National News Briefs

Washington, D.C. - Urging Activists to Convince Log Cabin to Dump Romney-Ryan - 8.19
In a pun on the “It Gets Better” campaign, David Brock of American Bridge and Rick Jacobs of Courage Campaign Super PAC are distributing a petition, “Mitt Gets Worse,” urging Log Cabin Republicans to refrain from endorsing the Romney-Ryan ticket. In just 24 hours, more than 15,000 people have joined their effort online. “We have enormous respect for the Log Cabin Republicans and all they’ve done to make life better for LGBT Americans,” they say. “After examining their records, we’re certain that under a Romney-Ryan administration, things would get worse.

Much worse. “We’re hopeful that the Log Cabin Republicans will live up to their reputation for independence, and stand up for what they know is right,” they continue. “After all, if they didn’t endorse George W. Bush, why would they endorse Romney-Ryan, whose policies are as bad or worse than Bush’s for LGBT people?”

By selecting Ryan as his running mate, Romney has left no doubt his administration would stand committed to undoing the progress towards equality for all Americans. The Log Cabin Republicans have played a strong role in determining the course of queer rights. Without their hard work, we would not have made the gains we have, including repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and establishing marriage equality in a number of states. So go to MittGetsWorse.org and tell Log Cabin to just say NO!

Source: MittGetsWorse.org

China, ME - Family Research Council: Voters Must Reject Special Rights in November - 8.15
Michael Heath, former executive director of the Christian Civic League of Maine and statewide representative for the Family Research Council, condemned the shooting in the arm of Leo Johnson, guard at FRC. Floyd Corkins was apprehended and, according to one news source, Corkins “may have been carrying a bag from Chick-fil-A.” Corkins told Johnson, “It was not about you; it was what this place stands for.”

FRC’s mission is “resisting homosexuality and the left’s evil attack on the family.” FRC was directly involved in all of Maine’s statewide political battles over the past two and a half decades. Heath called same-sex marriage “monstrous insaneness.” He stated, “If Maine doesn’t end this decades-long conflict over the evil of sodomy with an overwhelming NO vote in November, we can expect to see this sort of violence in Maine in the near future,” and added, “Homosexuality can lead to the most horrific and violent consequences in individuals and society. The twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of it.”

Heath is awaiting receipt of his concealed weapons permit from the Maine State Police, claiming, “It is the responsibility of all good men to be prepared to protect innocence from evil. Force must be met with force so that innocent people are not harmed.” So queers aren’t innocent?! Heath is also president and CEO of the No Special Rights Political Action Committee. Ugh. 
Source: MaineBusiness.com

St. Paul, MN – Freedom to Marry Launches Minnesota TV Ad on Why Marriage Matters – 8.16
Freedom to Marry, the campaign to win marriage nationwide, has unveiled a television ad campaign in Minnesota as part of its public education efforts designed to spark conversation about the meaning of marriage across the nation. The ad is scheduled to run for several weeks in the Twin Cities and Duluth. Titled “Grandparents,” it features Yvonne and Fred Peterson of Duluth. Their grandson is gay.

The Petersons describe the joy of their nearly six decades of marriage and their initial opposition to marriage for same-sex couples. Fred concludes, “The world is changing. Gay and lesbian people want to get married for the same reason that I wanted to marry my wife. Why shouldn’t other people be able to enjoy the happiness and love we’ve enjoyed through our lifetime?” Right on, Fred!

“The Petersons highlight the very reason public education is so important in the fight for marriage for all committed couples,” said Freedom to Marry’s Director of Public Engagement, Thalia Zepatos. “They started out with an opposing view and have come to see that marriage for everyone benefits us all. Local stories are the best conversation starter – and conversation is the best vehicle for helping people to see that the protections and responsibilities that come with marriage should be for everyone, no matter whom they love.”

Source: FreedomToMarry.org

New York City, NY - Quinn Frontrunner in Mayoral Primary – 8.15
New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is the clear frontrunner in the 2013 Democratic primary for mayor, with 29% of Democrats saying they would vote for her, a recent poll finds. Quinn, a Manhattan Democrat who aspires to become the city’s first female and openly gay mayor, has nearly triple the number of votes as her nearest competitor in the race to succeed Mayor Michael Bloomberg, according to the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. The poll also showed that 10% of city voters are less likely to vote for a gay or lesbian candidate, while 84% said sexual orientation wouldn’t matter.

