LA Film Director steps down because of flack over his donation to Prop 8.
A lot of people are saying it is intolerant to ask someone to step down over religious beliefs. I have a couple responses to that.
First - what if you were head of an organization with a very large gay and lesbian contingent and you were NOT religious and still made that donation just based on personal beliefs?
Second - I don't think it's intolerant to be critical of someone who gives money to TAKE AWAY a minority group's rights.
Plain and simple - the people who voted Yes on 8 voted to take away rights. Rights that I (and MANY believe) are inherent civil rights. Taking away civil rights is very different from just saying "I don't condone gay marriage because of religious beliefs".
I don't feel bad at all that he had to step down from his job.
In other news - the Prop 8 Protests appear to be working. I think we need another one in Orange County Soon?? According to a recent survey, 8% of people who voted Yes on Prop 8 have changed their minds. When the spread was 52-48, that is significant. The protests are the main cause as to why people have changed their minds.
Sadly it's a little late for this time around - but not for 2010 (if things don't change before then). I think people are starting to see the real issue is about rights and gay marriage isn't going to harm anyone so why make it illegal? I'm glad to see 8% more of the voters are coming to their senses.
Keep up the fight!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Extortion
Ahhh.. that "Yes on 8" letter is finally getting some attention.
Do as I say... not as I did.
Read more about it at Good as You
Do as I say... not as I did.
Read more about it at Good as You
Friday, November 21, 2008
Rick Warren on Prop 8
PLEASE people. Really?? There have been several people who say they are Saddleback members and that Rick Warren NEVER publicly endorsed Prop 8. Really? Is that all you have?
The bottom line is that it IS a fact. Even in interviews after his endorsement he did not deny it. Read part of the email here. Or check it out at CBN.
If you don't trust the source, maybe you can trust a video from the Saddleback website?
Now can we please put to rest this "Rick Warren never publicly endorsed Prop 8" issue? Because He did!!
The bottom line is that it IS a fact. Even in interviews after his endorsement he did not deny it. Read part of the email here. Or check it out at CBN.
If you don't trust the source, maybe you can trust a video from the Saddleback website?
Now can we please put to rest this "Rick Warren never publicly endorsed Prop 8" issue? Because He did!!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Homosexual Left is full of .... hate???
Well I'll admit that both sides of this debate have their people who do stupid and say stupid things, I think it's incredibly arrogant to say ONLY the "other" side is so full of hate.
Enter Peter LaBarbera from "Americans for Truth about Homosexuality". "Good as You" has a great bit about how Peter claims how hate filled the comments are on pro-gay blogs. He goes on to say how he could NEVER imagine those kind of comments being written but the thousands of "pro family" people he has worked with over the years.
Oh yeah? Pot? The kettle is black isn't it? Go read about it here.
Enter Peter LaBarbera from "Americans for Truth about Homosexuality". "Good as You" has a great bit about how Peter claims how hate filled the comments are on pro-gay blogs. He goes on to say how he could NEVER imagine those kind of comments being written but the thousands of "pro family" people he has worked with over the years.
Oh yeah? Pot? The kettle is black isn't it? Go read about it here.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Subway retracts gift to Yes on 8 Campaign
Kudos to Subway!
Protests and such DO make a difference.
The Sundance film festival could be impacted this year because the CEO of the Cinemark (who owns the theater where films are screened) gave $9,999 to yes on Prop 8.
A Sacramento Theater Director resigned after giving $1,000 to Prop 8, and after receiving criticism from prominent artists.
Film Independent LA did not accept the resignation of Prop 8 donor (and LA Film Festival Director) Richard Raddon. I'm pretty disappointed in Film Independent for this decision. While I respect their opinion about people's personal beliefs, I think it is misapplied when it comes to the bigotry involved in denying a minority group civil rights. What if he gave money to a campaign that was trying to ban interracil marriage because of religious beliefs? Would Film Independent have acted diferently then?? I guess it's okay to be a bigot when it comes to gay rights but being a racist would not be okay. We get it Film Independent. Thanks for the lesson.
