Exciting Announcement From The Land Of Penguins

Super exciting news announced today by Planting Peace, the organization that created the Equality House. Antarctica has been declared the very first LGBT friendly continent! 

Aaron Jackson, the group's president, travelled all the way to the penguin filled wonderland and planted the rainbow LGBT pride flag to commemorate this monumental occasion. The organization didn't stop there though. Several members were sent to trek across the continent with a giant pride flag in order to bring awareness to the need for equality for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons all over the globe. 

In a statement released to The New Civil Rights Movement, Jackson said, "The trip was planned to raise awareness for the need for action across the planet because basic rights are still denied to the LGBT community in so many countries across the world".

Frankly, even if Planting Peace doesn't have the authority to make this declaration for Antarctica, I highly doubt the penguins that live there are going to argue with them. Planting Peace went out of their way to create a bold and amazing statement for equality that will have people talking for years to come and I love it.

Plus they got some pretty amazing pictures as well. 

The New Civil Rights Movement
The Huffington Post

A First In Mets History

It was announced this week during a press conference that the New York Mets will host a Pride Night for the first time this coming summer. The event is scheduled to take place at Citi Stadium on August 13, 2016 where the Mets will play the San Diego Padres.

This will the first time ever a major New York sports franchise has hosted a Pride event. It is expected that more than 5,000 LGBT fans and their families will be in attendance for this historic moment in Mets history.

The night itself will be more than just a baseball game. There will be a Pride in the Plaza gathering before the game and a postgame concert. Commemorative t-shirts are also now available for purchase and a portion of the proceeds from tickets sold through www.mets.com/pride will go towards benefiting the LGBT Network. The organization is responsible for anti-bullying programs in Long Island and city schools. LGBT Network CEO, David Kilmnick, released a well versed statement on why events like this are necessary in today's world.

"Events like pride night ... serve a critical role in letting our young people know that they are OK. Bullying is not acceptable and perhaps they grow up one day and live their dream of being a major league baseball player - and be able to do so by being out as LGBT" 

Even if you don't like baseball you have to give the Mets props for being first in New York sports to put on such an amazing event. Fellow MLB teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants, put on similar events last season, and the Chicago Cubs have been hosting Pride nights since 2001.

While I'm not a baseball fan, I love seeing news like this. To see inclusion from all kinds of organizations gives me hope that the next generation won't know the struggles that face LGBT youth today because they'll grow up knowing early on that it is ok to be themselves.

Oilers Tape Up To Show Support

Every now and then an unexpected group of people will stand up for LGBTQ inclusion and equality in such a way that gives me hope in this world again. This time it's the Edmonton Oilers. 

The Oilers have become the first NHL team to openly show support for the LGBTQ community, specifically LGBTQ youth. They recently took part in the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services at the University of Alberta's Pride Tape initiative. According to the kickstarter page for Pride Tape,

"Pride Tape is a badge of support from the teammates, coaches, parents and pros to young LGBTQ players. It shows every player that they belong on the ice. That we’re all on the same team. And we need your help to make it a reality.

When Pride Tape is up and running, proceeds will support LGBTQ youth outreach initiatives, such as You Can Play and the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services. That means every roll of tape will make an impact on and off the ice."

On Sunday, during their annual Skills Competition, the Oilers took to the ice with their sticks wrapped with the rainbow Pride Tape. They furthered their support for the Pride Tape initiative by donating $8,000 to become a founding partner. That donation alone will produce 10,000 rolls of tape for other hockey teams. The initiative hopes to expand to other sports as well. 

According to Oiler's defenseman, Andrew Ference, everyone on the team is "proud to play for a team and city that supports diversity and human rights." 

Frankly, I think this idea is genius. Too many youths in the LGBTQ community think they have to choose between giving up sports or hiding who they are in order to play. This initiative is a simple and subtle way for teams to show their support and let LGBTQ youth know it's completely ok to be themselves and still play sports. I'm not a huge hockey fan, but my NHL team has always been the Anaheim Ducks. However, after this awesome display I may have to rethink that decision. 

HRC Endorsement Disappointment

If you pay any attention to US politics then you are probably aware the political parties are in the middle of their decision making process to choose their candidates for presidency. Meaning a lot of debates, speeches, and media attention is currently on all the nominees running. Today the news broke that the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest LGBT organization in the US, has endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. 

