Monday, June 30, 2014
A First Look Henry Cavill as Clark Kent in BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE
This is from the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund, a group Henry highly supports.
A treat for a Monday morning for all our #HenryCavill fans. Henry is a great supporter of the @RM1664Challenge! http://t.co/q4HcEqw0Mr
— RMCTF (@RMCTF) June 30, 2014Supreme Court sides with Hobby Lobby
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case today.
A quick flashback before we start:
The Hobby Lobby corporation have strong religious objections to certain types of contraceptive devices and are suing to protect those religious rights against the ACA (Affordable Care Act). Basically, Hobby Lobby wants opt out of providing contraception coverage under Obamacare.
While the ruling was narrow, I think other companies could follow suit.
Here's more from Politico:
The ruling deals directly with only a small provision of Obamacare and will not take down the entire law but it amounts to a huge black eye for Obamacare and its backers. The justices have given Obamacare opponents their most significant political victory against the health care law, reinforcing their argument that the law and President Barack Obama are encroaching on Americans’ freedoms.Not a good way to kick off Monday morning.
“Under the standard that [the Religious Freedom Restoration Act] prescribes, the HHS contraceptive mandate is unlawful,” Justice Samuel Alito wrote in the opinion, which was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Anthony Kennedy.
The court’s four liberal justices called it a decision of “startling breadth” and said that it allows companies to “opt out of any law (saving only tax laws) they judge incompatible with their sincerely held religious beliefs.”
The court appeared to reject, 7-2, the Obama Administration’s argument that for-profit companies cannot assert religious rights under RFRA. Only Justice Sonia Sotomayor joined the portion of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s dissent that argues companies do not have such rights. Justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan did not join that section and did not explicitly state their views on the point.
The decision could open the door to other closely held corporations seeking to withhold coverage for other medical procedures at odds with firm religious beliefs. It marks the first time that the Supreme Court has allowed companies the ability to declare a religious belief – a decision that could reverberate far past the Affordable Care Act to other laws and issues.
Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury backstage at The Los Angeles Forum, 1980
I wonder what they talked about?
Sunday, June 29, 2014
This is how New York City celebrates Gay Pride
The Empire State Building's rainbow lights will shine across New York City over the next three nights!
Words I live by
Always... Always be good to yourself
Stay Strong
Ask for more, ask for better
Keep it real
Give a Damn
Meshach Taylor Dies at 67
Talented actor Meshach Taylor has passed on. It was reported over the weekend about his weaken health, but now it is confirmed by his agent on THR.
Meshach spent 7 years of the hit TV show, Designing Women as Anthony Bouvier. He was supposed to appear in one episode, but the chemistry he had with women made the writers think twice.
We also knew Meshach as Hollywood Montrose from the Mannequin films. For some, he was the first example of a gay man... For some of us, he was an example of a Black gay man.
He lived a good life as a actor and a husband. We will greatly miss him.
There's more on Meshach's career after the jump
Saturday, June 28, 2014
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals grants Stay on Gay Marriages in Indiana
 |
| Greg Zoeller |
Well, I guess the shoe had to drop somewhere.
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a motion by Indiana's attorney general to stay the ruling striking down the state's same-sex marriage ban. This mess happened last night.
In AG Greg Zoeller's motion, he said the stay was needed to:
"stem the long-term negative impact that may be created by hundreds, if not thousands, of same-sex marriages that ultimately may prove to have no basis in law."Whatever, right?
But I have no fears about this. Look how most of these situations turned out in the end. Folks in Indiana will marry.
source
Friday, June 27, 2014
160 Religious Leaders beg Obama to Protect Religious Freedom/Their Right to Discriminate
About 160 religious leaders sent President Obama a letter to (and get this) include strong religious freedom protections in the LGBT Job Projection Executive Order.
In other words, they want to be able to discriminate in the name of the Lord.
I have the letter below. You will see that they don't support the EO, however it feels like a guilt trip. They mention how protecting their religious freedom allows them to do their charity work and such. These folks have the nerve.
