'Mimi's Family' Exhibit Showcases a Family in Transition

Dawn Ennis and Mitch Kellaway

www.advocate.com/transgender/2015/9/21/mimis-family-exhibit-showcases-family-transition

Straight men everywhere are kissing to show Kim Davis ‘love will always win’

Straight men everywhere are kissing to show Kim Davis ‘love will always win.’

Two bearded buddies from Comedians in Public started the #KissesForKim campaign to send a message to the Kentucky clerk who has repeatedly refused to issue gay marriage licenses.

‘Dear Kim Davis, we want to let you know that no matter what you do, love will always win,’ Jericho Davidson and Michael Albanese say in the launch video.

‘What we want you to do is you’re watching this video is grab your closest friend, give him a kiss, take a photo or video, and upload it using #KissesForKim, to let Kim know that she cannot win.’

There are only two paths to chose in life LOVE or FEAR. We chose Love t.co/VTv80AKjsU #kissesforkim #KimDavis #burlyshow

— Jericho Davidson (@JerichoDavidson) September 17, 2015

‘There’s a lot of hate being thrown around,’ one of the video’s creators Matt Ott told the Huffington Post.

‘I think there’s a way to address people that you disagree with that can be civil. This is hopefully fun and civil.’ The internet then responded accordingly:

My roommates are bananas for #kissesforkim! Spread that love! pic.twitter.com/1KEb7OIcom

— Rachel Holland (@rachelope) September 18, 2015

I did this more because it was @AnthonyDeVito_ but yea social justice too. #kissesforkim pic.twitter.com/KeZV0nEOlh

— Grant Gordon (@gograntgordon) September 17, 2015

Here’s @KennyDeForest and I kissing to show our support for Kim Davis… or something #KissesForKim pic.twitter.com/qKElYPLn7o

— Boris Khaykin (@theBorisK) September 17, 2015

#KissesForKim pic.twitter.com/dStwMryjOo

— Jericho Davidson (@JerichoDavidson) September 18, 2015

#KissesForKim #threeway #kiss pic.twitter.com/1520k3wZdm

— Chad Edwards (@chadedwards) September 18, 2015

The post Straight men everywhere are kissing to show Kim Davis ‘love will always win’ appeared first on Gay Star News.

Darren Wee

www.gaystarnews.com/article/straight-men-everywhere-are-kissing-to-show-kim-davis-love-will-always-win/

Here's Why We Need a Bisexual Awareness Week

There is an epidemic of sexual violence against bisexual women, and it’s invisible.

Even most LGBT activists and sexual assault activists are unaware of the statistics that while straight women have a 17% chance of being raped and lesbian women have a 13% chance, bisexual women have a 46% chance of being raped. In other words, bisexual women are approximately three times more likely to be raped. Bisexual women also have higher rates of sexual assault, intimate partner abuse, and stalking, compared to both straight and lesbian women. In addition to this, bisexual women survivors have the lowest rates of social support when disclosing trauma, the highest rates of depression and PTSD after rape, and the most negative experiences when seeking help from formal support resources such as rape crisis centers, therapists, police, and medical professionals.

There are many complex reasons for this huge disparity in rates of violence, but the simplest reason is that bisexual women are hypersexualized, fetishized, and sexually objectified in our culture and media. Bisexual women are stereotyped as slutty, pretending to be bi for sexual attention, and always interested in sex (particularly threesomes). Basically, we are not viewed as people but as sexual objects, always eager to fulfill men’s pornographic fantasies. Our consent doesn’t matter, because our bisexual identity is perceived as automatic consent to anyone and everyone who might be interested in us.

Additionally, bisexual women can be victims of corrective rape, a hate crime in which someone is raped because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, usually in an attempt to “fix” them. Bi women are also more likely to end up in abusive relationships, in part because abusers are good at targeting vulnerable people who have poor social support, and also because abusers can use biphobia to threaten their partner, lower their self-esteem, or pressure them into sex against their will.

Biphobia also presents a huge barrier to receiving help in the aftermath of an assault — the stereotype that bi women are slutty liars, for example, may lead to friends and family to doubt a bi woman survivor when she comes forward. Biphobia also leads to social isolation and causes many support resources, such as sexual assault centers and counseling, to be unsafe for bi women. Bi women survivors who are marginalized in other ways face even further barriers to help — trans bi women, bi women of color, and disabled bi women survivors are some of the most vulnerable in our community.

If you find these numbers shocking, you are not alone. I was shocked too, when I learned these statistics a couple of years ago. I was even more surprised to learn that despite all of this, there are absolutely no rape recovery resources for bisexual women — no organizations, crisis centers, support groups, books, nothing. So last October, I started the Bi Women Support Network on tumblr. In less than a year, we have grown to nearly 2,500 followers, and we have mailed out care packages and Christmas cards, organized a Facebook support group and a pen pal program, published posts on biphobia and rape recovery, and answered countless questions from bi women survivors.

I am very proud of my work, but more needs to be done for this community. When three out of four bisexual women are sexual assault survivors, we need more than a tumblr funded by donations and managed by college students in their spare time. I have heard from far too many survivors that our blog is the best — and sometimes only — recovery resource they have. I am honored that we have been able to help these women, but I am heartbroken that their friends, family, and community have turned their backs on them.

It is time for the national dialogue on LGBT rights and equality to address the issue of sexual violence in our community. It is also time for the dialogue on sexual assault to address intersectionality and amplify the voices of marginalized survivors. During Bi Visibility Week, please do not allow this epidemic of sexual violence against bi women to remain invisible.

LINDSAY KIRKHAM is a Point Scholar and the founder of the Bi Women Support Network.

