The Fierce Urgency of Now

Fed UP

2008-08-19T12:33:00.001-10:00

I am totally fed up as to how this society can continue to murder and kill one another. I hope to be one member of society that totally makes a worldwide difference.

He was only 15 years old

2008-02-21T12:28:00.007-10:00

Gay student in Oxnard, California declared brain dead. Police Confirm and File Hate-Crime Charges.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (February 15, 2008) - On February 13th 15-year-old Lawrence King was declared brain dead after he was shot by a fellow student at Oxnard Junior High School. King, an openly gay student, was shot during his first period English Class in front of twenty four other students. According to classmates, King was known to wear makeup and feminine jewelry to school and was in conflict with other boys for his open display.

Suspect: Brandon McInerney (14 yrs old)

http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-oxnard13feb13,0,432082.story

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-oxnard14feb14,0,7204301.story

Opinion:

http://fruitfly.wordpress.com/2008/02/14/

who-will-mourn-lawrence-kings-death/

Unity Church of Hawaii

2008-02-21T11:35:00.003-10:00

This past sunday I attended a church for which I was overwhelmingly welcomed. I attended with a very good friend who is gay. He too felt very very welcomed. You can visit the churches website at www.unityhawaii.org.

I have never been to a religious place where I did not feel a sense of condemnation. But this group of people were different. I actually knew that love was possible as I walked amongst the people and participated with the people in the service.

One aspect of the church that stood out was the phrase: We believe in original Virtue. I am used to hearing the phrase: We believe in original SIN.

Their approach is understandable I too would rather hold on to the fact that I was created by GOD in original Virtue. All that GOD created was and is GOOD. Therefore I too am GOOD. I do sin (miss the mark) I do miss the bulls eye...and know I will never be PERFECT in and of myself. But I can be PERFECT in LOVE. The fact that I can love at all is the perfection GOD gives me strength to perform.

GOD LOVES ME and YOU.

Gay American Heroes

2008-02-08T17:00:00.000-10:00

I've just come across a website that has totally hit home to what I've been thinking about lately.

www.gayamericanheroes.com

I have been moved by all the international news regarding hate crimes toward gay men in particular but also toward the GLBT community as a whole. Gay American Heroes is a new foundation that seeks to promote the human side of being Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, or Transgendered. The new foundation focuses on the USA and it's continued hatred toward the GLBT community.

I hope to have their support for our first "ATU" Acceptance, Totally, and Unconditionally Conference.

I still cannot understand how the majority of our society will not stand against the bigotry that exist in our world.

Friends that Make a Difference (Earl)

2008-02-07T14:08:00.000-10:00

I just got back from my friends place. I met this guy a while ago and he has taken special care of my feelings. I mean he is respectful of what one goes through when one is learning how to walk in his own skin. His hospitality, words, and care are genuine. He has a smile that says "I really like you". Anyway, learning to accept yourself is a journey for anyone. But an especially difficult journey when all around you it seems you are ducking from the stones of bigotry.

It is friends like Earl that add to my strength. It seems that I gather strength from all of the past struggles that my friends have already endured. So I thank you that you did not give up when you struggled because now your life has strengthened mine.

R.I.P

2008-02-06T15:36:00.000-10:00

In Sylacauga, Alabama, the body of 39-year-old Billy Jack Gaither was found bludgeoned with an ax handle and charred on a pile of burned tires; killed, as one paper described it, ''for being himself.''

Last October, in Laramie, Wyoming, Matthew Shepard, an openly gay young man, was found badly beaten and tied to a fence. He died five days later from 18 blows to the head. The state charged two men with the murder; one defendant has pled guilty to the murder, and the second awaits trail on first-degree murder charges.

Topic: The Fallen (Unjustly)

2008-02-06T15:34:00.000-10:00

Topic: This area acknowledges the fallen in our community.

Topic: The Conference

2008-02-06T14:05:00.000-10:00

How would you like to see and participate in a state to state conference that focused on acceptance of GLBT people?

Well I thought this would be a great place to think out loud on the possibilities of a state, National, and International Conference that supports the GLBT community.

It is shameful to think that such a notion of non-acceptance even exist. But discrimination is not new to our society/world.

