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In Step Forward, HRC Arkansas to Host Groundbreaking Equality Summit to Increase LGBT Visibility
The training will bring together pro-equality advocates from across the state, helping to bolster volunteer outreach and collaboration while empowering allies and supporters on the ground.
HRC.org
PHOTOS: Hetero Guys Everywhere Are Making Out With Each Other To Spite Kim Davis
Hetero guys the whole world over are ramming their tongues down each others’ throats in an effort to stick it to Kim Davis.
#KissesForKim is a new social media movement in which straight guys make out with each other then upload the pictures and videos to social media to show Kim Davis that same-sex lovin’ is A-OK.
Related: The Majority Of Americans Across Nearly Every Demographic Think Kim Davis Is A Total Tool
The movement was started by two bros, who uploaded a video to YouTube with a message for the Notorious K.I.M.
“Dear Kim Davis, We want to let you know that no matter what you do, love will always win,” the guys said. “What we want you to do is you’re watching this video is grab your closest friend, give him a kiss, take a photo or video, and upload it using #KissesForKim, to let Kim know that she cannot win… and that we also love her and think she’s beautiful.”
Scroll down to watch the video and to see a roundup of some of our favorite #KissesForKim images.
Here’s @KennyDeForest and I kissing to show our support for Kim Davis… or something #KissesForKim pic.twitter.com/qKElYPLn7o — Boris Khaykin (@theBorisK) September 17, 2015
#kissesforKim #queer pic.twitter.com/nqBiwkRnVU — Nomad (@thecheshiresam) September 18, 2015
My roommates are bananas for #kissesforkim! Spread that love! pic.twitter.com/1KEb7OIcom — Rachel Holland (@rachelope) September 18, 2015
This is a campaign I can support! Yay! #tcot #kissesforkim #KimDavis pic.twitter.com/QC4b0MZbrD — Robert Grantham (@rgrantham82) September 18, 2015
Graham Gremore
TN Lawmakers File ‘Natural Marriage Defense Act’ to Void SCOTUS Ruling: VIDEO
Two Republican lawmakers in Tennessee have introduced the ‘Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act’ aimed at voiding the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Mark Pody, R-Lebanon, and Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt Juliet, is likely unconstitutional.
“Natural marriage between one (1) man and one (1) woman as recognized by the people of Tennessee remains the law in Tennessee, regardless of any court decision to the contrary,” the bill states.
“Any court decision purporting to strike down natural marriage, including (a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision), is unauthoritative, void, and of no effect.”
The bill was unveiled at a rally at the State Capitol in Nashville attended by a few hundred people.
Said Pody at the rally:
“This is a battle that we’re fighting. It’s not an earthly battle. We battle in spiritual battle. This is a prayer battle. When we win, it’s because of prayer…”
Watch a report from NewsChannel 5:
Said Beavers to The Chattanoogan:
“Natural marriage between one man and one woman as recognized by the people of this state remains the law, regardless of any court decision to the contrary. The Obergefell case is clearly and blatantly an overstep of the Supreme Court’s Authority and it is time that states, like Tennessee, stand up against the judicial tyranny of which Thomas Jefferson so eloquently warned. This legislation deems that any court decision purporting to strike down the state’s definitions of natural marriage, including Obergefell v. Hodges, is void in Tennessee.”
Added Pody:
“This decision defies constitutional authority and is one of the most glaring examples of judicial activism in U.S. Supreme Court history. It not only tramples on state’s rights, but has paved the way for an all-out assault on the religious freedoms of Christians who disagree with it. This bill calls for Tennessee to stand against such unconstitutional action in hopes that other states will stand with us against an out-of-control court legislating from the bench.”
The bill says the attorney general must defend any state or local official from any lawsuit that could — and would — arise if the bill is enacted. It also says no state or local agency may enforce the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, or any other decision that might allow same-sex marriage. Officials abiding by the bill, if enacted, couldn’t be fined or arrested for ignoring the U.S. Supreme Court, the bill states.
Other lawmakers already introduced a bill to “protect” clergy members from being forced to officiate same-sex weddings. Nowhere in the Supreme Court ruling does it say pastors or preachers must officiate any wedding.
The post TN Lawmakers File ‘Natural Marriage Defense Act’ to Void SCOTUS Ruling: VIDEO appeared first on Towleroad.
