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Have you ever heard the song “This Land Is Your Land”? It’s one of America’s most popular folk songs- if not the most popular. The chorus goes…
This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.
It was first recorded by Woody Guthrie in 1944, and made popular again in the 1960s by the group Peter, Paul & Mary. If you still don’t know what I’m talking about (or just want to listen to the song) you can watch it on YouTube.
Now let’s get to the story.
The National Organization for Marriage, during their summer tour, would play this song at their anti-equality rallies. Doesn’t really make sense, does it? Why would they sing a song about inclusion, beauty, and unity at a rally based on homophobia and discrimination? I can’t answer that, but since when has NOM’s actions made much sense?
When Kathleen Perrin, a Peter, Paul & Mary fan, heard that this was happening, she decided to contract the group to let them know how their song was being used. As it turned out, they were not pleased. They sent this letter to NOM’s President, Brian Brown…
Each week, I’ll be posting a list of the most news-worthy and/or inspirational, informative, well-written, thought-provoking, and/or unique posts of the week. While every post and every contributor is valuable to our community, these are the blogs that I feel are must-reads.
August 22- August 28
Stats for this week: 30 posts by 18 writers
A Critical Look At ENDA- by Jordan
Why I chose this post:
A lot of people all over the country have been working very hard the past few months (and years) to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. This would be a very helpful piece of legislation, but, as currently written, it does have some important limitations, as Jordan explains.
A new low for anti-abortion extremists- by AFY_EmilyB
Why I chose this post:
People need to know about this incredible injustice: Doctors refusing to treat patients if they had previously had an abortion. Are you fleeping kidding me?!
Schoolgirls attacked with poison gas- by AFY_EmilyB
Why I chose this post:
We have to remember how lucky we are to have an education, and we have to realize that, with that education, it is our responsibility to make sure that our world is one in which boys AND girls are valued equally.
By now, you’ve probably heard that there’s a Target boycott going on. You may also have heard that the reason behind it is Target’s $150,000 donation that went to Tom Emmer’s campaign for Governor of Minnesota. The reason that this has gotten so much attention is Emmer’s history of homophobia (among other things). When I heard that Target was supporting a candidate that was anti-gay, and that there was a boycott going on, I decided right away to join in. But, to be responsible about things, I wanted to take the time to learn a little more about this situation, and now that I have, I want to share that information with all of you.
Let’s start here: In June, the Minnesota Independent wrote about the five candidates for Governor. The main point of the article, as it turns out, was that of the five candidates, Emmer was the only one who wasn’t “strongly in favor of” marriage equality for same-sex couples.
So we have something to compare Emmer to, here’s a little about the other candidates.
Mark Dayton:
Matt Entenza:“I unequivocally support marriage equality, meaning the right of any person to marry legally the person he or she loves,” he told the Minnesota Independent.
Margaret Anderson Kelliher:Entenza was also one of only four legislators to sponsor a bill to legalize same-sex marriage back in 1998 — the first time legislators had ever considered such a bill.
Tom Horner:She says she will sign same-sex marriage into law if she is Minnesota’s next governor. She calls it “a matter of fair treatment”
And now, Tom Emmer:“I think gays and lesbians should be equal members in all aspects of our society,”
Each week, I’ll be posting a list of the most news-worthy and/or inspirational, informative, well-written, thought-provoking, and/or unique posts of the week. While every post and every contributor is valuable to our community, these are the blogs that I feel are must-reads.
August 15- August 21
Stats for this week: 24 posts by 12 writers
Study: Teen Sex Does Not Mean Worse School Performance- by dandaman6007
Why I chose this post:
Minnesota Hard Rockers Endorse the Execution of Gays- by JordanThis seems to contradict the narrative that right-wing, abstinence-only proponents paint: that if we allow teens to think about sex or to have sex, we will be giving rise to a morally depraved and destructive generation of sex crazed young people. News flash: this is simply ridiculous.