However, myself and many others are finding issue with this decision. Clinton has a history of being against the LGBT community including being an advocate against same-sex marriage during her time as First Lady when she publicly supported her husband signing DOMA into law, then later as a senator of New York, and as a 2008 presidential candidate. She didn't speak favorable of same-sex marriage until 2013. Since then she's barely done anything for the LGBT community outside a speech or two.  

Now I'm not saying people can't change and become more accepting, but what causes me to be weary of Hillary is the fact that she's never explained why she changed her mind. She merely says she "evolved". Alright, that's great but why? Without a real explanation, how can we as voters and citizens be sure she's being sincere and not just trying to win votes? Perhaps everyday people don't need to explain themselves, but when you are gunning to become the next leader of our country we deserve answers. 

Frankly, the candidate myself and many others believe the HRC should have endorsed is Senator Bernie Sanders. Sanders has a long standing history of fighting for the LGBT community and standing as an ally. During the 1970's, when he ran for office in Vermont (both 1972 and 1976), Sanders proposed abolishing the laws that discriminate based on sexuality. Following that in 1983, during his time as mayor of Burlington, VT, he backed the first pride parade the city ever had and supported the Organizing Committee of the Lesbian and Gay Pride Celebration's proclamation to make June 25 Lesbian and Gay Pride Day. His record with the LGBT community only improves from there as he is the only 2016 candidate who can say they voted against DOMA in 1996. In 1999, he voted against an amendment that would have made it illegal in Washington, D.C. for same-sex couples to adopt children. Following that, Sanders supported Vermont's civil union law in 2000 and the state's legalization of same-sex marriage in 2009. He pushed President Obama to support same-sex marriage back in 2011, and in 2013 co-sponsored the Uniting Families Act which would've allowed partners of legal US citizens stay in the country as legal residents. 

My point with all these facts is simple. Hillary Clinton's rocky past has me skeptical of equality's future in the US if she's elected. However, Bernie Sanders has always fought for and stood with the LGBT community. Frankly, I believe the HRC made a mistake with their endorsement. 

To find out more on Senator Sanders envolvment in the LGBT Community-

http://feelthebern.org/bernie-sanders-on-lgbtq-rights/

A New Year, A New Start

Well it's been 6 months since I've made a single post. Yet somehow my blog views have jumped nearly 2,000 since I last logged on. That's pretty amazing to me.

I'll be honest with you all, I've had a bit of a rough year mentally. I'm not really sure what happened. My motivation and energy vanished leaving me feeling rather gray. Therefore, I'm calling this past year a wash. I can't change it now so instead I shall move forward and concentrate on making this blog better in 2016. It's high time I got back into past times I enjoy, including this blog.

Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me and this blog. I truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

I hope the new year starts off well for all of you, and you've all had a wonderful holiday season!

Marriage Equality Wins Big In The US

Today marks what will be remembered as a great day in US history. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled this morning that bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional everywhere in the country.

This means it will now be legal for same-sex couples to marry nationwide! While it was already legal in 36 states and D.C. the remaining 14 states will now have to put an end to their same-sex marriage bans and allow couples to marry. The decision came down to a 5-4 victory.

This battle has been hard fought and the win extremely overdue. Marriage equality has finally come to the United States.

The ruling can be read here:  http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf

Transgender Day of Visibility

Today marks a special day within the LGBT community, International Transgender Day of Visibility. A day devoted to raising awareness for the Trans* community and celebrating Trans* people all over the globe.

It truly baffles me how people still have the nerve and stupidity to be transphobic in this day and age. Sometimes who we are inside doesn't match who we are on the outside at first, but no one should live in fear of showing the world exactly who they are. Be proud of who you are and the journey you took to get there.

For those you reading who are Trans*, you are amazing and strong. Don't let the assholes in this world beat you down or break your spirit. The world might be slow to change, but it is changing nonetheless.

Whether you are a member of the Trans* community, or simply an ally like myself, please take the time today to be spread love and visibility for all Trans* people, not just the ones you know.

A Naval First

Earlier this week, a first happened for the United States Navy. A man and his partner were the first same-sex couple to ever be chosen for the ceremonial first kiss that occurs during the homecoming of a Naval vessel. The submarine docked on Monday at the Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, California where families gathered to welcome them home.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Sawicki and his boyfriend Shawn Brier were the ones chosen for the ceremonial kiss. Sawicki was stationed on the USS San Francisco (a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine) on a seven month deployment. This deployment was a first for the couple.

Sawicki was informed about winning the "kiss lottery" via email prior to his return home and received the full support of the rest of the submarine's crew. "Everyone was cheering for me when they announced it over email," said Sawicki. "Everyone was very excited, very supportive, very happy."

