The New Hampshire State Senate voted yesterday (13-11) in favor of House Bill 436, which would allow same-sex couples to marry under state law. The bill passed the House last month in a 186-179 vote. However, since the Senate voted on an amended version, the bill will have to return to the House before being passed. If the bill becomes law, New Hampshire will become the fifth state in the US to allow gay marriage.
“Just one month ago, there were only two states where same-sex couples could marry. Now, with this vote in New Hampshire, we are on the verge of having five states that recognize marriage equality for same-sex couples. It’s been quite a month, and we look forward to more states joining this group,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese in a press release yesterday.
And to add to the excitement, Maine may be #6 on the list of States that allow same-sex Marriage. Just today Maine's State Senate voted 20 - 15 in favor of LD 1020, the marriage equality bill, which will now move to the House of Representatives. Luckily the the Senate defeated an amendment that had proposed putting the question of marriage equality for same-sex couples before voters, at least Maine won't have to deal with an issue like California's Proposition 8.
Presently, only four states have recognized same-sex marriage legally: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Vermont (effective September 1, 2009). However, with the possible addition of New Hampshire and Maine, perhaps that will be enough to persuade California 's Supreme Court to overturn Prop 8, which is expected to be decided on by June...I am crossing my fingers.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Will New Hampshire & Maine be the next states to allow same-sex marriage?
Late-in-Life Lesbian Documentary
With prominent women like Kelly McGillis, Carol Liefer and Cynthia Nixon coming Out later in life, many are wondering what the deal is with this late-in-life lesbian phenomenon.
Filmmakers Beatrice Alda (daughter of actor Alan Alda) and her partner, Jennifer Brooke felt that the subject was important enough to create a 2008 documentary titled "Out Late."
The idea for the documentary, which looks at the lives of five women who found new sexual identities after the age of 55, came from a friend of the couple's named Jason.
"Jason's mother was in her 80s, unhappy and divorced 40 years ago," said Alda. "He said, 'I think she may be a lesbian and doesn't know it.' It's not as uncommon as you think."
One of the film's subjects, Elaine, came out at age 79, after 50 years of marriage.
"It was something she felt she had to do," Brooke told ABCNews.com. "She bumped into two strangers at a market and said, basically, 'Are you two partners? I need to talk to you,' and she used them in the most positive way as an avenue to free herself. And she never turned back."
Many women who came of age in the 1940s and 1950s, like Elaine, were taught it was their "duty" to marry and have children.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, women celebrated "romantic friendships," according to Leila Rupp, professor of feminist studies at University of California at Santa Barbara and author of "Sapphistries: A Global History of Love Between Women." One of the most famous was that of first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who had an "intense, passionate" relationship with journalist Lorena Hickok in the 1930s.
However, it wasn't until the development of the feminist movement in the 70's that gave women more control of their bodies. "Now there are more options for women, and it's more socially acceptable," Rupp stated. "But it's not just about biology."
For more information about the documentary, you can visit Forever Film's Website.
Source:
Abc News
Forever Films
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
2009 Russian River Women's Weekend Schedule
If you live in the Bay Area and are looking for something to do the weekend of May 14th -18th, then be sure to check out the 2009 Russian River Women's Weekend.
Here is the Schedule of events:
THURSDAY, MAY 14th
- 6:30-9:00 pm - Early Girl Welcome Meet & Greet: Pick up your VIP passes. Russian River Resort. Sign up for events requiring pre-registration here.
- 9pm Lesbian Edition of Exteme Trivia with Sister Scarlet Billows at the Russian River Resort (RRR). Great Prizes!
FRIDAY, MAY 15th
- 1:30-4:30pm- Early Girl Pool Party at the Russian River Resort. Day use fee.
- 6pm - RAGS Welcome Party & BBQ at the Rainbow Cattle Company. – no cover
- 6:00-8:30pm - 2nd Annual RRWW Texas Hold’em Tournament at the Old Buck’s at 4th & Mill ~ $40 buy-in; benefits the Guerneville Fireworks Fund. First come, first seated & pre-registered players sit down first! Register here.
- 7:00pm- Women’s Weekend Welcome Party at the Russian River Resort Triple - no cover
- 9:00pm - Country Dan’s Lesbyterian Retreat Karaoke at the Russian River Resort - no cover
- 7 & 9:30 pm Shows - Gwen “Sugar Mama” Avery at Main Street Station. $7 Cover No VIPs
- 9pm - Rock n’ Roll Kick-Off Party with Mighty Slim Pickins at Buck’s (4th & Mill). $10 cover
- 10:30pm - Russian River Ultra Drag King Contest, hosted by the RRSPI. (dragtime) Delicio Del Toro, Jay Walker and an unruly bunch of other fellows compete for the title of ULTRA KING! At Buck’s $10 cover.
- 10:00-6:00pm - Russian River Women’s Weekend Crafts Fair on the old bridge.
- 10:00am - Russian River Women's Weekend Motorcycle Run. Meet & Greet with a full tank of gas @ Bank of America ATM parking lot. Dykes on Bikes is expected to participate this year. Route: Guerneville to Occidental via Bohemian Hwy then out to Valley Ford, & Hwy1 north to Bodega Bay for lunch. After lunch, PCH and east on 116 into Guerneville. About 50 miles total. Lots on twisties and then sweepers on the coast.
- 1:00-4:00pm - Enter the Painted Ladies Tattoo Contest @ the RRR with judging on Sunday afternoon. Russian River Resort at 4th & Mill.
- 12:00 - 5:00pm - Wet Tease Pool Party at the Russian River Resort.J oin Fairy Butch, Sister Scarlet Billows and the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgenc, as well as lovely visiting Sister Sara Femme of the San Francisco SPI. It will be a day of sin-filled pleasure by the pool including the scandalous WET-T contest! Benefits Breast Cancer Emergency Fund & the RRSPI General Fund. $10 Cover
- 12:00 pm - Judy Grahn Reads from Her New Works at River Reader 16355 Main Street. ~ No Cover.
- 2:00pm - STARHAWK- Women and the Earth: Creating the Change at Dawn Ranch Boathouse $5-10 suggested donation.
- 4:00-9:00pm- Cocktail Party at Boon Hotel + Spa. 14711 Armstrong Woods Road ~ $ cover (No VIPs).