Film Independent is very involved in the LA film scene and I don't think they will be able to hold this stance for very long, because I'm sure the backlash is coming to them.
Protests and such DO make a difference.
The Sundance film festival could be impacted this year because the CEO of the Cinemark (who owns the theater where films are screened) gave $9,999 to yes on Prop 8.
A Sacramento Theater Director resigned after giving $1,000 to Prop 8, and after receiving criticism from prominent artists.
Film Independent LA did not accept the resignation of Prop 8 donor (and LA Film Festival Director) Richard Raddon. I'm pretty disappointed in Film Independent for this decision. While I respect their opinion about people's personal beliefs, I think it is misapplied when it comes to the bigotry involved in denying a minority group civil rights. What if he gave money to a campaign that was trying to ban interracil marriage because of religious beliefs? Would Film Independent have acted diferently then?? I guess it's okay to be a bigot when it comes to gay rights but being a racist would not be okay. We get it Film Independent. Thanks for the lesson.
Film Independent is very involved in the LA film scene and I don't think they will be able to hold this stance for very long, because I'm sure the backlash is coming to them.
Focus on the Family Layoffs
Focus on the Family is laying off about 200 people. That comes in the wake of them spending over 500,000 to "protect" marriage in CA. That money could have covered 20 people making the average income in CO.
That 500K toward Prop 8 also came after an 8 million budget shortfall last year. How are you handling God's money now Mr. Dobson?
I guess protecting marriage is more important than protecting the employees at your company. I wonder how those laid off people feel about the protection of their families now??
That 500K toward Prop 8 also came after an 8 million budget shortfall last year. How are you handling God's money now Mr. Dobson?
I guess protecting marriage is more important than protecting the employees at your company. I wonder how those laid off people feel about the protection of their families now??
Monday, November 17, 2008
Day Without a Gay (or gay supporters)
Join gays and gay supporters all around the country on Dec 10th, 2008 for "Day without a gay" Personally, I think it should be "Day without a gay (or gay supporters)". I think that for a couple reasons. First of all, in about 30 states, you can still be fired for being gay. Second, there are many straight supporters who want to show solidarity for this movement, and I encourage that!
Dec 10th is also International Human Rights Day. Instead of going to work - maybe you can volunteer. If you support gay marriage equality then don't go to work on Dec 10th! Don't buy anything. Don't buy food. Don't buy gas. This is nation wide - and not just CA.
Read more about it here (yes it is okay for straight people to call in that day as well - and highly encouraged!)
So.. Call in "Gay" or "For a Gay" on December 10th!
Dec 10th is also International Human Rights Day. Instead of going to work - maybe you can volunteer. If you support gay marriage equality then don't go to work on Dec 10th! Don't buy anything. Don't buy food. Don't buy gas. This is nation wide - and not just CA.
Read more about it here (yes it is okay for straight people to call in that day as well - and highly encouraged!)
So.. Call in "Gay" or "For a Gay" on December 10th!
The Gay Equality Movement is here in Full Force!
The nationwide protests that occurred this past Saturday are not even close to the end of this. To some they may have been a culmination of daily protests since Prop 8 passed.
To me, and to many others, the event of this past Saturday signifies something much, much bigger. You see, if Prop 8 had been left off the ballot, none of this would be happening right now. But what HAS happened is an amazing groundswell of support for marriage equality across the county that will only end with ALL states allow the freedom to marry to those whom we choose - gay or straight. As my girlfriend said - "Groundswell Much?"
This movement is growing. It's now international. It includes MANY straight people as well as gay. It's likely going to involve a march on Washington DC itself (possibly in January around the time of Obama's inauguration). Watch for it - it will happen!
