HRC: Mike Huckabee is Blinded by His Own Bigotry, Unfit to be Commander in Chief
Other candidates should immediately condemn Huckabee’s smear of Eric Fanning
HRC.org
Daily Archives: September 19, 2015
U.S. Government to Begin Using Term ‘Sexual Rights’ to Advocate for LGBT, Reproductive Rights Abroad
U.S. Government to Begin Using Term ‘Sexual Rights’ to Advocate for LGBT, Reproductive Rights Abroad
The U.S. government has announced that it will begin using the term “sexual rights” in talks relating to sexual and reproductive health issues globally. The remarks were made at a UN meeting this week.
Said Richard Erdman, Senior Advisor and Acting Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Ambassador:
Our understanding of the term “sexual rights” draws heavily from paragraph 96 of the Platform for Action adopted at the 1995 Beijing Women’s Conference. That language characterizes the human rights of women to include rights relating to sexuality and stresses equality between men and women in matters of sexual relations and sexuality. As a result, the United States understands the term “sexual rights” to include all individuals’ “right to have control over and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality, including sexual and reproductive health, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence.” With further reference to paragraph 96 of the Beijing Platform of Action, we note that “equal relationships between [individuals] in matters of sexual relations and reproduction, including full respect for the integrity of the person, require mutual respect, consent and shared responsibility for sexual behavior and its consequences.” Finally, we wish to clarify that the United States will use the term “sexual rights” or “sexual and reproductive health and rights” to express rights that are not legally binding. Sexual rights are not human rights and they are not enshrined in international human rights law; our use of this term does not reflect a view that they are part of customary international law. It is, however, a critical expression of our support for the rights and dignity of all individuals regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The AP adds:
The Washington-based Center for Health and Gender Equity pointed out the statement Thursday and said it was delighted.
“On one level, it’s symbolic. It also sends a signal to the global community that sexual and reproductive health and rights are a part of the global development agenda,” Serra Sippel, the center’s president, told The Associated Press. She said it follows “huge strides” made under the Obama administration on LGBT issues.
The announcement comes days before more than 150 world leaders gather at the U.N. to launch an ambitious set of development goals, including one of gender equality. One of the agenda’s many targets is to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights by 2030.
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Kyler Geoffroy
U.S. Government to Begin Using Term ‘Sexual Rights’ to Advocate for LGBT, Reproductive Rights Abroad
Huckabee: Obama Nominated Openly Gay Army Head To 'Appease Homosexuals'
Huckabee: Obama Nominated Openly Gay Army Head To 'Appease Homosexuals'
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) on Saturday said the nomination of the openly gay Eric Fanning as the secretary of the U.S. Army was an attempt by the president to “appease” gay Americans and accused him of using the military for social experiments.
“It’s clear President Obama is more interested in appeasing America’s homosexuals than honoring America’s heroes. Veterans suicide is out-of-control and military readiness is dangerously low,” Huckabee, who is running for president, said in a statement. “Yet Obama is so obsessed with pandering to liberal interest groups he’s nominated an openly gay civilian to run the Army. Homosexuality is not a job qualification. The U.S. military is designed to keep American safe and complete combat missions, not conduct social experiments.”
Huckabee has also used the “social experiment” line to refer to the idea of trans people serving openly in the military.
Fanning, who currently serves as acting undersecretary of the Army and chief management officer, has deep experience in the military. Before his current position, he served in several high level roles, including special assistant to Defense Secretary Ash Carter and undersecretary of the Air Force.
While Huckabee may be deeply concerned about Fanning’s appointment, the Army doesn’t really seem to be. Defense Secretary Ash Carter called him “one of our country’s most knowledgeable, dedicated, and experienced public servants.”
Phil Carter, a veteran of the war in Iraq and senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, also said Fanning’s appointment wouldn’t be controversial in the Army.
“My sense is that the Army is over this and has been over it for some time,” he told The Washington Post. “The Army cares whether you can shoot straight, not whether you are straight.”
