Tennessee Judge Ignores Supreme Court, Rules Parental Rights Apply Only To ‘Husbands’

Judge McMillan said, “I believe as a trial court I am not to plow new ground, but to apply precedent and the law.”

The post Tennessee Judge Ignores Supreme Court, Rules Parental Rights Apply Only To ‘Husbands’ appeared first on ThinkProgress.

thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2016/06/25/3792723/tennessee-judge-ignores-marriage-equality/

The Brave Plaintiffs Who Helped Pave the Way for Nationwide Marriage Equality

Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of nationwide marriage equality, brave couples from all 50 states stood up and fought back against regressive laws through the courts and state legislatures to expand equal rights for all. They lived openly and honestly, shared their stories of struggle and love with the nation, and moved hearts and minds like never before.

Dozens of courageous couples took their fight for marriage equality to court, including Jim Obergefell, the named plaintiff in the 2015 Supreme Court case that brought nationwide marriage equality.

In January 2015, the Supreme Court announced that it would hear Obergefell v. Hodges, a consolidation of Jim’s case with the cases of other plaintiffs from Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Tennessee. David Michener & William Herbert Ives, Robert Grunn, Nicole Yorksmith & Pamela Yorksmith, Joseph J. Vitale & Robert Talmas, Brittani Henry & Brittni Rogers, Kelly Noe & Kelly McCraken, Gregory Bourke & Michael DeLeon, Randell Johnson & Paul Campion, Jimmy Meade & Luther Barlowe, Kimberly Franklin & Tamera Boyd, Maurice Blanchard & Dominique James, Timothy Love & Lawrence Ysunza, Joy “Johno” Espejo & Matthew Mansell, Kellie Miller & Vanessa DeVillez, Sergeant Ijpe DeKoe & Thomas Kostura, Valeria Tanco & Sophia Jesty and April DeBoer & Jayne Rowse, were just some of the brave individuals and couples that fought for marriage equality in those states over the past several years.

Only a few short months later, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Obergefell v. Hodges on April 28, 2015, and ruled in favor of marriage equality on June 26, 2015.

One year later we honor the brave plaintiffs who helped pave the way for nationwide marriage equality – an important milestone in the fight for full LGBTQ equality. But there is more work ahead. Currently, 32 states lack fully-inclusive non-discrimination protections for LGBT people in housing, employment,and public accommodations, meaning that despite the Supreme Court ruling making marriage equality the law of the land. LGBT Americans can now marry in every state, but remain at real risk for discrimination. No one should be fired, denied an apartment, or refused service because of who they are. Last year on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision, Congress introduced a solution: the Equality Act. The Equality Act would guarantee protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity virtually every area of LGBTQ people’s lives from the school room to the court room to the board room. Learn more about the Equality Act.

Watch now:

www.hrc.org/blog/the-brave-plaintiffs-who-helped-pave-the-way-for-nationwide-marriage-equali?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

4 Amazing Places To Throw The Wedding Of Your Dreams

 

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of marriage equality and this season of Pride, we set out to explore some awesome wedding and honeymoon destinations in Hawaii, Mexico and Costa Rica, places served by our friends at Alaska Airlines.

Your Costa Rica Wedding

 

Getting There

Costa Rica is Alaska Airline’s newest international destination. The airline offers flights via LAX to and from the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays and to and from San Jose (SJO) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday.

Stay

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, is breathtaking, features a variety of packages for celebrating the big day, and is roughly twenty miles from the Liberia International Airport.

Party

Stay on property and live it up with your posse at friendly Chao Pecado Bar: a fun place to listen to the sound of the waves, dance to the beat of a live Latin band, and sip on special cocktails or local craft beers.

Celebrate

Ostra restaurant in Guanacaste focuses on fresh Costa Rican seafood and the flavors of the country. Three live culinary stations allow you to enjoy a carefully prepared welcome cocktail and go to town on the chef’s specially prepared ceviche.

Eat

Brunch is ready at the quaint open-air Rio Bhongo restaurant. This is the go-to place or smoothies with fresh tropical fruit, house baked pastries, eggs, gallo pinto, baked plantain, and a variety of “Latin Market” options or more of the traditional continental breakfast options. For dinner look no further than Chao Pescao where you can get into the fun and enjoy a little surf, turf, empanadas, arepas, or a variety of light bites.

Scene

With the picturesque Bay of Culebra looming just beyond the property there are plenty of water-inspired activities for you and your guests to explore near the Andaz. Guanacaste has 635 miles of coastline and sun seekers can get into the fun at their Prieta Beach Club, go for a sail, ride the waves, or just relax on the beach. Nearby the Arenal Volcano National Park is a great spot to explore the aftermath of the 1968 eruption and spot tropical birds sloths, and colorful flowers and plants. Laguna del Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest inland body of water is a big draw for the wildlife. Additional destinations just a short distance away include the Palo Verde National Park, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and the Monteverde cloud forest. For a mix of adventure with your sight seeing go for canopy zip lining, white water rafting, rock climbing on the Blanco River, or catch an epic view from above by going up the high-tech tram in the Monteverde forest.