The conference would fulfill the wishes of all GLBT peoples. "Acceptance" Totally and Unconditionally. (ATU) With speakers and workshops of inclusion and encouragement. To recognizing the fallen and those who have come "OUT". To the historical pitfalls and advances by the GLBT community.

2008-02-05T11:47:00.000-10:00

'My life as a gay Ugandan Christian'

Christopher Senteza is a committed Christian who has been with his partner for six years.
He teaches English and religious studies at a school in Uganda, close to where he lives in the capital, Kampala.
The 33-year-old is a pillar of the community, and would dearly love to be ordained into the Anglican church.
But Christopher is also gay, something the church in Uganda frowns upon and the state can throw you in prison for.
Christopher realised he was gay when he was a teenager, and confided in his uncle, who is also gay.
He says his family has been his rock, because of their loving care.
"My family has been very supportive - which has been very powerful for me," he says.
But he adds some families are not so helpful.
Society needs to have an appreciation of what we can offer to benefit everyone As part of his work for Integrity Uganda, a Christian group which offers support for gays and lesbians, he recalls a visit with a friend to a gay teenager's mother he was trying to help.
"We went and visited the son and his mother decided to chase us from the house,"
"She accused us of trying to preach homosexuality to him - which, of course, we were not trying to do.
"We were trying to help him."
Rural rejection, urban acceptance
He says Ugandan society is split on the issue of homosexuality between those in cities and towns and those in rural areas.
"The rural population is very against homosexuality, but urban people tend to be more accepting."
There is a perception amongst many Africans that homosexuality is something that was brought with European colonialism.
There is no word in Christopher's native tongue - Lugandan - for homosexuality.
"They say it is a Western word, but there were many cases of it documented in Uganda before the white man came to Africa."

Christopher joined fellow worshippers at a Christian service. He hesitates about speaking of President Museveni - who has well publicised hatred of gays and lesbians - saying he has never spoken to the president so it would not be right for him to speak of what he thinks.
In 1999 the president launched a fierce attack on homosexuality and said gays should be sent to jail.
"I know of two men who were jailed for being gay," Christopher says, starkly.
He added himself and his partner Francis are accepted in their community, but agrees more needs to be done to get full acceptance.
Uganda is a country which has introduced democratic reforms and has improved its human rights record since Yoweri Museveni became president in 1986.
Christopher believes a change in society and a change in gay action is needed.
Given time, Uganda will have to move towards acceptance "Gays are a little bit shy and afraid to come out. Both members of the gay community and society itself have their part to play to improve things for gays and lesbians.
"Society needs to have an appreciation of what we can offer to benefit everyone."
The church, too, takes a dim view of homosexuality.
Christopher would dearly love to become an Anglican minister, but has been rejected, despite his impeccable credentials.
"I wasn't given the reason why I was rejected, but I believe it was because I am a homosexual."
But he also believes things are changing within society, and within the church.
"They must move towards acceptance."
Visa problem
Christopher was in Manchester for the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement conference, where he delivered an address titled "Lesbian and Gay Identity in Uganda: a Christian Vision for my Country".
He also attended a controversial gay Christian service which had been banned from Manchester cathedral.
But he almost didn't make it because the UK immigration service questioned his motives for coming to the country and was refused a visitor's visa.
He had to go to MP Ben Bradshaw who then had to take the issue to a ministerial level before he was granted a visa.
He arrived in London one day before the conference was due to begin.
The immigration service need not worry - he will be heading back at the end of this week, where he will continue his work.
"Given time, Uganda will have to move towards acceptance," he said.

2008-02-05T11:35:00.000-10:00

Arrests for Senegal 'gay wedding'

Homosexuality is illegal in Muslim-majority SenegalPolice in Senegal have arrested several men following the publication of pictures claiming to depict a wedding ceremony between two men.
The pictures were published in Icone magazine, whose editor, Mansour Dieng, has since received death threats.
Mr Dieng has also been questioned by police over the issue.
Homosexuality is illegal in Senegal but it is not clear whether the arrests were in connection with the ceremony or the death threats.
The BBC's Tidiane Sy in Senegal said that at least five of the men arrested appeared in the photographs.
According to pro-government newspaper Le Soleil, the arrested men were all seized in "a meeting house which could act as a brothel".
Police have not commented on the case but an official at the Department of Criminal Investigations told AFP news agency that an investigation was under way.
The ceremony is believed to have involved a Senegalese man and another from Ghana or the Ivory Coast, who has not yet been found.
Mr Dieng told Africa Global News that he published the pictures to dismiss accusations that an earlier article on homosexuality in Senegal was untrue.
Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country and gay men and women remain socially marginalised.