Check it out for yourself
Interesting Quote: Ann Coulter
"Any growing interest in soccer can only be a sign of the nation's moral decay. Individual achievement is not a big factor in soccer. In a real sport, players fumble passes, throw bricks and drop fly balls — all in front of a crowd. When baseball players strike out, they're standing alone at the plate. But there's also individual glory in home runs, touchdowns and slam-dunks. In soccer, the blame is dispersed and almost no one scores anyway. There are no heroes, no losers, no accountability, and no child's fragile self-esteem is bruised. There's a reason perpetually alarmed women are called 'soccer moms', not 'football moms.' If more 'Americans' are watching soccer today, it's only because of the demographic switch effected by Teddy Kennedy's 1965 immigration law. I promise you: No American whose great-grandfather was born here is watching soccer. One can only hope that, in addition to learning English, these new Americans will drop their soccer fetish with time."This Trick has lost it
source
Sherri Shepherd leaving ‘The View’ and possibly Jenny McCarthy too
Interesting news.
Sherri Shepherd announced yesterday that she’s leaving The View after 7 years. The reason or reasons have to do with her personal life and contract problems with ABC.
Sherri (through her rep) said:
“It’s been seven wonderful years on The View and after careful consideration it is time for me to move on. I am extremely grateful to Barbara Walters and Bill Gedde for giving me the opportunity. I look forward to the business opportunities that lay ahead for me and I am incredibly grateful to my View family and my fans for supporting me on this journey.”Also Jenny McCarthy said that if Sherri’s leaving, she’s leaving too. Jenny tweeted this yesterday as well.
I don't know... Is this a bluff or is this really happening?
Personally, they do need to shake the show up, so this could a good thing.
source
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Sam Smith's Debut Album hits Big on the Billboard Charts
Sam Smith's debut album will peak at #2 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. He sold 166,000 copies of his first CD.
That's huge, y'all!
Sam also broke the record for highest UK male artist first week debut album sales in the 23-year history of Soundscan.
The young soul singer is about to take America by storm! And it's very neat to know he's gay too.
Congrats Sam!
source
John Boehner want to Sue the Obama Administration over Use of Executive Orders
This Fu*ker is really desperate!
House Speaker John Boehner is going to file a lawsuit against the Obama administration for its use of executive actions to change laws.
BoneHead said:
"I believe the President is not faithfully executing the laws of our country, and on behalf of the institution and our constitution standing up and fighting for this is in the best long term interest of the Congress."What?
At this time, there are no specifics or format to this lawsuit and there's not enough info to impeach the president. So I have to ask, why is he doing this? It sounds foolish and it's just another way to waste our tax dollars.
In fact, the new WH Press Secretary Josh Earnest stated today:
"The fact that they are considering a taxpayer-funded lawsuit against the president of the United States for doing his job, I think, is the kind of step that most Americans wouldn't support."Good luck, BoneHead. This is your legacy.
source
Brian Brown whines over Indiana
"Today's split decision of a panel of judges in the 10th Circuit is not surprising given that this Circuit refused to even order a stay of the district court decision when it came down during the Christmas holidays. While we strongly disagree with the two judges in the majority, we are encouraged by the strong defense of marriage articulated by Justice Paul Kelly in his dissent, and especially his defense of the sovereign right of the people of Utah to decide this issue for themselves. This principled recognition by a federal judge considering the marriage issue underscores that the people of a state are entitled to respect and deference in their desire to promote marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
"The elected representatives of the people of Indiana have decided, for good and proper reasons, to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. It is judicial activism for a single judge to substitute his own views on marriage for the considered opinion of the people's representatives. This is just the latest example of activism from the federal bench, but we fully expect this decision to eventually be reversed when the US Supreme Court upholds the right of states to define marriage as a man and a woman. In the meantime, it is imperative that the state legislature move forward a state constitutional amendment preserving marriage so that the people always remain in control of the definition of marriage in Indiana."
From his press release
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
This is the 30th Anniversary of the Purple Rain album
One of the best albums ever! And the insert was EVERYTHING! It was also a lot to take in as a 10-year old
Good Gay Marriage News from Utah and Indiana
In Indiana, U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young ruled that Indiana’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples is unconstitutional.