Why I chose this post:
Some people hate other people. Some people don’t. But when the people who don’t hate make excuses for the people who do, then we have a problem. As Jordan points out here, we have a problem.
Dear So You Think You Can Dance- by Yes_Means_Yes
Why I chose this post:
Jaclyn shares her feelings with “So You Think You Can Dance,” particularly on the subjects of their male/male dance routines and their apparent obsession with the rear-ends of female dancers.
Each week, I’ll be posting a list of the most news-worthy and/or inspirational, informative, well-written, thought-provoking, and/or unique posts of the week. While every post and every contributor is valuable to our community, these are the blogs that I feel are must-reads.
Stats for this week: 40 posts by 24 writers!
August 8- August 14
Facebook posts on Prop 8- by ekimx425
Why I chose this post:
ekimx425 shares her reactions/opinions on a debate that came up over Facebook in response to Judge Walker’s ruling on Prop 8.
RIP Roy Jones- by Jordan
Why I chose this post:
When a 17-month-old baby boy is killed for acting like “a little girl”…what’s a society to do?
Prop 8 and the Future of Sex Ed in America- by AFY_Will
Why I chose this post:
The HHS Department has asked that all states applying for funding for abstinence-only education programs please “consider the needs of gay, lesbian bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth."
While I was reading various articles about last Wednesday’s ruling on Prop. 8, I came across a piece on Huffington Post by Jason Linkins called “Prop 8 Ruling Exposes Democrats’ Weak Support for LGBT Community.” Here’s a quote from the article that stood out to me:
So what are we supposed to do? How can we support the people who don’t support equality, even if they don’t openly oppose it? To get specific, let’s talk about President Obama. Another Huffington Post article I read on this topic was “Obama’s Opposition to Gay Marriage: Genuine or Political Calculation?” I recently wrote about my frustration with Obama on this subject, but let’s take a deeper look. As Marcus Baram says in his article:
Some gay marriage proponents are skeptical that Obama personally opposes gay marriage.
The article also points out the curious fact that:
Interesting, no?
It seems like people are finally catching on to the notion that the civil rights of a minority should not be voted on by a bigoted majority. I love that people are realizing that a person’s right to equality should not come with conditions or limitations. Thank you, to the Supreme Court of Costa Rica, for understanding that.Costa Rica's top court has blocked the electoral tribunal from holding a referendum that would have let voters decide if same-sex civil unions should be allowed in the Central American country.
The Constitutional Court's 5-2 decision released Tuesday says such a referendum would put a minority at a disadvantage in a largely Roman Catholic country. It also says gay civil unions is a legislative issue and not an electoral one.
The court says it considers homosexuals a group that is at a disadvantage and the target for discrimination, requiring government authorities to protect their rights.
~ Samantha
Community Editor
The AP reports:
Mexico's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that all 31 states must recognize same-sex marriages performed in the capital, though its decision does not force those states to begin marrying gay couples in their territory.Way to go, Mexico!!! This is a huge victory!
In a 9-2 decision, the tribunal cited an article of the constitution requiring states to recognize legal contracts drawn up elsewhere.
t did not specify what degree of recognition must be granted to same-sex couples.
I will update this blog if/when more information becomes available.
~ Samantha
Community Editor
In a press release from the American Foundation for Equal Rights:
The American Bar Association, the nation’s leading legal organization, today passes the following resolution:From the ABA Journal:
“RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association urges state, territorial, and tribal governments to eliminate all of their legal barriers to civil marriage between two persons of the same sex who are otherwise eligible to marry.”
Gays and lesbians should have the right to marry in civil ceremonies, the ABA’s policy-making House of Delegates declared on Tuesday. The measure passed on a voice vote.Chad Griffin, Board President of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, explains:
A lineup of ABA leaders, both past and present, spoke in favor of the resolution. Incoming ABA President Stephen Zack asked “Why would anyone in this country not want two people who love each other to enjoy the blessings of marriage and the protections of law?”