- 4:00pm - ChoQosh Auh’Ho’Oh- Ancient Tools for the Transformation and the Wisdom of the Elders at Dawn Ranch Boathouse $5-10 suggested donation.
- 6:00pm -Antoinette Adwoa Kudoto- Traditional West African songs and Drumming Rhythms at Dawn Ranch Boathouse $5-10 suggested donation.
- 7:00 & 9:30pm Shows - Gwen “Sugar Mama” Avery at Main Street Station Shows $7 Cover No VIPs.
- 7:30pm - Coyote Grace at Dawn Ranch. $10 Cover
- 8:00 - 10:00pm - Drum Circle & Bonfire at Dawn Ranch Lodge.
- 9:00pm - Jennie McNulty and Simone Campbell at Comedy Night. At River Space (the old FAB building) 16135 Main Street, Guerneville ~ $10 cover.
- 9:00pm - 1:00am - Country Dan’s Lesbyterian Retreat Karaoke at the Russian River Resort at 4th & Mill ~ no cover.
- 10:00 pm -2:00am- ASTONISHINGLY WHITE PARTY at River Space (the old FAB building) Dancing with DJ Mz Jackson & friends ~ $10 cover.
- 10:00am -6:00pm - Crafts Fair on the old bridge.
- 12:00-5:00pm - Liquid Church Pool Party, Lesbian Speed Dating & Tattoo Judging at RRR DJ Thonsey & Comedian Simone Campbell MC~ $10 cover
- 3:00pm - Jello Wrestling. Location To be determined, Festive, Water Resistant Outfits Recommended!
- 5:00 - 7:00pm - "Best Deal in Town" BBQ at the Rainbow Cattle Co. A Russian River Women’s Weekend Tradition. Burgers & hot dogs.
- 5:00 - 9:00pm -Linger the Miller Chill Closing Party at the RRR. No Cover. $1 Miller Chill
- 7:00 - 10:30pm - Wildsang at Main Street Station. ~ $5 Cover (No VIP Passes).
- 9:00pm - 1:00am - Country Dan’s Lesbyterian Retreat Karaoke at the Russian River Resort at 4th & Mill ~ no cover
Mathew Shepard Bill Passes in House
Just today, The U.S. House of Representatives voted 249 to 175 to pass federal hate crimes legislation, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 - HR 1913 ( aka. The Matthew Shepard Bill). The bill expands the federal hate crimes statute to include actual or perceived and gender identity. The bill will now move on to the senate, please contact your senators and urge them to vote for passage of the bill.
Here is the HRC’s press release:
“All Americans are one step closer to protection from hate violence thanks to today’s vote,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Hate crimes are a scourge on our communities and it’s time we give law enforcement the tools they need to combat this serious problem.”
“No one should face violence simply because of who they are,” said Judy Shepard, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. “This bill is a critical step to erasing the hate that has devastated far too many families.”
Yesterday the White House released a statement from President Obama calling for passage in the House and urging the Senate to follow with swift action. Along with the President, more than 300 law enforcement, civil rights and religious organizations support the bill.
“The Senate should heed the President’s leadership and quickly pass the Matthew Shepard Act,” said Solmonese. “After more than ten years and tens of thousands of victims, there should be no delay in passing this bill into law.”
This is the eighth successful vote on a federal hate crimes bill which – following a veto threat from former President Bush – died in the last Congress.
“Fair-minded leaders in Congress have for years stood strong against lies about the bill and we are grateful for their efforts,” continued Solmonese. “The leadership of Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer and Majority Whip Clyburn as well as Reps. Conyers, Kirk, Baldwin, Frank, and Polis made this incredible victory possible.”
Working in coalition with the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the Human Rights Campaign mobilized its members to support the bill. The website www.FightHateNow.org gives users opportunities to contact their member of Congress, watch video testimonials on hate crimes and learn the truth about the legislation. The site will continue as a clearinghouse for information leading up to Senate action.
The LLEHCPA gives the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. It provides the Justice Department with the ability to aid state and local jurisdictions either by lending assistance or, where local authorities are unwilling or unable, by taking the lead in investigations and prosecutions of violent crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury that were motivated by bias. It also makes grants available to state and local communities to combat violent crimes committed by juveniles, train law enforcement officers, or to assist in state and local investigations and prosecutions of bias motivated crimes.
Lesbian Ad Now FaceBook Approved!
I am happy to announce that Fast Girl Films just received notice that their image ad for the upcoming lesbian film, And Then Came Lola, has just officially (finally) been given the "okay" by Facebook.
It is nice to know that some companies will respond to the public's outcry of hypocrisy and correct the situation. The fight for equal rights comes in all shapes and sizes and no matter how small the victory, each one counts!
Click here to check out the full article on the And Then Came Lola website.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Facebook Rejects Lesbian Film Ad
I am not sure if your familiar with the upcoming lesbian film "And Then Came Lola," but ever since Facebook rejected their ad last week, it has become all the buzz in the lesbian community.
And then came Lola, which was produced by Fast Girl Films, stars Jill Bennett, Ashleigh Sumner and Cathy Dubuono and has been described as a "sexy, lesbian romp, loosely inspired by the art house classic Run, Lola, Run” and is set to premiere at the Castro Theater in San Francisco on June 19th.
The rejected Facebook ad, which is the image to the left, was said to be rejected for the following reasons:
"The image of this ad is either irrelevant or inappropriate. Per sections 3 and 8 of Facebook's Advertising Guidelines, the image on your ad should be relevant and appropriate to the item being advertised. Make sure your image is directly relevant to what you are advertising. Images that are overly explicit, provocative, or that reveal too much skin are not allowed. Images that may either degrade or idealize any health condition or body type are also not allowed. If you choose to submit this ad again, please use an appropriate image that adheres to all of Facebook's Advertising Guidelines."
Although I will admit the image is far from "G" rated, I wouldn't say it was "overly explicit," either. And, according to the filmmakers, the ad was designed to be specifically targeted to women who are interested in other women and women over 18 years of age.
In response to the ad rejection, the filmmakers have decided to fight back by creating a Facebook fan page for the film and have been collecting offensive ads that Facebook has approved, poiting out Facebook's hypocritical, and possibly homophobic, concept of what they consider "appropriate" and what they don't.
