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800,000+ Attend Rio Gay Pride Parade: WATCH
Thousands gathered on Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana beach on Sunday to celebrate the city’s annual Gay Pride Parade. Despite the country’s liberal reputation, Brazil has one of the highest rates of violence against homosexuals in Latin America. The theme of this year’s parade: resistance. One reveller said that discrimation is still rife in Brazil saying…
The post 800,000+ Attend Rio Gay Pride Parade: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
Period Poverty: Chancellor Faces Cross-Party Revolt If Budget Fails To Help Girls
Chancellor Philip Hammond faces a cross-party revolt if his Budget fails to end period poverty.
If Hammond does not offer fresh cash for free sanitary products in his Budget on Wednesday, MPs are preparing to throw their weight behind an amendment by Lib Dem Layla Moran that will force the Government “to do the right thing” and allocate £10m-a-year.
It comes after it emerged one in ten girls is skipping school and some were even using socks as makeshift pads.
Moran said: “In some schools, teachers are having to buy supplies out of their own pockets while food banks are increasingly being asked for sanitary products.
“In a country as prosperous as Britain it is an outrage that we can’t afford an absolute maximum of £10m-a-year for this. A growing number of MPs across the House have said they agree with me and we intend to force the government to do the right thing.”
Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities Paula Sherriff, meanwhile, is calling on Justine Greening, Education Secretary and Equalities Minister, to meet schoolgirls directly affected by period poverty.
Sheriff has also voiced concerns that £250,000 of the money raised from the so-called tampon tax will go to the anti-abortion charity Life.
Greening had previously said during Education Questions in the Commons that schools and parents should take responsibility for paying for basic hygiene products.
Sherriff wrote: “At our recent Women and Equalities Questions, I raised the impact of period poverty on girls’ education. I was extremely disappointed by your reply, in which you appeared to blame parents in deprived households for any potential impact on schooling when girls first experience periods.
“I would like to invite you to meet with affected individuals and groups campaigning on their behalf, so you can hear the humiliation and indignity that period poverty causes, and how it affects girls at school.
Sheriff added that the issue is affecting women and girls at education establishments “specifically”, and said: “I do not therefore believe that this is an issue for which you can simply deny responsibility.”
Sherriff added that Life would withdraw support if a woman had chosen to have an abortion.
She said: “This is a completely inappropriate use of the tampon tax fund, and even at this late stage I would urge you as the Minister for Women and Equalities to intervene with your colleagues.
“Surely, this funding could have been spent piloting schemes to tackle period poverty. Your own Department would have been perfectly placed to organise an initiative focused on schools, for example.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We’re helping millions of families meet the everyday costs of living and keep more of what they earn. Since 2015 this government has cut income tax for over 30 million people and taken 1.3 million people out of income tax altogether.
“We have also invested over £11bn since 2011 – almost £2.5bn this year alone – through the pupil premium to tackle the impact of economic disadvantage on education and help schools support their most disadvantaged pupils. Schools have discretion over how they use their funding and can make sanitary products available to pupils if they identify this as a particular issue.
“No girl should be held back from reaching her potential because of her gender. Current guidance to schools on Relationship and Sex Education encourages schools to make adequate and sensitive arrangements to help girls cope with menstruation and with requests for sanitary protection.”
Responding to the claims about Life a spokesman for the charity said: “Should a pregnant woman who has accessed our housing service decide to terminate her pregnancy, or indeed suffer a miscarriage, then the ‘established need’ that we are offering to assist with as a charity would no longer exist as the client would no longer be pregnant.”
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/justine-greening-period-poverty_uk_5a12cb9fe4b045cf43728f9e
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2017: Remembering those we have lost
On Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), we honor the transgender people we have lost and reflect on their lives and their loved ones’ memories. Transgender people in the U.S., especially Black transgender women and other trans women of color, are impacted by fatal violence at a greater rate than all other groups. While we focus on this violence on TDOR, we must also actively work every day to end it.
Below are the names of those we have lost in 2017, as of November 20. We know this list is incomplete, in part because the media still has a long way to go in correctly naming and identifying transgender people when they are murdered. As the world’s leading LGBTQ media advocacy organization, GLAAD takes seriously our role in educating the media, correcting misgendering wherever we see it in the press, and striving to honor those we have lost the way they would want to be remembered.
