAZY IS THIS???? The Huffington Post reports:
The event is scheduled for the end of July, just weeks after the Supreme Court's landmark rulings in favor of gay rights. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) has been extended an invitation as an honorable attendee.
The Family Research Council's legislative affiliate, FRC Action, will officially launch two new ex-gay rights organizations, Voice of the Voiceless and Equality and Justice For All, during the dinner in Washington, D.C., on July 31.
"Come celebrate the lives of former homosexuals and hear about their unique stories and achievements!" reads the invitation.
In addition to Bachman, the Heritage Foundation's Jim DeMint, the Liberty Counsel's Matthew Staver and Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.) -- who on Friday introduced a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage -- have all been invited to speak.
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