Meanwhile, LGBT advocacy groups hailed the positive impact that Fanning’s nomination would have on servicemembers. Fanning would be the first openly gay secretary of one of the military branches if confirmed by the Senate.
“Considering the tremendous struggles that LGBT Americans have faced within the Department of Defense, Fanning’s nomination is deeply significant,” Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, told The Huffington Post. “This is a sign of hope and a demonstration of continued progress towards fairness and equality in our nation’s armed forces.”
Also on HuffPost:
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REVIEW: Le Peche Mignon – Agencourt, France
REVIEW: Le Peche Mignon – Agencourt, France
We had some spectacular meals during our stay in Burgundy – everything from modern bistros to old-school chateaux. With the top quality produce in the region and the dedication to its cuisine it’s no wonder that the region has recently been declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
Le Peche Mignon (which I think translates roughly as The Guilty Secret) had been recommended to us by the local tourism office.
It was a bit out of the way, on a road that didn’t really lead to anywhere of significance. As we pulled into the carpark it was hard to hide the disappointment on our faces. The appearance was underwhelming in every sense – you would describe it as a small country road-side shack.
But we were ready for lunch and didn’t have any other options on the table, so decided to make the best of it – have a quick snack, and then be on our way to more glamorous places.
I can, without doubt, hand-on-heart, say that this was the best meal that we had on the entire trip.
Perhaps partly because we approached the meal with low expectations, but mainly because of the excellent cooking.
Front of house were an entertaining mother and son team. She didn’t speak any English and although our French was passable enough to get by in a restaurant, she insisted on calling her son over to translate into English her explanations of various aspects of the meal.
While enjoying some gougere pastries to begin (choux pastry flavored with cheese), we opted for a set menu.
Our starter was a poached egg in a mushroom and wine broth – it sounds unusual but was really very delicious. This is a style of dish common across Burgundy. The owner’s son proudly explained that he had picked the mushrooms – Ceps and Girolle – across in the wood that was visible through the windows of the restaurant.
Main course was trout served with vegetables from the restaurant’s garden, and then dessert was a spectacular peach mousse served with a blackcurrant sorbet.
Just as the owner was offering us coffee, the restaurant’s electricity went down as the result of a storm that was sweeping through the valley. Instead of coffee, the chef came out of the kitchen to talk to us about his food – he’s a friend of the owner. Having worked in Michelin-starred kitchens he has taken charge of the kitchen at this relatively new venture.
La Peche Mignon was busy – this is clearly a place that is popular with the locals.
We may have entered with low expectations, but we left reluctantly, singing the praises Le Peche Mignon.
The post REVIEW: Le Peche Mignon – Agencourt, France appeared first on Gay Star News.
Gareth Johnson
www.gaystarnews.com/article/review-le-peche-mignon-agencourt-france/
Gay Iconography: Re-Introducing Darlene Love
Gay Iconography: Re-Introducing Darlene Love
Sure, the gay community loves a diva. But more than big voices and over-the-top outfits, there’s an elevated appreciation for stars who overcame the odds. Perhaps it’s particularly poignant given the parallels to the LGBT community’s struggles for acceptance and equality. Even for performers with less overt ties to the gay community, fans feel connected to underdog stories.
One of the most captivating examples of an artist whose talent is only matched by their perseverance and spirit is singing superstar Darlene Love.
A well-respected back-up singer as a member of the girl group The Blossoms, Love was the powerhouse vocalist behind (and in some cases, the forefront) of many hits from (now disgraced) producer Phil Spector. As if it wasn’t enough of a shame keeping Love’s vocals from the spotlight, Spector attributed some of Love’s recordings to other artists, like The Crystals. Her voice appeared on some of the best known songs of all time, including “Be My Baby,” “Monster Mash” and “Da Doo Ron Ron.”