Andy Towle
TN Lawmakers File ‘Natural Marriage Defense Act’ to Void SCOTUS Ruling: VIDEO
North Carolina Mayoral Candidate Wants to 'Eradicate' Gays, Cites Kim Davis
Eugene “Sherlock” Holmes is running for mayor of Kings Mountain, North Carolina on a platform dedicated to Kentucky renegade Kim Davis. Holmes says the antigay county clerk who went to jail over her refusal to follow the law and issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples inspired him to kick things up a notch and run for office himself.
“In my administration I would do just like Mrs. Davis did in Kentucky,” Holmes told the King’s Mountain Herald and Charlotte TV station WJZY. “If you elect me, I’ll uphold the law of the state of North Carolina. I would get the D.A. to swear out a warrant on any man who says he’s gay. Sodomy is a crime, a felony in the state of North Carolina.”
The Cleveland County District Attorney told WJZY the Confederate-flag waving candidate “needs to take a closer look at that law.” “What’s wrong with eradicating homosexuals?” Holmes told the newspaper. ‘We should jail them, throw them all in jail!”
Despite Holmes’ s claims, however, the Supreme Court ruled in 2003 in Lawrence v Texas that sodomy laws are unconstitutional. North Carolina and 11 other states have kept their sodomy laws on the books even though they are unenforceable.
Holmes is one of four candidates trying to unseat six-term incumbent Mayor Rick Murphey.
Holmes admits that he doesn’t actually want the job. “I don’t want to be mayor no more than I want to fly,” he says. “I don’t know about my chances in this thing. I’m a newcomer — and I don’t give one hoot about politicians.”
A 77-year-old veteran, Holmes has had brushes with the law and was once admitted to a psychiatric facility for having “religious hallucinations.” A member of the Church of God, his platform also consists of banning alcohol, divorce, and all immigration into the United States.
Holmes was arrested in March after going to the Family Worship Center church, shouting antigay slurs, attempting to make a citizen’s arrest and then refusing to leave when asked. He was charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing, according to the Shelby Star.
“You would probably classify me as someone needing help,” Holmes told the newspaper. “I’m not a rocket scientist. But I do believe in holiness, in the Bible.”
Watch Holmes explain “there’s no way that a queer can be saved” in this report from WJZY-TV in Charlotte:
Bil Browning
Black Church Leader Opens Up About Preaching From The Closet
Reverend Derek Terry is a 30-year-old man who is incredibly devoted to his ministry. He was raised in a traditional Southern black family, becoming involved in the church at a young age, and by 19, Rev. Derek was ordained and pastoring a church himself. But this man of God has also been living with what he always considered a shameful secret, a secret that has finally become too much for him to bear: He is gay.
For years, Rev. Derek had done everything in his power to keep his closeted life from being exposed, disguising himself as the man he thought he was supposed to be. But now, burdened by all that time living a double life, Rev. Derek has reached out to life coach Iyanla Vanzant for help standing in his truth. He feels it is time to come clean to not just his God-fearing family, but also his beloved congregation.
The first step, Iyanla tells Rev. Derek, is to acknowledge what’s making his heart feel torn. She immediately hones in on the common struggle between religion and homosexuality, especially within the African-American community.
“I know that you can be crippled, you can be a liar, you can be a whoremonger, you can be a thief. You can be a lot of things in the black church, but, Lord, do not be gay,” Iyanla says.
“Not openly gay,” Rev. Derek adds, nodding.
Iyanla asks the pastor to look deep within himself and articulate how it truly feels to acknowledge his sexuality.
“When I hear myself say I am a gay man, I feel hurt,” Rev. Derek says quietly. “It makes me feel substandard. It makes me feel petrified.”
Further exploring his fear, Rev. Derek admits that he worries that telling the truth will alienate him from those he has deceived, leaving him entirely isolated both now and in the long run.
“I feel lonely,” he continues. “The loneliness I feel is [that] no one will love me.”
Iyanla’s work with both Rev. Derek and another secretly gay pastor airs on the emotional season premiere of “Iyanla: Fix My Life,” this Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9 p.m. ET on OWN.
Also on HuffPost:
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Disney Store ends gender divide of kids Halloween outfits with ‘I Am Awesome’ collection
Disney Store has stopped classifying its children’s Halloween costumes by gender.