Former ABA President Tommy Wells told the House that “our citizens of the same sex who are being denied the right to a civil marriage are only seeking to participate in an equal basis in a foundational institution of our civil life. They simply want to share in the legal blessings that we give to married couples. It can only strengthen marriage.”
“With this action, the American Bar Association has affirmed the principles upon which this nation was founded—that every American is vested with certain inalienable rights and that all Americans are created equal,”
“The ABA’s action is significant in that it represents a broad consensus among scholars and practitioners of the law.”
As jhay recently wrote about, Iran is set to execute an 18-year-old for sodomy. This is terrible, but what makes it worse is that the young man, Ebrahim Hamidi, did not do what he has been charged with.
From The Observer:
Hamidi was arrested two years ago in the suburbs of the western city of Tabriz in the East Azerbaijan province after a fight with members of another family. Three of his friends were also involved in the incident and were subsequently arrested. Later, the four were accused of homosexual assault on a man and for attempting to abuse him sexually.It is atrocious that Iran would sentence a young man to death for what they call sodomy, but to do so even after the alleged victim has admitted that he was lying is worse. Iran is so homophobic that even an admitted lie about a homosexual act is enough for them to end a life. How can they hold the lives of their citizens with so little regard? How can they have so little regard for a human life, even if they don’t like how those people live their lives?
… After three days in detention, Hamidi confessed to the crime, allegedly under torture. The other three were cleared of all charges when promised by officialsthat they would be freed if they testified against Hamidi.
However, last month Hamidi’s alleged victim admitted that he had been under pressure from his parents to make false accusations. Nevertheless the local judiciary has insisted that Hamidi should be executed.
The government of Iran is homophobic. They are willing to kill their own people on what they know to be false charges.
Please, for the life of Ebrahim Hamidi, and for the lives of the LGBTQ population of Iran who refuse to live in hiding, spread the word. Make sure as many people as possible know Ebrahim Hamidi’s name and what is about to happen to him. With any luck, we can make a difference.
One thing you can do right now is add your name to Change.org’s letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, asking her to “Stop Gay Executions in Iran.” As I write this, over 660 people have already signed the petition. We need more names.
To read more about the case, and to learn more about homosexuality and homophobia in Iran, check out this very informative summary by the Iranian Queer Organization and the Human Rights House of Iran.
~ Samantha
Community Editor
Each week, I’ll be posting a list of the most news-worthy and/or inspirational, informative, well-written, thought-provoking, and/or unique posts of the week. While every post and every contributor is valuable to our community, these are the blogs that I feel are must-reads.
August 1- August 7
URGENT: Anti-discrimination Ordinance May Face Repeal in Bowling Green, Ohio- by Jordan
Why I chose this post:
When things like this happen, we have to do what we can to fight for equality. Thanks for keeping us informed, Jordan!
Writer Ann Rice Leaves Catholicism In Protest Of Catholic Church’s Anti-Gay Agenda- by dandaman6007
Why I chose this post:
As a young person, I am inspired by Rice’s actions to speak out. It is too rare these days to see someone living out their principles in such a profound way, and I hope that Ann Rice serves as a role model to others. As she said, “all that is needed for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing,” and I am moved by her bold decision to speak out.Prop 8 Overturned: So Now What Happens?- by AFY_Will
Why I chose this post:
Will provides an excellent summary of Judge Walker’s pro-equality ruling. There’s a lot of great information here.
On March 4, a Mexico City law (passed last December) went into effect that said that gay men and lesbians were able to marry. Since then, 320 couples have gotten married. Today, the AP reports that the Mexican Supreme Court has ruled, in an 8-2 decision, to uphold the law! The ruling “reject[s] an appeal by federal prosecutors who argued that it violated the charter’s guarantees to protect the family.”
Justices who voted on the majority side stressed that while Mexico’s constitution enshrines protections for families, it does not define what a “family” is.From the Huffington Post:
The court, however, must still rule on the adoption clause and whether the ruling will affect states outside the capital. It is expected to address adoption on Monday.This is excellent news, especially following the victory in California yesterday. It is days and wins like this that help keep us motivated to continue the fight, and to believe that there are more wins to come.