To those of you who voted yes on Prop 8 - I thank you. You have galvanized our support so strongly that we won't stop until we get our rights - well behind the limits of CA. You can only silence a group of people so long. And you have helped launch this issue onto a national level.
Keep up the good fight for Marriage Equality everyone. Never give up. Never, ever give up for what you believe in!
To me, and to many others, the event of this past Saturday signifies something much, much bigger. You see, if Prop 8 had been left off the ballot, none of this would be happening right now. But what HAS happened is an amazing groundswell of support for marriage equality across the county that will only end with ALL states allow the freedom to marry to those whom we choose - gay or straight. As my girlfriend said - "Groundswell Much?"
This movement is growing. It's now international. It includes MANY straight people as well as gay. It's likely going to involve a march on Washington DC itself (possibly in January around the time of Obama's inauguration). Watch for it - it will happen!
To those of you who voted yes on Prop 8 - I thank you. You have galvanized our support so strongly that we won't stop until we get our rights - well behind the limits of CA. You can only silence a group of people so long. And you have helped launch this issue onto a national level.
Keep up the good fight for Marriage Equality everyone. Never give up. Never, ever give up for what you believe in!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Boycotts?
So... the Yes on 8 voters seem rather annoyed that we haven't just shut up in the wake of the popularity contest vote called Proposition 8.
They are saying things like why boycott business's who voted Yes on 8 or gave money?
Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? The American Family Association and other organizations like them have a long history of boycotts.
Remember their I'm not lovin' it boycott of McDonalds? The reason for this boycott was that a McDonald's VP was on the board of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
How about the Ford boycott? Because they supported gay marriage?
How about the Mrs. Field's Boycott because they didn't want to use the word Christmas?
And while not official boycotts, they do point out the horrible things companies are doing like Campbell's and Target who have the audacity to give benefits to same sex partners or offer diversity training? Geesh. Shame on them for helping flush our country down the drain.
I got an idea - let's try to force companies to follow OUR morality! Oh, and in the process we might tell a few lies.
How about this site: Christian Boycotts
If gay groups want to boycott business's that denied equality, I'm all for it. And please, Yes on 8 people - stop with this "do as I say and not as I do" policy because it's not flattering and certainly not making you look very Christian.
They are saying things like why boycott business's who voted Yes on 8 or gave money?
Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? The American Family Association and other organizations like them have a long history of boycotts.
Remember their I'm not lovin' it boycott of McDonalds? The reason for this boycott was that a McDonald's VP was on the board of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
How about the Ford boycott? Because they supported gay marriage?
How about the Mrs. Field's Boycott because they didn't want to use the word Christmas?
And while not official boycotts, they do point out the horrible things companies are doing like Campbell's and Target who have the audacity to give benefits to same sex partners or offer diversity training? Geesh. Shame on them for helping flush our country down the drain.
I got an idea - let's try to force companies to follow OUR morality! Oh, and in the process we might tell a few lies.
How about this site: Christian Boycotts
If gay groups want to boycott business's that denied equality, I'm all for it. And please, Yes on 8 people - stop with this "do as I say and not as I do" policy because it's not flattering and certainly not making you look very Christian.
No Gays for A Day Day?
Sound like a good idea? What do you think?
Though I would propose doing this nationwide - not just in CA.
Though I would propose doing this nationwide - not just in CA.
Interracial Marriage will Contaminate Traditional Marriage
Sound Familiar? This was a call made by "Traditional Marriage" CA lawyers not so long ago.