Instead of presenting ‘boys costumes’ and ‘girls costumes’, it will now simply present its 2015 Halloween costumes ‘for kids’ and ‘for babies’.
Each year, its Halloween outfits are assigned a theme; this year’s theme is titled ‘I Am Awesome’.
The move comes after the store was criticized in the past for stocking a lack of Black Widow merchandise as part of its Marvel Avengers collection (concentrating instead on the male characters from the comic book series). Marvel is owned by Disney.
Although not related to Disney store, in June a fancy dress march took place in New York of parents and children after a young girl was told be her school that she could not dress up as Spider Man. It’s one of several recent news stories that have highlighted the desire of some children to dress up in costumes that do not necessarily conform to their sex.
Last month, Target announced that it was removing gender signage from the toy sections of its stores. The move came about after a mom in Ohio complained about the store selling separate ‘Building sets’ and ‘Girls Building sets’.
Although widely applauded, Target’s announcement was also met with a certain amount of outcry on social media, with some commentators criticizing the move and saying they would boycott the store.
This may have led to Disney to decide to introduce the change in policy without any great fanfare. The new ‘For Kids’ collection was picked up yesterday by pop culture sire The Mary Sue.
Gay Star Business has approached Disney for further comment.
The move to selling Halloween costumes ‘for kids’ was welcomed by Sarah Garrett, a mom of two and the organizer of Out With The Family and the annual Alternative Parenting Show, due to take place in London this Saturday.
‘It’s surprising that there are still gender specific toys and clothes. This move by Disney is long overdue. There’s so much pressure on girls and boys as it is. It would be great if the stigma attached to girls wearing boys clothes, and visa versa was removed, and gender stereotypes were no longer reinforced in this way.’
As a company, Disney has often been vocal in its support of LGBTI rights. It was one 379 companies that signed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court at the beginning of the year in support of same-sex marriage.
In July, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida played host to the Out & Equal Workplace Conference, and Disney has performed consistently well in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. It scored 100% (the top ranking) in the most recent index.
H/T: The Mary Sue
The post Disney Store ends gender divide of kids Halloween outfits with ‘I Am Awesome’ collection appeared first on Gay Star News.
David Hudson
Margie & Andrea: Bonded by Faith, Fired for Love
Margie asks Catholic Church to approach her life and the lives of LGBT people “as Jesus would have.”
HRC.org
Antigay Bigots Rally For ‘Religious Awakening’ And End Of ‘Persecution’
Hundreds of people cheered the husband of Kentucky clerk Kim Davis during a rally of Christian conservatives Thursday outside the Tennessee Capitol.
The celebration of Constitution Day was sponsored by the Tennessee Pastors Network and also drew Rafael Cruz, a pastor and the father of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, the Texas Republican and presidential candidate.
Speaking of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision effectively legalizing same-sex marriage, Cruz said, “The devil overplayed his hand.”
He said the country needs to elect a constitutional conservative as president, and suggested that Christian conservatives will be roused to action by the ruling.
“We’ve been silent too long,” he said.
“Religious persecution ends in January 2017,” he said.
Cruz acknowledged Joe Davis, husband of the Rowan County, Kentucky, clerk who was jailed for five days after defying a federal judge’s order to process same-sex marriage licenses.
“What we saw in Kentucky with Kim Davis is tyranny,” Cruz said, to cheers and applause.
Speaking briefly after Cruz, Joe Davis simply asked the crowd to pray for him and his wife.
About 40 Tennessee legislators appeared at the rally. State Sen. Mae Beavers and state Rep. Mark Pody drew cheers for their legislation calling for Tennessee to defend the state constitution, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. It was unclear how they planned to override the Supreme Court’s decision.
Also speaking at the rally was Richard Land, who led the Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention’s public policy arm for 25 years before leaving to serve as president of Southern Evangelical Seminary.
Like Cruz, he predicted the Supreme Court’s ruling will lead to a backlash.
Speaking to reporters, Land suggested the next president could appoint conservative Supreme Court justices who would overturn that ruling.
“The good news for America is that Supreme Court decisions are never final,” he said.