This decision was named a milestone for "modern military families" by the American Military Partner Association, who acts as a support network for LGBT couples in the US military.

American Military Partner Association President Ashley Broadway-Mack perfectly summed up why this ceremonial kiss was such a big deal. "Since the repeal of the discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law, we've made tremendous progress as a community and as a nation in our pursuit of liberty and justice for all Americans. Although we still have progress to make, moments like these remind us just how far we've come."

I couldn't agree with her more. Even something seemingly small, like this ceremonial kiss, shows us how much progress we've made as a country. A mere five years ago this would've been unheard of. It appears that the military is finally understanding that who are attracted to or who you fall in love with does not make a difference in whether or not you can defend your country. At least I hope they are indeed finally understanding. LGBT military members, and their families, need to be seen as equals to any non-LGBT military member.

Congratulations to Petty Officer Thomas Sawicki and Shawn Brier for being chosen to take part in this momentous milestone in US military history.

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/San-Diego-Couple-Shares-First-Ever-Male-Same-Sex-Ceremonial-First-Kiss-291344541.html

2014: A Year In Review

As we say goodbye to 2014, here's a look back at some of the major milestones, both good and bad, that occurred for the LGBT community around the world this year.

JANUARY

• Boy Scouts of American begins welcoming openly gay youth to join their ranks.
• Nigeria passes a law making same-sex marriage illegal along with public displays of same-sex relationships and belonging to homosexual groups.
• Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus repeals Criminal Code provisions which punishes consensual sexual acts between adult men.

FEBRUARY

• Scottish parliament approves same-sex marriage bill.
• Facebook changes its gender options give users more then fifty options.
• Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, signs into law the Anti-Homosexuality Bill that criminalizes consensual same-sex relations.

MARCH

• Same-sex marriages begin to occur in England and Wales thanks to the Marriage (Same-Sex) Act 2013.

APRIL

• Malta's parliament approves a civil partnership bill.
• India officially recognizes a third gender.

MAY

• Oregon and Pennsylvania legalizes same-sex marriage.
• Laverne Cox becomes the first transgender person to be on the front cover of Time magazine.
• American football defensive end Michael Sam becomes the first openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team after he was picked by the St. Louis Rams during the seventh round of the NFL draft.

JUNE

• The Presbyterian Church (US) votes to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies to be held within the church.
• Luxembourg parliament approves same-sex marriage bill.

JULY

• Croatian Parliament approves a civil partnership bill.
• President Obama signs an executive order expanding employment protections for federal workers and contractors to include gender identity, which also bans sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination for companies with federal contracts.

AUGUST

• The Constitutional Court of Uganda rules the Anti-Homosexuality Bill as invalid.
• Cleveland, Ohio hosts the Gay Games with 8,000 participants from 48 states and 51 countries competing.

SEPTEMBER

• The New York Saint Patrick's Day Parade committee announces it's ending the ban on LGBT-affiliated groups marching in the parade.
• California becomes the first state to ban “trans panic” or “gay panic” as a legal defense in court.
• The Congress of Coahuila in Mexico votes to legalize same-sex marriage.

OCTOBER

• Colorado, Indiana, Alaska, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Nevada, North Carolina, Wyoming, Arizona, and Idaho legalize same-sex marriage
• Estonia recognizes same-sex partnerships
• Missouri recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other states.
• Adoption to same-sex couples in Virginia is legalized.

NOVEMBER

• South Carolina, Kansas, and Montana legalizes same-sex marriage.
• The Parliament of Finland approves a citizen's initiative to legalize same-sex marriage. The new law will take effect in 2016.

DECEMBER

• Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Scotland.

2014 was definitely the year to come out. Celebrities, athletes, models,  Olympians, and even a politician or two all make this year's list of notable people who came out as LGBT

• Michael Sam
• Pat Patterson
• Tim Cook
• Ellen Page
• Daniel Franzese
• Andreja Pejic (transgender)
• Billy Gilman
• Ty Herndon
• Samira Wiley
• Derrick Gordon
• Kristian Nairn
• Ian Thorpe
• Tyler Glenn
• Sam Smith
• Jin Tai
• Vicky Beeching
• Patricia Yurena Rodríguez
• Lauren Morelli
• Jay Kelly (transgender)
• Emily Rios
• Djuan Trent
• Geena Rocero (transgender)
• M.K. Nobilette
• Matt Llano
• Jim Ferlo
• John Fennell
• Paul Masvidal, 
• Sean Reinert
• Connor Franta
• Ruby Rose (gender fluid)
• Tom Luchsinger
• Liam Davis
• Lauren Neidigh
• Rob Kearney
• Lee Ryan
• Marcus Juhlin
• Kristen Kish
• Monica Raymund
• Edgars Rinkēvičs
• Thomas Hitzlsperger
• Mark McAdam
• Eric Radford

This has been quite a year for the LGBT community. There were a lot of ups and downs, but overall this year was a step forward, not a step backwards, for the community. I hope you all had your share of good times this past year and have a wonderful New Years!