Gay marriage opponents have been arguing that marriage has "always been between one man and one woman". What they don't say is that before about 20-30 years ago it was "always been one man and one woman of the same race". If they want to argue traditional marriage as it's always been - why allow interracial marriage?
blogs.chicagotribune.com
Gay marriage opponents have been arguing that marriage has "always been between one man and one woman". What they don't say is that before about 20-30 years ago it was "always been one man and one woman of the same race". If they want to argue traditional marriage as it's always been - why allow interracial marriage?
blogs.chicagotribune.com
Thursday, November 13, 2008
A Suggestion for the gay community
I received this following email on my facebook account. I couldn't agree with it more and I think he raises some important issues. While I admire the concept of gay pride and the rainbow, it does have the impact of making others feel excluded. However, the American Flag? That excludes no one. We are all Americans, be it straight or gay or whatever. I echo the challenge that if you attend a protest this weekend and plan to bring a flag - then you should consider making it an American flag and not a rainbow.
Email follows:
I am a straight Californian and an outspoken advocate of LGBTQ rights, which gives me a unique perspective.
Recently, I have felt disconnected from the very community I am fighting for. And I am not alone. Many of my straight friends support equality but feel out of place or uncomfortable speaking out or attending rallies.
Those of you who are orchestrating the rallies this weekend are courageous, intelligent, and well organized. But with all the commotion, it is easy to lose sight of the greater picture. I am writing to share an observation, and to suggest a change that I believe will make a giant difference in this campaign.
The rainbow flag has been an iconic symbol of gay pride since 1978. To many, it is reminiscent of parades and flamboyant revelry. It is also associated with openly gay culture, which most straight people cannot separate from the idea of homosexual intimacy.
This symbol, while powerful to many, comes with baggage. It carries a stigma that most straight Americans are at best, uncomfortable with, and at worst, morally repulsed by.
Right now, the rainbow is the most prominent image on anti-8 websites and at rallies. While pride is important, the core issue here is equality and the law. This image leads most Americans to think about stereotypes and religion, when the aim is to inspire questions about liberty and justice.
It also carries the appearance of exclusivity- the rainbow makes it seem less about equality under the law and more about the gay community and gay pride.
In short, it is deterring many straight people from participating, people who don't want to be labeled as gay, or who see the news and believe these events are focused on gay pride and not intended for the rest of us.
The Pro-8 side spent fortunes developing a strong image. The yellow and blue ‘protect marriage’ logo is now famous, and though most pro-8 advertising was based on lies, good marketing sold those lies.
Now the average Californian turns on the television and sees a variety of people with different signs and rainbow flags. And all of the stereotypes they associate with gay pride come to mind. It would be like seeing a civil rights protest in the 1960’s where the main image was the Black Panther flag. Would this inspire, or exclude?
Instead, at civil rights protests of the 1960’s, many carried American flags, which we associate with patriotism, equality, freedom, and unity. This is similar to what Barack Obama did in his campaign. Although race was a huge issue in his candidacy, he focused on shared American ideals and patriotic images, rather than on his differences. And I think that worked out well for him.
I present the following challenge: Remove the rainbow from your logos, or make it less prominent. Encourage supporters to leave their rainbow flags home this weekend and instead rally with American flags- you can find them anywhere. Encourage them to paint their posters in red, white, and blue. Encourage them to invite friends of all backgrounds and lifestyles out to celebrate diversity, but more importantly, to raise our voices for equality and freedom.
Do this and watch the population of straight supporters grow exponentially. Do this and watch public support swell to epic proportions. Do this and watch us move swiftly toward equality in our state and in our country.
The fight for marriage equality is about our shared heritage and our shared humanity. We need to highlight our similarities- and not our differences- to change the tide on this issue. It shouldn’t matter which protesters are gay and which are straight. Isn’t that the point of this entire movement? Gay, straight, red or blue, we are all human beings who deserve happiness, love, and equal rights under the constitution.
On behalf of the straight people I know, I submit this simple plea: Please make a greater effort to reach out to us and make it easy for us to be involved. And we will take to the streets and raise our voices on your behalf.
With Much Respect,
Jakob Martin
Email follows:
I am a straight Californian and an outspoken advocate of LGBTQ rights, which gives me a unique perspective.
Recently, I have felt disconnected from the very community I am fighting for. And I am not alone. Many of my straight friends support equality but feel out of place or uncomfortable speaking out or attending rallies.