Although Facebook has yet to respond to the film maker's continued emails, it will be interesting to see what, if any response they receive. And, if nothing else, I think this will give the movie some great PR.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Baskin Robbin's 31 Cent Scoop Night
So what does Baskin-Robbins' 31 Cent Scoop Night have to do with lesbians? Well, come on, how many lesbians do you know who don't love ice cream? None, right...exactly my point!
Here are the details:
On Wednesday, April 29th, from 5 – 10 p.m., Baskin Robbins will be celebrating their annual 31 cent Scoop Night in honor of firefighting heroes across the nation. Each person can get up to 3 scoops of 2.5 oz of ice cream or 3 oz of Soft Serve, so gather your friends and family and head out for a yummy treat!
And what a great excuse to ask that cute girl at the coffee house out on a date, I mean who is going to say no to ice cream and helping to raise money for firefighters?
For more information you can visit their website at www.baskinrobbins.com or click here to find a Baskin Robbins near you.
Outlantacon 2009 - An Atlanta based geekvent for the LGBT Community
If your into sci-fi, comics or gaming and just happen to be in the Atlanta area the first weekend of May, then be sure to check out OUTLANTACON.
- Andy Mangels - Comics & Media Author & DVD producer (Star Trek, Star Wars, Iron Man, Justice League Quarterly )
- Joe Castro - Writer, Producer & Director
- Jai Husband - Senior Animation Director, Turner Broadcasting
- Joseph D. Carriker, Jr. - Developer / Writer — Vampire: The Requiem
- Tucky Williams - Actress (Dead Moon Rising, Shadow's Light)
- J.M Mc Dermott - Author, Last Dragon
- Kayelle Allen - Author (Surrender Love, The Tarthian Empire series)
- Kiernan Kelly - Author (Seti's Heart, Shifting Sands: In Their Own Skins)
The panels and main events will include:
- In the End: Greased Love Poles, Brown Winker Stinkers, and Other Mood-killer Metaphors in Fiction
- Horror and the Occult
- Buffy: "Once More With Feeling"
- No Laughing Matter: Writing Humor in Gay Romance
- "Make It So": The Star Trek Phenomenon
- Sexuality in Gaming and Storytelling
- Playing God: Creating a Character and Giving It Life (Writing Workshop)
- The Pink TARDIS: Gay Themes in Doctor Who
- Comics
- Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down: Demo in Erotic Rope Tying
- And much more!
May 2009 Lesbian Horoscopes by Flash Silvermoon
The hot Beltane fires of May present Mother Nature in all her succulent glory offering a passionate glow to all who would spend some time outdoors in Her garden of earthly and not so earthly delights. May promises to be one of the more interesting months that we have had in awhile.
I hate to break it to you but Mercury will again go retrograde on May 7th until May 31st and this needn't be a disastrous time, as long as you remember to check and double check your plans, don't start anything new at this time or purchase anything major, especially a home, car, or anything electronic, as you simply will not have all the information needed to make a wise choice. If you absolutely have to sign on the dotted line for something, make sure you triple check everything.
This can also be an incredibly rich and fertile time to clear away stuff from your past, particularly if these things are holding you back. There's a time for everything and if you use this time wisely and don't try to "Push the River", you will be ready to go when that river is ready to flow again at the end of May.
The Full Moon in Scorpio on the 8th heightens that mood even more. This is always one of the most intense Full Moons all year and it can certainly dredge up more of our deep minds and may even present those challenges in the global political arena.
ARIES - I don't mind at all that Venus is coming through my sign again and is even chasing my ruler Mars around the wheel. My stars, Venus and Mars locked in a Tantric embrace in my sign no less! I am looking into my crystal ball and I see a full dance card for me. Yes, dancing with the stars and the only question is will it be hip hop,salsa, rock n roll, or strictly ballroom? Should be exciting no matter what and I love that.
TAURUS - Ah Aries, there's nothin' better than being a Taurian feeling gay in the month of May. I just love my birthday month and just so you know, for me , its more than the thought that counts. I am not totally high maintenance, but I do like a physical representation of your feelings, even if it is a day in bed, a box of Godiva chocolates, a great meal, a new car....oh I could go on and by the way, as Leo Mae West once said, "Too much of a good thing is wonderful."
GEMINI - Damn, I only had a day of murky Mercury in my sign before it hauled ass backwards into sluggish Taurus. I can be a little impatient with an earthy Mercury but maybe I can actually use it manifest some of my writing and ideas into something concrete. No I won't scrawl my name on your sidewalk professing my undying love. Please!
CANCER - I do believe I feel a good cleaning urge coming upon me but not like a Virgo. I have an ulterior motive with all this lusty fire energy about I can feel my water heating up and sometimes, being in hot water is a lovely thing. With all this wild windy energy blowing about I am glad for earthy Taurus Sun to settle things a bit. Sitting in an emotional Cuisinart is not my idea of a good time so I will take comfort where I can find it.
LEO - Oh growl, I am on the prowl and I think I will just find a nice sunny place where I can be adored and luxuriate in your admiration. I could walk around and try to make something happen but with Merc retro all month I think I will see who finds me and pace myself. I know this does sound sort of out of character but with all the opposite Aquarian energy yanking my chain, I figure something new might work better.
VIRGO - I am pretty good at biding my time and lately it seems as though I am being asked to do just that. At least Saturn will start to move forward mid month but hell if my ruler Mercury is heading the other way I probably won't even know what's happening for awhile.
I really do not like surprises so I will likely have several alternate solutions or exit strategies on hand just in case.
LIBRA - Seeing how I have to share Venus with Taurus, there are parts of me that can revel in creative fervor now. Erotic poetry seems to want to write itself trying to force its earthy passion into my normally cerebral and lofty words. It's almost like the Faeries swept me off into their magical glen and drenched my brain cells in Mead.
SCORPIO - If you want to get anything out of me, best to wait til after the Full Moon as I am likely to be more moody than usual and..., I just don;t really like my stuff all out in the streets. So stay out of my grill unless of course you are looking for a thrill in which case we really don't need to say much at all. Our bodies can have deep conversation and over ride old Mercury. Please no commitments til June.
SAGITTARIUS - I am wondering what kind of unusual journey this Full moon is going to offer me. I am game as usual and some positive excitement would be delightful , of course it doesn't always turn out to be a joyride. I have gotten so good at making lemonade out of life's lemons that another pucker or two won't hurt anything.