Then in Utah, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down Utah's gay marriage ban. However, the court has granted a stay pending appeal to the Supreme Court.
This is fascinating to see as we continue to win on marriage equality. Can't wait to hear what the haters say
R. Kelly response on his Trans Son is a little Bizarre
About a couple weeks ago, I posted the story about R.Kelly Trans son. For a good minute, R. Kelly was quiet about this... Until now.
This response speaks in volumes
Real Talk... Jay is your son, get used to it.
This response speaks in volumes
Real Talk... Jay is your son, get used to it.
READ the Fact Sheet of Advancing The Human Rights Of LGBT Persons Globally
From the White House:
Yesterday, the White House hosted the first Global Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Human Rights Forum, bringing together the faith community, private sector, philanthropy, HIV and other health advocates, LGBT activists from around the world, and the broader human rights community to discuss how to work together with the U.S. government and others to promote respect for the human rights of LGBT individuals around the world.
The group discussed how to counter legislation that attacks the rights of LGBT folks (UGANDA) and how to support them as well.
Another piece included The Forum, which is the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to use diplomacy and assistance to promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons around the world. There is a longer and more detailed description of this after the jump
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Tony Perkins leads the Foolishness Rally known as Call2Fall
Tony Perkins has this silly plan for America, WATCH
This Call 2 Fall has an agenda of course
For more, go here
This Call 2 Fall has an agenda of course
The first requirement on the path to renewal is to "humble ourselves," to fall on our knees and faces before the Lord in repentant prayer. Over and over the Scriptures teach this. Click here for examples.You can see that probably being gay is also a factor somewhere in this farce. Anywho, this project is happening this Sunday. I wonder who will actually do this mess?
Second, our history records it. Our founding fathers sensed the need for a "Call 2 Fall" in view of the monumental struggle we were engaged in with Britain. The First Continental Congress called for a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer throughout the Colonies on July 20th, 1775 just after war broke out. James Warren wrote Samuel Adams:
Three millions of people on their knees at once, supplicating the aid of Heaven, is a striking circumstance, and a very singular one in America . May the blessings of Heaven follow in answer to our prayers...
In addition, colonial America and the early years of our republic experienced what observers have called Great Awakenings, which began with God's people humbling themselves in repentant prayer and led to others becoming followers of Christ. Click here for more examples from our Founders.
Third, our nation needs it. Ponder the past decade. From 9/11 to war to natural disasters to financial and moral collapse, we are witnessing what happens when a nation turns away from God.
For more, go here
Monday, June 23, 2014
Will Wonder Woman's look mirror Lady Sif's Battle Armor in Dawn of Justice?
Big rumor from the Batman v Superman film is Wonder Woman will be in true battle gear.
The costume we know and kinda love, may take a sidestep. JoBlo.com claims that Diana will wear a blue leather skirt, golden lasso, shield, sword and spear. Also, she will sport more armor.
This sounds like Lady Sif to me. Her style could mirror Jaimie Alexander's look. Again, this all big rumor stuff, but you never know.
Rest in Peace Yaz'min Shancez
Transwoman Yaz'min Shancez was brutally murdered. She was burned and found behind a dumpster off Fowler Street last Thursday in Fort Myers, FL.
Yesterday, the community held a vigil for her. To friends and family, Yaz'min was a great person and a true friend. She was fighter and a believer... She didn't deserve to die like this. No one does.
However, it's becoming an all too familiar story for Trans women of color. These stories are always hard to hear because they are consistently reminded of the dangers out there. As I always say, PLEASE look after each other and support our Trans family. Yaz'min deserved to live a good long life.
She deserved better.
R.I.P. Yaz'min.
Also to help with her burial, please go here
In Texas: Shooter of Lesbian Teens Arrested
David Malcolm Strickland was caught and arrested this past Friday. He was the one who shot the girls in the head in South Texas, killing one of them and leaving the other with major injuries.
Here's more from NBC News:
He is facing charges of capital murder, aggravated assault with a weapon and aggravated sexual assault in the June 23, 2012, attack on Mollie Olgin, 19, who died in the shooting in Portland on the Corpus Christi Bay. Olgin's girlfriend, Kristene Chapa, then 18, survived. His wife faces charges of tampering with evidence.David will finally get his for this awful crime.