Those of you who are orchestrating the rallies this weekend are courageous, intelligent, and well organized. But with all the commotion, it is easy to lose sight of the greater picture. I am writing to share an observation, and to suggest a change that I believe will make a giant difference in this campaign.
The rainbow flag has been an iconic symbol of gay pride since 1978. To many, it is reminiscent of parades and flamboyant revelry. It is also associated with openly gay culture, which most straight people cannot separate from the idea of homosexual intimacy.
This symbol, while powerful to many, comes with baggage. It carries a stigma that most straight Americans are at best, uncomfortable with, and at worst, morally repulsed by.
Right now, the rainbow is the most prominent image on anti-8 websites and at rallies. While pride is important, the core issue here is equality and the law. This image leads most Americans to think about stereotypes and religion, when the aim is to inspire questions about liberty and justice.
It also carries the appearance of exclusivity- the rainbow makes it seem less about equality under the law and more about the gay community and gay pride.
In short, it is deterring many straight people from participating, people who don't want to be labeled as gay, or who see the news and believe these events are focused on gay pride and not intended for the rest of us.
The Pro-8 side spent fortunes developing a strong image. The yellow and blue ‘protect marriage’ logo is now famous, and though most pro-8 advertising was based on lies, good marketing sold those lies.
Now the average Californian turns on the television and sees a variety of people with different signs and rainbow flags. And all of the stereotypes they associate with gay pride come to mind. It would be like seeing a civil rights protest in the 1960’s where the main image was the Black Panther flag. Would this inspire, or exclude?
Instead, at civil rights protests of the 1960’s, many carried American flags, which we associate with patriotism, equality, freedom, and unity. This is similar to what Barack Obama did in his campaign. Although race was a huge issue in his candidacy, he focused on shared American ideals and patriotic images, rather than on his differences. And I think that worked out well for him.
I present the following challenge: Remove the rainbow from your logos, or make it less prominent. Encourage supporters to leave their rainbow flags home this weekend and instead rally with American flags- you can find them anywhere. Encourage them to paint their posters in red, white, and blue. Encourage them to invite friends of all backgrounds and lifestyles out to celebrate diversity, but more importantly, to raise our voices for equality and freedom.
Do this and watch the population of straight supporters grow exponentially. Do this and watch public support swell to epic proportions. Do this and watch us move swiftly toward equality in our state and in our country.
The fight for marriage equality is about our shared heritage and our shared humanity. We need to highlight our similarities- and not our differences- to change the tide on this issue. It shouldn’t matter which protesters are gay and which are straight. Isn’t that the point of this entire movement? Gay, straight, red or blue, we are all human beings who deserve happiness, love, and equal rights under the constitution.
On behalf of the straight people I know, I submit this simple plea: Please make a greater effort to reach out to us and make it easy for us to be involved. And we will take to the streets and raise our voices on your behalf.
With Much Respect,
Jakob Martin
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Restricting Marrige Deemed Illegal in CT
"Wednesday morning Judge Jonathan Silbert entered the final judgment, allowing for same-sex couples to marry in Connecticut. The ruling makes any law that prohibits marriage between same-sex couples illegal in the state."
Let's hope the CA Supreme Court comes to the same conclusion - that it is illegal to prohibit same sex couples from marrying. Of course, in this case there was not constitutional amendment but a law that the courts overturned. The case is different but the issue is the same - equal rights.
Go Connecticut!!
Let's hope the CA Supreme Court comes to the same conclusion - that it is illegal to prohibit same sex couples from marrying. Of course, in this case there was not constitutional amendment but a law that the courts overturned. The case is different but the issue is the same - equal rights.
Go Connecticut!!
Saddleback Protest Made Bill O'Reilly Too!
Also on Colbert. Colbert even included a clip from O'Reilly's segment. The segment on Colbert starts at 2:55 into the show.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Join us on November 15th around the country!!!