Your Puerto Vallarta Wedding

Marriott CasaMagna

 

Getting There

Alaska Airlines offers non-stop flights to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) with up to 34 peak season weekly flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, John Wayne/Orange County, San Diego, and seasonal flights from Seattle & Portland.

Stay

If you plan on renting out a villa for your near and dearest Villa Savana is a fabulous option. The 18,000 square foot, 15 suite villa is nestled into a lush, tropical jungle hillside overlooking the Bay of Banderas and Old Puerto Vallarta. Villa Savana can accommodate 5 to 38 guests and features a heated pool and jacuzzi, four wet bars, spa and salon services, a media lounge, and comes with a gourmet personal chef to cook and prepare meals and snacks for your guests. It is roughly seven miles from the Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport.

The CasaMagna Marriott, tucked between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, is the perfect location for a destination wedding just around the bay from the bustling Old Puerto Vallarta. The resort is just 1.4 miles from the Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta, about ten minutes away.

Party

There is no shortage of bars and nightclubs in Old PV. The upstairs loft at Blondies offers classic cocktails, selections from their Slushbar and a great view of the surrounding gayborhood. If you’re in the mood for something a little more wild, fall into Wet Dreams, with go-go dancers, a sizzling shower behind the bar, and plenty of eye candy. Get those pesos ready!

Celebration

Mantamar Beach Club reaches down to Los Muertos Beach, the city’s favorite playground. Get into the groove of the house DJ’s beats and dive into the Light & Sound Infinity Pool or heated jacuzzi. Coordinate your reception with Mantamar – the sunsets are spectacular, the ultimate selfie backdrop.

Eat

Grab brunch at Sapphire Ocean Club without missing the surf. This exceptional ocean front dining spot will fuel you with a bit of the Mediterranean on the Bay of Banderas. There’s no shortage of dinner options in Puerto Vallarta. El Arrayan, a lesbian-owned hot spot, is a scrumptious traditional Mexican restaurant located in El Centro and a great location for a rehearsal dinner or a culinary spot for those seeking something completely authentic. Barcelona Tapas, situated in the hills, offers sweeping views the Bay and all of Puerto Vallarta. The elegance of Cafe des Artistes blows fish right out of the water. Chef Thierry Blouet sets the standard for gastronomy in Jalisco.

Scene

Bay of Banderas is the true star of Puerto Vallarta. Statues and places of interest are peppered across the Malecon (Boardwalk) with Rafael Zamarripa Castañeda’s “The Boy on the Seahorse” as one of the main focal points. The sculpture in town is a replica of the sculpture situated on Los Muertos Beach. For a bit of tradition, get pictures with Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in the background. If you have a bit of time, take a boat into the Bay of Banderas with a bottle of champagne.

Your Palm Springs Wedding

Ritz Carleton Rancho Mirage

Parker Palm Springs

Getting There

Alaska Airlines offers non-stop flights from San Francisco, Seattle, and seasonal flights from Portland to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), located about two miles east of downtown Palm Springs.

Stay

Desert longing blends with romance in Palm Springs, and there are plenty of incredible backdrops to say “I do” in front of in this friendly hot spot. Weddings at the Parker Palm Springs can range from intimate celebrations to killer bashes but they’re bound to be decadent. The property has served as Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch and Merv Griffin’s Givenchy Resort and Spa. Today Parker Palm Springs unfolds on thirteen acres of carefully landscaped gardens surrounded by the desert and mountains.

Nearby, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage offers 15,000 square feet of cliff-side outdoor space and just under 16,000 square feet of banquet space to lay the foundation for the wedding of all weddings. Tucked away in the Santa Rosa Mountain range, this luxury resort overlooks the picturesque Coachella Valley and embodies the desert’s surroundings.

Party

Hunters Palm Springs is the place to hit the night before you tie the knot. Dance, greet, and live it up with a fun crowd at this stylish club.

Celebrate

Studio One 11 in Cathedral City embodies swanky.

Eat

Cheeky’s is hands down the best spot for brunch in Palm Springs. There’s a lot of love that goes into everything served at this often crowded yet always incredible farm-to-table option for breakfast or brunch. Mister Parker’s, with its instagrammable artwork and gentleman’s club vibe dishes up fab bistro food that rivals the best. Miro’s Palm Springs, run by the Terzic family, is a delicious and fun Mediterranean and Central European option for a relaxed yet upscale rehearsal dinner.

Scene

Joshua Tree National park is located just about an hour from Palm Springs, but there are a variety of picturesque locations closer to town. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, San Jacinto Mountain’s hiking paths and peeks, and the Indian Canyons are all great options to enjoy the countryside. Coachella Valley Preserve is an amazing spot to go hit, even off-season. Just be sure to lather on the SPF. There is not a cloud in the sky.

