This guy is fun to watch. This is an intro to his work and he can be found on youtube.
Enjoy.
News and Commentary About My Gay World
Sunday, January 16, 2011
This Week In Holy Crimes
Over the last seven days...
Nevada: Pastor Otis Holland arrested for molesting a seven year-old girl. Holland was arrested last year on similar charges.
New York: Pastor Jason LaPierre arrested for embezzling over $400,000 from a credit union.
Ontario: Father James Boudreau arrested for sexual assault on a child.
Belgium: Father Eric Dejaeger accused of molesting multiple children in Canada. He has already served five years in prison for the same crime.
California: Pastor Dino Cardelli charged with intimidating a victim prior to his trial for child rape.
Missouri: Pastor David Love pleads not guilty to murdering the husband of his mistress.
Minnesota: Pastor William Neal Matthews charged with financial exploitation of an elderly person.
Britain: Father Paul Shannon pleads guilty to 16 counts of producing child pornography.
Michigan: Rev. Sarah Jane Samuelson charged with serving alcohol to over 100 minors attending a party she hosted in her home.
Florida: Pastor Gordon Libby charged with kidnapping a 14 year-old from a Walmart and then masturbating in the victim's presence. Libby is the founder of the clergy recruitment firm Pastors4U.
Britain: Imam Mohammed Hanif Khan charged with rape of a 12 year-old boy.
New Jersey: Pastor Enoc Sotelo charged with 17 felony counts of defrauding immigrants in a green card scam.
Massachusetts: Father Donald Provost sued for sexual assault of an eight year-old boy. The Worcester Catholic Diocese and ten other unidentified individuals are named in the suit. Provost has been previously convicted of photographing a ten year-old boy in a public locker room.
Wisconsin: Pastor Lewis Givens charged with sexually assaulting a mentally challenged nine year-old girl.
This Week's Winner
Minnesota: The Catholic Diocese of New Ulm is being sued for covering up the crimes of Father Francis Markey, who was twice arrested for child molestation. Markey was suspended three times after accusations of sexual assaults on children and all three times he was later reinstated as a priest. The lawsuit also names the treatment facilities to which the Catholic Church referred Markey, as well as the Diocese of Clogher in Ireland, where he once worked.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Stories of our Lives
I stumbled on a great site this morning called Born This Way.
DJ Paul V was tired of hearing how being gay is a choice, as am I. While talking to some friends , the usual question came up of "When did you know your were gay?".
This site has been launched to give people a chance to send in pictures and comment about their awareness of difference. It is very cute and funny. I am going to find a picture of myself...I think I know which one it will be.....Go and enjoy.
Jon Stewart on the AZ Shootings
This is one of the few unfunny moments you will see on Jon Stewart. Watch the whole thing.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Friday, January 14, 2011
Corvino: When my grandfather learned I was ‘queer’
, columnist, 365gay.com
01.14.2011 8:46am EST
A diversity speaker I know (who also happens to be a dear friend) is fond of saying, “People do the best they can with what they have.”
When I first heard her say this, my immediate reaction was, “Well, that’s obviously false.”
In fact, I still think it’s false. Some people make more of the hand they’re dealt than others; some put in considerable effort, others very little. Some, frankly, are just lazy callous bastards.
But I’ve come to understand that her aphorism isn’t best read as a description. It’s a guideline. When interpreting others’ actions—especially hurtful ones—adopt a principle of charity. They’re not trying to hurt you: they’re doing the best they can with what they have.
The principle reminds us that there are often causal factors beyond our knowledge. And it can sometimes save us needless and counterproductive bitterness.
I was reflecting on this aphorism recently as I recalled an incident that happened nearly two decades ago. It involved my paternal grandfather, the man after whom I was named.
Grandpa John was the only one of my grandparents I did not come out to directly. When I came out to his wife (my Grandma Tess, with whom I was especially close), she told me that she would break the news to him herself.
Her decision was both compassionate and prescient: as I learned later from my father, my grandfather cried for days when he learned that his grandson was, to use his preferred term, “queer.”
After the revelation, I detected a slight stiffening in his manner, especially when he observed me with male friends. I’m sure he imagined us being “queer” together. But Grandpa was a gentle man, and he remained so with me. We never discussed the issue.
