You probably noticed that I took a little break from my news posts. The reason(s) why is because of problems in my family life, and the end of a relationship with my partner of just under a year and a half. Simply put, I needed some time to heal.
Now lets get to the news!
I'll start off with a gay marriage update. Its definitely happy news for couples with relationships that work out (lol).
In
Iowa, the state Supreme Court ruled that a ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional saying, "The Iowa statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution." Days later the
Vermont state senate overrode Governor Jim Douglas' veto of a bill to legalized same-sex marriage. Vermont's legalization is the first to come via a bill rather than by a court decision.
Besides legalization in Iowa and Vermont, there are a few other places to watch. One place to watch is the
District of Columbia where the D.C. Council passed a bill that would recognize same-sex marriages from other states. In
New York, there is renewed interest in legalizing same sex marriage. David Paterson plans to reintroduce the bill on April 28th, and hopes to join Iowa, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont as the 5 state. Maybe he was inspired by Vermont's legislative win for glbt families? Also in
New Hampshire, there will be hearing on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. It's possible that a vote could make New Hampshire the next state by the end of this month or early May. Finally, in
Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter signed a domestic partner bill that would allow couples to have inheritance rights, and the right to make medical decisions for their partner- including end of life decisions.
In a related story, the National Organization of Marriage produced this ridiculous commercial that will be aired in several states. I must say, I'm flattered that my queerness has the power to bring rainstorms.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) responded with a
press release combating the BS you just saw. Other responses came from some very entertaining YouTube videos. I liked these two the most. The second one is a bit nutty, but I loved it.
I'd like to know, what are your thoughts on the commercial? Have you seen it aired in your state? Do you find it hurtful? Does it make you angry? Do you find it just plain silly?
When I was searching for stories to feature, I saw a clip from Anderson Cooper about an 11 year old (Carl Walker-Hoover) who hung himself with an extension cord. Every once in a while there's a story that brings into perspective what this fight is about: the right to belong and be respected and loved. This was a 6th grader who was bullied and teased with anti-gay taunts. What was the school's response to the bullying he endured? They made Carl and one of the perpetrators sit next to each other at lunch time for a week. That part makes me absolutely livid. Here's the clip.
The approach that most schools have to bullying is bullshit. I remember when I was in elementary school, I fought with a bully and the punishment: The bully and I sat in the Principal's office while his fat ass sucked down his lunch. I distinctly remember telling him (the principal) to go to hell. I also remember in middle school, a group of girls told a school admin that I planned to shoot up/blow up the school. As someone who doesn't diddle around with explosives and/or guns it was pretty fucking surprising. Granted, I hated my middle school experience, but I wouldn't ever think about shooting up a school. My punishment was: I was suspended for a week while they did an "investigation" that produces 0 results. Their punishment? Nothing, zero, goose egg. Until schools take a different approach- one that deals with both the perpetrator and victim, and one that looks at the underlying problems that most bullies have, this will continue.
This story highlights that
homophobia affects everybody. As someone who has been in the next room for 3 suicide attempts of loved ones, and as someone who has attempted, I feel bad for both Carl and his Mother. The Advocate recently interviewed his Mom, you can see the interview
here.
I don't like leaving things on a sour note, so here's something funny I found on Out Magazine's website.
Rachel Dratch, a Saturday Night Live alum, wrote a fabulous piece called "Girlfriend"- about what your straight pals really think.
1. I dont care how many times you say, You have to try this! I dont want a sip of your sour apple martini.
2. Despite your efforts of subtlety, we always know when youre checking out some guy over our shoulders.
3. Attending a Fire Island tea dance with you is at the upper end of the spectrum of what a straight single lady can handle without thinking What the hell am I doing with my life?
4. When we do karaoke with my friends, we cannot sing Suddenly Seymour every time. Straight dudes dont even know what it is.
5. Sometimes were a little embarrassed to have you over because our apartments are messier than yours.
6. You like my boobs more than I do.
7. If you call at 9 a.m. to describe in detail the B.J. you received the night before, I will say, Its too early for this and hang up on you.
8. To us, a blanket on a plane is for warmth - not a way to hide the fact that youre jerking off the stranger sitting next to you.
9. When were feeling bad about our love lives, Just go troll a park and suck off some guy behind a bush is not helpful advice.
10. When you say poppers, we think jalapeños.
