I am gone until March 7, looking for a cowboy Willie talks about. Brokeback Mountain and Willie Nelson do it all for us...
There’s many a strange impulse out on the plains of West Texas;
There’s many a young boy who feels things he don’t comprehend.
Well small town don't like it when somebody falls between sexes,
No, small town don't like it when a cowboy has feelings for men.
Well I believe in my soul that inside every man there’s a feminine,
And inside every lady there’s a deep manly voice loud and clear.
Well, a cowboy may brag about things that he does with his women,
But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer.
Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other — What did you think those saddles and boots was about?
There’s many a cowboy who don’t understand the way that he feels towards his brother,
Inside every cowboy there's a lady who'd love to slip out. - The lyrics are here.
You just have to go to this video, Willie Nelson sings to me. He sings to all of us with this tune and though I always liked Willie, I sure as heck am a bigger fan today for singing this tune.
But the song and video is here . Thanks to Chimera's Cavern for this!
2.22.2006
Gay Grandparents
Gay Grandparents...
I am one 3 times over now. I received this story from the Gay Seniors, Canada mailing list...
I am one 3 times over now. I received this story from the Gay Seniors, Canada mailing list...
"About 10 years later, I made a new gay friend and it turned out that she was a grandma a few times over. However, her son wouldn’t let his kids near their Grandmother because she was queer. She eventually moved across the country to be with a lover. I’ve wondered if, before she died of cancer a few years later, her son let the grandkids meet her."
"I suppose it’s always been hard to be a gay grandma, but back in the days of the universal closet, no one talked about it. The family knew only that Grandma had a "friend" who was always invited for the holidays. Maybe the grandkids called her Auntie Jo and the kids described her as a horse-riding kind of woman and maybe the grandkids loved her and her horses and when Auntie Jo moved in with Grandma, the kids were just relieved to have someone watching out for mom, especially someone as handy as Jo was, fixing Grandma’s roof or toilet and teaching the grandkids to ride." - From The Windy City Times
1.30.2006
To Google or not
There is lots of talk of people boycotting google due to its agreement to block access to sites on the internet the chinese government wants stopped. I may be missing something here but doesn't every company operating inside China comply strictly with Chinese law.
Think about the reason to boycott google. Wouldn't that also mean boycotting Wal-mart the biggest retail financial contributor to the government of China. We might also look closer to home. BC Hydro is very active in exploiting China and being well paid by the Chinese government to do it. Canada is seeing lots of Chinese interest in our coal and the tar sands. Perhaps Alberta Premier Ralph Klein should tell China to butt out until you clean up your human rights.
Anytime you buy something made in China (try to avoid it, I bet you can't unless you are well off) you support the Chinese government and its poor human rights and censorship agenda. Google is no worse than the thousands of American and Canadian companies that have worked out deals with China to outsource work from here. At least the google stuff won't mean job losses in North America while we pay the Chinese government for the priviledge.
I suspect there are a few more reasons to boycott google, doing business with China should not be one of them, unless of course you want to address the others that do it as well.
China, Google, wal-mart, boy-cott
Think about the reason to boycott google. Wouldn't that also mean boycotting Wal-mart the biggest retail financial contributor to the government of China. We might also look closer to home. BC Hydro is very active in exploiting China and being well paid by the Chinese government to do it. Canada is seeing lots of Chinese interest in our coal and the tar sands. Perhaps Alberta Premier Ralph Klein should tell China to butt out until you clean up your human rights.
Anytime you buy something made in China (try to avoid it, I bet you can't unless you are well off) you support the Chinese government and its poor human rights and censorship agenda. Google is no worse than the thousands of American and Canadian companies that have worked out deals with China to outsource work from here. At least the google stuff won't mean job losses in North America while we pay the Chinese government for the priviledge.
I suspect there are a few more reasons to boycott google, doing business with China should not be one of them, unless of course you want to address the others that do it as well.
China, Google, wal-mart, boy-cott
1.28.2006
Republicans hiding behind gays for re-election
The United States is set for another round of elections. Many have written off the republicans as being toast afte the the last year where the President has seen his numbers reach the levels of unpopularity never seen by any other, perhaps Richard Nixon another Republican went lower.
Gays again will be important to the Republican campaign. Senate Majority leader Bill Frist (R-TN) will attempt to bring the marriage amendment forward this year for a full vote in both houses of congress. It is a political move to move the agenda away from that of George Bush and Iraq, the Republicans scandal in fundraising and of coursr the trouble former House Majority leader Tom DeLay is having.