I'll see you all in 2015 =)

Never Forget Leelah Alcorn

Today I learned about a story from Ohio that has hit me hard. It is one that needs to be told and spread like wildfire.

On December 29, a young transgender woman named Leelah Alcorn took her own life by stepping out in front of a semi truck. She was born "Joshua Alcorn" and was only 17 years old. Leelah was bullied for years by her own parents who were extremely religious. Her parents sent her to Christian therapists who only added to Leelah's pain.

Before she took her own life, Leelah left a message on her Tumblr page. This message needs to be read by as many as possible.

SUICIDE NOTE 

If you are reading this, it means that I have committed suicide and obviously failed to delete this post from my queue.

Please don’t be sad, it’s for the better. The life I would’ve lived isn’t worth living in… because I’m transgender. I could go into detail explaining why I feel that way, but this note is probably going to be lengthy enough as it is. To put it simply, I feel like a girl trapped in a boy’s body, and I’ve felt that way ever since I was 4. I never knew there was a word for that feeling, nor was it possible for a boy to become a girl, so I never told anyone and I just continued to do traditionally “boyish” things to try to fit in.

When I was 14, I learned what transgender meant and cried of happiness. After 10 years of confusion I finally understood who I was. I immediately told my mom, and she reacted extremely negatively, telling me that it was a phase, that I would never truly be a girl, that God doesn’t make mistakes, that I am wrong. If you are reading this, parents, please don’t tell this to your kids. Even if you are Christian or are against transgender people don’t ever say that to someone, especially your kid. That won’t do anything but make them hate them self. That’s exactly what it did to me.

My mom started taking me to a therapist, but would only take me to christian therapists, (who were all very biased) so I never actually got the therapy I needed to cure me of my depression. I only got more christians telling me that I was selfish and wrong and that I should look to God for help.
When I was 16 I realized that my parents would never come around, and that I would have to wait until I was 18 to start any sort of transitioning treatment, which absolutely broke my heart. The longer you wait, the harder it is to transition. I felt hopeless, that I was just going to look like a man in drag for the rest of my life. On my 16th birthday, when I didn’t receive consent from my parents to start transitioning, I cried myself to sleep.

I formed a sort of a “fuck you” attitude towards my parents and came out as gay at school, thinking that maybe if I eased into coming out as trans it would be less of a shock. Although the reaction from my friends was positive, my parents were pissed. They felt like I was attacking their image, and that I was an embarrassment to them. They wanted me to be their perfect little straight christian boy, and that’s obviously not what I wanted.

So they took me out of public school, took away my laptop and phone, and forbid me of getting on any sort of social media, completely isolating me from my friends. This was probably the part of my life when I was the most depressed, and I’m surprised I didn’t kill myself. I was completely alone for 5 months. No friends, no support, no love. Just my parent’s disappointment and the cruelty of loneliness.

At the end of the school year, my parents finally came around and gave me my phone and let me back on social media. I was excited, I finally had my friends back. They were extremely excited to see me and talk to me, but only at first. Eventually they realized they didn’t actually give a shit about me, and I felt even lonelier than I did before. The only friends I thought I had only liked me because they saw me five times a week.

After a summer of having almost no friends plus the weight of having to think about college, save money for moving out, keep my grades up, go to church each week and feel like shit because everyone there is against everything I live for, I have decided I’ve had enough. I’m never going to transition successfully, even when I move out. I’m never going to be happy with the way I look or sound. I’m never going to have enough friends to satisfy me. I’m never going to have enough love to satisfy me. I’m never going to find a man who loves me. I’m never going to be happy. Either I live the rest of my life as a lonely man who wishes he were a woman or I live my life as a lonelier woman who hates herself. There’s no winning. There’s no way out. I’m sad enough already, I don’t need my life to get any worse. People say “it gets better” but that isn’t true in my case. It gets worse. Each day I get worse.