CAPRICORN - I am hanging put in slow mo retro along with Merc and Saturn and my push on let's do it attitude is taking a real beating. Talk about frustration. For some signs that can be deadly but for me its fuel and motivates the hell out of me. Just go on and tell me I can't and I will show you I CAN. Never dare a Capricorn, we don't back down, we just back up and sink our heels in for a better footing.
AQUARIUS - Whoosh is all I can say. From early May to June 9 I will be rockin' and rollin'. I am not the most adaptable person on the planet but I can see where I would be intensely challenged to flex every muscle in my being. My nervous system will likely feel overwhelmed and over amped. Stress reduction and meditation might just save the day this month.
PISCES - Where is my sea of tranquility? Did someone jut up and haul it off to some used serenity lot? Yes I decided on some space, time continuum between lifetimes to take on this assignment but I thought that there would be a guide book. Being an experiential learner I suppose this is the game plan. Every once in awhile, I do feel a deep comforting stillness inside and I savor every peaceful moment.
For more information check out Flash Silvermoon's website.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Angelina Jolie to Star in Lesbian Author's Upcoming Film
Variety.com has just announced that Angelina Jolie has signed on to play medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta in lesbian author Patricia Cornwell's best-selling crime novels.
With a total of 16 novels in the Scarpetta series, Fox 2000 is hoping for a franchise, however the first film will not be based on any one specific novel.
The film is expected to be a suspense thriller, similar to Silence of the Lambs or Seven, and Angelina Jolie will be playing the heroine Dr. Kay Scarpetta, the strong-willed, opera-loving, mystery-solving, medical examiner.
So I wonder who will play the part of Scarpetta's hot lesbian niece? Or maybe that character will be left out all together, I hope not.
The upcoming film still has yet to find a screenwriter or director, but I will keep you updated if I hear any more details.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Well, I am finally back from my Maui vacation, did you miss me? It is amazing how fast a week can go by, especially when you're in paradise. And yes it did feel like paradise...the weather was perfect, low 80's during the day and mid 70's at night. And although whale season officially ended on April 15th, we were lucky enough to see quite a few whales frolicking about, as well as Bottle Nose dolphins, which were a special treat.
Maui is probably my absolute favorite vacation spot, which is why I have been traveling there almost every year for the past 11 years. However, as gay-friendly as they say the Hawaiian Islands are, the gay/lesbian community and nightlife are rather hidden. Not that most establishments aren't welcoming to our community, it's just that there aren't many openly gay activities or events going on in Maui. If you search the internet hard enough, you may find a few "gay nights" at a couple of local bars, but they tend to cater to the boys, not lesbians. And as far as finding openly gay establishments, complete with rainbow flags, well...the only ones I have found on Maui are in Kihei, one is at Gian Dons, an Italian Bistro, and the other is at a gay-owned resort called the Sun Seekers. Of course when you're on vacation many of us have no need to go out to a lesbian bar or gay establishment, but sometimes it is just nice to know they are there.
Of course there are a million other things to do while vacationing in Maui...you can drive to Hana to see all the amazing water falls (if your not prone to car sickness). You can take a whale watching tour or go snorkeling along the beaches of Kaanapali. You can ride a zip line through a rain forest, hike Ioa Valley, walk around the shops of Lahina and visit the Banyan tree that stretches over a 200-foot area, or even bike down the outside of a volcano, just to name a few activities. And the food...well, if you love fresh fish as much as I do, then you will be thrilled at the variety of restaurants that offer fish prepared in a hundred different ways. And in the evenings you and your honey can stroll down the beaches of Kaanapali and watch the sunset, or window shop at Whalers Village.
Okay, back to reality...back to the real world...guess I need to start unpacking and then see if anything exciting that happened while I was gone, so I can catch you all up, as promised.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A week of Lesbian R&R
Every once in a while I like to go on vacation...and tomorrow, I am off to Maui.
My sweetie and I plan on some serious rest, relaxation and whale watching...I can't wait. And although I will have computer access, I plan on being too distracted by the ocean, warm sand, beautiful sunsets and my girlfriend, to be blogging.
But don't be too bummed, I will share any exciting events (and maybe even photos) that may occur while on my trip, and if any "lesbian related" news comes out while I am gone, I will update you as soon as I get home...I promise.
Aloha & have a wonderful week!!!!
Will New York be the 5th State to Allow Same-Sex Marriage?
Just this morning New York Governor David Paterson unveiled legislation that would allow same-sex couples to marry in New York. “Marriage equality is about basic civil rights and freedom. That is why we stand together today to embrace civil rights for every New Yorker.” stated Patterson at today's press conference.“The timing is always right. It’s just a matter of who is willing to take the step, and I am.”
Paterson’s bill would amend the domestic relations law allowing civil marriages between same-sex couples, and he called on the Legislature to approve the bill.
This new bill is similar to the one that the Democratic-controlled state Assembly had passed in 2007, but was later shot down by the Republican majority Senate. And although Democrats now control the Senate, the State Senate Majority Leader stated he did not have the votes to pass marriage equality legislation and will not bring the bill to a vote.
Gov. Paterson has said in recent days that the State Legislature should move ahead now with the bill even if it cannot produce enough votes. His reasoning, which some gay rights advocates have questioned, is that he believes New York should make a statement by showing that they are committed to treating same-sex couples as they do heterosexual couples.
Paterson, accompanied by his wife Michelle, City Council head Christine Quinn, state Sen. Tom Duane and other officials, compared the need for same-sex marriage to the struggle to abolish slavery. “Gay marriage is a crucial issue of equal rights in America that cannot be ignored.” He continued on to say, "For too long, gay and lesbian New Yorkers — we have pretended they have the same rights as their neighbors and friends. That is not the case. All have been the victims of what is a legal system that has systematically discriminated against them."
Both Republicans and religious conservatives have already vowed to defeat the new same-sex legislature. And while Paterson was announcing his new proposal, Sen. Ruben Diaz of the Bronx, also a Democrat, met with religious leaders to discuss how to block the bill.
Diaz, an evangelical pastor, stated that his meeting in the Bronx was to inform Hispanics, Catholics, evangelicals and others who are opposed to same-sex marriage of their options to prevent this bill's passage.
New York City’s new Roman Catholic Archbishop, Timothy Dolan, has already promised to work actively to ensure the same-sex bill never passes.
“You can bet I’ll be active, present and articulate,” said Dolan. “We bishops aren’t into politics, we’re into principles…I won’t shy away from the fact. I realize with gratitude and humility that the pulpit has prominence that takes some getting used to.”