Likely one of the most corrupt congresses in years and they have a way out. All they need to do is convince enough Americans that gay people getting married is far worse than the trampling of civil rights, forget about the war in Iraq and the absolute failure of the Department of Homeland Security in dealing with the Hurricanes.
The plan worked last time. The effort to get bans on gay marriage into state constitutions brought people out to vote, people that may not have otherwise. Will it work a second time? It could.
Bush, Politics, President, Republicans, Gay Rights, Religion, Gay, Current events
Gays again will be important to the Republican campaign. Senate Majority leader Bill Frist (R-TN) will attempt to bring the marriage amendment forward this year for a full vote in both houses of congress. It is a political move to move the agenda away from that of George Bush and Iraq, the Republicans scandal in fundraising and of coursr the trouble former House Majority leader Tom DeLay is having.
Likely one of the most corrupt congresses in years and they have a way out. All they need to do is convince enough Americans that gay people getting married is far worse than the trampling of civil rights, forget about the war in Iraq and the absolute failure of the Department of Homeland Security in dealing with the Hurricanes.
The plan worked last time. The effort to get bans on gay marriage into state constitutions brought people out to vote, people that may not have otherwise. Will it work a second time? It could.
Bush, Politics, President, Republicans, Gay Rights, Religion, Gay, Current events
spoof Brokeback Mountain
spoof Brokeback Mountain
Uploaded by caribookidca
This is the topGun spoof of Brokeback Mountain. I like it and its a good laugh. If you like Tom Cruise as much as I have over the years, ever since Kokomo and Cocktail, then you are going to like this spoof by the good people at ebaumsworld.com.
You might also want to check out Nashville comics Travis and Jonathan do their good ol' boy version of SCTV's Bob and Doug McKenzie while reviewing Brokeback Mountain.
Oklahoma Cowboy - Keep up the fight!
You may have heard the story of the gay rancher, Sam Beaumont in Oklahoma that lost the ranch he had with his partner fo 24 years when his partner died and his will was missing a witness. If this couple had been man and woman, he would have received the ranch with no problems. His deceased partner's family contested the will and won. Our gay rancher was kicked off the ranch that had been his home for 24 years. See news coverage of the story here.
If you want to know what keeps me in this fight for equality, it is stories like this one. It goes back to the 80's when friends were dying from AIDS. Many partners were refused the right to attend the funeral of their partners. Families of the deceased came in and took everything, leaving many men that had lost their partner with nothing, and not even the chance to say good bye.
In some cases their partner would be dying in hospital when the family showed up and would deny them the right to visit. I really don't care what your religion is, when you do this to someone, you are acting out of extreme cruelty.
This is still happening in places in Canada and in the United States. Imagine, countries that proclaim to be free, that celebrate the freedom of individuals. Yet more so in the United States, a land that proclaims itself the greatest and most democratic nation in history, they treat people like this.
It was only today, January 27, 2006 that the State of Washington passed a bill prohibiting discrimination agaist someone because they are gay. What kind of protection has finally come to Washington State? The same protection any other American in the State has. Sadly, Washington State is not the last place to recognize that discrimination against gays is wrong.
Here in Canada, the province of Alberta has long fought against gay rights of any kind. They have failed to institute any gay rights except by force of court order.
Many in the gay community have become complacent. Many of our friends and allies have as well. Political friends have jumped on an above ground railroad, joining the hysterical ride away from freedom. Remember when churches silently lent a hand to escaping slaves on the underground railroad. Many of those churches today are putting up thick fences, attempting to keep alive a bigotry that tears in to the hearts of families, friends and communities. Choosing instead to raise the spectre of fear. Creating an enemy to build loyal and devote followers, not out of respect and devotion to a kind and caring god, but out of tearing someone else down.
I know many Christians do not accept this kind of action, I know many do not even know they are doing this, they are but loyal sheep, following the dictates of men on earth that choose to live in wealth taken from a fearful mass of devotees. These leaders live for glorification of themselves, driving expensive cars, living in extreme luxury. I suspect they have not read that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to make it to heaven.
Just throwing back their own at them here.
Brokeback Mountain is not rare even today. Each day that goes by, I find it harder to listen to those that wish that on anyone. The words and actions of a society ready and willing to force someone into being what they can't be. It is hurtful not only to these gay men and women, but to their families as well.
Seeing the news clip I linked to at the top of this article has proven to me again, we have so far to go and I expect to make it one day.
Washington State finally made a significant step today, 30 years after the fight began in earnest. Its a big step, now we have to keep going.
I do not accept that my rights of citizenship are special when all I want and deserve are the rights to be me, just like you have.
