Marriage Equality Comes to New York!

It's Pride weekend here in New York City and I have waaaay too many places to be to sit at home editing the videos I shot last night of the celebration in Sheridan Square. I'll have the footage ready to post early next week, but in the meantime, just to give you an idea as to the size of the crowd, here's a brief hint of what is to come:

Obama Reacts to AZ Law Accepting Certificate of Circumcision as Proof of Citizenship

President Obama is clearly upset by the continuing controversy being fed by some members of the GOP concerning his birth certificate. The most recent manifestation of the "birther" issue is the passage of a new law in Arizona which would allow prospective Presidential candidates to prove their citizenship by producing a certificate of circumcision.

While unable to produce such a certificate himself, the President appears to be looking forward to the opportunity of comparing his qualifications to be President with whomsoever the Republican Party nominates.

In an interview with ABC News, the President stated, "Look, I right now have such a big..."

(more after the jump)

"...day job that I'm not yet focused on what's happening on the other side. There'll be a time when I'm very focused on it."

AZ to Accept Circumcision as Proof of Citizenship

If you're considering running for President, AZ is now willing to accept your certificate of circumcision as proof that you are a citizen. According to Phoenix New Times, the bill was designed to appease those who subscribe to the birther fantasy.


I'm not certain how that will affect potential women candidates, but most of the male candidates don't have much to worry about. They sold their testicles years ago to the highest bidder.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO - 5 Arrested in Marriage Equality Civil Disobedience Actions in New York City

From Queer Rising's press release:

Five members of Queer Rising members handcuffed and chained themselves in the middle of the street and refused to leave the demonstration.  Those arrested were: Natasha Dillon (26, lesbian activist); Kevin Donohue (51, gay Jewish activist); Melissa Kleckner (31, straight ally); Ali Lozano (20, lesbian student activist); Robert Moore (30, gay Mormon activist).

“My religious beliefs require that I stand up for the underdog - even when that underdog is me,” said Donohue.  “Marriage rights go way beyond the wedding and encompass everything from custody rights to hospital visitation rights to pension and inheritance rights; in short, the protective legal framework straight families take for granted. Inequality under law is unjust, and now is the time we must end it.”

Drag Queen Weddings for Equality organized a separate event at Grand Central Station, a drag wedding in which approximately ten drag queens officiated and enacted a wedding, educating commuters about the need for marriage equality and inviting them to march in solidarity to the governor's office.

In January, Cuomo declared, “I want to be the Governor who signs the law that makes equality a reality in the state of New York.”  The New York State Budget deadline was March 31 and there is still no confirmation that there will be consideration for marriage equality.

Unwilling to wait any longer for equal rights and protection from the state of New York, Queer Rising is calling on all the New Yorkers to call the governor’s office and voice their support for marriage equality.

Melissa Kleckner, another arrestee, said, "When my husband and I married five years ago, we were automatically granted 1,324 rights and privileges that the LGBTQ community is currently not afforded. I refuse to let my daughter grow up in a world where a government can tell a segment of its population that they are 'less than.'  This is not a fight for ‘gay’ rights; it is a fight for human rights.  It is my hope that Cuomo and the rest of the powers that be realize that the straight community is also here, we are just as angry, and we will no longer stand on the sidelines.  We are coming out for equality."

Anti-LGBT Assault - What Can I Do?

Lady B.L.U.E.

In the wake of the most recent anti-LGBT assault in New York's heavily-gay West Village, popular entertainer Lady B.L.U.E. (Beautiful, Loud, Unique, Explosive) asked herself what could she do to help?


Her answer was to put together a benefit show for New York City's Anti-Violence Project. Using Facebook as a tool, she put the word out among her friends, and in 72 hours was hosting the Lady B.L.U.E Show AVP Benefit at one of the West Village's oldest bars, Boots and Saddles.


The bar was packed with a very appreciative audience, loudly cheering the efforts of the talented entertainers who put on an extended show, performing for four-plus hours. The performers included Lady B.L.U.E., Da Cukoo, M'Lady Uppercrust, Vanessa Valtre, Violet Storm, Miss Crimson Kitty, Victoria Chase, Demanda Dahling and Boots and Saddles' regular Thursday night dancer Jamal Alexander.

Lady B.L.U.E. introduces Andrea N. Durojaiye from AVP

Lady B.L.U.E. had never organized a benefit like this before, and when I asked after the show what motivated her to do it, she replied, "I was continually seeing these violent occurances pop up all over our beautiful city and noticed the gays facebooking and twittering about the new Prada shoes they bought or fixating on style over substance... and made a conscious decision to step up and do something positive.... So with out any instruction I made it happen, and I'm so glad I did."