That’s the gist of it, that’s why I feel like killing myself. Sorry if that’s not a good enough reason for you, it’s good enough for me. As for my will, I want 100% of the things that I legally own to be sold and the money (plus my money in the bank) to be given to trans civil rights movements and support groups, I don’t give a shit which one. The only way I will rest in peace is if one day transgender people aren’t treated the way I was, they’re treated like humans, with valid feelings and human rights. Gender needs to be taught about in schools, the earlier the better. My death needs to mean something. My death needs to be counted in the number of transgender people who commit suicide this year. I want someone to look at that number and say “that’s fucked up” and fix it. Fix society. Please.

Goodbye,
(Leelah) Josh Alcorn

This whole story breaks my heart and enrages me at the same time. Parents are supposed to support and love their children no matter what! From the moment they are put into your care, you should be there for them. Who cares if later in life they realize their gender isn't the one they were born with!? They are still your CHILD.

As a community, it's stories like this that show just how much we've been letting the transgender community down. Transgender persons, especially youth, need to know there is support and help out there for them. If you do nothing else, remember Leelah Alcorn and how her suicide was completely preventable if only she'd had the love and support she deserved.

From looking through her Tumblr page, I've learned Leelah was a great artist with a spit fire personality. She is someone I wish I could've met in this life. She will never get to grow up and become the amazing woman I'm certain she would've been, even more so then she already was, but there are others like her who can still be helped, still be saved.

There are countless stories like Leelah's that occur every year, yet most of the time they never make the news much less get spread all over. Leelah's story is beginning to show up all over the internet, especially the site Tumblr.

In her note, Leelah begs us to fix society. It's time we do just that. The time to spread transgender support and help educate others on being transgender is now. Let's start remembering the T in LGBT.

Below are links to Leelah's Tumblr page as well as a news article that was written about her suicide.

http://lazerprincess.tumblr.com/

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2014/12/transgender-teen-commits-suicide-cites-christian-parents-in-blog/

Recently, the first transgender suicide hotline run completely by transgender persons was created for the US and Canada. You can reach Trans Life at 877-565-8860 (US) and 877-330-6366 (Canda).

FDA Lifts Ban On Gay & Bisexual Blood Donations

This year is wrapping up with one more step in the right direction for the LGBT community here in the states.

On Tuesday, the FDA announced its plans to lift the lifetime ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men. The ban was put in place in 1983 during the AIDS epidemic. Back then, very little was known about HIV or what causes the disease, nor were there any quick tests for the disease. Thanks to advances in science and medicine, much more is known, and understood, about HIV now.

While the FDA has lifted the original ban, it is keeping a ban on donations by men who've slept with other men in the last year. This decision brings the US up to par with many European countries, including Great Britain, who adjusted their lifetime ban to a 12-month ban back in 2011. So while the ban isn't completely gone, it is a step in the right direction.

This decision has had mixed feedback. Some believe this is a step in the right direction. “This is a major victory for gay civil rights,” said I. Glenn Cohen, a law professor at Harvard who specializes in bioethics and health. “We’re leaving behind the old view that every gay man is a potential infection source.” However, he did admit that the policy was “still not rational enough.” While others were not so impressed. GMHC, an advocacy group formerly known as Gay Men’s Health Crisis, called the new policy “offensive and harmful.” and AIDS United, a Washington-based lobbying group, said the policy was a “step forward,” but that it “continues to perpetuate discrimination against gay and bisexual men.”

Overall, I agree that this is a step in the right direction, but it does feel like the FDA is saying only gay and bisexual men can carry HIV. However, all things take time and I'm going to count this as a win for the LGBT community. Let's hope it leads to even bigger, more significant wins in the future.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/24/health/fda-lifting-ban-on-gay-blood-donors.html?_r=0

Biggest Influential Coming Outs Of 2014

2014 was a great year as far as people in the media coming out. From all sectors of the media - broadcasting to acting to professional sports - this was the year to stomp on stereotypes and prove you can be anything you want to be no matter your orientation.

Here's a list of those whose coming outs made some of the biggest impacts in 2014.

1. Ellen Page - a Canadian actress who came out at a gay youth conference back in February.

2. Kristian Nairn - an Irish actor from the show "Game Of Thrones" who came out in March, wanting to challenge those who stereotype what gay men are supposed to look like.

3. Vicky Beeching - a British Christian singer who came out in August and became an advocate for gay rights in churches.

4. Daniel Franzeze - an actor best known for his role in the film "Mean Girls" who came out by writing a letter to his character from the film.