We remember Jamie Lee Wounded Arrow, a 28-year-old, Native transgender/Two Spirit woman who we lost to violence in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on January 1. Jamie worked in customer service, loved the library, and friends and acquaintances remembered her as proud and strong. One person said of Jamie, “She is the type of person that when she talks people stop to listen. The impact she leaves on people after meeting her once is something nobody forgets.”
We remember Mesha Caldwell, a 41-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Canton, Mississippi on January 4. Mesha was a beautician and a hairstylist and, according to a friend and activist who knew her, she “loved everyone and never met a stranger.” After Mesha’s death friends, family and loved ones left an outpouring of messages of love for her on social media.
We remember JoJo Striker, a 23-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Toledo, Ohio on February 8. There was an outpouring of grief for JoJo on social media, following her death, and her family strongly believes that her murder was the result of hate and bias.
We remember Jaquarrius Holland, an 18-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Monroe, Louisiana on February 19. Friends said that Jaquarrius loved make-up, hairstyling, and R&B, and they took to social media to mourn her, using her own preferred hashtag #PrettyBrown. One friend remembered Jaquarrius saying, “You were a beautiful soul. You could keep me laughing all day.”
We remember Keke Collier, also known to friends as Tiara Richmond, a 24-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Chicago, Illinois on February 21. Friends and loved ones held a candlelight vigil in KeKe’s honor, and posted loving messages to her online. One long-time friend remembered KeKe joyously, saying, “She loved to dance all the time. She was always the life of the party.”
We remember Chyna Gibson, also known by her performing name, Chyna Doll Dupree, a 31-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 25. Chyna performed in shows around the country and was well-known, loved, and remembered for having remarkable talent. One close friend remembered Chyna, saying, “She’s left a hole in our hearts, not only in New Orleans but outside here, too. I’ll never forget her.”
We remember Ciara McElveen, a 25-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 27. Following her death, a close friend who Ciara called an “auntie” to her said, “She was a blessing to me as much as I was a blessing to her.”
We remember Alphonza Watson, 38-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Baltimore, Maryland on March 22. Alphonza loved gardening and cooking and her mother lovingly remembered her as “the sunshine of our family.” Following her death, a vigil was held in Alphonza’s honor by local transgender organizations, organizers, and advocates.
We remember Kenne McFadden, a 27-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in San Antonio, Texas on April 9. Friends, family, and local organizations and activists held a memorial and candlelight vigil for Kenne near the place where her body was found. Kenne’s mother remembered her as a poetry and music lover and sang one of her daughter’s favorite songs at her vigil.
We remember Chay Reed, a 28-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Miami, Florida on April 21. Friends remembered Chay as a funny, caring friend who loved to dance and “was a light, always trying to make everyone around her happy.”
We remember Brenda Bostick, a 59-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in New York City on April 25. A widely attended vigil was held for Brenda by community members, advocates, and organizers from all over New York City on the corner where they lost their life to bring attention to the crisis of violence that transgender people of color face.
We remember Sherrell Faulkner, a 46-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 16. Friends and family took to Facebook to leave messages of love for Sherrell and grief at her death. “My heart was not ready for this,” said one friend.
We remember Josie Berrios, also known by the names Kendra Adams and Kimbella Rosé, a 28-year-old transgender Latina who we lost to violence in Ithaca, New York on June 13. Josie was remembered online as a well-known, loved, and incredibly talented performer in her community. Said one person, “She was part of so many families here in Ithaca, that many are feeling stunned and lost following this news. Her presence is still felt, and will never be forgotten.”
We remember Ava Le’Ray Barrin, a 17-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Athens, Georgia on June 25. Friends and family held a candlelight vigil to remember Ava. Tributes to Ava were also posted online, one of which called her “a brave young woman who feared nothing; nobody, and especially not being herself.”
We remember Ebony Morgan, a 28-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Lynchburg, Virginia on July 2. In response to her death, local LGBTQ activists and advocates held a community meeting to honor Ebony and discuss the violence that transgender women of color face.
We remember TeeTee Dangerfield, a 32-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Atlanta, Georgia on July 31. TeeTee worked as a restaurant server and union shop steward at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. She was a beloved union member of Local 23, which wrote a moving statement on her death. Her leadership was held up by co-workers and union members after her death, on saying: “People would go to her when they had concerns or trouble. She would be their voice. She was amazing.”
We remember Gwynevere River Song, a 26-year-old white transgender femme person who we lost to violence in Waxahachie, Texas on August 12. Gwynevere was a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and identified as femandrogyne and bisexual. A memorial was held in her honor, where friends, family, and local advocates gathered. Gwynevere’s mother thanked attendees saying, “Thank you all for attending my beautiful daughter’s memorial. I miss her beautiful soul every day.”
