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President Obama Releases Proclamation for LGBT Pride Month
President Obama Releases Proclamation for LGBT Pride Month
President Obama has released a Presidential Proclamation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, which reads as follows:
From the moment our Nation first came together to declare the fundamental truth that all men are created equal, courageous and dedicated patriots have fought to refine our founding promise and broaden democracy’s reach. Over the course of more than two centuries of striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil rights and enshrined equal protections into our Constitution. Through struggle and setback, we see a common trajectory toward a more free and just society. But we are also reminded that we are not truly equal until every person is afforded the same rights and opportunities — that when one of us experiences discrimination, it affects all of us — and that our journey is not complete until our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law.
Across our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by determined individuals who stood up, spoke out, and shared their stories. Earlier this year, because of my landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace discrimination, protections for Federal contractors went into effect, guarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Federal Government is now leading by example, ensuring that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they love. And I will keep calling on the Congress to pass legislation so that all Americans are covered by these protections, no matter where they work.
In communities throughout the country, barriers that limit the potential of LGBT Americans have been torn down, but too many individuals continue to encounter discrimination and unfair treatment. My Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors because the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that it can cause substantial harm. We understand the unique challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities — especially transgender and gender non-conforming individuals — and are taking steps to address them. And we recognize that families come in many shapes and sizes. Whether biological, foster, or adoptive, family acceptance is an important protective factor against suicide and harm for LGBTQ youth, and mental health experts have created resources to support family communication and involvement.
For countless young people, it is not enough to simply say it gets better; we must take action too. We continue to address bullying and harassment in our classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing environment in which to learn and grow. Across the Federal Government, we are working every day to unlock the opportunities all LGBT individuals deserve and the resources and care they need. Too many LGBTQ youth face homelessness and too many older individuals struggle to find welcoming and affordable housing; that is why my Administration is striving to ensure they have equal access to safe and supportive housing throughout life. We are updating our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to better address the disproportionate burden HIV has on communities of gay and bisexual men and transgender women. We continue to extend family and spousal benefits to legally married same-sex couples. And because we know LGBT rights are human rights, we are championing protections and support for LGBT persons around the world.
All people deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence, and protected against discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate the proud legacy LGBT individuals have woven into the fabric of our Nation, we honor those who have fought to perfect our Union, and we continue our work to build a society where every child grows up knowing that their country supports them, is proud of them, and has a place for them exactly as they are.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
Curiously, the proclamation makes no mention of the Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling on same-sex marriage, which is expected sometime late June.
Kyler Geoffroy
www.towleroad.com/2015/05/president-obama-releases-proclamation-for-lgbt-pride-month.html
Regionali, in Campania i 5 candidati a Governatore firmano il documento delle associazio
The Top Wedding Destinations For Same-Sex Couples
The Top Wedding Destinations For Same-Sex Couples
Last week, Ireland made history by becoming the first country to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote, giving gay people the right to marry once the law is written into the legislature in the next couple of months.
The European country is now one of 19 international territories that have legalized gay marriage, along with 37 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
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Drake Can Push It Good, Hugh Jackman’s Got A Whopper, Colton Is Pretty In Pink
Drake Can Push It Good, Hugh Jackman’s Got A Whopper, Colton Is Pretty In Pink
This week, Adam Levine‘s mouth is being violated by men all over the country, Patrick Stewart found it liberating to play gay and James Franco stars in yet another gay movie. Here’s what happened recently on Instagram:
Drake knows how to push it good.
@ovojonnyroxx Tank got me working at the Palace!!!!! Push Pounds
A photo posted by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on May 27, 2015 at 4:38pm PDT
Hugh Jackman‘s got himself a whopper.
DINNER!!! A photo posted by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on May 26, 2015 at 10:18am PDT
Hey John Stamos, it’s your turn to get in the fishnets and stilettos.
Run, don’t walk to see my buddy @darrencriss nail Hedwig! Stunning performance my friend – thank you. A photo posted by John Stamos (@johnstamos) on May 15, 2015 at 10:26am PDT
How rare for Colby Melvin the have the second cutest smile in a photo.
#MLV15 is off to a great start! A photo posted by Colby Melvin (@colbymelvin) on May 22, 2015 at 5:12pm PDT
Rocco Ritchie‘s swimwear, courtesy of American Eagle (!).
Rocco”s preferred profile #nosausage
A video posted by Madonna (@madonna) on May 25, 2015 at 7:41pm PDT
How long before there’s a statue of Barbra in the capital?
#TBT. Jim took this photo of me next to Benjamin Franklin’s statue at The Capitol in Washington, D.C. when I was in town for a State Dinner for the Chinese President in 2011. A photo posted by Barbra Streisand (@barbrastreisand) on May 28, 2015 at 9:12am PDT
Ashley Parker Angel is keeping his head above water.
Q: Why do squirrels swim on their backs? A: To keep their nuts dry. ???????????? #Day20 #100DaysOfFitness #swimming #pool #cardio #fitness #tourlife
A photo posted by Ashley Parker Angel (@ashley_parker_angel) on May 27, 2015 at 10:36pm PDT
Colton Haynes is, ahem, pretty in pink.
Incredible night! Thx to @seanknight @themarcjacobs @marcjacobs for this suit! #SanAndreas
A photo posted by Colton Haynes (@coltonlhaynes) on May 27, 2015 at 9:08am PDT
Jeremy Kinser
Rachel Maddow Digs Into Dennis Hastert's Alleged Cover Up of Sexual Misconduct with Male Student: VIDEO
Rachel Maddow Digs Into Dennis Hastert's Alleged Cover Up of Sexual Misconduct with Male Student: VIDEO
The developing news that indicted former House Speaker Dennis Hastert was paying to cover up alleged “sexual misconduct” with a former male student was a major focus on Rachel Maddow’s Friday show.
