In Tennessee, a bill is making it's way through the Legislature that would prohibit teachers from talking about any sexuality other that heterosexuality to elementary and middle school students. Here's an interview with the bill's author:
Members of the LGBT community and area Unitarian Universalist Churches have been protesting in an effort to stop the bill from passing.
I just signed a petition demanding that Ugandan President Musevini veto the "Kill The Gays" bill should it be passed in Parliament.
We just learned the “kill the gays” bill - a death sentence for LGBTQ people in Uganda - could come up for a vote in the next 24 hours if we don’t act now.
Conservative leaders are trying hard to push the bill forward before the millions like us who oppose it have a chance to speak out. If we can create a massive international outcry, there’s a chance to stop this bill from becoming law.
This hateful bill appears to be a political diversion, a way to distract from the legitimate grievances of pro-democracy activists, who have been beaten, tear-gassed, jailed, and even killed in recent weeks.
There are only days left to make sure your voice is heard. Will you join me in demanding the Ugandan President Musevini veto the "Kill The Gays" bill should it be passed in Parliament? Sign and share this urgent petition:
South African lesbian activist Noxolo Nogwaza being raped and murdered in a town near Johannesburg. Awhile ago, I posted about a Ugandan newspaper that “outed” some gay individuals. This led to the death of David Kato. Today, I learned that in Uganda, gay activist Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera has been recognized and given an award for her courageous work against hate crimes in Uganda. In her country, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by jail time.
“[She is] an exceptional woman of a rare courage, fighting under death threat for human dignity and the rights of homosexuals and marginalised people in Africa,” said awards jury chairman Hans Thoolen.
Uganda lawmakers have introduced a new bill that will increase the jail time for homosexuality to 14 years, and even up to the death penalty if “aggravated homosexuality” – defined as when one of the participants is a minor, HIV-positive, disabled or a “serial offender”.
It is through Nebagesera’s work, amongst others, like Kato and Nogwaza, that homosexuals in Africa will one day be able to walk freely without fear. In the U.S., we take a lot for granted. These people have to live with knowing that today might be their last day. This is only because of who they choose to be and who they choose to love.
Their courage and strength is something that everyone world-wide should applaud. Nebagesera’s award isn’t just for her, but for all the lesbian and gay activists who have fought for the right to be who they are.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons faced discrimination and legal restrictions. It is illegal to engage in homosexual acts, based on a 1950 legal provision from the colonial era criminalizing "carnal acts against the order of nature" and prescribing a penalty of life imprisonment. No persons had been convicted under the law. On October 12, police in Kampala arrested one individual for alleged homosexuality, and on October 15 a court in Kampala charged the individual with homosexuality and released him on bail. Hearing of the case was pending at year's end.
In September 2009 parliamentarian David Bahati introduced a draft "antihomosexuality bill" that would impose punishments ranging from imprisonment to the death penalty on individuals twice convicted of "homosexuality" or "related offenses" to include "aiding and abetting" homosexuality, "conspiracy to engage" in homosexuality, the "promotion of homosexuality," or "failure to disclose the offense" of homosexuality to authorities within 24 hours. This draft legislation remained in the committee stage during the year but resulted in increased harassment and intimidation of LGBT persons. Although the government did not endorse the draft legislation, several senior members of government and President Museveni's Cabinet openly expressed homophobic sentiment despite the High Court's December 2008 ruling that constitutional rights apply to all persons, regardless of sexual orientation.
LGBT persons were subject to societal harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and threats to their wellbeing during the year. Individuals openly threatened members of the LGBT community and their constitutional rights during several public events. For example, on April 15 in Jinja, Pastor Martin Ssempa led a march against homosexuality, and during an April 17 event against homosexuality at a church in Kampala, Ssempa showed a pornographic slideshow to audience members, which included several children. During these rallies participants openly threatened LGBT individuals.
In its annual report for 2009, released in October 2010, the UHRC determined that the draft antihomosexuality bill violates the Ugandan constitution and international law.