Roughly one third of Democratic voters said they are undecided - a clear sign that the race remains wide open. But Quinn’s polling strength, coupled with her lead in fundraising, gives her an early advantage as the race prepares to pick up steam following the presidential election.
The Democratic mayoral nominee has lost the last five races, but party officials are hopeful they will break the losing streak next year, especially given the Republicans’ difficulty thus far identifying a potential nominee. GOP leaders, who are in the midst of interviewing possible candidates, have pledged to mount a serious, competitive challenge next year. Best of luck to possibly Mayor Quinn!

Source: WSJ.com

Miami, FL - Florida Democrats Will Send First Gay Legislator Ever To Tallahassee - 8.14
David Richardson, an accountant in Miami, is set to become Florida’s first out queer lawmaker, following his decisive Democratic primary win. His primary victory in a heavily-Democratic district in Miami effectively guarantees his victory in November, given that no Republican sought a spot on the ballot. Way to go, State Representative to be!

Seventeen states currently have no out LGBT lawmakers, according to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which has backed Richardson’s bid and works to help elect out LGBTQ candidates. “David’s election sends a message to Tallahassee that LGBT Floridians will be heard. Finally, we will have an authentic LGBT voice in the state capitol who will be unafraid to speak up and speak out for fairness,” said Victory Fund President Chuck Wolfe. In addition to Richardson’s win, Victory Fund Vice President Denis Dison pointed to primary wins by candidates who have no general election opponents in New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Texas — three states with no out lawmakers currently — as progress for the organization’s aims.

In addition to Florida, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia, the other 12 states without out lawmakers currently are Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee and South Carolina. Let’s get busy, folks, and queerify the Legislature!

Source: BuzzFeed.com

Local News Briefs

SF Approves First Affordable Housing Welcoming to LGBTQ Seniors
The City’s first and the country’s largest affordable housing specifically welcoming to LGBTQ seniors was approved unanimously by the San Francisco Planning Commission. The housing, to be developed by Openhouse and Mercy Housing California, includes 110 apartments for low-income seniors. It also includes Openhouse service offices and an activity center for residents and LGBTQ seniors from across the city.

Over 25,000 queer seniors live in San Francisco alone. Many do not access senior services and housing for fear of rejection and compromised care.

“The 55 Laguna development addresses a critical need for LGBT seniors, who face enormous challenges in finding welcoming and affordable housing,” said Openhouse Executive Director Seth Kilbourn. “For decades, thousands of LGBT people have come to San Francisco to find personal freedom and acceptance. As older adults with increasing needs, the pioneers of this migration are being forced back into the closet in order to receive the quality care and housing they need. They are being forced to relocate and leave dear friends behind. 55 Laguna will be a critical community resource to help LGBT seniors age with dignity and grace in the city they call home.”

Research is clear that LGBTQ seniors are less likely to participate in general community activities and access the services and housing they need, because they fear judgment, rejection or compromised care. As a result, queer seniors often do not disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity. At even greater risk to their health and wellbeing, they may remain isolated without access to appropriate housing and community services.

Story by Dennis McMillan

Fighting the Vatican’s Attempt to Destroy San Francisco Values
The Vatican is trying to squelch Bay Area LGBTQ rights by appointing Salvatore Cordileone as Archbishop of San Francisco. Cordileone is a leading opponent of same-sex marriage and a co-creator of Proposition 8, having called same-sex marriage “a plot by the evil one” to destroy the world. He personally donated at least $6,000 to the 2008 ban. Cordileone is one of 17 US bishops to sign “The Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience,” a document asserting opposition to same-sex marriage, abortion and assisted suicide. To date, he is the only bishop from California to sign the document.

The SF Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc. feel a strong call to activism against the Vatican’s attempt to destroy what citizens proudly call “San Francisco values” of human rights and equality for all. They are holding very productive meetings and setting up a number of committees – a first step being the composition of a public letter and press release exposing this bigotry.

“We are putting the recipients of the letters on notice, if they support or attend the ArchBatSh#*’s installation [on Oct. 4], they will lose the support of the community,” says Sister Flatulina Grandé. “If they are for him in any way, they are against us. We will extend this to corporations that donate money to the church.” The Sisters are forming a list of activists at TheSisters.org for any who may want to participate in future actions and demonstrations.

Story by Dennis McMillan