Earlier this month a Quinnipiac University poll was released showing that approximately 41 percent of New York State voters support recognition of same-sex couples, while 33 percent favored civil unions.
So do you think it will be California or New York that becomes the 5th US state to legalize same-sex marriage...I am hoping for a tie!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
My Amazon.com LGBT Dilemma
So I am having this dilemma…I have always been a fan of Amazon.com, they offer a large selection of LGBT Books, clothing, accessories, etc, and all at reasonable prices. However, last Sunday hundreds of LGBT book titles were stripped of their sales rank in what they are calling a "glitch."
It was author and blogger Mark R. Probst who first discovered the problem when he noticed the sales rankings for two new high-profile LGBT books were missing, as well as his own book, The Filly. Since bestselling and high-ranking titles are displayed more predominantly when using the Amazon search feature, without these rankings, titles are more difficult to find can effect authors sales. When Probst complained to Amazon about this issue, the reply he received stated, "In consideration of our entire customer base, we exclude 'adult' material from appearing in some searches and best seller lists. Since these lists are generated using sales ranks, adult materials must also be excluded from that feature."
Since then, an Amazon representative characterized the move as a mistake, stating that, "essentially, there's a glitch in our system and it's being fixed."
Meanwhile, both the LGBT and straight community are outraged and they aren’t shy about sharing their feelings. Twitter has exploded with thousands of comments from those who believe this is a homophobic issue. "Queerty" has posted an article called “Why We're Not Buying Amazon's Gay Book 'Glitch.’” And there is even a petition against Amazon and their new adult policy, which already has more than10, 000 signatures and counting.
Personally, I would like to believe that Amazon wouldn’t unfairly target the LGBT community. However, it is obvious that the company's new adult book policy has somehow tagged these books in a way that has targeted LGBT literature.
Now if it was all adult-themed literature that was being tagged equally, I may be a little more understanding, but from what I have read, many so-called risqué books with heterosexual pornographic content were not affected by this glitch, including: Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds by Chronicle Books, Rosemary Rogers’s Sweet Savage Love (explicit heterosexual romance) and Alan Moore's Lost Girls (which is a very explicit sexual graphic novel), leading me to believe that a homophobic bias does exists, at least to some degree.
And then, when I thought I had hear it all, this morning a new story came out stating that a programmer at Amazon France was editing the Amazon site to filter porn out of some search results, and he "mixed up 'adult,' which is the term they use for porn, with stuff like 'erotic' and 'sexuality.' The system he was working on is universal, so the change he made propagated across Amazon's sites worldwide.
Whether or not that story is true, Amazon should have admitted to this mistake days ago, instead of calling it a “glitch.” Either way, my guess is that Amazon will lose customers anyway, if no other reason then the way they dealt with this whole debacle.
But needless to say, I still have my dilemma, do I continue to use Amazon and trust that this was an honest mistake??? Hmmm….
Friday, April 10, 2009
Butch Voices 2009 Conference
Calling all self identified Butches, Studs, Aggressives and their Allies for the first Annual Butch Voices Conference!
Butch Voices are a group of openminded, gender-bending social justice activists who share a commitment to critical thinking and a common goal of building a powerful, inclusive community for us all.
The conference will take place from August 20 - August 23, 2009 in Oakland, California and will include workshops, panels, and performances, all intended to reflect the diversity and complexity of Butch gender, identity, and action.
This conference will be a great opportunity for Butches to speak, both to one another and to their allies. To talk about why they identify the way they do; about how they can tell their stories when the words available don’t always fit; about masculinity and maleness, femininity and femaleness, areas of overlap; about sex and embodiment; about community and about placelessness; about homelessness and about the search for home.
For more information about the conference, check out Butch Voices Website.
Call for Submissions
Submissions of all kinds are welcome, though they especially welcome those that grapple with difficult questions such as:
• Desire and relationships
• Various “border wars” (and what we can do about them)
• Drag, passing, and failing to pass
• Misogyny
• Penis envy (or our lack thereof)
• Community-building
• Race
• Class
• Trans-generational dialogue
• Culture, faith, and nation.
They particularly encourage proposals by and for people of color, working-class people, and people with disabilities. They hope to draw participants from across disciplinary, social, and formal boundaries. Relevant proposals from non-Butch, Stud, or Aggressive presenters and Allies are also welcome.
Contributions may include, but are not limited to:
• Workshops
• Performances
• Presentations
• Skill shares
• Photography/ visual art
• Video
Click Submissions for more info and to send us your proposals. Submission deadline is May 1, 2009.
Registration
Registration is open, and early bird pricing is available. As well as reduced rates for volunteers. Register to get your spot reserved as pricing goes up June 1st, so take advantage of the reduced rates now.
Host Hotel
Be sure to reserve your room at the host hotel for the Butch Voices conference as well -- the Oakland Marriott City Center. Most activities will be housed in the host hotel and it's location in downtown Oakland is close to many nearby restaurants and the BART is right across the street. The cut off date for this is July 31st, so be sure to book your room today.
Photo Project
They have an ongoing photo project as well showcasing the diversity present within our communities regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, sexuality, ability, size, surgeries, age, hair style, or presentation. They aim to turn these differences/ dividers into bridges to unite our voices as a collective while still celebrating that which makes us unique. Check out the BV Photo Project to add your image to the group, check out some eye candy, or both!
Video Contest
Check out the BV Video Contest where you could create a video and win a free trip to the conference! Submission deadline is May 1, 2009.
Fundraisers
They are planning on doing fundraisers for Butch Voices as well. As both a way to connect people who are Butch, Stud, AG identified with each other as well as create connections with allies and raise funds for the organization and our scholarship program.
Our first is scheduled for Brooklyn on Saturday May 9th at Re/dress 109 Boreum Place Brooklyn, NY.
There will be a headliner performance by Nedra Johnson, a fashion show, Butch trivia with prizes and other Butch-based mayhem. They will be taking over the red hot space (well actually it's pale yellow but you know what I mean) at Re/dress in Brooklyn, thanks to the generosity of Deb Malkin.