~ Samantha
Community Editor
Following yesterday’s court ruling on Prop 8 in favor of equality, David Axelrod, the Senior Advisor to President Obama, was asked on MSNBC this morning what the President’s stance is on marriage for LGBTQ people. He said:
The president opposed Proposition 8 at the time. He felt that it was divisive. He felt that it was mean-spirited, and he opposed it at the time. So we reiterated that position yesterday. The president does oppose same-sex marriage, but he supports equality for gay and lesbian couples, and benefits and other issues, and that has been effectuated in federal agencies under his control. He's supports civil unions, and that's been his position throughout. So nothing has changed.As John Aravosis from AMERICAblog said, “Wanna try that again?” EXCUSE ME?! You oppose equality, but you support equality? What? If you can’t call it a marriage then it’s not a marriage. Equal rights means equal words! If a same-sex couple is not allowed to legally call their relationship the same thing that an opposite-sex couple is legally allowed to call their relationship, then, legally, it’s not the same thing! What do you not get about that? How do you not understand that this is an exact example of “separate but equal”? How do you not remember that “separate but equal” can NEVER be truly equal? If there truly was equality, there would be no need to separate people or put them in a different category because everyone would be treated the same. How the hell do you have the ***** to say that you support equality, and then follow that by saying you don’t? How do you not realize your own hypocrisy? How can I believe you are an intelligent, thoughtful man when you are willing to subject the people that you are supposed to be protecting to a failed system of false rights?
Each week, I’ll be posting a list of the most news-worthy and/or inspirational, informative, well-written, thought-provoking, and/or unique posts of the week. While every post and every contributor is valuable to our community, these are the blogs that I feel are must-reads.
July 25- July 31
Religion and Sexual Health: Can They Go Hand In Hand?- by Omega_MySistahs
Why I chose this post:
Omega talks about the importance of including and validating people of faith in discussions about sexual health.
This is me- by DanceInTheDark
Why I chose this post.
But now, after many months of research and understanding, I've realized that I'm not a freak.Ethan shares his story of realizing that he is transgender and asks for advice on where to go from here.
Ignorance Kills- by justifiable
Why I chose this post:
Justifiable shares the story of her forced abortion in the hopes that other women can learn from her experience and empower themselves to take back their power.
Last Thursday afternoon at the Netroots Nations conference in Las Vegas, Will Neville and Sarah Audelo of Advocates for Youth, Kate Michelman, former President of NARAL, and Digby of Hullabloo spoke on a panel titled “The View from Under the Bus: The Search for “Common Ground” on Abortion.” Of the several panels that I attended over the weekend, this was the best one by far.
It scared me, it enraged me, it inspired me. It made me want to cry and scream at the same time. Why? Because it was an honest discussion of the perilous state of abortion rights in this country. As some of you may know, last week the Obama administration decided to eliminate abortion coverage for low-income, high-risk women within the temporary health-insurance pools which were set up in transition to the new health care system. As NARAL explains:
The President did not have to do this. But the fact is, he did.This policy means that women who are part of these pools because they have significant health problems, such as diabetes or cancer, will not be able to access abortion care, even if their health is at further risk.
The fact is, we are careening toward the day when Roe v. Wade will be overturned and abortion will no longer be safe and legal. I am immensely serious about this. How can anyone deny this when they look at the hundreds of state anti-abortion laws that have been passed across this country? We’ve written about several of these on Amplify, and each time it’s terrifying- each time we’re outraged that such a law has been put into place. We’re almost surprised that it keeps happening, but we shouldn’t be. We can no longer sit back and watch as state after state passes law after law. We can no longer let these laws continue to accumulate, because if we do, then I guarantee that within the next decade, Roe v. Wade has a serious shot of being overturned.