“I hope that it gives them some closure knowing that this person is taken off the street,” Portland Police Chief Gary Giles said of the victims’ families and the community. “It is one day before the two-year anniversary. We've been working very hard to make sure we get him as soon as possible. A series of fortunate events has led us to this point and I'm just very happy that we could help in — at least at this point — in bringing him to justice.”
“He’s a stone cold killer who thought he got away with murder, but will finally pay for his crime,” said Robert R. Almonte, United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas. “My sympathies and condolences go to the victims and their families who had to endure this wicked act of violence.”
Chapa, now 20, had gone with Olgin that Friday night to Violet Andrews Park in Portland outside Corpus Christi to see where her girlfriend had been baptized. The suspected shooter allegedly forced the girls down a steep incline in the quiet bayside park, bound them and shot them in the head. A couple out bird watching the next morning found the girls — Olgin had died but Chapa, who tried to claw her way out of the thorny brush, was alive.
The gunshot initially left Chapa unable to sit or stand, with the bullet piercing the part of her brain controlling movements on her left side. She has recovered those abilities but was still recently undergoing physical rehabilitation.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Daniel Radcliffe would Love to be Robin in the Batman Films
Daniel recently admitted that he would be a great Robin for Batman.
In an interview with Buzzfeed, Daniel said:
"[I'd love to be in] Batman. If they reboot that again, I'll do that too.I can almost see it. He could be a good Robin
"It's happening, isn't it? With Ben Affleck. I could be Robin, I'm perfect."
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Texas GOP Delegate and Ex-Gay Jeremy Schwab said 'Reparative therapy' platform plank misunderstood
So this Jeremy, who's an ex-gay, put this language in the Texas GOP party platform. I guess he thought it was cool to do, being a Texas Man and all. However, it immediately made headlines and now, he wants to be all coy about the meaning of it.
Jeremy, have a seat in an abandon building.
Jeremy, have a seat in an abandon building.
Ugandan Government says they won't be "Blackmailed" by the US
After the President and the US Government gave out harsh measures to Uganda over their anti-gay foolishness, they responded... In a not so good way.
Uganda's spokesman Ofwono Opondo told Reuters, that basically, "Whatever"
"Uganda is a sovereign country and can never bow to anybody or be blackmailed by anybody on a decision it took in its interests, even if it involves threats to cut off all financial assistance."Okay, they say that now, but I bet you they will change their tone in years to come
Friday, June 20, 2014
Brian Brown claims "Thousands" attended March for Marriage
The March 4 Marriage was a fail and everybody saw it fail.
However, Brian Brown claims it was a success. Check out his blog post:
Dear Marriage Supporters,
Did you see yesterday's March for Marriage? What a day it was!
Several thousand Americans — people from across the spectrum of America — Men and Women, African Americans and Latinos, Orthodox Jews, Evangelicals and Catholics, young and old — stood together in defense of marriage between one man and one woman.
There were people from all over the country, and we even got congratulations from the states of Texas and Indiana as they watched the rally online. Texas Values president Jonathan Saenz wrote, "Marriage is a Texas value, and we stand in unison with the thousands in D.C. today standing for marriage between one man and one woman."
Besides those gathered at the Capitol for the exciting rally, there were thousands more who tuned in to watch the live stream from their own hometowns, making this a truly national event.
If you missed it, you can still enjoy all the great speakers and read the news by checking out our exclusive media partner, The Washington Times, and their special March for Marriage section.
There you'll find the video of the rally, great news and opinion pieces, as well as the chance to sign the "I Stand for Traditional Marriage" petition lending your name and voice to the national stand for marriage.
I can't wait for next year as the March for Marriage will grow and continue to stand as a beacon for the truth of marriage and every child's right to experience the love and nurturing of both a mother and a father.
Yeah, we can't wait either.