Event info
If you're interested in performing or participating in the NYC fashion show/performance hit up Kelli at Kelli@kellidunham. com
Things are in the works for a kick ass fundraiser in Oakland as well. Details to follow. They are also looking to have other cities involved including Portland, Seattle, Austin, Dallas, and Atlanta. Be sure to contact butchvoices@ gmail.com if you're interested in helping to organize or be a part of these events.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
HRC Exposes National Organization of Marriage's Fake Ad for Fake Problems
Right-wing group does not have truth on its side, so it hires actors to spew lies; Audition reel uncovered online.
Below is the press release from the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) along with a link to the video of the television ad and the auditions.
4/8/2009
WASHINGTON –The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, released a statement and a factual rebuttal today on a television spot produced by the National Organization for Marriage and set to run on CNN, the Fox News Channel, and MSNBC in the coming days. In the ad, actors make disproven claims about marriage for lesbian and gay couples.
“What’s next for the National Organization for Marriage? Will they hire legendary infomercial pitchman Ron Popeil to hawk their phony agenda?” said Human Rights Campaign Spokesman Brad Luna. “This ad is full of outrageous falsehoods—and they don’t even come out of the mouths of real people.”
According to sources, the phony ad is set to run eight times per day in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and California. The ad can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AzLrn5JVIo
The National Organization for Marriage hired actors to peddle their lies about marriage for lesbian and gay couples. The audition reels can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRjVDZxho54 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqNFBt33o4
The National Organization for Marriage and Maggie Gallagher is featured on the interactive wall of EndtheLies.org, a new HRC action-based website launched to confront the lies and distortions repeatedly used to defeat LGBT equality measures. National Organization for Marriage was added to the wall after the group created an anti- marriage equality radio ad that played in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
“Again and again, opponents of equality have claimed one shallow victory after another by telling lies about who we are as individuals, as loving couples and as families. These lies must be called out for what they are every time the right-wing seeks to derail our progress by spreading distortions and inciting fear mongering,” continued Luna.
EndtheLies.org’s interactive wall features videos, audio, pictures, and quotes, calling out those who maliciously use lies and misinformation to interfere with the LGBT community’s path to equality. By clicking on the panels of the wall, users can access more information about those highlighted, watch videos, add comments on multimedia discussion boards, and learn how to take action to counteract their misdeeds.
Along with the National Organization for Marriage, the wall currently features the American Family Association (AFA), the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern, and Utah State Senator Chris Buttars, Proposition 8 lawyer Ken Starr, right-wing media personality Rush Limbaugh, and GOP Chairman Michael Steele. Users can also nominate their own candidates for inclusion on the wall.
Background Ad Rebuttal
“The Real Truth Behind the Fake Ad”
The general argument of the ad is that the push for marriage equality isn’t just about rights for same-sex couples, it’s about imposing contrary values on people of faith. The examples they cite in the ad are:
(1) A California doctor who must choose between her faith and her job
(2) A member of New Jersey church group which is punished by the state because they can’t support same-sex marriage
(3) A Massachusetts parent who stands by helpless while the state teaches her son that gay marriage is okay
The facts indicate that (1) refers to the Benitez decision in California, determining that a doctor cannot violate California anti-discrimination law by refusing to treat a lesbian based on religious belief, (2) refers to the Ocean Grove, New Jersey Methodist pavilion that was open to the general public for events but refused access for civil union ceremonies (and was fined by the state for doing so) and (3) refers to the Parker decision in Massachusetts, where parents unsuccessfully sought to end public school discussions of family diversity, including of same-sex couples.
All three examples involve religious people who enter the public sphere, but don’t want to abide by the general non-discriminatory rules everyone else does. Both (1) and (2) are really about state laws against sexual orientation discrimination, rather than specifically about marriage. And (3) is about two pairs of religious parents trying to impose their beliefs on all children in public schools.
The real facts of each case are:
- The California doctor entered a profession that promises to “first, do no harm” and the law requires her to treat a patient in need – gay or straight, Christian or Muslim – regardless of her religious beliefs. The law does not, and cannot, dictate her faith – it can only insist that she follow her oath as a medical professional.
- The New Jersey church group runs, and profits from, a beachside pavilion that it rents out to the general public for all manner of occasions –concerts, debates and even Civil War reenactments— but balks at permitting couples to hold civil union ceremonies there. The law does not challenge the church organization’s beliefs about homosexuality – it merely requires that a pavilion that had been open to all for years comply with laws protecting everyone from discrimination, including gays and lesbians.
The Massachusetts parent disagrees with an aspect of her son’s public education, a discussion of the many different kinds of families he will likely encounter in life, including gay and lesbian couples. The law does not stop her from disagreeing, from teaching him consistently with her differing beliefs at home, or even educating her child in a setting that is more in line with her faith traditions. But it does not allow any one parent to dictate the curriculum for all students based on her family’s religious traditions.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
WASHINGTON –The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, released a statement and a factual rebuttal today on a television spot produced by the National Organization for Marriage and set to run on CNN, the Fox News Channel, and MSNBC in the coming days. In the ad, actors make disproven claims about marriage for lesbian and gay couples.
“What’s next for the National Organization for Marriage? Will they hire legendary infomercial pitchman Ron Popeil to hawk their phony agenda?” said Human Rights Campaign Spokesman Brad Luna. “This ad is full of outrageous falsehoods—and they don’t even come out of the mouths of real people.”
According to sources, the phony ad is set to run eight times per day in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and California. The ad can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AzLrn5JVIo
The National Organization for Marriage hired actors to peddle their lies about marriage for lesbian and gay couples. The audition reels can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRjVDZxho54 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqNFBt33o4
The National Organization for Marriage and Maggie Gallagher is featured on the interactive wall of EndtheLies.org, a new HRC action-based website launched to confront the lies and distortions repeatedly used to defeat LGBT equality measures. National Organization for Marriage was added to the wall after the group created an anti- marriage equality radio ad that played in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
“Again and again, opponents of equality have claimed one shallow victory after another by telling lies about who we are as individuals, as loving couples and as families. These lies must be called out for what they are every time the right-wing seeks to derail our progress by spreading distortions and inciting fear mongering,” continued Luna.
EndtheLies.org’s interactive wall features videos, audio, pictures, and quotes, calling out those who maliciously use lies and misinformation to interfere with the LGBT community’s path to equality. By clicking on the panels of the wall, users can access more information about those highlighted, watch videos, add comments on multimedia discussion boards, and learn how to take action to counteract their misdeeds.
