The Teachers Who Gave Me a Voice
Living a happy life as a gay teen in Nixa, Missouri isn’t the easiest thing to achieve. Most of my life was spent in the metaphorical closet where it was dark, scary, and smelled like moth balls. After a long time of searching, I finally found the light I needed to brighten up my life. Jeremy Charneco-Sullivan and Jackie Swindell have been that light for me, and they have helped me to achieve that happy life that every hard-working teenager deserves. They started a club that feels like home to me, have been phenomenal role models, and have shown me ways to work outside my community to change the world.

These small-town high school teachers started a club that is already doing astounding things. The most recent being our GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) having been presented the award for GSA of the Year at GLSEN’s annual Respect Awards. This would have never come about without my small-town teachers with big hearts. Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Swindell had so much courage to start the GSA in this heteronormative, gender-stereotyped part of the country, but they did it. I, along with many other grateful students, think it’s shown to be worth the effort. If you’re thinking about starting a GSA at your school, follow Shia LaBeouf’s advice and “JUST DO IT!”

I have learned how to hold my head high, how to love myself, and how to love other people, even when they may not support me. Mr. Sullivan helped me mature into the young lady I am today. Ms. Swindell not only taught me grammar, but also helped me to see the world for what it really is. Of all my role models, these two have been the most essential to the growth of my character. I can’t imagine how my life would be without their support and unconditional passion for LGBTQ equality. If my community had more people like them, I wouldn’t be afraid for the future.

Once I felt comfortable sharing my views within the club, I felt I could share my thoughts with the world. This is another thing I have to thank them for because without these stepping stones I would still be that timid, closeted girl in the back of the classroom, too scared to share her thoughts. I would not have the passion to change the world and the courage to stand up for myself if not for my wonderful teachers. And trust me, I have to stand up for myself often in my tough little town.

I have been set free with the help of my GSA. I found trust in a place where I didn’t think I had allies. I can live my life the way I want to and I have the tools to do so. I’m so grateful for these two amazing people. I respect them not only as teachers, but as allies, leaders, and teammates in the battle against inequality. Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Swindell have helped me find the pull chain in my dark, scary closet and I’ve never been happier.

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Christian Right Prepares For Arrival Of Marriage Equality By Doing Even Crazier Things

The Christian Right is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. With the Supreme Court set to rule on gay marriage literally any day now, quite possibly making it the law of the land, wing-nuts are clutching their Bibles closer than ever. Last week alone saw behavior so insane and inane we would laugh if they were not so pathetic. Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up.

Scroll down for a quick recap of all the crazy ass sh*t equality opponents did …

The Southern Baptist Convention declared war

During the Southern Baptist Convention annual hate fest on Monday, Pastor Ronnie Floyd proclaimed: “We are in a spiritual warfare,” he preached. “This is not a time for Southern Baptists to stand back!” Since we are in the middle of multiple battles raging across the middle east, maybe the war metaphor was a bit, well, extreme and insulting. Plus, it is a war, Ronnie baby is about to lose, big time.

If that’s not enough, Ronnie tried to take down the high court a notch or five. You know, that court dominated by five religious conservatives appointed by religious conservative presidents: “The Supreme Court is not the final authority, nor is the culture itself! I declare to everyone today as a minister of the Gospel: I. Will. Not! Officiate. Over. Any. Same. Sex. Unions. Or. Same. Sex. Marriage. Ceremonies!”

Phew!

Concerned neighbor calls grieving widow relentlessly gay

On Wednesday, Julie Baker, a widow and mother of four living in Baltimore, received a nasty note from a “concerned neighbor” condemning her for stringing a set of rainbow-colored solar lights across part of her front yard. The note threatened police action if she didn’t “tone down” her “relentlessly gay” behavior.

In response, Baker launched a GoFundMe page and raised over $30,000 in a single day to buy more rainbow swag for her garden — and maybe even a new roof.

We’d love the anonymous note writer to step forward. It would be good for another laugh.

The couple that threatened to break up if gay marriage is made legal had over 175,000 people RSVP to their divorce.

Nick Jensen and his wife Sarah had the brilliant plan of dissolving their 10 year union if gays are allowed to get married. Because mindless divorce is such a Christian idea. The dimwitted duo claimed that “by changing the definition of marriage, ‘marriage’ will, in years to come, have an altogether different sense and purpose. We no longer wish to be associated with this new definition.”

This week, a Facebook event page was created celebrating the Jensen’s impending divorce. So far, over 175,000 people have RSVP’d to the party.

A DJ refused to play at a gay man’s 60th birthday bash.