5. Tyler Glenn - the lead vocalist and keyboardist for the band Neon Tree proved when coming out that you can be gay and Mormon.

6. Andreja Pejic - a model for Elle and French Vogue who stunned the fashion world when she came out as a transgender woman.

7. Mark McAdam - a Sky Sports presenter who came out in September.

8. Maria Walsh - won the Rose of Tralee (a competition to find the "ultimate Irish woman") in August.

9. Michael Sam - the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year challenged the stereotype that gay men can't play football when he was drafted by the NFL.

10. Derrick Gordon - became the first openly gay National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 play when he came out in April.

11. Thomas Hitzlsperger - the highest profile soccer player to ever come out as gay which he did a mere 4 months after retiring.

12. Wang Ann-Jiun - the magazine editor-in chief came out as lesbian right in front of Taiwan's Parliament.

13. Sam Smith - the singer's debut album about unrequited love for a man was released this year.

14. Kellie Maloney - a former boxing promoter and UKIP politician had one of the most publicized coming outs this year.

15. Richard Quest - a CNN reporter who became one of the few out and proud gay journalists working for a national publication.

16. Djuan Trent - the first ever veteran Miss American contestant to come out.

17. Ian Thorpe - an Australian championship swimmer came out this year after years of media rumors circulating about his sexuality.

18. Charlie King - after earning his fame from the show "The Only Way Is Essex", the reality star came out on live UK morning television.

Thomas Hitzlsperger

National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 basketball player - See more at: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/18-coming-outs-changed-world-2014101014#sthash.ymnfI9qc.dpuf

Daniel Franzeze

Daniel Franzeze

It's people like these individuals who help pave the way for the younger generations. They're the ones who show others that their orientation does not limit their potential to be or do anything they want.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/18-coming-outs-changed-world-2014101014

Kristian Nairn

Kristian Nairn

Kristian Nairn

Kristian Nairn

2014 LGBT Enemy and Ally Of The Year

Today an article was released by Grindr, naming Vladimir Putin as Enemy of the LGBT Community 2014.

This really shouldn't be too big of a surprise to anyone. In mid 2013, he passed a law banning “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships” to minors. Those found breaking this law are fined, some even arrested. This law caused quite the international uproar and numerous protests during the 2014 Olympics in Sochi earlier this year. Not to mention being LGBT in Russia overall is dangerous due to the majority of general populous being against same-sex relationships and LGBT rights in general

On a lighter note, Hillary Clinton was named Straight Ally of the Year. She has publicly condemned Russia’s treatment of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people, and has consistently fought for LGBT rights. In 2011 she was quoted as saying, "Gay rights are human rights."

These results were from a poll given to Grindr users in the UK, US, and Australia. Grindr is a social networking app popular with gay and bisexual men for those of you who haven't heard of it.

Spreading Christmas Hate

(Finally back! Sorry about that rather long hiatus...)

Ever notice how there always seems to be something new for homophobes to be upset over? Well, the newest thing causing a homophobic uproar online is really for rather ridiculous reason (even more so then usual). So what is this new thing you ask? A documentary about SANTA CLAUSE.

A recently released documentary entitled "I Am Santa Clause" delves into the world of professional santas and the men that play them. The film follows four seasoned santas and one rookie to show what it takes to play Santa, and what their lives are like the rest of the year. I first learned about this film because it stars (and was produced by) WWE legend Mick Foley, who outside the world of professional wrestling is a big fan of Santa Clause. It actually looks like a truly fascinating documentary. Unfortunately, the film has experienced a large amount of homophobic backlash simply because one of the santas is gay.

The men featured in the film aren't just your run of the mill professional santas. These men are truly dedicated, altering their appearances and wearing Christmas themed clothing throughout the year. One of the men, "Santa Jim", is kindhearted man in his 70's who loves to spread love and joy in the spirit of Santa Clause and just happens to be gay. Mick Foley stated, "I would dare anyone to watch the film and not like Santa Jim.  I think there are going to be two types of reactions to Jim: some will be touched by him, and others will have to work hard to convince themselves that they were not touched by him. Jim clearly does an outstanding job of making children feel special."