Social Security Defines Policy for Same-Sex Married Couples
From the Press Release
Social Security has published new instructions that allow the agency to process more claims in which entitlement or eligibility is affected by a same-sex relationship. These instructions come in response to last year’s Supreme Court decision in U.S. vs. Windsor, which found Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional.
This latest policy development lets the agency recognize some non-marital legal relationships as marriages for determining entitlement to benefits. These instructions also allow Social Security to begin processing many claims in states that do not recognize same-sex marriages or non-marital legal relationships. We have consulted with the Department of Justice and determined that the Social Security Act requires the agency to follow state law in Social Security cases. The new policy also addresses Supplemental Security Income claims based on same-sex relationships.
“As with previous same-sex marriage policies, we worked closely with the Department of Justice,” said Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “We are bound by the law within the Social Security Act, and we have to respect state laws. We remain committed to treating all Americans fairly, with dignity, and respect.”
If a person believes he or she may be entitled to or eligible for benefits, they are encouraged to apply now.
More info is here
Sexy Criminal's Mugshot goes Viral
Now check this out!
Four men were arrested during a weapon sweep in Stockton, CA.
However, one of those men managed to capture the eyes and lust of many people... and I mean, Many People.
Jeremy Meeks is known as the 'Hot One’ and within a blink of a eye, his cute pic went viral.
Fox 40 News reports:
Comments like “he’s hot”, “is it illegal to be that sexy?”, etc. accompany his picture posted on FOX40′s and the Stockton Police Department’s Facebook pages. At one point, about 24 hours after the photos were posted to the department’s page, Meeks’ photo had more than 15,000 “likes” and 3,700 comments. Meanwhile Terry Bailey, who was arrested for the same crimes during the same police sweep as Meeks, only had 14 “likes” and 4 comments. Is it all in the eyes?Yeah, he's cute... But he's a criminal.
Still cute though
The Obama Administration Comes for Uganda over their Anti-Gay Law
It just got real, folks.
The US Government are taking steps to combat Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act, or AHA. Earlier in the year, President Obama voiced his disappointment of Uganda's choice to be assholes about the LGBT community.
Now, folks got together and unleashed some fury on Uganda.
Get into the steps after the jump (via White House Press Release)
Highlights from NOM's March for Hate
Some of the clips are purely ridic, you have to watch them.
Check them out after the jump
Thursday, June 19, 2014
In Texas: Gay Fathers are Denied Legal Parenthood of their Sons
I think y'all have heard about this horrible story.
Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs are the biological fathers of twin sons Lucas and Ethan. The babies were carried a surrogate who has no biological connection to the baby boys. So you would think that the fathers would be on the birth certificate, right?
Nope, wrong! In Texas, they will not be recognized.
Since the Lone Star start doesn't recognize same sex marriages, the rules are all over the place and the loopholes are wild and free. A judge could make up their own decisions based on stupid facts or logic. In this case, the judge decided that Jason and Joe could not be on their kids' birth certificate as a father, however the surrogate mother is on the birth certificate!
Really, Texas? After everything that has happened with bans being dropped, they still act like that? My heart goes out to Jason and Joe. I hope that the government gets involved. And by government, I mean HOLDER!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
NOM co-founders and leaders plan a Secret Anti-Gay Group called, The Princeton Group
NOM is trying to create a new Legion of Doom.
Since their purpose is coming to an end, it seems that they have one more trick up their sleeves... A Secret Organization.
Jeremy Hooper from HRC's NOM Exposed blog writes about NOM's sad attempt to create another group. They are called the Princeton Group and this team of losers include most of the founders and funders (Not a word, I know) of NOM and San Francisco's Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone.
Here is the invite
Since their purpose is coming to an end, it seems that they have one more trick up their sleeves... A Secret Organization.
Jeremy Hooper from HRC's NOM Exposed blog writes about NOM's sad attempt to create another group. They are called the Princeton Group and this team of losers include most of the founders and funders (Not a word, I know) of NOM and San Francisco's Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone.
Here is the invite
Oh Snap! Patent Office cancels Redskins Name
Today, the office's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ruled that the Redskins trademark is offensive to Native Americans. Well duh, right? We knew that, but I will continue.
The board ruled that "these registrations must be canceled because they were disparaging to Native Americans."