Speaking of parties, Dani Tsakounis just wanted to do something special for her roommate’s 60th birthday. So she did what good people do: planned him a party. But when she called Ultrasound Deejays in Gaithersburg, MD, about providing music, the company’s owner, Michael Lampiris, told her: ” We won’t be able to do it, we’re a Christian organization and it would go against our faith, I’m sorry. … We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Evidently, the Bible specifically prohibits Christian disc jockeys from laying down beats at gay men’s birthday parties.

Rick Santorum is back at it 

Rick Santorum promised that if he’s elected president in 2016 he’ll ensure all children are raised by parents of the opposite sex. None of this two dads or two moms or single moms or single dads business. He also said that if the Supreme Court strikes down gay marriage bans nationwide “that doesn’t mean we won’t fight and try to push back both as the Congress should and as the president should as a co-equal branch of the government.”

Good luck with that!

One Million Moms vs. enjoying Chobani yogurt in bed

When our favorite right-wing Moms saw Chobani’s latest TV commercial featuring a lesbian eating yogurt in bed while her lover sleeps beside her it got busy. “Chobani should be ashamed of their latest commercial for attempting to normalize sin by featuring two women naked in bed together,” it opined. “This commercial not only promotes same-sex relationships by including two lesbians, but also same-sex marriage because the two women wear matching wedding bands.”

Who knew Greek yogurt could be controversial?

Graham Gremore

feedproxy.google.com/~r/queerty2/~3/5S_g1GjDPdM/christian-right-prepares-for-arrival-of-marriage-equality-by-doing-even-crazier-things-20150623

Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum Sign Pledge Branding Same-Sex Parents ‘Destructive’ And ‘A Threat To Security': VIDEO

GOP presidential hopefuls Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee have signed a pledge that describes same-sex parents as “unconscionable…destructive..[and] a threat to security”, reports Pink News.

The pledge was written by Texas pastor Rick Scarborough who last week said he is willing to “burn to death” in his fight against same-sex marriage.

The pledge states:

“Conferring a moral and legal equivalency to any relationship other than marriage between a man and a woman, by legislative or judicial fiat, sends the message that children do not need a mother and a father.

“As a policy matter, such unions convey the message that mums and dads are completely irrelevant to the well-being of children.

“Such a policy statement is unconscionable and destructive. Authorizing the legal equivalency of marriage to same-sex couples undermines the fundamental rights of children and threatens their security, stability, and future.

“A decision purporting to redefine marriage flies in the face of the Constitution and is contrary to the natural created order.

“As people of faith we pledge obedience to our Creator when the State directly conflicts with higher law. We respectfully warn the Supreme Court not to cross this line.”

Back in April, Santorum said that his opposition to the 2003 Supreme Court decision striking down anti-gay “sodomy” bans is proof of his strength of leadership.

The post Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum Sign Pledge Branding Same-Sex Parents ‘Destructive’ And ‘A Threat To Security’: VIDEO appeared first on Towleroad.

Michael Fitzgerald

Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum Sign Pledge Branding Same-Sex Parents ‘Destructive’ And ‘A Threat To Security’: VIDEO

Ella Henderson announced for Brighton Pride

EXCLUSIVE: Former X Factor star’s only pride performance this year

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jamiet

www.gaystarnews.com/article/ella-henderson-announced-brighton-pride230615

PHOTOS: Denver Is High on Pride

DENVER_PRIDE_LEADX400.jpg

Christopher Harrity

www.advocate.com/pride/2015/06/23/photos-denver-high-pride

Steve Grand and Stuart Milk attend EuroPride in Riga, Latvia – full report with pictures

5,000 attended historic rally in post-Soviet country – which featured a huge police presence

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jamiet

www.gaystarnews.com/article/steve-grand-and-stuart-milk-attend-europride-riga-latvia-%E2%80%93-full-report-pictures220615

Op-ed: Hey, Rachel Dolezal, Alec Mapa Raising a Black Son Is Entirely 'Plausible'

Out actor Alec Mapa is an Asian man married to a white man with an adopted black son. Mapa has a problem with people — like Rachel Dolezal — who have a problem with that.

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Alec Mapa

www.advocate.com/commentary/2015/06/23/op-ed-hey-rachel-dolezal-alec-mapa-raising-black-son-entirely-plausible

WATCH: Gay Christian Palestinian Fears Death If Deported

The young man has sought refugee status in Canada, where he has been living on a student visa, but authorities have denied it to his family’s ties to Hamas.

read more

Trudy Ring

www.advocate.com/world/2015/06/22/watch-gay-christian-palestinian-fears-death-if-deported

Allah Made Me Muslim; Allah Made Me Queer
Co-authored by Terna and Andrew Stehlik

“I didn’t know there was such a thing as a queer Muslim.”