One day, as my extended family was gathered at the Christmas dinner table, my two grandfathers were having a lively conversation about the “old neighborhood” in Brooklyn. The conversation turned to a favorite restaurant, Tommaso’s.
“But Joe,” Grandpa John interjected, “you wanna hear something funny? Did you know that Tommaso is queer?”
My sister and I happened to be sitting across the table from each other. We looked up and locked eyes for several seconds.
“Yes,” she seemed to telegraph to me, “he just said what you thought he just said. Try to stay calm.”
I quickly turned my attention back to my plate, determined not to look at my grandfathers. Meanwhile, Grandpa Joe innocently responded that he had no idea about Tommaso. (I had not yet come out to my maternal grandparents, though I would eventually do so.)
About five minutes later, while waiting for the next course, my sister noticed Grandpa John with his elbows on the table, holding his head.
“What’s wrong, Grandpa—do you have a headache?” she asked.
“No,” he responded quietly. “I said something I shouldn’t have said.” He was slouched, and his hands obscured his face.
People sometimes wonder how I can ever give the benefit of the doubt to “homophobes.” One reason is simple: It’s because I have loved, and have been loved by, some.
My paternal grandfather was a high school dropout who, aside from military service, never traveled more than a few hundred miles from his birthplace. He collected tickets at the racetrack and worked for the NY Sanitation Department. He was a good man, a hardworking and loving provider. But he wasn’t what you’d call worldly.
In my grandfather’s limited experience, queers were an object of ridicule. (“Joe, you wanna hear something funny?”)
At the same time, in his world, the last thing you would want to do is hurt your own grandchild. (“I said something I shouldn’t have said.”)
On that day, two deep-seated impulses in my grandfather’s world collided. He disliked queers. He loved me. Although my gayness pained him, the realization that he had hurt me pained him even more.
That was the closest we would ever come to discussing his feelings on the matter. He died just a few years later, felled by a sudden heart attack after shoveling snow for an elderly neighbor.
He did the best he could with what he had. I still admire him for it.
At 22 I came out to most of my family except my Great Gradma Gum. Twisted up, using a walker, still living alone, sharp as a tack, and really lived until she was 96.
When I first heard her say this, my immediate reaction was, “Well, that’s obviously false.”
In fact, I still think it’s false. Some people make more of the hand they’re dealt than others; some put in considerable effort, others very little. Some, frankly, are just lazy callous bastards.
But I’ve come to understand that her aphorism isn’t best read as a description. It’s a guideline. When interpreting others’ actions—especially hurtful ones—adopt a principle of charity. They’re not trying to hurt you: they’re doing the best they can with what they have.
The principle reminds us that there are often causal factors beyond our knowledge. And it can sometimes save us needless and counterproductive bitterness.
I was reflecting on this aphorism recently as I recalled an incident that happened nearly two decades ago. It involved my paternal grandfather, the man after whom I was named.
Grandpa John was the only one of my grandparents I did not come out to directly. When I came out to his wife (my Grandma Tess, with whom I was especially close), she told me that she would break the news to him herself.
Her decision was both compassionate and prescient: as I learned later from my father, my grandfather cried for days when he learned that his grandson was, to use his preferred term, “queer.”
After the revelation, I detected a slight stiffening in his manner, especially when he observed me with male friends. I’m sure he imagined us being “queer” together. But Grandpa was a gentle man, and he remained so with me. We never discussed the issue.
One day, as my extended family was gathered at the Christmas dinner table, my two grandfathers were having a lively conversation about the “old neighborhood” in Brooklyn. The conversation turned to a favorite restaurant, Tommaso’s.
“But Joe,” Grandpa John interjected, “you wanna hear something funny? Did you know that Tommaso is queer?”
My sister and I happened to be sitting across the table from each other. We looked up and locked eyes for several seconds.
“Yes,” she seemed to telegraph to me, “he just said what you thought he just said. Try to stay calm.”
I quickly turned my attention back to my plate, determined not to look at my grandfathers. Meanwhile, Grandpa Joe innocently responded that he had no idea about Tommaso. (I had not yet come out to my maternal grandparents, though I would eventually do so.)
About five minutes later, while waiting for the next course, my sister noticed Grandpa John with his elbows on the table, holding his head.