We remember Kiwi Herring, a 30-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in St. Louis, Missouri on August 22. Herring was married to her partner and a mother to three children, and loved ones and neighbors were devastated by her death. Herring’s neighbors held a candlelight vigil to honor Kiwi. There was also an outpouring of love for Kiwi online with one person saying she was, “a parent and a human beloved by the neighborhood children around her. Kiwi fed people with love and had a contagious smile.”
We remember Ally Lee Steinfeld a 17-year-old white transgender woman who we lost to violence in Texas County, Missouri on September 1. Friends and family spoke out in the press, saying that they felt that Ally’s death was hate-motivated. Her mother remembered her as “very loving, caring, would help anybody in need, always smiled, tried to crack jokes to keep people happy.”
We remember Kashmire Redd a 28-year-old Black transgender man who we lost to violence in Gates, New York on September 4. A local LGBTQ community organization that Kashmire was connected to held a community conversation following his death.
We remember Derricka Banner a 26-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 12. There was an outpouring of support by concerned community members, activists, and advocates following Derricka’s death.
We remember Stephanie Montez, who also went by the name Elizabeth Stephanie Montez, a 47-year-old transgender Latina who we lost to violence in Robstown, Texas on October 21. A local organization held a rally in the name of justice for Stephanie and the epidemic of violence facing trans women. Friends of Stephanie also spoke out in the media about her, one friend saying “She just had a great outlook on life. She was very supportive of everyone.”
We remember Candace Towns a 30-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Macon, Georgia on October 29. Following her death, Candace’s friends and family remembered her in loving posts on social media. Others spoke to the press, with one friend remembering her generosity, saying “If I needed anything she would give it to me. She would give me the clothes off her back.”
For a complete list of trans people killed in other countries, visit The Transgender Day of Remembrance site. (Please note that the site contains details about the way each person was killed, and some people may find those details disturbing.)
Rest in peace and power, all those we have lost.
www.glaad.org/blog/transgender-day-remembrance-2017-remembering-those-we-have-lost
Violence Isn’t the Only Threat to Transgender Youth
The prevalence of eating disorders in the trans community is often pushed to the sidelines.
www.advocate.com/commentary/2017/11/20/violence-isnt-only-threat-transgender-youth
White Robe
jessicajane9 posted a photo:
White satin robe with matching lingerie, stockings and heels ♥
Former GOP Senator will serve serious prison time for soliciting 17-year-old boy
During the 2016 GOP primary, he was the state Trump campaign chairman.
A Homophobic Australian Lawmaker’s Remarks About Gay Marriage Took a Hilariously Ridiculous Turn: WATCH
North Queensland Federal MP Bob Katter, a famously homophobic Australian lawmaker, was asked for his remarks about the recent nationwide vote in favor of marriage equality, and his remarks went somewhere completely unexpected.
Said Katter, lightheartedly:
“I mean, y’know, people are entitled to their sexual proclivities. Let there be a thousand blossoms bloom, as far as I’m concerned…”
Katter’s tone immediately changed to one of anger, as he explained why he’s not paying the issue any more attention, and went completely, ridiculously into left field…
Watch:
In case you missed it, here’s Bob Katter’s alternative view on the #samesexmarriage debate. Thanks for watching. #Insiders #auspol pic.twitter.com/iObsR1tDs1
— Insiders ABC (@InsidersABC) November 18, 2017
The post A Homophobic Australian Lawmaker’s Remarks About Gay Marriage Took a Hilariously Ridiculous Turn: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
Trans Women Share Their Life Lessons To Offer Hope To Those In Transition
Transition can be an extremely difficult and isolating time for someone who is transgender. Not only is there uncertainty and fear, but blatant transphobia in the media (and all around) and few people, if any, to talk to.
But a group of trans women have lent their voices to a very important cause, reaching out to those going through transition so they don’t have to make the journey alone.
In today’s New Activist episode – released on Trans Day Of Remembrance, which honours the memories of those lost in anti-transgender violence – well-known trans women read essays from a new book ‘To My Trans Sisters’, which contains letters from 100 transgender women offering advice to girls at the start of their transitions.