Even among the most progressive, well-educated and best-intentioned individuals, this is a comment which is heard far too often. People who have no trouble understanding that lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people have existed throughout history, in every nation, culture, religion and ethnicity, still have trouble accepting someone can be both queer and a faithful believer in Islam.

Admittedly, some confusion is understandable, as the Muslim record for tolerance is not commendable. On the contrary, Sharia, which is the most orthodox form of Islamic law, can be evoked to issue a death penalty for practicing homosexuals in Muslim countries such as Iran, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. And, in 2011, when the Human Rights Council of the United Nations passed its first-ever resolution recognizing LGBTQ rights, it gained full support from the Americas and Europe, but was almost unanimously voted against by countries with a Muslim majority.

Nonetheless, there are queer Muslims, and in growing numbers they are making themselves known. The annual celebration of Ramadan (which began on June 17) coincides with Gay Pride Month this year, providing a unique opportunity to consider the current state of LGBTQ Muslims, as well as their likely future.

Why is this? Because Ramadan, which according to Islamic tradition, honors the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, is not only commemorated through fasting from dawn to sunset, but is also a time known for great acts of kindness towards the neediest. Charity is very important to Islam year-round, but it is believed that good deeds performed during Ramadan are looked upon by Allah (God) with special favor.

While it takes discipline to keep one’s mouth shut and forgo all food and drink for many hours a day, it also requires bravery to open one’s mouth wide and speak up with compassion and charity for the rights of all human beings to be whole. This is what we’re attempting to do with “Coming Out Muslim: Radical Acts of Love,” a storytelling performance which has been shared on stages across the United States, and will appear at Rutgers Presbyterian Church in New York City on Wednesday, June 24.

The show’s title is deliberately ambiguous. It suggests both the self-revelation which occurs in publicly declaring one’s queer sexuality, as well as the challenges of being open about one’s faith in Islam in a post-9/11 America, where fears and suspicions linger that all Muslims are terrorists. As recently reported in The New Yorker magazine, statistics from the F.B.I. show that hate crimes against Muslims are five times as common as they were before 2001. Given this environment, it is exponentially more dangerous to proclaim, “Allah made me Muslim; Allah made me queer.”

In making such a courageous assertion, LGBTQ Muslims are becoming more visible at the intersection of faith and sexuality, joining conversations which have been underway for quite some time within Christianity and Judaism. What these three faiths have in common, of course, is not only an Abrahamic tradition but a homophobia based in large part on a single scriptural story, that of Sodom and Gomorrah.

More modern Muslim scholars, along with freer-thinking Jewish and Christian theologians, advocate interpretations indicating that the true offense shown in the story of Lot is a threat of male rape, and a violent failure to show hospitality to strangers. New attention is being paid as well to verses in the Quran which non-judgmentally describe the existence of men who have no desire for women. And, some historians now point out that in earlier Islamic societies, same-sex relationships were celebrated in love poems written by Persian, Urdu and Sufi poets.

As for those contemporary Muslims who now choose to find a rationale for the death penalty against homosexuality in the hadith, or non-Quranic stories that are attributed to Prophet Muhammad, it must be remembered there is also a hadith where the Prophet says, if anything you have heard about me makes you turn away from me, it is not from me. Violence against sexual and gender minorities is not aligned with the Prophet’s example of love and tolerance in community.

Most Americans, many Muslims, and a lot of LGBTQ people do not know that Islam has room for all of us. And, there may be quite a few who, even after hearing so, will respond, “Well, all this is unique to queer Muslims, what does this have to do with me?”

Our answer is, a lot. Because we believe that the more specific a story is, the more universal.

“Coming Out Muslim” speaks to the universal wish to be recognized as multi-layered individuals, who are parts of families and communities, who struggle and strive for wholeness. Time and time again, people come up to us after performances — men, women, heterosexuals, gays and lesbians, Christians and atheists — and tell us exactly this.

Coming out, then, is really about letting the world know who you are. So, yes, there are queer Muslims!

By taking pride in this, change can occur, and love can grow.

Terna, photographed by Patrick Mulcahy Photography

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Gay and Straight Love Affairs Take Center Stage in Tove Lo’s ‘Timebomb’ Video

“I couldn’t decide if you were the most annoying human being I’d ever met or just the best thing that ever happened,” sings Tove Lo in her new single ‘Timebomb’.

Several gay and straight couples dutifully act out that sentiment in a just-released video for the track, making up and breaking up on a simple beach set under a hazy sun.

The Swedish singer, who attended school with Icona Pop  at the same music academy which also educated Robyn, today announced a North American tour starting this fall.

The post Gay and Straight Love Affairs Take Center Stage in Tove Lo’s ‘Timebomb’ Video appeared first on Towleroad.

Andy Towle

Gay and Straight Love Affairs Take Center Stage in Tove Lo’s ‘Timebomb’ Video