On October 10, an obscure local tabloid published the names, photographs, and, in some cases, residential locations of several LGBT activists under the headline "Hang Them." On November 1, the High Court issued an injunction blocking the tabloid from further publication of information pertaining to homosexuality pending resolution of a court case filed by three LGBT activists, including David Kato. The case was pending at year's end.
On December 13, Ethics and Integrity Minister Nsaba James Buturo prevented the UHRC and UN OHCHR from screening a documentary on Ugandan human rights defenders that Buturo alleged promoted homosexuality. In the film, one human rights defender criticized Uganda's draft antihomosexuality bill for violating the rights of Ugandan citizens by forcing health care workers to report alleged gay and lesbian individuals to authorities. In a December 15 press conference, the UHRC defended the documentary and criticized Buturo for violating the UHRC's constitutional independence.
The April 2009 case against activists Fred Wasukira and Brian Mpadde, accused of involvement in homosexual acts, was pending. In September, police dismissed the June 2009 case in which Charles Ayeikoh was accused of homosexual acts.
David Bahati member of Uganden Parliament introduced a Bill Oct. 13th 2009 which included a death penalty for gay sex.
Here is the recipe for the "slaw" as everyone calls it at church.
Salad part:
1 head Savoy cabbage, shredded or cut in half inch pieces.
8 - 10 sliced green onions
1 bell pepper, diced
Topping:
1 package ramen noodles, broken up
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup sesame seeds
2 T. butter
Melt butter in a non-stick pan, toast all the above then cool and sprinkle with the seasoning packet from noodles.
(can do this ahead of time and store in a cool place)
Dressing:
1 cup salad oil
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup rice or white vinegar
1 tsp, each salt and pepper
Just before serving toss dressing and topping in salad for one minute to mix thoroughly. Serves 16 - 20.
Stonewall says gay people in the public eye – such as Syed Mahmood in Eastenders – have contributed to an increasing confidence in coming out younger. Photograph: BBC
The average age at which people come out as gay, lesbian or bisexual has fallen steadily over the last four decades, according to Stonewall, the gay rights group.
A poll for Stonewall of 1,500 people who were already out found that among the over-60s the average age they had come out was 37. But those in their 30s had come out at an average age of 21, and in the group aged 18 to 24 it was 17.
The survey, conducted via social networking sites, does not take account of the numbers of people who know they are gay or bisexual but have not come out. But Stonewall said it nonetheless revealed a pattern of people having the confidence to come out earlier.
Among the 33 respondents aged over 60 only five had come out under the age of 18. Several had only done so in the last 10 years.
Ruth Hunt, Stonewall's deputy director of public affairs, said: "People are coming out younger and younger.
"Everyone should come out when they feel ready and confident, but this is an encouraging trend and sends a positive message to anyone not yet out: you don't have to wait. Britain is a fairer country than it once was, and support is available to you."
She said the change was likely to be because young people today were given a lot more information about sexuality, and were more likely to see gay people in the public eye, in TV programmes such as Sugar Rush, and soaps such as Emmerdale and EastEnders, with whom they could identify feelings they might be having.
"Older people may not have had the language for it, or necessarily seen other people they knew they were like," Hunt said.
"What we're seeing is an explosion of role models and people talking about being gay, so people are more able to associate what they're feeling with something they can see."
But she added that, although schools were now a better place to be for young people, some teachers and parents were still lagging behind in their willingness to discuss issues of sexuality.
"Young people are coming out in schools across Britain right now," Hunt said. "As lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils become more visible than ever, it's essential schools make things better for them. Some teachers still think it's something private that shouldn't really be talked about, and some parents think that too. They aren't catching up at the same speed."
Stonewall is suggesting that people write to their MPs to ask if schools in their area are using the organisation's resources to tackle homophobic bullying.
Dalia Fleming, 21, who came out when she was 15, said that accessible role models made coming out easier for young people, although there were still not enough.
Changes including the introduction of civil partnerships and the end of Section 28 – which banned the "promotion" of homosexuality in schools – had also helped, she said.
Stonewall says gay people in the public eye – such as Syed Mahmood in Eastenders – have contributed to an increasing confidence in coming out younger. Photograph: BBC
The average age at which people come out as gay, lesbian or bisexual has fallen steadily over the last four decades, according to Stonewall, the gay rights group.