“What’s wrong, Grandpa—do you have a headache?” she asked.
“No,” he responded quietly. “I said something I shouldn’t have said.” He was slouched, and his hands obscured his face.
People sometimes wonder how I can ever give the benefit of the doubt to “homophobes.” One reason is simple: It’s because I have loved, and have been loved by, some.
My paternal grandfather was a high school dropout who, aside from military service, never traveled more than a few hundred miles from his birthplace. He collected tickets at the racetrack and worked for the NY Sanitation Department. He was a good man, a hardworking and loving provider. But he wasn’t what you’d call worldly.
In my grandfather’s limited experience, queers were an object of ridicule. (“Joe, you wanna hear something funny?”)
At the same time, in his world, the last thing you would want to do is hurt your own grandchild. (“I said something I shouldn’t have said.”)
On that day, two deep-seated impulses in my grandfather’s world collided. He disliked queers. He loved me. Although my gayness pained him, the realization that he had hurt me pained him even more.
That was the closest we would ever come to discussing his feelings on the matter. He died just a few years later, felled by a sudden heart attack after shoveling snow for an elderly neighbor.
He did the best he could with what he had. I still admire him for it.
John Corvino, Ph.D. is a writer, speaker, and philosophy professor at Wayne State University in Detroit. Read more about him at http://www.johncorvino.com/.
At 22 I came out to most of my family except my Great Gradma Gum. Twisted up, using a walker, still living alone, sharp as a tack, and really lived until she was 96.
One evening that she came for dinner, I was playing with my son on the floor and he was pulling himself up on her walker, she began a story. It was of a distant cousin who never married and lived with her friend for 30 years. Then went on about how nice this girl was and they were good friends. She looked at me and smiled.
She just had another cigarette and started to talk about something else.
I never got the chance to talk to her about it before she passed away later that month.
I miss her.
Thanks of the memories.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Viewers of Glenn Beck
David Brock, founder of Media Matters, talks about 3 attacks that were a direct effect of watching Glenn Beck. This is why we need to watch what we say in the media.
OREGON: Four Year Prison Sentence For Brutal Attack Over "Gay Hairstyle"
This is the kind of violence that hate crimes are supposed to be for. He should have gotten 5 more years under the hate crimes law. Have fun in prison pretty boy.
Crosspost from joemygod.com
Brandon Sanchez, 21, has been sentenced to four years in an Oregon prison after attacking another man for having a supposedly "gay hairstyle."
Crosspost from joemygod.com
Brandon Sanchez, 21, has been sentenced to four years in an Oregon prison after attacking another man for having a supposedly "gay hairstyle." Sanchez apparently targeted Mark Bryant, 20, because he showed up at an Aug. 11 party with his hair gelled into a faux hawk, or fake mohawk. Bryant was in a coma for 22 days, had part of his skull temporarily removed to relieve pressure on his brain from swelling and now -- five months after the attack -- wears a patch over his right eye because he can't see clearly out of it. In recent weeks, he's started to walk again. "I'd never wish this upon anyone," Sanchez said. "I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused in your family. ...I've been praying for you." Bryant then asked something he's always wondered about the attack: "Your honor, I have a question he never answered before: Why?" "I was stupid," Sanchez responded. "I wish I could tell you an answer."
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
It's Just Politics
I found this great vid on youtube. I wonder how many politicians do the same thing.
Marriage Equality For Maryland
Maryland's General Assembly begins its session today. It will be over on April 11, 2011. Marriage is on the agenda. Legislative leaders and the Governor are on board. Maryland could provide a pivotal early win in 2011.
Via press release from Equality Maryland:
Via press release from Equality Maryland:
“Equality Maryland is proud to work with true champions to end the exclusion of loving and committed gay couples from marriage,” said Ms. Meneses-Sheets [Executive Director of Equality Maryland.]What happens in Maryland gets a lot of attention in DC. The Washington Post gives prominent coverage to Maryland legislation. It's local news that often makes the front page. And, many people (especially elected officials), still read the paper. So, what happens in Maryland will impact the national debate on marriage.
