Ben Carson Apologizes For Saying Prisons Prove Being Gay Is A Choice

Ben Carson Apologizes For Saying Prisons Prove Being Gay Is A Choice
Potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson apologized Wednesday for saying that prisons prove that being gay is a choice.

Carson made the controversial remarks in an interview with CNN earlier in the day.

“Because a lot of people who go into prison go into prison straight — and when they come out, they’re gay,” Carson said. “So, did something happen while they were in there? Ask yourself that question.”

In a statement to CNN, Carson walked back his assertion.

“I realized that my choice of language does not reflect fully my heart on gay issues,” Carson said. “I do not pretend to know how every individual came to their sexual orientation. I regret that my words to express that concept were hurtful and divisive. For that I apologize unreservedly to all that were offended.”

The American Psychological Association notes that while there is “there is no consensus among scientists” on how sexual orientation develops, few individuals experience a “sense of choice” on the matter.

“Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors,” the APA says. “Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles; most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation.”

Carson’s remarks came one day after he launched an exploratory committee to raise funds ahead of a potential 2016 presidential bid. He finished fourth in last week’s straw poll of likely GOP candidates at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington, D.C.

In 2013, Carson withdrew as the commencement speaker at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine after comparing homosexuality to bestiality and pedophilia. Carson also issued an apology for his “poorly chosen” remarks.

In the Wednesday statement to CNN, Carson said he supports gay rights as well as the right of states to decide whether or not to legalize gay marriage, but that “judges and government must not be allowed to restrict religious beliefs.”

www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/04/ben-carson-apologizes-prison-gay_n_6804464.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices&ir=Gay+Voices

What's Gay and Great in Miami: A Travel Guide for Right Now

What's Gay and Great in Miami: A Travel Guide for Right Now

Miami

RESTAURANTS | COCKTAILS | HOTELS | NIGHTLIFE | BEACHES | DAY TRIPS | ART | FITNESS

There’s nothing like the feeling of stepping off a plane after having traveled from some godforsaken winter tundra gripped by the polar vortex into the warm, tropical air of Miami.

IMG_8849If you’ve been coming to South Beach for more than two decades, from the time it first exploded with nightclubs like Paragon, Warsaw, Amnesia, and Salvation, you’ll realize that South Beach and Miami, while they may not be the wild gay nightlife arenas they once were, appear to be maturing culturally, with new cultural venues and neighborhoods. South Beach, known for its art deco architecture, is seeing a boom in restoration projects. North Miami Beach is seeing a huge surge in growth. There is still nightlife, but it’s broadening. And there is so much more.

Since many of you — our Towleroad readers — live in Miami full time, or part time, or visit on a frequent basis, we surveyed you and examined dozens of replies in which you told us your favorite restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels, beaches, and cultural destinations and compiled them into this ultimate guide to what’s happening right now. We’ve also made a few tweaks of our own based on our last few visits. Thanks to all who participated!

FireworksWe’ve taken what you told us and created a snapshot which should be useful if you’re heading to Miami this week for the Winter Party Festival (today through the 9th) or any time in the near future. We’ll be adding to this and we hope that you’ll chime in and offer more useful advice in the comments.

If you’re thinking of planning a trip, consider coming during one of these annual events our readers say are not to be missed.

The annual Winter Party begins this week in South Beach but there are many other events not to be missed throughout the year including Miami Beach Gay Pride (April 10-12 – Mario Lopez is the parade’s grand marshal), Miami International Film Festival (March 6-15), The Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (April 24th – May 3),  Calle Ocho Festival (March 15), Winter Music Conference (March 24-28), Ultra Music Festival (March 27, 28, 29), White Party Week (November 26-30), Art Basel (December 3-6), South Beach Food & Wine Festival (February 25-28, 2016), Coconut Grove Arts Festival (next February), the Miami International Boat Show (February 11-15, 2016), or New Year’s Eve week (for fireworks on the beach, photo).

So, let’s see what’s up for gay travelers in Miami.

Click here for 33 Places to Eat in Miami Right now….

Jump ahead to RESTAURANTS | COCKTAILS | HOTELS | NIGHTLIFE | BEACHES | DAY TRIPS | ART | FITNESS

And here’s our first of many tips from readers:

“You do not need a car to drive around South Beach, as there is a LOCAL 25 cent bus whose route goes around the perimeter.  If we do not take this LOCAL bus, most of us avoid taxis and use Uber to get to our destination. Half the price of taxis, pleasant drivers, and they show up in 3-4 minutes after one calls them on a smart phone.”

(inset beach photo David Jarrett)

Miamiguy
(instagram)


Andy Towle

www.towleroad.com/2015/03/gay-travel-miami.html