Gay Rights, Gay cowboy, Brokeback Mountain, Gay, Gay Marriage, Christian, Evangelical, Politics
If you want to know what keeps me in this fight for equality, it is stories like this one. It goes back to the 80's when friends were dying from AIDS. Many partners were refused the right to attend the funeral of their partners. Families of the deceased came in and took everything, leaving many men that had lost their partner with nothing, and not even the chance to say good bye.
"They took the estate away from me," said Beaumont, who said he put about $200,000 of his own money into the ranch. "Everything that had Earl's name on it, they took. They took it all and didn't bat an eye." - Partner's death ends happy life on ranch, Indy Star
In some cases their partner would be dying in hospital when the family showed up and would deny them the right to visit. I really don't care what your religion is, when you do this to someone, you are acting out of extreme cruelty.
This is still happening in places in Canada and in the United States. Imagine, countries that proclaim to be free, that celebrate the freedom of individuals. Yet more so in the United States, a land that proclaims itself the greatest and most democratic nation in history, they treat people like this.
It was only today, January 27, 2006 that the State of Washington passed a bill prohibiting discrimination agaist someone because they are gay. What kind of protection has finally come to Washington State? The same protection any other American in the State has. Sadly, Washington State is not the last place to recognize that discrimination against gays is wrong.
Here in Canada, the province of Alberta has long fought against gay rights of any kind. They have failed to institute any gay rights except by force of court order.
Many in the gay community have become complacent. Many of our friends and allies have as well. Political friends have jumped on an above ground railroad, joining the hysterical ride away from freedom. Remember when churches silently lent a hand to escaping slaves on the underground railroad. Many of those churches today are putting up thick fences, attempting to keep alive a bigotry that tears in to the hearts of families, friends and communities. Choosing instead to raise the spectre of fear. Creating an enemy to build loyal and devote followers, not out of respect and devotion to a kind and caring god, but out of tearing someone else down.
I know many Christians do not accept this kind of action, I know many do not even know they are doing this, they are but loyal sheep, following the dictates of men on earth that choose to live in wealth taken from a fearful mass of devotees. These leaders live for glorification of themselves, driving expensive cars, living in extreme luxury. I suspect they have not read that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to make it to heaven.
Just throwing back their own at them here.
Brokeback Mountain is not rare even today. Each day that goes by, I find it harder to listen to those that wish that on anyone. The words and actions of a society ready and willing to force someone into being what they can't be. It is hurtful not only to these gay men and women, but to their families as well.
"Last year, Beaumont moved to nearby Wewoka, Okla., to a one- bedroom place with 350 acres for his horses, white Pyrenees and Great Dane to roam. He said he was continuing to fight the cousins, who are suing for back rent for the years he lived on the ranch." - Partner's death ends happy life on ranch, Indy Star
Seeing the news clip I linked to at the top of this article has proven to me again, we have so far to go and I expect to make it one day.
Washington State finally made a significant step today, 30 years after the fight began in earnest. Its a big step, now we have to keep going.
I do not accept that my rights of citizenship are special when all I want and deserve are the rights to be me, just like you have.
Gay Rights, Gay cowboy, Brokeback Mountain, Gay, Gay Marriage, Christian, Evangelical, Politics
1.27.2006
Washington State Legislature passes Anti-discrimination bill
From: Pride Foundation
Today the Washington State Legislature approved HB 2661, the Anderson-Murray anti-discrimination bill. This is an historic day for all of Washington State's citizens that believe in fairness and equality! Thanks to the courage of our legislators, our Governor, and the tireless work of so many organizations and individuals, every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person in Washington will finally be treated fairly under the law. Washington State now joins 15 other states and the District of Columbia by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Specifically, the legislation modifies the state's discrimination law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, insurance and commercial transactions. Previous to passage of this bill, the law provided protection based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability but held no such equal protection for LGBT people in Washington.
First introduced in 1977, the bill made it to the Senate for a full vote only last year, where, after heavy lobbying from it's opponents, it was narrowly defeated. This year, however, Sen. Bill Finkbeiner (R-Kirkland) changed his vote on the bill, after releasing a statement saying that he has come to "more fully understand the level of discrimination against gays and lesbians." The bill was then introduced by Governor Gregoire herself, who has promised to sign it when it comes to her desk.
Why is this landmark so important? Here at the Pride Foundation, we frequently hear from LGBT people from every corner of our state how difficult it has been to hide who they are at work, or even at home, when not protected by law. This isn't just about those that have been actively discriminated against over the years, but the many-fold more who have lived in fear of discrimination without recourse from their co-workers, supervisors, and landlords.