I'm sure AVP is glad, too. All of the performers donated their tips for the night to AVP, and while I had to leave before the show closed, the fishbowl was filled to overflowing with bills - And I know I saw some $20s in there! 


All in all, a very successful and highly entertaining evening. The message of this is simple: If what's happening around you gets you upset, turn that upset into something positive by getting involved! Call your politicians. Find an organization that is addressing the problem and offer to help. It doesn't take a lot to make a contribution.


Well done, Lady B.L.U.E. A true Lady, indeed.

M'Lady Uppercrust

A BRIEF HISTORY OF AVP

The New York City Anti-Violence Project was founded in 1980 in reaction to neighborhood incidents of anti-LGBT violence and the failure of the criminal legal system to respond.

In the mid-eighties, AVP expanded their work to provide professional counseling to victims of hate violence as well as domestic violence, sexual assault and HIV-related violence.

Today, AVP provides free and confidential assistance to thousands of LGBTQ and HIV-affected people each year. They maintain a 24/7 bilingual hotline staffed by professional counselors and trained volunteers.

Vanessa Valtre

AVP works to educate law enforcement, health care and education professionals, and social service agency personnel on the violence issues, holding these people accountable to their obligation for fair and just treatment of our community. AVP documents incidents of anti-LGBTQ violence and uses this information to educate the public about safe dating, safe cruising, recognizing the signs of violence and much more. They work to change public attitudes that encourage and condone hate-motivated violence.

Huckabee: Indoctrinate Americans "At Gunpoint"

Thanks to the people at Right Wing Watch for preserving this video footage before it could be edited out and lost forever.

Mike Huckabee

At a recent "Rediscover God in America" seminar, Mike Huckabee, introduced by David Barton as someone who has "that mentality of take the Bible and apply it to every aspect of the culture," thanked Barton and said,"I almost wish that there would be, like, a simultaneous telecast, and all Americans would be forced–forced at gunpoint no less–to listen to every David Barton message, and I think our country would be better for it. I wish it’d happen." When the sponsors of the event posted videos online, Huckabee's comments had been deleted.


And this is a man who would like to be the President of the United States? What does he have planned for those of us who are not converted by this forced indoctrination? Are we to be rounded up into camps?

Meet Danny Dromm, Out-and-Proud NY City Councilmember from Queens District 25

One of the great things about living where I do is that I am represented by so many politicians I can support. When the call goes out for people to contact one of their elected officials in support of some piece of legislation, I can usually count on my rep having been one of the bill's sponsors. I'd like to introduce my readers to one such representative.

Danny Dromm

Danny Dromm was a teacher at PS199Q in Queens, NY. After eight years on the job, he came out as a gay man in 1992, sparking a controversy that became front page news across the country. He had to fight to keep his job, turning back several attempts to have him removed. He went on to win the "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" award in 2006 and was chosen as the "Educator of the Year" by the Kiwanis Club of Sunnyside, Queens.

He ran for the City Council seat in 2009, defeating his Democratic primary opponent, incumbent Helen Sears, by 10% of the vote. He went on to win the seat in November with over 75% of the votes cast.

Vitally active in Queens' LGBT scene, Danny is the founder and former co-chairperson of the Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee, organizing the first Queens LGBT Pride Parade and Festival. He is a co-founder of the Queens Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG). He helped found Queens Pride House and co-founded the Generation Q Youth Services Program in Astoria. He co-founded the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens. But don't think the issues that concern him are all LGBT related!

Danny is a strong advocate for seniors, for the youth, for the marginalized members of our society. He serves as the Chair of the Council's Immigration committee and on the Education, Cultural Affairs, Libraries, International Intergroup Relations, Juvenile Justice, Parks and Recreation, and Veterans committees as well. He's been honored by the Sociedad Puertorriquena de Queens for his commitment to the Latino community, is a member of the NAACP - Corona/East Elmhurst branch and has also been honored by the Korean-American Association of Central Queens.

And he's not afraid to fight for the rights of those he serves, up to and including being arrested last June in an act of Civil Disobedience demonstrating for immigration reform.

On March 14, he hosted a dinner with his supporters and constituents, and there he discussed some of his legislative priorities for the coming year:

Please join with me in supporting Danny Dromm's campaign for reelection to NY's City Council.