The years that followed Love’s work with Spector have since given Love the accolades she deserves. She’s been a fixture on The Late Show with David Letterman, appeared on Broadway and was featured in the Academy Award-winning documentary 20 Feet From Stardom. She released her most recent album, the cheekily titled Introducing Darlene Love, yesterday.
Through it all she’s maintained an indefatigable spirit and a passionate gay following. Speaking to PrideSource in 2014, she discussed her relationship with her gay fans:
“If it weren’t for them in my audience, I wouldn’t have one. They’ve always supported me over the years. Ninety percent of my audience is white – it’s not black – and gay. So, you know, thank god! They know more about the background singers than anybody. They saw how we looked, they saw how we dressed, they saw how we moved around. They were looking at that too. A lot of people have come up to me, even before the movie, saying, “I saw you when you sang with Dionne Warwick” or “I saw you when you were with Tom Jones” or “I saw you with Elvis,” so they watch that. They don’t just watch the lead singer; they watch the whole thing – the whole performance in front of them.”
Check out some of our favorite Love songs and performances, below.
Love started working with Spector in the early ‘60s, and it didn’t take long for her distinct voice to land her gigs singing alongside legends like Dionne Warwick, Elvis, the Beach Boys and Cher. The first time Love sang lead for Spector was on the 1962 track, “He’s A Rebel.” The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, but Spector credited the track to The Crystals despite being recorded by The Blossoms. The Crystals would incorporate the song into their live shows, but over time Love reclaimed the tune. You can see her perform it with Bette Midler here.
Most people are familiar with Love’s holiday classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” which was the standout on the 1963 album, A Christmas Gift For You from Philles Records. Love performed the track, a favorite of Paul Shaffer, on Late Night with David Letterman in 1986. The performance was such a memorable moment, she’s played it every year on Letterman’s Late Night and then The Late Show since (save for 2007, during the Writers’ strike). Check out her first appearance above, and then watch her perform it for the last time on The Late Show here.
Love’s talents extend beyond just singing. She’s also done some acting on stage and screen. On Broadway, she’s played herself in the Tony Award-nominated musical Leader of the Pack, based on the songbook of Ellie Greenwich. She’s also appeared in the musical based on Stephen King’s Carrie and as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, which you can see above. You have also caught her as Trish Murtaugh, the wife of Danny Glover’s characters in the Lethal Weapon films.
Along with other legendary vocalists, Love was featured in the documentary 20 Feet From Stardom. The film chronicled the lives of back-up singers, including Love, Merry Clayton (whose isolated vocals from the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” is guaranteed to give you chills every time) and others. More than just a reminder of these incredible voices’ contributions to rock ’n’ roll history, the documentary showcased Love’s irresistible personalty and shining smile, all of which were on display along with her undeniable talent when she broke into song while accepting the film’s Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
At 74, Love has — pardon the pun — blossomed from back-up singer to bonafide superstar. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, and was recognized by Rolling Stone as one the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Her most recent album, Introducing Darlene Love, features songs written by Steve Van Zandt and Bruce Springsteen. Watch the star-studded video for lead single “Forbidden Nights” above.
What’s your favorite Darlene Love track?
The post Gay Iconography: Re-Introducing Darlene Love appeared first on Towleroad.
Bobby Hankinson
Young Bagpiper Shuts Down Antigay Preacher
Young Bagpiper Shuts Down Antigay Preacher
A young St. Andrews busker (local street performer) was recently cheered in Scotland after he shut down an antigay preacher by blasting “Scotland The Brave” on his bagpipes, reports Joe My God.
Footage of the incident was uploaded to YouTube account lachieblair and was originally posted on the Overheard in St. Andrews Facebook page, which quickly began to surface on various news sites.
In the video, the preacher can be seen using an amplifier as he reportedly shouts an antigay message claiming same-sex marriage is ruining the country’s economy.
Moments later, the young bagpiper begins to play, slowly walking toward the preacher as the crowd cheers, grateful the young man was drowning out the ranting preacher who was casting a dark cloud on an otherwise sunny day in town.