H/t: LGBTQ Nation
Jeremy Kinser
Alabama Judge Follows Kim Davis’ Lead, Won’t Issue ‘License to Engage in Sodomy’
Washington County, Alabama Probate Judge Nick Williams asked the Alabama Supreme Court on Wednesday to issue an order protecting those who won’t marry gay couples or issue marriage licenses to gay couples based on their religious beliefs, AL.com reports:
Williams filed the petition for declaratory judgment or protective order in light of the recent jailing of a Kentucky clerk for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses.
“The jailing of Kentucky clerk Kimberly B. Davis put at immediate risk the liberty interest of all faithful and religiously sincere public officials in Alabama whose office has responsibility for making decisions as to whether to give sanction and honor to homosexual relationships to include the issuance of a license to engage in sodomy,” according to the petition filed on Williams’ behalf by Montgomery attorney Jack B. Hinton.
The ACLU says there’s no reason Williams needs protection:
Randall Marshall, legal director for the ACLU of Alabama, said that Williams’ filing mis-characterizes the current threat to Alabama probate judges. No Alabama probate judge currently faces a lawsuit for failing to issue a license, so the judges aren’t in any immediate risk of violating a court order, he said.
“Needless to say from our perspective this (Williams’ filing) is the dying gasp of a probate judge. … If public officials don’t want to do their jobs then they don’t need to be public officials,” he said.
A small group of Alabama probate judges have been fighting same-sex marriage since January when a federal judge struck down the state’s gay marriage ban.
Since then, of course, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Williams attacks SCOTUS in his filing.
“Clerk Davis would not have been placed in that position had a bar majority of five justices on the United States Supreme Court not chose to substitute their own will as superior to the written United States Constitution, the will of the people as expressed in more than 36 state constitutions, and the common wisdom of our forebears in more than 220 years of American history, and millennia of our Anglo-Western heritage.”
Williams at an Alabama for Marriage Rally in June:
The post Alabama Judge Follows Kim Davis’ Lead, Won’t Issue ‘License to Engage in Sodomy’ appeared first on Towleroad.
Andy Towle
Alabama Judge Follows Kim Davis’ Lead, Won’t Issue ‘License to Engage in Sodomy’
Trans Man Who Met Pope Saw 'Kindness Personified'
Pope Francis hasn’t always had encouraging words about transgender people, but the Spanish trans man who met with Francis in January says he received nothing but kindness and affirmation from the pontiff.
“He is ‘la bondad personificada,’” Diego Neria Lejárraga (pictured above) said of the pope in a new interview with People, using a Spanish term meaning “kindness personified.”
Neria, a lifelong Catholic, had written to the pope last year, saying that he had become estranged from the church ever since his gender transition in 2007. “I explained how I felt pushed out to the margins of society by the faithful in my local parish of Plasencia after I underwent a sex change,” he told People of the letter. “I was even called the ‘hija del diablo’ [daughter of the devil] by a priest in broad daylight.”
He received a surprise phone call from the pope in December, in which Francis said he’d been moved by Neria’s story. They then arranged a meeting, with Neria and his fiancée, Macarena, going to Rome in January. “He welcomed us with an enormous smile and kind, kind eyes,” Neria said, and the visit lasted over an hour.
The Spaniard said he wished to keep some details of the meeting private, but noted, “In the presence of Pope Francis you feel loved, respected, embraced. I admired him before visiting, but that was nothing compared to the devotion I have for him now.”
The People article doesn’t address the pope’s criticism of the concept of gender mutability or a recent Vatican ruling that transgender people cannot be godparents. Instead, it focuses on how the visit with Pope Francis helped Neria overcome the pain of rejection.
“I think that God had a moment of forgetfulness with me, but Francis … he fixed it,” Neria told the magazine. “He has become a father to me in the broadest sense of the word. He gave me a safe place where I was able to cry and leave my doubts, pain, and suffering behind. I left them all there with the pope.”
Pope Francis has invited Neria to visit again, and he hopes to do so soon. Neria is also writing a book about his experiences and advising others on how to overcome negative feelings.
“I just pass on the kindness that Pope Francis showed me,” he told People. “He has changed my life, first in a spiritual sense and subsequently in all other aspects. … Today, my soul is in peace, thanks to Pope Francis.”
Trudy Ring
www.advocate.com/transgender/2015/9/18/trans-man-who-met-pope-saw-kindness-personified
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