Here is part two of my interview with Lt. Dan Choi. These are actually the questions that I began the interview with, but due to technical issues, they are being posted here as part two. Part one can be read HERE.
In Las Vegas at the Netroots Nation conference, I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Lt. Dan Choi. When he publically came out on The Rachel Maddow Show last year, he was faced with the process of being discharged from the Army under the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy. He was officially fired the day before we spoke.
The passion that was obvious in his voice while we were talking together was amazing. It was truly a pleasure to speak with such a dedicated activist and such a true and honorable soldier.
Part Two of this interview will be posted soon, featuring over 12 minutes of video.
Samantha: What about your experience with activism makes you angriest? Or what makes you angriest that keeps you active?
Dan Choi: I think there’s a personal pain that really makes me understand not only my own anger in the context of activism and ability to effect change, but also to understand other’s pain as well, and I have found that activism can do great things on a larger level, on a political level, but even on an inward level. Some would call it a selfish level. That there’s healing that’s there, for those who have gone through the pain of oppression. That there is a way out. And every time that I’m in jail, or arrested, you see so many people who have suffered so much pain. Sometimes you have plenty of time to talk through that. But you hear the most harrowing stories, and I always encourage those people in jails- you know what, you don’t need to be carrying a gun around to heal yourself. I know that there are other oppressions that you’ve gone through, and you should be standing up for all those other people because there is a better way. And I don’t know if they take the advice, but it is always surprising for them to see somebody in uniform or, you know, dressed up kind of nice, and in jail, so it kind of makes them wonder “What is it? Why is this guy angry? He doesn’t look like he should be an angry person, and shouldn’t be a violent person.” And when I explain what we do, and I hear their stories, I get angry because I hear the pain that they have to go through. Now, in this journey, there have been many things that have upset me. Things that I’ve learned about the movement itself that are very disappointing- that is, the gay and transgender equality movement. I think there’s a lot of pain in our community, and understandably so, because there’s so much self-hatred that we’re inflicted with, and it was enforced upon us for so long that there’s a very quick to judge and quick to destroy mentality. And all my criticisms of organizations, it was meant to be very constructive criticism, to allow them to know that these are their shortcomings. I did not create false information. I did not defame anyone’s character. In fact, I hold the leaders of the organizations personally in very high regard. I just feel that their organizations can do much more and not be inflicted with their own encumbrances. And for people to turn around and see those criticisms and then snipe back at me or any of the other vocal critics of the way that the movement has had very visible shortcomings, is difficult for any kind of spokesperson. But, it does reinforce to me that there’s a lot of pain that has to be healed and it forces us to be louder about our message and about our motivations.
I had a great time at Netroots Nation this past weekend. One of the greatest moments of the whole conference was when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid sat for his Q&A session after his speech Saturday afternoon, and the moderator began by handing him a ring and saying:
“I wanted to start out, this morning, Dan Choi gave me this to give to you. That’s his West Point ring. He says it doesn’t mean what it did to him anymore. And this is his discharge.”Senator Reid responded by saying:
“I just want to say about the ring….my son, my youngest boy, played on three national championship teams at the University of Virginia. Soccer champions. And he gave me one of those rings, and I love that ring. That was terrific. But I didn’t earn the ring. My son gave it to me. He [Dan Choi] earned this ring, and I’m gonna give it back to him. I don’t need his ring to fulfill the promise that I made to him. "Here is video of the event:
From the audience: "When it's signed!"
Harry Reid: "That's good enough with me. When the bill's signed. I'll keep it safely, and give it back to him."
Each week, I’ll be posting a list of the most news-worthy and/or inspirational, informative, well-written, thought-provoking, and/or unique posts of the week. While every post and every contributor is valuable to our community, these are the blogs that I feel are must-reads.
July 18- July 24
Three Simple Arguments To Use Against The Anti-Marriage Equality Crowd- by Jordan
Why I chose this post:
The title is pretty self-explanatory, but Jordan explains each point very well, and definitely with a lot of passion.