The preacher soon gives up, and as the video’s title suggests, the bagpiper wins the battle “in the most Scottish way possible.”
WATCH:
Jase Peeples
www.advocate.com/religion/2015/9/19/young-bagpiper-shuts-down-antigay-preacher
REVIEW: New World – Chinatown, London
REVIEW: New World – Chinatown, London
Everyone has their own dim sum traditions – when I’m in London, dim sum means a visit to New World in Chinatown.
It’s a while since I’ve been to New World, but not much has changed – a large busy restaurant space, laden trolleys steadily wheeled around by the patient staff, and dumplings in all shapes and sizes.
We were there on a Saturday afternoon, slightly later than normal peak dim sum time. We snacked on some chilli squid, prawn dumplings, pork dumplings, and chicken dumplings – all good.
This isn’t the best dim sum in the world, but it’s a pretty safe dim sum option when you’re in London.
The post REVIEW: New World – Chinatown, London appeared first on Gay Star News.
Gareth Johnson
www.gaystarnews.com/article/review-new-world-chinatown-london/
James Franco Is The Meanest Girl In The Old West
James Franco Is The Meanest Girl In The Old West
The hit series Gossip Girl ended its run in 2012, but to James Franco it’s timeless. The ever-busy entertainer transports the storyline of the popular Manhattan-set show to the Old West and in the process makes a fetching, if incredibly bitchy saloon gal.
It’s the latest in Franco’s Making a Scene series for AOL. Last week, he donned both Carrie Bradshaw’s haute couture and Walter White’s meth lab-friendly wardrobe for a mashup of Breaking Bad and Sex and the City.
Watch Gossip Gal below.
Jeremy Kinser
Carly Fiorina Leads Donald Trump in New Hampshire Poll
Carly Fiorina Leads Donald Trump in New Hampshire Poll
In what seems like the first time in forever, Donald Trump is not #1 in a GOP primary poll.
The Hill reports that a Voter Gravity poll released Friday has debate favorite Carly Fiorina leading the billionaire blowhard by 4 points in New Hampshire.
Here are the poll’s findings:
1. Carly Fiorina (22%)
2. Donald Trump (18%)
3. Ben Carson (10%)
4. John Kasich (9%)
4. Jeb Bush (9%)
6. Marco Rubio (7%)
7. Ted Cruz (6%)
7. Chris Christie (6%)
9. Rand Paul (3%)
10. Scott Walker (2%)
10. Mike Huckabee (2%)
Missed Carly’s showdown with Trump on Wednesday? Check it out below:
The post Carly Fiorina Leads Donald Trump in New Hampshire Poll appeared first on Towleroad.
Kyler Geoffroy
My Experience of Coming Out in Kentucky…
My Experience of Coming Out in Kentucky…
My name is Whitney and I am one half of the vlogging and blogging duo known as ‘Wegan,’ My wife Megan and I conquered long distance between Hawaii and the UK, and now reside in England. We live our lives out and proud on the internet as a married lesbian couple; raising femme visibility. However, life was not always this way for me. I came out when I was 15 years old in a very small conservative town in Kentucky over 10 years ago. It was one of the hardest things I ever did, but one of the best decisions I ever made.
I have been asked for years from our followers for my coming out story and I have always been reluctant and nervous to discuss and relive my experiences of coming out in Kentucky. However, the more that I see of Kim Davis and Kentucky in the news, the more I want to stand up and be proud of not only being gay, but being a Christian and a Kentuckian too!
Coming out in Kentucky was by no means an easy ride. The struggle was real and the challenges I faced were tough. However, looking back now I can clearly see that if it wasn’t for those challenging times, I never would have become the woman I am today.
Coming out is never easy, no matter where you live or how old you are, it’s always a challenging thing to do, but if you watch my video I hope you can relate if you’re having a tough time coming out too- because please believe me, it does get better. We won’t let the Kim Davis’ of the world win, because we’re far too good for that!
This is my story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g2dbAwTYR4&feature=youtu.be
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