The Patent Office will continue to used the patents while the team appeals the decision, they have two months to do that. However, if they were smart, they would let it go and change everything. No need to continue this hateful brand.
Here's a little bit more about this
The board ruled that "these registrations must be canceled because they were disparaging to Native Americans."
The Patent Office will continue to used the patents while the team appeals the decision, they have two months to do that. However, if they were smart, they would let it go and change everything. No need to continue this hateful brand.
Here's a little bit more about this
Interesting Quote: President Obama at the DNC LGBT Gala
We repealed “don’t ask, don’t tell,” because no one should have to hide who you love to serve the country we love. We reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act with new protections. And I signed a hate crimes law bearing Matthew Shepard’s name, because hate-driven violence has taken the lives of too many in this country. It has to end.This statement is from President Obama's speech at the DNC LGBT Gala
I lifted the 22-year ban on people with HIV traveling to the U.S. and prohibited discrimination in hospitals and housing that received federal funding, because stigma and fear have no place in our laws. We’ve made it illegal for health insurers to deny coverage to people based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Starting next year, insurance companies that offer coverage to straight couples have to offer it to gay couples, too.
We’ve worked to address and prevent bullying, because it’s not enough to say it gets better. We’ve got to make it better.
Read the President's entire remarks after the jump
NOM begging for Money to Pay for this March for Marriage
In their latest email, you can tell they need the funds to cover this hate march
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014Child please
Dear vik,
Did you see Brain's email yesterday?
Here's the bottom line: we have 24 hours left to promote the March for Marriage and get as many people as possible to attend this critical witness to the truth and beauty of marriage.
It's not too late to make a generous donation to help get the word out and bring as many people as possible to our nation's capital in a historic, public display in support of marriage as a union of one man, and one woman, and that children deserve both a mother and a father.
The Supreme Court will be watching, and they need to see that the cause of marriage has its champions who will never give up the fight. Be one of those champions today, and make a generous donation to help ensure the March for Marriage is a historic success!
Please give what you can to help spread the word and we hope to see you along with your friends and family this Thursday at our nation's capital!
Faithfully,
DvS
--
Diego von Stauffenberg
Director of Development
National Organization for Marriage
2029 K Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006
P.S. We keep hearing about people that have just learned about the March and are looking for transportation. Will you please give generously so we can reach even more people in the final hours and make sure that there are no empty seats on the buses people have worked so hard to organize?
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Besides Lupita Nyong'o, 5 Other Actresses who can Play Storm in X-Men: APOCALYPSE
Many of us would LOVE to see Lupita as Ororo in the next X-Men movie. But if that's not possible, perhaps one of these 5 actresses could do the role justice.
Check them out after the jump
Historic!! The U.S. Senate has confirmed 2 Black and Gay Judicial Nominees to the federal bench.
History was made today! Darrin Gayles and Staci Yandle are the first Black and openly gay judicial nominees confirmed to the federal bench.
From Lambda Legal's Press Release:
Today, the U.S. Senate made judicial history by confirming Darrin Gayles to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and Staci Yandle to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, marking the first time that two openly gay judicial nominees have been confirmed to the federal bench on the same day.
Lambda Legal released the following statement from Fair Courts Project Manager Eric Lesh:
"President Obama has already nominated more African-American judges and openly gay and lesbian judges than any of his predecessors. With this historic confirmation, Darrin Gayles will become the nation's first openly gay African-American man to serve on the federal bench, while Staci Yandle becomes the second openly lesbian African-American woman to be confirmed in the 20 years since President Clinton nominated Deborah Batts to the Southern District of New York.
"Today, it is more important than ever that our courts reflect the growing diversity of our country, but we have a long way to go. There are nearly 900 federal judges in the U.S., and most are white men. Federal courts are charged with providing everyone with equal access to justice, and yet justice has not always been a reality for some. A diverse judiciary serves not only to improve the quality of justice, but to boost public confidence in the courts."
In South Carolina: A teen told to take off make-up for Driver’s License photo because “That’s Not The Way A Boy Should Look”
16 year-old Chase Culpepper likes challenge gender roles. He wears make-up and mixes it up with male and female clothing. Most folks in the town of Anderson, S.C. are aware Chase and he is very comfortable with it.