Durbin Turns His Back on the Dreamers- by AFY_Sarah
Why I chose this post:
Senator Durbin recently called a sit-in by a group of DREAM Act activists, “inappropriate behavior” and a “publicity stunt.” In my opinion, it is attitudes like that which should encourage more people to engage in civil disobedience.
Thought the fight was over after health care was over? Think again- by AFY_Sarah
Why I chose this post:
This post talks about the Obama administration’s new policy of denying abortion coverage to women in the temporary, high-risk health insurance pool. As Sarah says, “it’s time to get angry.”
For anyone who doesn’t know, Rachel Maddow hosts “The Rachel Maddow Show” on MNSBC, weeknights at 9:00 EST. It’s an amazing news show that is as informative as it is entertaining. I watch it all the time.
It’s also no big secret that I have a pretty tremendous girl-crush on Rachel Maddow. I think she’s epically spectacular. She is smart, charming, funny, honest, polite yet straightforward, and she talks about the stories that matter. I could probably list ten other things I love about her, but you get the point.
But now, Senator David Vitter, (R-LA) has gone and said something insulting about her and I’ve got to call him out for it. David Vitter isn’t the first or only one to not realize how awesome she is and to have voiced their negative opinions about her, but what David Vitter said went beyond commenting on her politics, her talent/competency as a news show host, or her personality.
He joked that she doesn’t look like a real woman.
Oh hell no you didn’t, David Vitter.
This is what was said last week while Vitter was a guest on a conservative radio show on Rush Radio 99.5 in New Orleans.
Each week, I’ll be posting a list of the most news-worthy and/or inspirational, informative, well-written, thought-provoking, and/or unique posts of the week. While every post and every contributor is valuable to our community, these are the blogs that I feel are must-reads.
July 11- July 17
The Daily Show and Women: Making News Media Work In A Modern Era- by dandaman6007
Why I chose this post:
Why does it matter if women or other minorities are fairly represented in media? Because as we face a whole host of global and societal problems, the perspectives of people other than white men are crucial to authentically and effectively address the world’s challenges.
Apparently, there’s been some controversy brewing that The Daily Show is sexist. Dan puts the rumor to rest in a very intelligent way, while describing exactly why women in the media are so vital.
Deliver For Our Generation- by Aye
Why I chose this post:
I chose to feature this post because it inspired me. It reminded me that there are people all over the world who care about the things that I care about, and it made me think that the more we work together, the more we can achieve.
Summer break is a time when some relationships feel all the heat- by REACH_at_USF
Why I chose this post:
This includes some great advice on how to stay safe during your summer romance(s).
Gayming- by AFY-Ben
Why I chose this post:
Ben discusses sexism and homophobia in the gaming community. He makes a lot of excellent points that are so common-sense that you’ll wonder why you may not have noticed them before. And that’s one reason I think this blog is important- when something becomes so much a part of the culture that you hardly notice it, that’s when it most needs to be pointed out.
The National HIV/AIDS Strategy…Good Not Great- by AFY_Sarah
Why I chose this post:
Sarah talks about what she likes in the newly released National HIV/AIDS Strategy, as well as other things she would have liked it to include or have expanded upon.
On Shiloh, Angelina Jolie’s Child- by Jordan
Why I chose this post:
Jordan points out an important double standard in the way that children are “allowed” to dress.
Myths and Bigotry in Sex Education Debate- by AFY_EmilyB
Why I chose this post:
I hardly have words for how mad this made me, but I wanted to feature it to remind people the kind of things we’re up against.
Thank you to everyone who posted a blog this week! You are part of what makes this community great!
~ Samantha
Community Editor
The clothes that a child of a celebrity wears is not news. Or, rather, should not be news. So that’s not what I’m talking about today. What I do want to point out is a quote from a mother whose 4 year old daughter appears to like wearing “boy clothes.” In this case, that mother happens to be Angelina Jolie.