Along with the National Organization for Marriage, the wall currently features the American Family Association (AFA), the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern, and Utah State Senator Chris Buttars, Proposition 8 lawyer Ken Starr, right-wing media personality Rush Limbaugh, and GOP Chairman Michael Steele. Users can also nominate their own candidates for inclusion on the wall.
Background Ad Rebuttal
“The Real Truth Behind the Fake Ad”
The general argument of the ad is that the push for marriage equality isn’t just about rights for same-sex couples, it’s about imposing contrary values on people of faith. The examples they cite in the ad are:
(1) A California doctor who must choose between her faith and her job
(2) A member of New Jersey church group which is punished by the state because they can’t support same-sex marriage
(3) A Massachusetts parent who stands by helpless while the state teaches her son that gay marriage is okay
The facts indicate that (1) refers to the Benitez decision in California, determining that a doctor cannot violate California anti-discrimination law by refusing to treat a lesbian based on religious belief, (2) refers to the Ocean Grove, New Jersey Methodist pavilion that was open to the general public for events but refused access for civil union ceremonies (and was fined by the state for doing so) and (3) refers to the Parker decision in Massachusetts, where parents unsuccessfully sought to end public school discussions of family diversity, including of same-sex couples.
All three examples involve religious people who enter the public sphere, but don’t want to abide by the general non-discriminatory rules everyone else does. Both (1) and (2) are really about state laws against sexual orientation discrimination, rather than specifically about marriage. And (3) is about two pairs of religious parents trying to impose their beliefs on all children in public schools.
The real facts of each case are:
· The California doctor entered a profession that promises to “first, do no harm” and the law requires her to treat a patient in need – gay or straight, Christian or Muslim – regardless of her religious beliefs. The law does not, and cannot, dictate her faith – it can only insist that she follow her oath as a medical professional.
· The New Jersey church group runs, and profits from, a beachside pavilion that it rents out to the general public for all manner of occasions –concerts, debates and even Civil War reenactments— but balks at permitting couples to hold civil union ceremonies there. The law does not challenge the church organization’s beliefs about homosexuality – it merely requires that a pavilion that had been open to all for years comply with laws protecting everyone from discrimination, including gays and lesbians.
· The Massachusetts parent disagrees with an aspect of her son’s public education, a discussion of the many different kinds of families he will likely encounter in life, including gay and lesbian couples. The law does not stop her from disagreeing, from teaching him consistently with her differing beliefs at home, or even educating her child in a setting that is more in line with her faith traditions. But it does not allow any one parent to dictate the curriculum for all students based on her family’s religious traditions.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
10 Secrets to Getting Your Woman Hooked on You! Tips for Successful Lesbian Dating
By Susan Adams, Founder Lavender Liaisons
What turns a new relationship into a long-term relationship? How do you keep the new relationship energy flowing? How do you break the short-term relationship syndrome?
1-State Your intentions Up Front. Affirm to your partner that you are committed to making your relationship work and that you are in it for the long haul. Stating your intentions at the beginning of the relationship can prevent mishaps down the road. Be truthful about your intentions, declaring that you want a long-term relationship when you desire a fling is lying.
2-Embrace the Power of Romance. Long stem roses and French champagne every night are nice, but not realistic. Small simple gestures go a long way. Stop and pick some wildflowers along the road, send a text kiss to her cell phone in the middle of the day just to say I'm thinking of you—make her feel like a priority in your life. Take 10 seconds to remind her that she is the sunshine of your day. It's really not that difficult and it works!
4-Stay Attractive: Maintain Your Health/Appearance/Hygiene. If she is with you, there was something about you that attracted her. Keep it that way. Stay healthy. If you were working out before the relationship, continue to do so once you are together. If you dressed funky and hip before you started dating, continue being a fashion plate in the relationship. Maintain your personal hygiene. Shower and style your hair as often as you used to—it's important now more than ever.
5-Get Over Your Past. Leave your musty baggage behind. Everyone has experiences from past relationships; it is how you deal with them that makes a difference in your future. Leave the toxic experiences behind. If you truly can't, then see Tip #6.
6-Employ a Good Therapist, Work on Yourself, Consider Couples' Therapy. Check out the lay of the land. If you or your partner are carrying around leftover angst consider seeing a therapist. It isn't a sign of weakness, but evidence that you are serious about making things work. If there are deal-breakers in the relationship, discuss them with a therapist. Problems can be worked out. It is always better to seek counseling at the slightest inkling of a problem than past the point of no return.
7-Compatibility and Alignment. Attraction is a wonderful thing, but sometimes two people just aren't meant to be together long-term. Explore compatibility before you make long-term plans. Align your spiritual beliefs, political views, plans for children, etc. BEFORE you commit. Do your lesbian types align (butch, femme, etc.)?
8-Make Your Relationship a Priority. Make time for your partner. Make time for your relationship. Keep it front and center so it truly becomes a priority and not an after-thought. Nobody wants to feel like second fiddle whether it is to your job, your family or your friends. Make your woman feel like she is the most precious thing in the world to you, because she is!
Share Alone Time. Make sure you make time to be alone together, away from family and friends. Make time for vacations, consider a Lesbian Cruise or weekend getaways to Napa, Big Sur, Tahoe, Palm Springs, etc.
About the Author
Susan Adams, founder and CEO of Lavender Liaisons has 20 years of matchmaking experience. Having successfully arranged a host of marriages and hundreds of relationships, Susan's experience and personalized approach has made Lavender Liaisons the most flourishing lesbian matchmaking company in the San Francisco Bay Area.
She created it with the vision, and the goal, to reinvent the common practice of matchmaking, and cater it to the lesbian community. Her service is dedicated to women of courage, caliber, and commitment. Lavender Liaisons is a customized personalized service whose mission is to provide lesbians with a safe place to share their stories, be understood, celebrate each other and fall in love. www.lavenderliaisons.com
Same-Sex Marriage is on a Roll with Vermont
Vermont made history today when their legislature overrode Gov. Jim Douglas’s veto of a bill allowing gay couples to marry. This step makes Vermont the first state to allow same-sex marriage through legislative action instead of a court ruling. And the 4th State in the US to allow Same-Sex Marriage.
Let's hope that this win, along with the Iowa win just 4 days ago, will help other states, especially California, move in the direction of equality for all.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Iowa to Allow Same-Sex Marriage
This morning the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously struck down a 1998 state law that limits marriage to one man and one woman. Their finding showed that their state's same-sex marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples, making Iowa the third state where same-sex marriage is legal.