A poll for Stonewall of 1,500 people who were already out found that among the over-60s the average age they had come out was 37. But those in their 30s had come out at an average age of 21, and in the group aged 18 to 24 it was 17.
The survey, conducted via social networking sites, does not take account of the numbers of people who know they are gay or bisexual but have not come out. But Stonewall said it nonetheless revealed a pattern of people having the confidence to come out earlier.
Among the 33 respondents aged over 60 only five had come out under the age of 18. Several had only done so in the last 10 years.
Ruth Hunt, Stonewall's deputy director of public affairs, said: "People are coming out younger and younger.
"Everyone should come out when they feel ready and confident, but this is an encouraging trend and sends a positive message to anyone not yet out: you don't have to wait. Britain is a fairer country than it once was, and support is available to you."
She said the change was likely to be because young people today were given a lot more information about sexuality, and were more likely to see gay people in the public eye, in TV programmes such as Sugar Rush, and soaps such as Emmerdale and EastEnders, with whom they could identify feelings they might be having.
"Older people may not have had the language for it, or necessarily seen other people they knew they were like," Hunt said.
"What we're seeing is an explosion of role models and people talking about being gay, so people are more able to associate what they're feeling with something they can see."
But she added that, although schools were now a better place to be for young people, some teachers and parents were still lagging behind in their willingness to discuss issues of sexuality.
"Young people are coming out in schools across Britain right now," Hunt said. "As lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils become more visible than ever, it's essential schools make things better for them. Some teachers still think it's something private that shouldn't really be talked about, and some parents think that too. They aren't catching up at the same speed."
Stonewall is suggesting that people write to their MPs to ask if schools in their area are using the organisation's resources to tackle homophobic bullying.
Dalia Fleming, 21, who came out when she was 15, said that accessible role models made coming out easier for young people, although there were still not enough.
Changes including the introduction of civil partnerships and the end of Section 28 – which banned the "promotion" of homosexuality in schools – had also helped, she said.
Maison 24 is the exclusive destination for the "I Kiss Boys" and "I Kiss Girls" tote bags designed by the youth from The Hetrick-Martin Institute
July 20, 2010 - A colorful, cotton tote bag to carry personal items and to relay a bold personal message is what's in store at Maison 24.
Visitors to Maison 24's website or in person at the Bridgehampton or Fire Island Pines stores can purchase "I Kiss Boys" and "I Kiss Girls" tote bags designed by the youth members of The Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School . The tote bags are a creation of the youth members’ involvement with Polo Fashion School – a collaboration between The Hetrick-Martin Institute and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Each tote bag is $ 20 (plus shipping when ordered online at www.maison24.com) with 75% of the sale price supporting the mission of The Hetrick-Martin Institute, which is the nation's oldest and largest social services organization serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning teenagers. Founded in 1979, The Hetrick-Martin Institute continues to provide a safe environment in which young people can participate in after school programs featuring academic enrichment, health and wellness, arts and culture and job readiness assistance as well as receive mental health and supportive services, a hot meal, clothing and showers. Please visit www.hmi.org for more information.
"We are delighted to help the youth of the The Hetrick-Martin Institute share these fun tote bags with other confident, youthful individuals," says Allison Julius, co-founder with her brother Louis Marra of Maison 24. "The tote bags are for everyone and the money raised will help provide a safe environment for these talented young adults to continue to learn and express themselves."
Maison 24, a nationally-recognized retailer, offers a mix of traditional and trend-setting home decor and accessories. Louis Marra and Allison Julius, brother and sister co-owners, have found what they feel is the best of the best across a wide range of categories – home furnishings, men’s and women’s accessories, music, art, decorative objects, books, children’s accessories, collectible toys, and so much more. Whether it’s a new find, a product of their own design, or bringing in something they've coveted forever, they have created a unique and above all fun shopping experience. Maison 24 opened its Bridgehampton, NY location on May 24, 2008 and opened a Fire Island Pines, NY summer location May 14, 2010. Visitwww.maison24.com for more information or follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/allisonlouis.
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