However, some are not cool with Chase's gender non-conforming style.
When he went to the DMV to get his driver’s license, he was told to take off his make-up. The DMV employees that he was wearing a disguise and get this, Chase was told that he did not look the way a boy should.
According to DMV employees, they were following policy. As of August of 2009, the policy says, "At no time will an applicant be photographed when it appears that he or she is purposely altering his or her appearance so that the photo would misrepresent his or her identity."
Interesting, right?
Now, Chase is working with the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund to handle this mess. The TLDEF stated in a letter:
“Chase’s freedom to express his gender should not be restricted by DMV staff,” said TLDEF Executive Director Michael Silverman in the letter to the DMV. “He is entitled to be who he is and to express that without interference from government actors. Forcing Chase to remove his makeup prior to taking his driver’s license photo restricts his free speech rights in violation of state and federal constitutional protections.”Seems that there will be more to this story
Interesting Quote: Sen. Orrin Hatch
“While the specifics of this executive order are not yet clear, I believe it must include the same religious protections that are included in the bipartisan Employment Non-Discrimination Act that passed the Senate. ENDA strikes a good balance to ensure that discrimination based on sexual orientation will not be tolerated, but also that one of our nation’s fundamental freedoms — religious freedom — is still upheld. The same must be said for any Obama Administration initiative on this issue.”
source
Losing Cocks from Gun Accidents
At least five Americans accidentally shot off their penises since 2010?
Yep, guys are losing their cocks in stupid ways
Here's one of the stories:
A lone shopper blew away his testicles on a Sunday afternoon while walking the aisles at Lowe’s Home Improvement in Washington state. The gun was kept not-so-safely in his waistband.Mess... If you want to see more, go here and read the other tales of wasted cock.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Father of the Bride 3 may feature a Same-Sex Wedding
Remember those Father of the Bride movies in the 90s with Steve Martin and Diane Keaton? Well, there is another one on the way with a modern twist... a same-sex wedding.
Nikki Finke has the scoop:
The twist in this threequel is that Little Matty is now 29 and gay and getting married to a Navy SEAL’s son. Father of the bride George is “thunderstruck and speechless” and has problems with the whole gay thing. So wife Nina kicks him out of the house, according to the pitch which Disney loved.Nice, this can be something serious.
President Obama Signs Non-Discrimination Executive Order
Straight from the Press Release:
Today, President Obama announced that he would sign the long-awaited executive order barring LGBT discrimination in federal contracting, bringing explicit LGBT job protections for federal contractors in line with eighteen states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, several federal agencies, and countless cities and municipalities nationwide.Pride at Work interim Executive Director Jerame Davis issued the following statement:
"We are glad the president is taking this important step to protect federal contractor employees from discrimination on the job," said Davis. "But unfortunately for many Americans - especially in states with no employment discrimination protections - their only option for workplace protections is still a strong union contract.He's doing it, folks
"Congress still must act to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) to ensure that all LGBT Americans are protected from workplace discrimination. Only 18 states currently ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity while three other states ban discrimination based on sexual orientation alone. With marriage equality sweeping the nation, it is unconscionable that gays and lesbians could still be fired for putting a photo of their legal spouse on their desk at work.“
Even as the Losing Streak Continues, NOM will keep on Fighting Gay Marriage
NOM will continue the fight, even if the courts go in our favor.
Brian Brown vows to keep moving forward, regardless of the outcome. In a HuffPo piece, Brian talks about why they will keep fighting:
"We'd put this back in the hands of the democratic process," Brown said. "We would have the people deciding for themselves."Good luck with that, Brian. Continue to waste money and time.
If the Supreme Court ruled the other way, legalizing gay marriage nationwide, "We won't go away," Brown said.
He envisioned a resistance campaign comparable to that waged by the anti-abortion movement since the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision established a nationwide right to abortion.
"In the next year or so, we'll either have a massive victory at the Supreme Court, or we'll need to fight for 10, 20 years to undo the damage that the court has done," Brown said.