"The court reaffirmed that a statute inconsistent with the Iowa constitution must be declared void even though it may be supported by strong and deep-seated traditional beliefs and popular opinion," said a summary of the ruling issued by the court.
"Iowa is about justice, and that's what happened here today," said Laura Fefchak, who was hosting a verdict party in the Des Moines suburb of Urbandale with her partner of 13 years, Nancy Robinson.
Des Moines attorney Dennis Johnson, who argued on behalf of the gay and lesbian couples, said "this is a great day for civil rights in Iowa."
"We have all of you courageous plaintiffs to thank: Go get married, live happily ever after, live the American dream," he said.
The court's decision should take effect in three weeks.
The case has been working its way through Iowa's court system since 2005 when Lambda Legal, a New York-based gay rights organization, filed a lawsuit on behalf of six gay and lesbian Iowa couples who were denied marriage licenses. Some of their children are also listed as plaintiffs.
Around the nation, only Massachusetts and Connecticut permit same-sex marriage. California, which briefly allowed gay marriage before a voter initiative in November repealed it, allows domestic partnerships.
The ruling in Iowa's same-sex marriage case came more quickly than many observers had anticipated, with some speculating after oral arguments that it could take a year or more for a decision.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Nations that recognize same-sex marriage, partnerships or unions
Nations that recognize same-sex marriage include:
Belgium
The second nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2003.
Canada
In June of 2005, the Canadian Parliament enacted a law allowing legal marriage for same-sex couples.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is the first country to grant gay marriage in 2001.
Spain
On June 29, 2005, Spain became the fourth nation to allow gay marriage.
South Africa
The fifth nation to recognize gay marriage in 2005.
US states that recognize gay marriage:
California
In May of 2008, California's Supreme Court ruled that banning same-sex marriage in the state was discriminatory. However, Proposition 8, a voter initiative was passed, effectively striking down the court ruling. Although the legality of Prop 8 is being decided right now, at the moment, marriage in California is defined as between one man and one woman.
Connecticut
In a 4 to 3 decision, the Connecticut Supreme Court overturned the state's ban on same-sex marriage, making it the third state to allow legal gay marriage.
Massachusetts
On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage. The State of Massachusetts also issues licenses to gay couples from New Mexico and Rhode Island since neither state explicitly prohibits same-sex marriage.
New Jersey*
New Jersey is the third U.S. state to offer same-sex civil unions behind Vermont and Connecticut. The new same-sex civil unions law, which went into affect on February 19, 2007, grants gay and lesbian couples the same rights as marriage. *(Although same-sex unions in New Jersey are classified as civil unions, couples are granted the same rights as married heterosexual couples.)
New York
Based on a May 29, 2008 directive, New York only recognizes gay marriages from couples legally married outside of the state.
Nations that allow same-sex partnerships or unions:
Brazil
Only the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul allows same-sex civil unions. (June 2006).
Croatia
Civil partnerships for same-sex couples have been allowed since 2003.
Denmark
Legal civil partnerships have been allowed since 1989.
Finland
Has offered registered partnership benefits since September 2001.
France
Pacte Civil de Solidarité” (PACS), or “Civil Solidarity Pacts,” were instituted in France on November 9, 1999.
Germany
Gay couples can register as "Life Partnerships," granting lesser financial and pension benefits than marriage.
Hungary
Gay couples have been protected under common-law marriages since 1995, buy they are not eligible for legal marriage.
Iceland
Since 1996, gay & lesbian couples have been protected under registered partnerships.
Luxembourg
Civil partnership legislation, which is similar to France's PACS, were introduced in Luxembourg in 2004.
Mexico
Same sex civil unions were legalized in Mexico City in November 2006 and in the state of Coahuila on January of 2007, essentially making civil unions legal in all of Mexico (by law, each Mexican state must recognize the laws granted to individuals of the other states).
New Zealand
New Zealand enacted legislation recognizing same-sex civil unions in December of 2004.
Norway
Since 1996, gay & Lesbian couples have been protected under registered partnerships.
Portugal
Same-sex partners have the same rights as opposite-sex partners in common law marriage.
Sweden
Since 1995, Swedish same-sex couples have been able to register under domestic partnership laws.
Switzerland
Same-sex couples are given limited legal benefits with civil recognition.
United Kingdom
Domestic partners can register under the Civil Partnership Act. This legislation took affect in December 5, 2005 giving registered same-sex couples the same rights, privileges and responsibilities of married heterosexual couples. The Civil Partnership Act applies across all of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
US States that allow same-sex partnerships or unions:
Connecticut
Although Connecticut defines marriage as between a man and woman, in April 2005, it became the second U.S. state to grant same-sex civil unions.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire was the 4th state behind Vermont, New Jersey and Connecticut to offer civil unions. In January 2008, same-sex partners were allowed to register for civil unions.
Oregon
Under Oregon's new domestic partnership law gay and lesbian couples are eligible for all the state-wide rights and benefits of marriage.
Vermont
In 2000, Vermont became the first U.S. state to offer same-sex civil unions.
Washington
On April 21, 2007, Washington's domestic partnership bill was signed into law giving gay and lesbian couples many of the benefits of marriage.
Sources:
Lambda Legal
Glaad.org
about.com
Japan to Recognize Marriage Equality
Japan, which does not allow gay and lesbian citizens to marry, will now allow those citizens who legally marry foreigners abroad to have their marriages recognized in domestic law. The Japan Times reports:
The Justice Ministry plans to clear the path for Japanese nationals overseas to marry same-sex partners who are citizens of countries where such unions are legal, ministry sources said Thursday.
To marry foreigners abroad, all Japanese nationals, regardless of sexual orientation, must obtain certificates from the ministry by submitting documents that include their name, birth data, sex and nationality, and similar information about their marriage partner.
Under the latest decision, the ministry will issue a new type of certificate that only certifies that the person has reached legal marriage age and is single.
"We were not able to get (the ministry) to forgo the clarification of gender. But I want to hail the Justice Ministry's decision as a step forward (for gays)," said Taiga Ishikawa, who represents gay support group Peer Friends.
Ishikawa said Japanese gays were not able to marry even if their partner's country allowed same-sex marriage because the Justice Ministry would not issue the certificate.
"And without being married they were unable to obtain visas for their partners to live together," Ishikawa said.