Your Hawaii Wedding

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Kahala Resort

Getting There

Alaska offers 152 flights each week from Anchorage, Bellingham/Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, Oakland, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, and San Diego to Honolulu, Kauai, Kona, and Maui. Passengers to the islands receive Hawaiian inspired meals curated by Seattle restauranteur Tom Douglas and complimentary Mai Tai on arrival.

Stay

Whether couples want to get married on the beach, in a chapel, or in a tropical garden enclave, Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina allows the choice. Couples and their besties enjoy the secluded waterfront location, catering, and restful spa. Four Seasons Oahu is roughly twenty miles from the Honolulu International Airport.

Great for weddings and honeymoons alike, gorgeous Kahala Hotel is about 12 miles from the Honolulu International Airport.

Party

Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand is the perfect place for a true Hawaiian bachelor party. Sip your mai-tai, tip the go-go boys (while you still can), and soak up some of the best Hawaiian views.

Celebrate

If you’re looking for top-notch drag performances head over to Fusion Waikiki, where the party doesn’t stop till 4AM. Dance the night away at one of Hawaii’s oldest gay bars, open since 1989.

Eat

Orchids, one of the best brunch spots in Oahu, is located in the Halekulani Hotel. This casually elegant oceanfront restaurant is filled with orchids and good company. For dinner, Alan Wong’s is the best of the best. The food is as beautiful as it is tasty.

Scene

Wakiki Beach, on Honolulu’s southern shore, was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, and now as democratic as they come. The nearby Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in America and served as the official residence for the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs until 1893. Oahu’s North Shore is a sprawling surf mecca. Beside the Four Seasons is a ten-acre oceanfront nature preserve, Lanikuhonua.

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Even Trump Supporters Should Be Able To Follow This Flow Chart Of Donald’s Stance On “The Gays”

Hey, Donald Trump wants everyone to “ask the gays” if he’s a friend to our community. That’s a great idea! People should ask the gays all kinds of things, because we have a lot of opinions. This was all part of his campaign, along with a bunch of crazy conservatives, to sign us up for their anti-Muslim canard campaign.

It seems the only time these people are nice to us is when they hope to enlist our support for campaign against other minority groups. But don’t they understand that as a community that’s been hated for years, the last thing we are going to do is join a hate campaign against another group, a group that actually contains many LGBT people as well?

Well, apparently not.

But if people are going to start asking “the gays,” we have a few questions, too, since Trump wants to be the leader of the free world. Does Donald support us? Has he been a friend? Is he going to do anything positive for queer people? Hahaha, of course the answer to all of those questions is no — he’s a narcissitic heir who only cares about money and himself and seems to have zero firm convictions, left or right. He’s against integrating bathrooms for trans people after he was for it; he’s against marriage equality after he was for its. What is he for?

Like the good gays we are, we decided to diagram his positions in an attempt to make sense of them–just as we did last week on his every changing position on the the whole trans bathroom issue. 

Here’s what we came up with….

Related: This Flow Chart Shows Just How Nonsensical Donald Trump’s Trans Bathroom Positions Really Are 

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Gay SF City Leaders Heckled Off Stage at Trans March Kickoff Event: WATCH

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, gay state Senator Mark Leno, and gay SF Supervisor Scott Weiner were booed off stage at a kickoff event for the annual Trans March in San Francisco, KRON reports:

“My first year in Sacramento, we added gender identity to the Fair Employment Housing Act,” state Sen. Mark Leno said.

But he was mooned by a heckler and booed by several others. Openly gay state Sen. Leno was yelled off the stage, as was Scott Weiner, a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and also openly gay, and Lee.

Lee and Weiner didn’t even have a chance to speak.

“Though this has not been a warm welcome or one of respect, I will continue to fight for transgender rights, equality, and the respect that you’re not giving us today,” Leno said.

The reason for the unwelcome reception?

“I’m upset because I’m a Trans woman who has a lot of Trans friends who are homeless, and I’m tired of people using our community as a prop, a political prop,” Ashley Love said. “I’m tired of white, gay men riding the Stonewall movie and reducing Trans women of color to secondary props, to historical props, to social props, political props. I’m tired of politicians coming here for 5 minutes, do a little sound bite, and run off, but do they really care about us?”

Unfortunately, the crowd didn’t find out if they cared or not, because they didn’t get a chance to speak.

The post Gay SF City Leaders Heckled Off Stage at Trans March Kickoff Event: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.

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Drop Your Pants for This Tribute to 100 Years of Men’s Underwear

Following up on their 100 years of men’s fashion, swimwear, and New Year’s Eve fashion clips, Mode has dropped the pants on a new clip which shows off skivvies in styles from the past century.

Watch:

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