Petition for the lives of Hamzeh and Loghman

2008-02-02T22:10:00.000-10:00

Petition for the lives of Hamzeh and Loghman: two young gay men who are in love and who risk the death sentence in Iran. And let’s not forget Pegah: the United Kingdom could still hand her over to the executioner.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is persecuting homosexuals, dissidents and free thinkers, and carrying out political crimes towards them. Homosexual relationships in Iran are considered a crime liable to sadistic corporal punishment and the death sentence. On January 23rd, 2008, Hamzeh Chavi and Loghman Hamzehpour, two homosexual young men of 18 and 19, were arrested in Sardasht, in Iranian Azerbaijan.

Sign it at http://www.petitiononline.com/irangay/petition.html and spread it as more as possible

Topic: General Comments

2008-02-02T12:46:00.000-10:00

How did you like The Fierce Urgency of Now Blog Site? Leave your comments here.

Brother Outsider: the Life of Bayard Rustin

2008-02-02T00:37:00.000-10:00

Brother Outsider: the Life of Bayard Rustin
24.95 at
www.rustin.org

Bayard Rustin: Gay March on Washington Organizer

2008-02-02T00:00:00.000-10:00

From Ramone Johnson,

Gay Rights Leader Bayard Rustin
http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2002/brotheroutsider/rustin.html

Did you know that Bayard Rustin, one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s colleagues and the organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, was gay?

Openly-gay Bayard Rustin was born in 1912 in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Rustin began his impressive political career at an early age after an education at Wilberforce University, Cheyney State College and City College of New York (never received B.A.). Not only was he an integral part of the African-American civil rights movement, but became one of the leading advocates and examples for gay equality.

Bayard Rustin's celebrated career captured the attention of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who recruited Rustin as an assistant and colleague in 1956. Below is a streaming time line of affiliations and causes that led up to Rustin's lead role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech:

1937 Rustin began activist career by training at the American Friends Service Committee.

1937 Became organizer for the Youth Communist League (later to become anti-Communist).

1941 Quit Youth Communist League. Colleague of A. Philip Randolph, President of The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Race Relations Secretary for the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR).

1942 Field Secretary for the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) Colleague of Norman Thomas, a leader in the democratic socialist movement.

1947 Helped plan the Journey of Reconciliation "freedom ride" which paved way for the freedom rides in the early 1960's. After being arrested, Rustin's experiences on a chain gang were chronicled on The New York Post which initiated an investigation that eliminated chain gangs in North Carolina.

1940's Assisted in lobbying President Truman to eliminate segregation in the military.

1945 Organized the Free India Committee, fighting for India's independence from Britain.

1951 Organized the Committee to Support South African Resistance (American Committee on Africa).

1953 Joined the War Resisters League.

1956 Began assisting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

1957 Organized the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom.

1960's Helped form the Recruitment and Training Program (R-T-P). Vice Chairman of the International Rescue Committee.

1963 Deputy Director and chief organizer of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. King presented the "I Have a Dream" speech.

1964 Helped found the A. Randolph Institute (APRI).

1980 Participated in the March for Survival on the Thai-Cambodian border.

1982 Helped found the National Emergency Coalition for Haitian Rights. Chairman of the Executive committee of Freedom House.

1983 Rustin's report South Africa: Is Peaceful Change Possible? led to the formation of Project South Africa.

Before his death, Rustin wrote several essays, recorded songs and received numerous honorary doctorates while continuing his involvement as an officer on numerous human rights committees until his death in 1987. He is survived by his partner of 10 years, Walter Naegle.

You can learn more about and his inspiring influence on today's African-American and gay civil rights movements in the documentary Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin.

Gay Couples as Committed, Happier Than Straight Couples

2008-02-01T23:53:00.000-10:00

Study: Gay Couples as Committed, Happier Than Straight Couples

by Medical News Today

Same-sex couples are just as committed in their romantic relationships as heterosexual couples and may be happier, say researchers who have studied the quality of adult relationships and healthy development. Their finding disputes the stereotype that couples in same-sex relationships are not as committed as their heterosexual counterparts and are therefore not as psychologically healthy.