Passage of HB 2661 finally lifts that unfair burden from the shoulders of LGBT people who have lived with it too long. Just as Sen. Finkbeiner's change of heart has proven, the key to changing opinions about LGBT people is to better understand them. The passing of this legislation marks an opportunity for everyone in Washington State to learn more about their LGBT friends, family and neighbors. I encourage you to use this opportunity to begin a dialogue with someone close to you. We have reached a historic landmark with this bill, but there's more work left to be done.
Today, however, we should give thanks to the countless individuals who have worked selflessly to make all Washingtonians equal under the law, including the many community members who have testified, lobbied, given donations and supported this legislation over the past 29 years. We especially want to thank Rep. Ed Murray for his dogged determination and leadership. He picked up the torch from Senator Cal Anderson, Washington's first openly-gay elected official, who championed the bill from 1988 until his death in 1995. Also Representatives Jim Moeller, Joe McDermott and Dave Upthegrove have played a crucial role in supporting this legislation and by serving as openly-gay legislators in our state.
Let this day be a celebration and acknowledgement that none of us have labored in vain.
Today the Washington State Legislature approved HB 2661, the Anderson-Murray anti-discrimination bill. This is an historic day for all of Washington State's citizens that believe in fairness and equality! Thanks to the courage of our legislators, our Governor, and the tireless work of so many organizations and individuals, every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person in Washington will finally be treated fairly under the law. Washington State now joins 15 other states and the District of Columbia by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Specifically, the legislation modifies the state's discrimination law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, insurance and commercial transactions. Previous to passage of this bill, the law provided protection based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability but held no such equal protection for LGBT people in Washington.
First introduced in 1977, the bill made it to the Senate for a full vote only last year, where, after heavy lobbying from it's opponents, it was narrowly defeated. This year, however, Sen. Bill Finkbeiner (R-Kirkland) changed his vote on the bill, after releasing a statement saying that he has come to "more fully understand the level of discrimination against gays and lesbians." The bill was then introduced by Governor Gregoire herself, who has promised to sign it when it comes to her desk.
Why is this landmark so important? Here at the Pride Foundation, we frequently hear from LGBT people from every corner of our state how difficult it has been to hide who they are at work, or even at home, when not protected by law. This isn't just about those that have been actively discriminated against over the years, but the many-fold more who have lived in fear of discrimination without recourse from their co-workers, supervisors, and landlords.
Passage of HB 2661 finally lifts that unfair burden from the shoulders of LGBT people who have lived with it too long. Just as Sen. Finkbeiner's change of heart has proven, the key to changing opinions about LGBT people is to better understand them. The passing of this legislation marks an opportunity for everyone in Washington State to learn more about their LGBT friends, family and neighbors. I encourage you to use this opportunity to begin a dialogue with someone close to you. We have reached a historic landmark with this bill, but there's more work left to be done.
Today, however, we should give thanks to the countless individuals who have worked selflessly to make all Washingtonians equal under the law, including the many community members who have testified, lobbied, given donations and supported this legislation over the past 29 years. We especially want to thank Rep. Ed Murray for his dogged determination and leadership. He picked up the torch from Senator Cal Anderson, Washington's first openly-gay elected official, who championed the bill from 1988 until his death in 1995. Also Representatives Jim Moeller, Joe McDermott and Dave Upthegrove have played a crucial role in supporting this legislation and by serving as openly-gay legislators in our state.
Let this day be a celebration and acknowledgement that none of us have labored in vain.
1.26.2006
Team USA includes Zimbabwe, Sudan and Iran
The following countries have very dubious Human rights records; Cameroon, China, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Senegal, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. Most of us would look at that list and agree with my statement.
Guess who has joined this elite group ...
The United States of America has aligned itself with countries that have a long history of Human rights abuses, to stop gay organizations from participating in UN discussions on social policy. Of course people of faith are more than welcome as long as they don't represent faith communities inclusive of queers.
I suppose there is nothing stopping a country like Canada from sending a delegation made up of queers. Then again its not likely our next Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, will be embracing such an idea. It was just a thought.
Guess who has joined this elite group ...
The United States of America has aligned itself with countries that have a long history of Human rights abuses, to stop gay organizations from participating in UN discussions on social policy. Of course people of faith are more than welcome as long as they don't represent faith communities inclusive of queers.
I suppose there is nothing stopping a country like Canada from sending a delegation made up of queers. Then again its not likely our next Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, will be embracing such an idea. It was just a thought.
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