Please join the nationwide protest of Proposition 8. For the location nearest you visit: http://www.jointheimpact.com/?page_id=2
UPDATE: There is one set up for Orange County now.
Go here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=34475914076
UPDATE: There is one set up for Orange County now.
Go here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=34475914076
300+ and Some Photos!
Thanks to everyone (all 300 of you!) who came out to the protest! Thank you Lake Forest Police Department & Orange County Sheriff & Deputy Nelson for helping to make sure this protest was safe and our free speech rights were protected.
The below pictures come from Greg Sloan, Scott Shamansky, Marjin Hostetlet, Cheryl Kingston, Wellesley Sommerfeldt, & Nicole Ruesser. Please don't use these pictures without permission of the owners.
This sign speaks for itself
This sign is funny. I love a sense of humor!
There were people on all 4 corners
Even the kids got involved
Lots of people and great help from the authorities!
One of my favorite signs
Someone else with a sense of humor
Good size crowd
Another crowd shot. Protesters kept the sidewalks clear for use by others.
Lined up down the street
This sign is funny, especially in Orange County - Home of Botox
Someone without a sense of humor. I'm pretty sure the Bible never says to flick off your enemies. What was it that it DOES say? Oh yeah! Love them. Not give them the finger.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Sign Ideas and Important Notes!
Ideas for your signs:
end the war on love
equality for all
Don't elimin8 our rights
Gays are not second class citizens
commitments of love are never wrong
When do I get to vote on your marriage?
Marriage equality
love is Love
You can't amend my love
where are my 40 days (or years) of love?
If you are attending this rally - please be peaceful! Do not interfere with or block traffic. Please stay on the public sidewalk in front of the church and stay off church property. The police will be there to assure we have the safety to exercise our free speech rights. They are on our side so let's keep it that way.
Thanks!
end the war on love
equality for all
Don't elimin8 our rights
Gays are not second class citizens
commitments of love are never wrong
When do I get to vote on your marriage?
Marriage equality
love is Love
You can't amend my love
where are my 40 days (or years) of love?
If you are attending this rally - please be peaceful! Do not interfere with or block traffic. Please stay on the public sidewalk in front of the church and stay off church property. The police will be there to assure we have the safety to exercise our free speech rights. They are on our side so let's keep it that way.
Thanks!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Saddleback Church Prop 8 Protest!
No one's religious beliefs should be used to deny fundamental rights to others," said Lorri L. Jean, chief executive officer of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. "Our civil rights are inalienable."
This peaceful protest will take place this Sunday (November 9th) at 10AM PST. Please spread the word!! Prop 8 is unfair and unconstitutional.
Why Saddleback?
Rick Warren of Saddleback Church came out publicly in an email to his congregation telling them to Vote Yes on 8.
In exit polling Christians voted 66% for Yes on 8.
Saddleback is also a VERY well known church and one of the largest in the country. It's a great place to have our voices heard and be seen.
Please bring your friends - gay or straight. Christian or not. All who support marriage equality are encouraged to come show their support in front of one of the largest churches in America. Bring your signs if you have them!
Driving Directions to the Protest
Map of Protest Location:
View Larger Map
This peaceful protest will take place this Sunday (November 9th) at 10AM PST. Please spread the word!! Prop 8 is unfair and unconstitutional.
Why Saddleback?
Rick Warren of Saddleback Church came out publicly in an email to his congregation telling them to Vote Yes on 8.
In exit polling Christians voted 66% for Yes on 8.
Saddleback is also a VERY well known church and one of the largest in the country. It's a great place to have our voices heard and be seen.
Please bring your friends - gay or straight. Christian or not. All who support marriage equality are encouraged to come show their support in front of one of the largest churches in America. Bring your signs if you have them!
Driving Directions to the Protest
Map of Protest Location:
View Larger Map
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