These results are from two studies featured in the January issue of Developmental Psychology, published by the American Psychological Association. This issue includes a special section that examines sexual orientation across the lifespan.

Both studies compared same-sex couples with opposite-sex couples on a number of developmental and relationship factors. The first study examined whether committed same-sex couples differ from engaged and married opposite-sex couples in how well they interacted and how satisfied they were with their partners. Evidence has shown that positive interactions improve the quality of relationships in ways that foster healthy adult development.

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign compared 30 committed gay male and 30 committed lesbian couples with 50 engaged heterosexual couples and 40 older married heterosexual couples, as well as with dating heterosexual couples. All the partners responded to a questionnaire that documented how positively they interacted with one another on a day to day basis. The couples were also observed during a laboratory task and were monitored for distress by skin conductance and heart rate.

Results showed that same-sex relationships were similar to those of opposite-sex couples in many ways. All had positive views of their relationships but those in the more committed relationships (gay and straight) resolved conflict better than the heterosexual dating couples. And lesbian couples worked together especially harmoniously during the laboratory tasks.

The notion that committed same-sex relationships are "atypical, psychologically immature, or malevolent contexts of development was not supported by our findings," said lead author Glenn I. Roisman, PhD. "Compared with married individuals, committed gay males and lesbians were not less satisfied with their relationships."

Furthermore, said Roisman, "Gay males and lesbians in this study were generally not different from their committed heterosexual counterparts on how well they interacted with one another, although some evidence emerged the lesbian couples were especially effective at resolving conflict."

In the second study, researchers from the University of Washington, San Diego State University and the University of Vermont wanted to examine how sexual orientation and legal status affected relationship quality. To do so, they followed 65 male and 138 female same-sex couples with civil unions, 23 male and 61 female same-sex couples not in civil unions and 55 heterosexual married couples over a three-year period. One member of each heterosexual couple was a sibling to a member of a civil union couple.

Both partners in all of the couples answered questions regarding their demographics, status of their relationship, number of children, sexual behavior, frequency of contact with their parents with and without their partners and perceived social support. Partners in same-sex relationships also answered questions regarding disclosure of their sexual orientation to their family, peers and work associates.

The researchers found that same-sex couples were similar to heterosexual couples on most relationships variables, and that the legalized status of a relationship did not seem to be the overriding factor affecting same-sex relationships.

Despite the legal status of their relationships, the civil union couples showed no differences on any of the relationship measures from the same-sex couples who were in committed relationships but not in civil unions. "This may be because those couples in Vermont who sought out the legal protection of a civil union might have legalized their relationship more for symbolic value than for commitment reasons, which did not affect their day-to-day interactions," said lead author Kimberly F. Balsam, PhD.

However, the same sex-couples who were not in civil unions were more likely to have ended their relationships compared to those couples in same-sex civil unions or heterosexual marriages. This suggests that the protections afforded by a legalized relationship may impact same-sex relationships, something the study's authors plan to follow up on in future research, said Balsam.

The findings also showed that same-sex couples, regardless of civil union status, were more satisfied with their relationships compared to married heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples reported more positive feelings toward their partners and less conflict than heterosexual married couples, said the authors. They theorized that there may be societal pressures and norms, as well as the presence of legal status as a couple, which may contribute to heterosexual couples staying together even when they are not happy. Alternatively, most long-term same-sex couples have to stay together by their own will and hard work since they don't have society's forces on their side, Balsam added.

This was the first study to follow same-sex couples in legalized unions over a period of time. This type of design allows the researchers to monitor changes in the relationships and compare them with changes experienced by both same-sex couples not in civil unions and heterosexual couples. All the couples were comparable with respect to race/ethnicity and age at the time of the study.

John Amaechi, Orlando Magic & Mr. Sulu

2008-02-01T11:03:00.000-10:00

John Amaechi, once a star player for the Orlando Magic, is the first NBA player to ever publicly come out as a gay man. Now retired from basketball, Amaechi’s unique story is detailed in his autobiography, Man in the Middle, just released by ESPN Books.
Now, Amaechi is an official spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign’s Coming Out Project, a program designed to help gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people come out and live openly.
Amaechi is launching a nationwide tour to share his story and encourage conversation about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. Find out when Amaechi will be in a city near you .
Learn more about coming out as an athlete through It Takes A Team, an organization dedicated to fighting homophobia in sports.

WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign announced today that George Takei, “Star Trek”’s Mr. Sulu, will embark on a nationwide speaking tour through six cities, speaking about his life as a gay Japanese American and encouraging others to share their stories. Takei will also serve as a spokesman for HRC’s Coming Out Project throughout the tour and beyond. Takei made international headlines last fall when he announced to the press that he and his partner Brad Altman have been together for nearly 20 years.“For 40 years, George Takei has beamed into living rooms through the television sets of generations of Americans. His unique role in pop culture history will help him reach new audiences with messages of understanding,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “We are tremendously excited to officially and publicly welcome George and his partner Brad into the Human Rights Campaign family.”As a child, Takei and his family were held in American internment camps during World War II because of their Japanese ancestry — even though Takei and his mother were born on American soil and his father came to the United States as a child. Takei will speak on the tour about the ways that his life has been touched by both discrimination and by the healing that takes place when prejudice is replaced with understanding and open communication.“In my own life, I have felt the discrimination that used to separate Japanese Americans from the rest of the country melt away,” said Takei. “I believe that by sharing our stories GLBT Americans can break down the walls that separate us and help build a more understanding and truly diverse nation for us all.”Takei has been increasingly in the public eye speaking on GLBT issues since coming out in the press, and will appear on NBC’s “Will & Grace”. http://www.georgetakei.com/news-2006-january.asp

Topic: Who's OUT

2008-02-01T10:53:00.001-10:00

Coming OUT is different for everyone. It's a travesty that one should have to "Come OUT" in the first place.

Here we list those who have come out. Celeberties, politicians, and just plain ole good people like us.
Are you working on coming OUT? What's your coming out story?

God loves Suicide Victims

2008-02-01T10:48:00.000-10:00

I just got off the phone with my friend Anthony and we were discussing whether or not a person goes to Hell if they commit suicide. I in no way suggest a person commit suicide!!! There are so many places to get help when you feel like there is no way out...I for one have been so desperate myself at times.

God does not condemn someone to Hell for commiting suicide. God only wants people to have faith in him. If you are feeling despair lets talk.
Thank you Anthony it was a great talk.

Topic: Faith, Religion and Politics

2008-02-01T10:47:00.000-10:00

This topic explores the role of faith, religion, and politics for GLBT people.

Influential Friends

2008-01-31T15:53:00.000-10:00

The friends who are having a great impact on my life. Paul who I've known for over 10 years, Anthony for over 15 years, and Jim just a couple of months.

Paul: I talk with you almost everyday. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I'm grateful for our friendship. You are there for me at my lowest and highest times. You are indeed a true "Jedi".

Anthony: Wow brah! You pretty much know me through and through at least up until I came out to you last year. Your support for me has given me a respect for myself that has kept me alive.

Jim: Your Love for me has lifted my spirits and has brought me to life. Our times together is teaching me how to be true to myself. I look forward to new experiences with you.

Topic: Reviews

2008-01-31T15:29:00.000-10:00

So many mediums affect our thinking and lifes direction. Here I review books, music, TV, movies and any other media that I come across.

Topic: HIV/Health

2008-01-31T14:19:00.000-10:00

HIV and Health news. New treatments, support, and education!

Topic: Encouraging Words

2008-01-31T14:10:00.000-10:00

Here we can share our day to day thoughts about our personal journey as a GLBT person. Here is a safe place to support one another and encourage one another as we come to terms with ourselves despite what others believe and say about us.

Topic: GLBT Discrimination and Hatred

2008-01-31T14:06:00.000-10:00

This section covers the worldwide negative thoughts and action toward the GLBT community.

Sometimes people who object to gay people are called homophobic. Homophobia is a fear of and/or hostility towards gay people or homosexuality. Homophobia is often expressed visibly, audibly and sometimes violently.

Topic: GLBT Advances

2008-01-31T14:03:00.000-10:00

A look at the worldwide advances of GLBT community.

Topic: Human Rights

2008-01-31T13:53:00.000-10:00

GLBT people all over the world suffer from their innate desire to love each other. This topic looks at the injustice that GLBT people face worldwide.