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Two anti-gay marriage bills introduced in Congress

lgbt, politics Comments Off on Two anti-gay marriage bills introduced in Congress

h_washingtonTwo new anti-gay marriage bills surfaced in Congress this week, targeting the recent DC Council vote recognizing same-sex marriages preformed elsewhere.

The first measure, H.R.2608 or the D.C. Defense of Marriage Act will “define marriage for all legal purposes in the District of Columbia to consist of the union of one man and one woman.” Introduced by Rep. Jim Jordan (R) of Ohio and Rep.  Dan Boren (D) of Oklahoma, the bill already has 33 co-sponsors, all Republican except for Mike McIntyre (D) of North Carolina.

Another measure, H.J.Res.54, “disapproves” of the DC Council’s decision to recognize gay marriages. Introduced by Rep. Paul Brown (R) of Georgia, the bill seeks to overrule the actions of the DC Council, which is within the prerogative of Congress which has 30 days to act on the decision.

Considering the strong Democratic majority in Congress, it is unlikely either bill will get out of committee, much less reach the House floor or land on the President’s desk.


Outrage filmmaker Kirby Dick and blogger Michael Rogers on The View

activism, lgbt, media, politics, video 1 Comment »

Outrage on the ViewDirector Kirby Dick and gay activist/blogger Michael Rogers discuss the new documentary Outrage which exposes closeted politicians and their hypocrisy. Watch:


Homophobia rears its ugly head on “So You Think You Can Dance!”

entertainment, lgbt, media, video 4 Comments »

Nigel Lythgoe on SYTYCDJudge Nigel Lythgoe makes his homophobia plain on last night’s premiere of “So You Think You Can Dance” when two male dancers, one gay, one straight, performed together.

“I think you’d probably alienate a lot of our audience. We’ve always had the guys dance together on the show but they’ve never really done it in each other’s arms before. I’m really one of those people that like to see guys be guys and girls be girls on stage. I don’t think I liked it, to be frank.”

Watch the segment below:

AfterElton spoke with one of the dancers after the audition:

“It was more offensive than what they showed. Nigel said that he’s not sure that the fathers watching this at home would be encouraged to take their sons to allow them to learn to dance. Nigel told me that they [the show] has spent all these seasons trying to build up the idea that a male can dance and make it more acceptable, and we didn’t really help the cause. I told him that I have a father, too, and I went through that. I told him that the country is already going through a lot of changes and could handle some more. Nigel didn’t say anything to that. The judges kept going on about a man and a woman and I kept correcting them that it was a leader and a follower. “

Fellow judges Mary Murphy and Sonya Tayeh were also confused how the feminine roles changed throughout the routine.

UPDATE: Nigel Lythgoe responds to the controversy via Twitter:

I hear I’m taking a beating on the web due to my comments regarding same sex ballroom I thought I was the most accepting of it on the panel?

The same sex ballroom guys did remind me of “Blades of Glory.” However, I’m not a fan of ‘Brokeback’ Ballroom.

I am very sad the word ‘homophobe’ is being used. That is someone who hates homosexuals. I dislike effeminate dancing! Wake up and listen!

I believe overtly effeminate dancing destroys the opportunity for many male dancers to be supported. Being gay doesn’t mean effeminate.

We have had same sex dancing on SYTYCD from Season 1. Last year Joshua and Twitch. Before that MIa’s Prince’s routine with Danny and Neil.

I am passionate about dancers and dancing. I am not interested in their sexual preferences only their dancing and performances. Offstage ??

It’s a shame that controversy has blurred the true inspiration from last night, Tiffany Giegle.

For a total lack of homophobia from a dance show, watch Quest Crew channel Britney Spears on America’s Dance crew. Their judges didn’t seem to have a problem with their gender-bending performance.


Decorated Army Ranger: “Gays and lesbians serve honorably in War on Terror”

activism, lgbt, politics Comments Off on Decorated Army Ranger: “Gays and lesbians serve honorably in War on Terror”

hughesdadtIn the editorial pages of the Wall Street Journal today, Army Ranger sergeant and Iraq war vet Brian Hughes, makes the case that gays and lesbians have served honorably in the War on Terror, and presents a clear and cogent argument on why the Obama administration needs to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

I was a line infantryman in the Army’s Ranger regiment from 2000-04, earning a promotion to sergeant within three years. In that time, my platoon performed dozens of combat missions on the front lines. Our lives depended on complete mutual trust.

Several of my colleagues knew I was gay. We lived in the closest possible conditions. When there were showers, we showered together. When we were out overnight on the cold, bare mountains of Afghanistan, we slept huddled together for warmth. It should go without saying that there was nothing remotely sexual about these situations. We had uncomfortable experiences — we were at war, after all — but my buddies were never uncomfortable with me.

Today the strongest resistance to overturning “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” may not come from the military, which polls show mostly supports repeal, nor from social conservatives, who are not in power. Rather, there are many Democratic leaders and strategists who blame the issue of gays in the military for damaging the beginning of Bill Clinton’s presidency. They fear it could have the same effect on Mr. Obama.

The truth is that public opinion has moved dramatically on this issue. Public support for repeal consistently polls above 75% — well above Mr. Obama’s approval ratings. The fact that support is above 90% for men and women aged 18-29 should put to rest any worries that repeal could interfere with recruitment.

Here at home, every government service is integrated, including the paramilitary sections of the CIA that work hand in glove with the armed services. The presence of gays in these organizations is a nonissue. The idea that our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines would have any greater difficulty adjusting is an insult to their professionalism.

Democrats have an opportunity to burnish their national security credentials by strengthening the military. It’s time for Congress and the Obama administration to order the full integration of gays and lesbians in the armed services.

Hughes served two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, and was awarded the Commendation Medal twice for his service. While serving he participated in the rescue operation that brought Jessica Lynch home. Hughes received an honorable discharge when he came out in 2004.