The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act will enable gay and lesbian couples to go to the county clerk’s office or the courthouse and get a marriage license. No religious institutions or clergy members would be compelled to marry same-sex couples. It is being introduced by Majority Leader Kumar Barve (D-17) and Delegate Keiffer Mitchell (D-44). The Senate version will be advanced by Majority Leader Rob Garagiola (D-15) and Senator Rich Madaleno (D-18).
Advocates say that the bill is not only about fairness, but also offers some relief in these tough economic times. A 2007 Williams Institute report entitled “The Impact on Maryland’s Budget of Allowing Same-Sex Couples to Marry” found that ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage in Maryland would “have a positive impact on the state budget of approximately $3.2 million annually.” To read the full report, please click here.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Kittleman recently announced plans to push for a civil unions bill. Local advocates have commended his willingness to work to achieve legal equality for gay and lesbian couples, but believe that his proposal will not achieve that goal.
“Civil union doesn’t work. In other states with civil union, people have been barred from a dying partner’s bedside and denied the ability to say goodbye to the person they love. That just doesn’t happen when you’re married because everyone knows what marriage means,” said Ms. Meneses-Sheets.
San Francisco's GLBT History Museum Opens
LGBT History Museum Opens In SF
Tomorrow San Francisco's GLBT History Museum will stage its grand opening on 18th Street in the Castro. The museum is the only one of its kind in the United States and one of only two in the world. Via press release:“A quarter century after the founding of the GLBT Historical Society, we’re proud to open a museum to showcase our community’s history,” said Paul Boneberg, executive director of the Historical Society. “The GLBT History Museum is in the heart of the Castro, a neighborhood visited not only by locals, but also by tens of thousands of tourists every year who come in search of queer culture. At our museum, they’ll discover treasures from our archives that reflect fascinating stories spanning nearly a century of GLBT life. We have gone all out to create a museum as rich, diverse and surprising as the GLBT community itself. Whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or straight, visitors are sure to be moved, enlightened and entertainedThe museum has posted a list of its current thematic and biographical sections.
Palin has Put Her Foot in it Again.
Sarah Palin has used the term "blood libel." "Blood libel" refers to the anti-Semitic claim that Jews use the blood of Christian babies to make matzoh. Such claims have been used to murder hundreds of Jews.
Due to the use of some rather large words in Pailn's last speech, I am assuming someone else wrote it for her. This is not unheard of the politics. What her writer AND she needs to do is check on words she is unfamiliar with BEFORE she uses them. Here is why.....
From the Jewish lobbying group, J Street:
Due to the use of some rather large words in Pailn's last speech, I am assuming someone else wrote it for her. This is not unheard of the politics. What her writer AND she needs to do is check on words she is unfamiliar with BEFORE she uses them. Here is why.....
From the Jewish lobbying group, J Street:
J Street is saddened by Governor Palin’s use of the term “blood libel.” The country’s attention is rightfully focused on the memorial service for the victims of Saturday’s shooting. Our prayers continue to be with those who are still fighting to recover and the families of the victims. The last thing the country needs now is for the rhetoric in the wake of this tragedy to return to where it was before. We hope that Governor Palin will recognize, when it is brought to her attention, that the term “blood libel” brings back painful echoes of a very dark time in our communal history when Jews were falsely accused of committing heinous deeds.From the National Jewish Democratic Council:
Instead of dialing down the rhetoric at this difficult moment, Sarah Palin chose to accuse others trying to sort out the meaning of this tragedy of somehow engaging in a “blood libel” against her and others. This is of course a particularly heinous term for American Jews, given that the repeated fiction of blood libels are directly responsible for the murder of so many Jews across centuries—and given that blood libels are so directly intertwined with deeply ingrained anti-Semitism around the globe, even today.Most are noting that Palin's claim is especially offensive considering that Rep. Giffords is Jewish.
Monday, January 10, 2011
God is Mad at DADT Repeal
The LGBT population has been blamed for many things from child rape to natural disasters. Check out the 7 craziest things gays are blamed for HERE.
This should be added to the list. It is amazing how these people can find any reason to blame gays and acceptance. Girl!....What is with that jacket!?
This should be added to the list. It is amazing how these people can find any reason to blame gays and acceptance. Girl!....What is with that jacket!?
Good Things Do Happen
Thanks JoeMyGod.com for this ray of hope. We needed it today.