Backlash has included posts featuring homophobic messages on the film's various social networking sites and threats to both Santa Jim and Mick Foley.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, Santa Clause has been a widely known and beloved part of Christmas celebrations for centuries. As a child, I remember how it was always exciting to experience a visit to Santa. Now, as an adult, I have a large appreciation for the men who dedicate themselves to filling such a special role in the hearts of children everywhere. So why should it matter who they love outside that role? Last time I checked, nowhere does it say you have to be straight in order to bring joy to children.

The fact that some people are so upset over a gay man playing Santa Clause just proves to me that the world is filled with horrible people who aren't happy unless they are constantly finding something to be upset over. The man clearly loves what he does and is very good at it. I, for one, would be proud to take my child to see Santa Jim or any other Santa who is part of the LGBT community. People have a right to be happy with who they are and what they do with their lives. These homophobes seriously need to find some happiness themselves and stop trying to rob it from others.

http://www.themarysue.com/i-am-santa-clause-gay-santa-backlash/

Polls Show Improving Numbers

Good news has come via a poll by CBS and The New York Times!

The poll has run for several years with the exact same wording, asking voters,“Do you think it should be legal or not legal for same-sex couples to marry?". The results revealed less people are opposed to same-sex marriage than in previous polls.

The long-running poll showed 56% of Americans in favor of same-sex marriage with only 37% opposed to it. These numbers show a 3% drop in opposition since July of this year when 40% of Americans were opposed to same-sex marriage. Comparatively, the new numbers show a big drop in opposition from July 2012 numbers where 44% were opposed.

This news made me really happy. It's things like this that show how things are slowly but surely changing for the better for the LGBT community in the US. It's important to take notice of small stories like this to remember to always have hope for a better, more equal future.

A Step Forward In Israel

Some exciting, and somewhat surprising, news came out of the Middle East this week. Israel has announced it will extend the benefits of the Law of Return to ALL married couples, including same-sex couples. This also allows Jews to immigrate to Israel with their non-Jewish same-sex spouses. Due to a directive that was made public on Tuesday, immigration authorities have now been informed by Israeli Interior Minister Gideon Saar to not differentiate between hetero and same-sex couples. 

“The Law of Return deals with the ingathering of all members of the Jewish people,” Saar wrote to his ministry’s Population and Immigration Authority,“In this regard, I see no reason to distinguish between Jews married in heterosexual marriages and Jews legally married abroad to a same-sex spouse. Both are Jews in terms of the Law of Return.”

In the last few years, the Israeli government has only naturalized non-Jewish persons whose same-sex spouses were Jewish after threats were made to send petitions the Supreme Court. It appears those threats were not in vain and helped push this new directive forward.

Israel does not allow same-sex couples to marry inside the country but does recognize same-sex marriages performed legally in other countries. Furthermore, gay people openly serve in the Israel's parliament and military. The Israeli Supreme Court also grants family rights, such as inheritance and survivors' benefits, to people that are gay.The country as a whole is actually quite tolerant of gay people. 

I have to admit that learning all this was a bit surprising to me. Unfortunately, most countries in the Middle East are automatically labeled as being homophobic and bigoted. It is important to remember that countries from all parts of the world are moving forward with human equality, and that anyone can be an LGBT ally regardless of where they are from. 

Same-Sex Parents Create Happy Kids

According to a recent study conducted by the University of Melbourne in Australia, children of same-sex couples are happier and healthier then children from "traditional" families. The study was aimed to "describe the physical, mental and social well-being" of children with same-sex parents as well as "the impact that stigma has on them".

A research team surveyed 315 same-sex parents and a total of 500 children. The results show, on average, the children with two moms or two dads scored 6% higher on measures of general health and family cohesion. When it came to temperament, mood, behavior, mental health and self-esteem, the children scored the same as children with heterosexual parents.

Head researcher, Simon Crouch, believes an emphasis on skills rather then traditional gender roles is a major factor in the survey results. "So what this means is that people take on roles that are suited to their skill sets rather than falling into those gender stereotypes. What this leads to is a more harmonious family unit and therefore feeding on to better health and wellbeing." Crouch explained. 

I think this is a brilliant idea because it helps show children that their gender does not make them who they are. Society as a whole still as a stigma that if you are a certain gender you can only like certain things or do certain things. Such as only girls can enjoy baking, and only boys can be grow up to be mechanics. As a society we need to do away with the idea of traditional gender roles for the sake of future generations. 

In my opinion, the results of this survey make perfect sense. Unlike heterosexual couples, no same-sex couple has a child accidentally. Whether they are from fostering, adoption or surrogacy, having a child is a meticulous process that requires time and planning for any same-sex couple. Most importantly, every child raised by same-sex parents knows they are wanted. 