Charlie Craggs, the books’ editor and star of HuffPost UK’s ‘New Activists’ series, explains to us: “The book is ‘what we wish we knew’… It contains letters from a plethora of inspiring trans women: from trailblazing politicians to celebrated entertainers, pioneering scientists to bestselling authors, and some straight-up trans icons too; women who have literally changed the world… I like to call it an encyclopaedia of trans excellence.”
Here are some of our favourite lines from the reading:
Charlie says: “Initially I thought practical transition tips would be most helpful
to you. Like advice about presenting and passing as female. Styling advice, make-up tips, how to cover five o’clock shadow, the physical side of transition.
But then I realised, as useful as they might be, this is what we get caught up in
so often and what our entire transition and lives become centred around.
When what really matters is what lies behind the clothes, behind the make-up, behind the 5 o’clock shadow.”Dr Kate Stone, CEO of Novalia, says: “Dear sis, don’t get lost in transition. The aim of transition is to come out at the other side. For too many of us, transition itself can become the focus.”
Rhyannon Styles, author and writer for Elle urges those transitioning to be patient: “Believe it or not a transition can’t happen overnight. You can’t flick a switch and suddenly expect be the person you always dreamed of. Unfortunately it doesn’t happen like that…
“This is a journey of self-love, self-care and self-acceptance. Isn’t that right sister? Stand up, stand out, be bold and be proud. Most importantly, be you.”
Christine Burns MBE, a British political activist, says: “So what wisdom can I offer? The first thing is that people can surprise you. The people you anticipate being the most likely to reject you may turn out to be unexpected allies. I thought for instance that my parents might very possibly reject me. In the event, they turned out to be my staunchest allies and cheerleaders. We became far closer. I had been so, so wrong.”
See Also:
On Transgender Day Of Remembrance, Let’s Look Out For And Support Trans People Facing Bigotry
Trans People Are Being Badly Let Down In Healthcare, And It’s Dangerous
This pornstar used to buy his PrEP on the dark web. But now, he doesn’t need to
A Growing Number of Men are Identifying as ‘Mostly Straight’ Over ‘Bisexual’
A new book, Mostly Straight: Sexual Fluidity Among Men, says there’s a fourth category of male sexuality in addition to gay, straight, and bisexual which has been made possible by millennials with a more relaxed view of sexual orientation.
A growing number of men (6% according to a poll cited by author Ritch C. Savin Williams) are identifying as “mostly straight,” a category “not readily available to previous generations.”
The mostly straight man belongs to a growing trend of young men who are secure in their heterosexuality yet remain aware of their potential to experience far more. Perhaps he’s felt attracted to or fantasized about another guy to a slight degree or intermittently. He might or might not be comfortable with this seeming contradiction, a hetero guy who, despite his lust for women, rejects a straight label, a sexual category and a sexual description that feels foreign. He’d rather find another place on the sexual/romantic continuum, some location that fits him more comfortably.
He knows he’s not gay, but straight with a dash of gayness. But how much gayness? Not much — a relatively small percentage, say around 5% to 10%, of his sexual and romantic feelings. Strict rules don’t apply. These attractions are sexual, romantic or both and can be expressed in various ways, from erotic fantasies to actual behavior. Perhaps he’s made out or he wants to make out with a guy friend. He’s participated in all-male group masturbation or is willing to receive oral sex from an attractive guy he’s just met. But it’s unlikely that he has had penetrative sex with a guy, though he might be willing to if the right guy or circumstance appeared. He might have had an intense guy crush. But to fall passionately in love with a guy is too much, though he might have quite strong feelings and cuddle with a best friend.
This man, according to Williams, is not a bisexual in disguise or hoping he’ll turn out as fully straight one day. He also says the “mostly straight” man is not afraid to identify as bisexual for fear of social stigma, and in another part argues that “bisexual, even if it is understood as ‘bisexual-leaning straight,’ is too gay to accurately describe their identity.”
Adds Williams:
He is not a disgruntled straight man tired of sex with women, nor is he necessarily unhappy or frustrated with the availability of heterosexual sex. He may retreat from a full identification with heterosexuality, but rarely does he gravitate toward bisexuality, and almost never does he move toward homosexuality of any sort. Thus, he is a closer cousin to straight guys than to traditional bisexual guys.
Head over to TIME for the full excerpt.
What do you think of the “mostly straight” identity? Is there also, then, a “mostly gay” identity?
The post A Growing Number of Men are Identifying as ‘Mostly Straight’ Over ‘Bisexual’ appeared first on Towleroad.
A Growing Number of Men are Identifying as ‘Mostly Straight’ Over ‘Bisexual’
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