I think we all need to see ourselves as one people, humans, and start working toward our true greater good. All the energy from the hate and misunderstanding could be used to fix so many problems like hunger and healthcare. NO Human should have to do without food and healthcare.
We should be as a nation and we can start in our own backyards.
Egypt's Muslims attend Coptic Christmas mass, serving as "human shields"
Egypt’s majority Muslim population stuck to its word Thursday night. What had been a promise of solidarity to the weary Coptic community, was honoured, when thousands of Muslims showed up at Coptic Christmas eve mass services in churches around the country and at candle light vigils held outside.
From the well-known to the unknown, Muslims had offered their bodies as “human shields” for last night’s mass, making a pledge to collectively fight the threat of Islamic militants and towards an Egypt free from sectarian strife.
“We either live together, or we die together,” was the sloganeering genius of Mohamed El-Sawy, a Muslim arts tycoon whose cultural centre distributed flyers at churches in Cairo Thursday night, and who has been credited with first floating the “human shield” idea.
Among those shields were movie stars Adel Imam and Yousra, popular Muslim televangelist and preacher Amr Khaled, the two sons of President Hosni Mubarak, and thousands of citizens who have said they consider the attack one on Egypt as a whole.
“This is not about us and them,” said Dalia Mustafa, a student who attended mass at Virgin Mary Church on Maraashly Street. “We are one. This was an attack on Egypt as a whole, and I am standing with the Copts because the only way things will change in this country is if we come together.”
In the days following the brutal attack on Saints Church in Alexandria, which left 21 dead on New Year’ eve, solidarity between Muslims and Copts has seen an unprecedented peak. Millions of Egyptians changed their Facebook profile pictures to the image of a cross within a crescent – the symbol of an “Egypt for All”. Around the city, banners went up calling for unity, and depicting mosques and churches, crosses and crescents, together as one.
The attack has rocked a nation that is no stranger to acts of terror, against all of Muslims, Copts and Jews. In January of last year, on the eve of Coptic Christmas, a drive-by shooting in the southern town of Nag Hammadi killed eight Copts as they were leaving Church following mass. In 2004 and 2005, bombings in the Red Sea resorts of Taba and Sharm El-Sheikh claimed over 100 lives, and in the late 90’s, Islamic militants executed a series of bombings and massacres that left dozens dead.
This attack though comes after a series of more recent incidents that have left Egyptians feeling left out in the cold by a government meant to protect them.
Last summer, 28-year-old businessman Khaled Said was beaten to death by police, also in Alexandria, causing a local and international uproar. Around his death, there have been numerous other reports of police brutality, random arrests and torture.
Last year was also witness to a ruthless parliamentary election process in which the government’s security apparatus and thugs seemed to spiral out of control. The result, aside from injuries and deaths, was a sweeping win by the ruling party thanks to its own carefully-orchestrated campaign that included vote-rigging, corruption and widespread violence. The opposition was essentially annihilated. And just days before the elections, Copts - who make up 10 percent of the population - were once again the subject of persecution, when a government moratorium on construction of a Christian community centre resulted in clashes between police and protestors. Two people were left dead and over 100 were detained, facing sentences of up to life in jail.
The economic woes of a country that favours the rich have only exacerbated the frustration of a population of 80 million whose majority struggle each day to survive. Accounts of thefts, drugs, and violence have surged in recent years, and the chorus of voices of discontent has continued to grow.
The terror attack that struck the country on New Year’s eve is in many ways a final straw – a breaking point, not just for the Coptic community, but for Muslims as well, who too feel marginalized, oppressed, and overlooked by a government that fails to address their needs. On this Coptic Christmas eve, the solidarity was not just one of religion, but of a desperate and collective plea for a better life and a government with accountability.
I think we all need to see ourselves as one people, humans, and start working toward our true greater good. All the energy from the hate and misunderstanding could be used to fix so many problems like hunger and healthcare. NO Human should have to do without food and healthcare.
We should be as a nation and we can start in our own backyards.
Egypt's Muslims attend Coptic Christmas mass, serving as "human shields"
Muslims turned up in droves for the Coptic Christmas mass Thursday night, offering their bodies, and lives, as “shields” to Egypt’s threatened Christian community
Yasmine El-Rashidi , Friday 7 Jan 2011
From the well-known to the unknown, Muslims had offered their bodies as “human shields” for last night’s mass, making a pledge to collectively fight the threat of Islamic militants and towards an Egypt free from sectarian strife.