For the full results of this survey, visit http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/14/635/abstract

Conversions In Washington State

Monday marked a change for same-sex couples in Washington state. The majority of registered domestic partnerships have now been converted into marriages by the state. 

Before Washington state voters legalized same-sex marriage in 2012, there were roughly 10,000 domestic partnerships registered with the secretary of state's office. Since the same-sex marriage law went into effect at the end 2012, over 7,000 same-sex couples have been married. Not all of the marriages were previously registered domestic partnerships, but many of them were. Those domestic partnerships that weren't previously converted into marriages by the actual couples have now been converted by the state as of Monday. 

This change was a component of the state's same-sex marriage law. However, the conversion only went into effect for couples who are both under the age of 62. Domestic partnerships can now only be filed if one of the partners is over the age of 62 because seniors risk losing certain retirement benefits if they marry. This stipulation for domestic partnerships holds true for both heterosexual and same-sex couples. It was estimated that around 3,600 couples have been effected by the conversion. 

Couples were notified of the impending change last year, and then again in March of this year. They were also instructed on what to do if they wanted to end their domestic partnership before the change went into effect. However, according to the corporations director for the secretary of state's office, Pam Floyd, despite best efforts by the state, there will be inevitably a few couples that have broken up and moved to a different state without legally ending their partnership who don't know about the conversions. Those couples will now need to get a divorce to dissolve their partnerships.

Washington citizens have shown mixed feelings about this decision. Some couples feel like their right to decide when they want to be married was taken away, and some were frantically trying to dissolve their partnerships before the change went into effect. Dissolving a domestic partnership is similar to a divorce in a marriage. You have to go to court and file an action. Other couples didn't mind the change because they either already got married, or they feel as though it saved them a step. 

Washington isn't the only state to convert domestic partnerships into marriages. New Hampshire and Connecticut have done the same. 

Surprising News From The White House

Today, at the annual LGBT Pride celebration at the White House, President Obama gave some astounding news.

Last year, the President promised the LGBT community he'd make sure the Affordable Care Act was implemented to insure no one could be denied health insurance based on their sexual orientation OR gender identity. He didn't disappoint. Now he's taking on another challenge for the LGBT community, this time within the work place.

He announced plans to sign an executive order protecting all Federal workers from gender identity discrimination. This order is designed to help protect transgender workers. Previously this month, he announced plans to prohibit federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Federal employees are already protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation. Together, these orders will insure all LGBT Federal employees and contractors are protected from discrimination for being who they are.

While these most recent executive orders for transgender persons are a big step forward, they apply only to Federal employees, and there is still a lot of work to be done around the country to insure everyone is treated equally. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, only 37% of Americans live in an area of the U.S. that protects employees on the basis of gender identity. However, these orders by President Obama have set a good example for (hopefully) the rest of the country to follow.

Obama had called on Congress to pass federal legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, but they would not. So the President decided to issue executive orders instead.

“The majority of Fortune 500 companies already have nondiscrimination policies to protect their employees because it’s the right thing to do and because many say it helps to retain and attract the best talent,” Obama said. “And I agree. So if Congress won’t act, I will.”

Pride 2014!

Earlier this month I attended my second LGBT Pride festival here in my town. It's not nearly as big of an event as places like Seattle, Toronto, Portland etc. but it was still tons of fun!

I get why some people in the LGBT community don't think Pride should still exist. In this day and age, it shouldn't matter what orientation you are, everyone should just be the same. There shouldn't still be a need for Pride festivals, but since the fight for equality is still happening, Pride still means a great deal to a lot of people. It's a time where you can celebrate the ability to be you without the threat of jail time or being put to death for your orientation. Considering there is still a lot of places in the world where that is legal, it's a relief to those who are in a place that celebrates Pride because they don't need to worry about those threats.

That being said, I highly recommend going to a Pride festival if you have the chance. Whether you are part of the LGBT community or an ally, they are a lot of fun. There is access to all kinds of information and services not to mention there's usually fun activities for the kids, performances, and even a parade. You can meet all kinds of new people and learn new things. Plus there's just something about Pride that is comforting to be around.

I wore a shirt to Pride that said "100% Asexual, 100% Out, 100% Proud". I had people stop me to ask about asexuality, tell me they knew someone that was asexual, and even one young lady tell me she was asexual too! It was great to help spread visibility and educate people.

So if you have the chance, grab some friends like I did and go experience a Pride festival. You won't regret it! =)