Maddow, joined by former federal prosecutor Jeffrey Cramer discussed the legal elements of the case and if sexual abuse charges against Hastert and/or extortion charges against the former student should be expected.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP…
Kyler Geoffroy
Va. Family Drops Charges Against Trans Woman Arrested for Aiding Their Suicidal Trans Son
Va. Family Drops Charges Against Trans Woman Arrested for Aiding Their Suicidal Trans Son
“I never imagined helping teens or others would come to something like this,” said Julianna Fialkoswki, who alleges mistreatment from Lynchburg police.
Mitch Kellaway
Five Reasons The World’s Happiest Places Are Also The Gayest
Five Reasons The World’s Happiest Places Are Also The Gayest
For the third year running, the World Happiness report analyzed countries based on factors including GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy and freedom of choice to determine the happiest and unhappiest places on the planet.
This year, Planet Romeo, an Amsterdam-based community site, collaborated with the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz in Germany to carry out an online survey of 115,000 gay men around the world. They looked at how gay men feel about society’s view on homosexuality, how they’re treated by other people, and how satisfied they are with their own lives to come up with a list of the happiest and unhappiest places for gay men on the planet.
So how do these two lists stack up?
Well, unsurprisingly, the countries where gay men are the happiest also happen to be where people are happiest in general. Iceland, Norway and Denmark (GayCities recommends capital city Copenhagen as possibly the “most gay-friendly city on earth”) make the top five in both unrelated projects.
Here are five reasons why:
1. Nobody likes conflict and hatred
It’s no real shocker that the more accepting a country is of LGBT people, the happier those LGBT people are. But the benefits don’t stop there. Straight people also directly benefit from participating in an accepting society. They’re free of hateful rhetoric that only causes turmoil and hurt. And that means more time to enjoy life.
2. Freedom is good for business
When people are free to be themselves, there’s a higher chance that they’ll tap into their creative selves. Creativity means innovation, and innovation brings untold potential to grow. Who doesn’t like a grower?
3. Everyone has a closet
Just because someone is straight doesn’t mean they don’t have a quirk or two that they deserve to be unashamed of. A more open society lets everyone wave their freak flag without fear. Life is short — it’s built to be enjoyed.
4. Trust isn’t a four letter word
Once factor the World Happiness Report looks at is trust as measured by a perceived absence of corruption in government and business. LGBT communities around the world have to believe that society has their back, and that can only come with trust. Trust doesn’t come easily, but once it’s won, the benefits are universal.
5. Stress kills
One of the key components for maintaining a happy lifestyle is stress management. On a small scale, it means realizing that a traffic jam isn’t going to ruin your day. But oppression is a whole other kind of stress. Anti-gay vitriol isn’t just stressful for gay people — it affects those spouting it, and those forced to hear it who aren’t necessarily gay.
***
A notable difference between the two lists is the United Arab Emirates, where GDP may be good, but life as a gay person is fraught with struggle.
Ireland landed #18 in overall happiness, but didn’t crack the top 20 for gay men (though at #25, it wasn’t a total failure). Of course, the study was conducted before the country’s historic ‘yes’ vote to legalize same-sex marriage. How much do you want to bet it rises up the ranking on both lists next year?
The United States ranked 26th for gay happiness and 15th in overall happiness — let’s work on that.
Uganda was last for gay happiness and nearly last overall.
Here are the top 20 countries ranked for gay happiness:
Here’s the World Happiness Index top 20:
Lesson: The most successful societies are not just tolerant, they are assertively pro-gay. Let the rainbow flag fly everywhere.
Dan Tracer
Artist Spotlight: Konstantin Somov
Artist Spotlight: Konstantin Somov
Somov’s work fell into two categories. His work with and for the gay Russian art mafia of the ime is what we are interested in.
Christopher Harrity
Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert Alleged To Have Been Paying A Former Male Student Hush Money
Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert Alleged To Have Been Paying A Former Male Student Hush Money
The news that former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert was indicated for illegally withdrawing large sums of money from his bank account was shocking enough. But now it turns out that the reason for the withdrawals is even more shocking. Apparently, Hastert, who was a teacher and wrestling coach before entering politics, has been paying hush money to a former male student who claims he was molested by Hastert.
The indictment against Hastert, a Republican, focused on a pattern that seemed designed to skirt federal requirements for reporting exceptionally large withdrawals. The indictment spoke only of Hastert seeking to pay an unnamed, genderless individual as recompense for “prior misconduct.” The indictment claimed that Hastert had agreed to pay “Individual A” the tidy sum of $3.5 million to keep his mouth shut.
While the full story has yet to come out, even the sketchiest information available is pretty juicy. “It was sex,” an unnamed official told the Los Angeles Times. Hastert was a teacher and coach at Yorkville High School in Illinois from 1965 to 1981. A second man, who did not seek payment from Hastert, apparently told investigators that he was sexually molested by Hastert as well.
The irony is that Hastert’s political career ended when he resigned from Congress in 2007 following a barrage of criticism for slow walking the investigation of fellow Republican Mark Foley for sexting with underage male pages. The news emerging now suggests that Hastert’s sympathy for Foley’s plight might have been personal than anyone could have imagined.
Photo credit: U.S. Congress
JohnGallagher