“We either live together, or we die together,” was the sloganeering genius of Mohamed El-Sawy, a Muslim arts tycoon whose cultural centre distributed flyers at churches in Cairo Thursday night, and who has been credited with first floating the “human shield” idea.
Among those shields were movie stars Adel Imam and Yousra, popular Muslim televangelist and preacher Amr Khaled, the two sons of President Hosni Mubarak, and thousands of citizens who have said they consider the attack one on Egypt as a whole.
“This is not about us and them,” said Dalia Mustafa, a student who attended mass at Virgin Mary Church on Maraashly Street. “We are one. This was an attack on Egypt as a whole, and I am standing with the Copts because the only way things will change in this country is if we come together.”
In the days following the brutal attack on Saints Church in Alexandria, which left 21 dead on New Year’ eve, solidarity between Muslims and Copts has seen an unprecedented peak. Millions of Egyptians changed their Facebook profile pictures to the image of a cross within a crescent – the symbol of an “Egypt for All”. Around the city, banners went up calling for unity, and depicting mosques and churches, crosses and crescents, together as one.
The attack has rocked a nation that is no stranger to acts of terror, against all of Muslims, Copts and Jews. In January of last year, on the eve of Coptic Christmas, a drive-by shooting in the southern town of Nag Hammadi killed eight Copts as they were leaving Church following mass. In 2004 and 2005, bombings in the Red Sea resorts of Taba and Sharm El-Sheikh claimed over 100 lives, and in the late 90’s, Islamic militants executed a series of bombings and massacres that left dozens dead.
This attack though comes after a series of more recent incidents that have left Egyptians feeling left out in the cold by a government meant to protect them.
Last summer, 28-year-old businessman Khaled Said was beaten to death by police, also in Alexandria, causing a local and international uproar. Around his death, there have been numerous other reports of police brutality, random arrests and torture.
Last year was also witness to a ruthless parliamentary election process in which the government’s security apparatus and thugs seemed to spiral out of control. The result, aside from injuries and deaths, was a sweeping win by the ruling party thanks to its own carefully-orchestrated campaign that included vote-rigging, corruption and widespread violence. The opposition was essentially annihilated. And just days before the elections, Copts - who make up 10 percent of the population - were once again the subject of persecution, when a government moratorium on construction of a Christian community centre resulted in clashes between police and protestors. Two people were left dead and over 100 were detained, facing sentences of up to life in jail.
The economic woes of a country that favours the rich have only exacerbated the frustration of a population of 80 million whose majority struggle each day to survive. Accounts of thefts, drugs, and violence have surged in recent years, and the chorus of voices of discontent has continued to grow.
The terror attack that struck the country on New Year’s eve is in many ways a final straw – a breaking point, not just for the Coptic community, but for Muslims as well, who too feel marginalized, oppressed, and overlooked by a government that fails to address their needs. On this Coptic Christmas eve, the solidarity was not just one of religion, but of a desperate and collective plea for a better life and a government with accountability.
Here's How Giffords' Opponent Sold Himself In The 2010 Campaign
Crosspost from JoeMyGod.com
Andrew Sullivan: "If you are not disturbed by what it proclaims as the essence of true conservatism - a sunglasses wearing soldier with a machine gun in his open crotch - you should be."
NOTE: For those unaware, "RINO" means "Republican in name only." The acronym is commonly used on sites like Free Republic to mock members of the GOP who express anything other than hard-right philosophies. Similarly, some Democrats have taken up "DINO" to describe Blue Dog Dems and other Democrats who support right-of-center ideals.
Andrew Sullivan: "If you are not disturbed by what it proclaims as the essence of true conservatism - a sunglasses wearing soldier with a machine gun in his open crotch - you should be."
NOTE: For those unaware, "RINO" means "Republican in name only." The acronym is commonly used on sites like Free Republic to mock members of the GOP who express anything other than hard-right philosophies. Similarly, some Democrats have taken up "DINO" to describe Blue Dog Dems and other Democrats who support right-of-center ideals.
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