She tells Reuters:
"I think she (Shiloh) is fascinating, the choices she is making. And I would never be the kind of parent to force somebody to be something they are not. I think that is just bad parenting... Children should be allowed to express themselves in whatever way they wish without anybody judging them because it is an important part of their growth. Society always has something to learn when it comes to the way we judge each other, label each other. We have far to go."
I want to thank Angelina for recognizing that children shouldn’t be shoved into gender boxes. I think it’s great that she’s letting Shiloh decide for herself what clothes she feels comfortable wearing.
What is really bugging me though, is how HollywoodLife.com is “reporting” on this.
Each week, I’ll be posting a list of the most news-worthy and/or inspirational, informative, well-written, thought-provoking, and/or unique posts of the week. While every post and every contributor is valuable to our community, these are the blogs that I feel are must-reads.
July 4- July 10
Judge calls for reform of Nigerian abortion law!!- by EVA_teepee
Why I chose this post:
Justice Ishaq Bello of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court Tuesday in Abuja called for the reform of abortion law in Nigeria on grounds that laws should be pragmatic enough to reflect current realities.
A law about abortion that actually considers the needs of women? This is good news!
Why the Anti-Universal Healthcare Movement Will Always Be Ableist, Transphobic, and Anti-Feminist- by Jordan
Why I chose this post:
The title explains it all, no?
Forgive me, for I have sinned- by talknerdytome
Why I chose this post:
I could probably just about swallow this sickly sweet fairytale about how wonderful everybody thinks our bodies are, if on the next page they weren't telling us how to change it (and how we should change it if we wish to be happy and successful). Now, like I mentioned before, I do not buy these magazines anymore, so why should I care? I care because lots of young girls do buy them, and when I was 13-16 I believed everything that was written in these magazines.
Yes! Pointing out hypocrisy is so much fun.
Ken Cuccinelli is many things, but aside from being the Attorney General of Virginia, he is also a homophobe- a dangerous combination, to be sure.
He was elected Attorney General last November and took office in January of this year. As Attorney General, he is the “chief law officer and legal counsel of the government of a state.” He has made quite a name for himself in the short time since then.
* He filed a lawsuit challenging the Constitutionality of the federal health care bill.
* He sought judicial review of the EPA’s finding that greenhouse gasses endanger public health.
* He challenged the Obama administration’s new fuel standards for cars and trucks.
* He altered the Virginia state seal to be more “family friendly” so that Virtus, the Roman goddess of bravery and military strength, no longer had a exposed breast.
There are probably a dozen different posts that I could write about Ken Cuccinelli, but this one will focus on his homophobia.
Back in March, Cuccinelli sent a letter to all of the public colleges and universities in the state in order to “ensure that no confusion exists” on the matter of their non-discrimination policies. He said:
It is my advice that the law and public policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia prohibit a college or university from including “sexual orientation,” “gender identity,” “gender expression,” or like classification as a protected class within its non-discrimination policy absent specific authorization from the General Assembly.
Each week, I’ll be posting a list of the most news-worthy and/or inspirational, informative, well-written, thought-provoking, and/or unique posts of the week. While every post and every contributor is valuable to our community, these are the blogs that I feel are must-reads.
June 27- July 3
My Story of Transition- by Jordan
Why I chose this post:
Jordan shares her story of transitioning from male to female. I think it is so important to be aware of transgender issues. Transphobia is a big problem, but if we take the time to listen to stories like this, we can not only learn, but become part of the end to transphobia. Also, I could be wrong, but I believe that Jordan is the first person to share their experience as a transgender person with the Amplify community. Hopefully, she will inspire more people to share their stories!
Iceland’s Prime Minister becomes first national leader with same-sex spouse- by AFY_Viviana
Why I chose this post:
After becoming the first openly head of state, Iceland's prime minister, Johanna Sigurdardottir, 68, has now become the first national leader with a same-sex spouse after marrying her long-time partner, Jonina Leosdottir.
And we thought the big story out of Iceland this year would be volcanic ash…