Lindsey Kirkham

www.advocate.com/commentary/2015/9/21/heres-why-we-need-bisexual-awareness-week

Argentina Lifts Ban On Gay Men Donating Blood

Argentina lifted its ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men earlier this week, following a more than decade-long campaign by LGBT advocacy groups pushing for blood donation equality in the country.

At a signing ceremony Wednesday, Health Minister Daniel Gollán said the policy change was “scientifically and technically accurate,” and based on “a medical approach that replaces that old concept of ‘risk groups.’”

Argentina can now “move toward a national blood system that is safe, caring and inclusive,” he said in a Tuesday statement, per Agence France-Presse.

The country joins a growing minority of nations that has abolished similar blood bans. In countries such as Chile, Mexico, Spain and Italy, blood donors are accessed on individual risk rather than sexual orientation.

LGBT rights groups have applauded Argentina’s decision. According to AFP, activists have been urging the government to lift the ban for 15 years. 

“It is a great joy to be able to take this step toward equality and non-discrimination in one of the last realms that explicitly excluded us from the full enjoyment of our rights,” Esteban Paulon, president of the Argentine Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender, said in a statement.

Blood donation bans against men who have had sex with men (MSM) are said to exist in about 50 countries, including the United States. Such bans came into prominence at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic amid fear — and a lack of understanding — about the virus. As HIV testing has become increasingly accurate and innovative, activists have criticized the exclusion as being both ethically and scientifically unjustifiable.

Several countries, including the U.S., France, Germany and Belgium, have begun talks about possibly revising their policies.  

Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration proposed lifting the ban in the U.S. — at least partially. Under revised FDA guidelines, gay and bisexual men in America would be allowed to donate blood, but only if they’ve abstained from sex for a year. 

Blood donation equality advocates lauded the FDA announcement. However, many argued that the change does not go far enough.

David Stacy, government affairs director at the Human Rights Campaign, said the proposal was “a step in the right direction,” but added that it “falls far short of a fully acceptable solution because it continues to stigmatize gay and bisexual men.”

The American Red Cross, the American Association of Blood Banks and the American Medical Association are among the organizations that have called for the abolishment of the blood ban in the U.S. 

In 2013, 86 members of Congress wrote to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to press the agency to reevaluate the outdated policty. 

“We have seen vast advances in blood screening technology, blood donation policy changes in other countries allowing MSM to donate, and opposition from our nation’s blood banks who have called the current ban ‘medically and scientifically unwarranted.’’ the letter said. “Our current policies turn away healthy, willing donors, even when we face serious blood shortages.” 

In the wake of Argentina’s policy shift, several netizens have taken to Twitter to express the hope that their home countries will sit up and take notice.  

Jared Polis (D-Colo.) was one of those who weighed in on the decision, tweeting to the FDA: “Hope you’re watching.” 

The U.K. and Canada both have restrictions on blood donations by gay and bisexual men. In the U.K., men have to wait at least a year after having sex with another man before giving blood. In Canada, the wait is five years. 

 

Earlier on HuffPost: 

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Tennessee lawmakers file bill to nullify gay marriage in state

Two Republican lawmakers have filed a bill to nullify the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act was introduced in both the state house and senate on Thursday (17 September).

‘Natural marriage between one man and one woman as recognized by the people of Tennessee remains the law in Tennessee, regardless of any court decision to the contrary,’ it states.

‘Any court decision purporting to strike down natural marriage, including Obergefell v Hodges, is unauthoritative, void, and of no effect.’

The bill’s authors, Rep Mark Pody and Sen Mae Beavers, were cheered as they addressed a ‘religious freedom’ rally held outside the state capitol on the same day they filed the bill.

‘Marriage is between a man and a woman in Tennessee,’ Pody yelled.

‘We’re going to tell the attorney-general, he will defend marriage in Tennessee as it is written on our constitution,’ said Beavers, referring to a state ban on gay marriage that was overwhelmingly passed by voters in 2006.

However, the Tennessean newspaper noted that it’s unlikely the bill would be found constitutional if passed.

‘This is futile, costly, and chaotic,’ Chris Sanders, executive director of the Tennessee Equality Project told WSMV-TV.

‘Because I’ll tell you, couples who want to get married will not take no for an answer.’

Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in the Supreme Court gay marriage case, responded to the bill on Twitter:

Get over it. You lost. Move on to other things that would make life better for your citizens. All citizens. t.co/Orm5MVm4OI

— Jim Obergefell (@JimObergefell) September 18, 2015

Tennessee lawmakers have already introduced the Tennessee Pastor Protection Act to ‘protect’ clergy from being ‘forced’ to officiate gay weddings, even though there is nothing in the Supreme Court ruling that does so.

The General Assembly will vote on the bill after it reconvenes in January.

The post Tennessee lawmakers file bill to nullify gay marriage in state appeared first on Gay Star News.

Darren Wee

www.gaystarnews.com/article/tennessee-lawmakers-file-bill-to-nullify-gay-marriage-in-state/

Anti-Gay Street Preacher Gets Shut Down In Scotland… By Bagpipes

Here’s how you shut down a homophobic street preacher, Scottish style: with bagpipes. 

The preacher’s words are difficult to make out as he rants through a microphone and amplifier on Market Street in St. Andrews. The Joe My God blog reports that a reader who was on the scene said the preacher was screaming about how gay marriage was supposedly ruining the economy. 

That’s when a bagpiper comes along and drowns him out. 

“Local boy takes down hate preacher in the most Scottish way possible,” wrote Lachie Blair, who posted the clip on both Facebook and YouTube. 

The clip ends with a police van pulling up to the preacher. A commenter on Joe My God says the preacher was warned that he was disturbing the peace because of his amplifier.

The incident is reminiscent of the scene in South Carolina over the summer when a KKK rally was given a goofy sousaphone soundtrack. 

(h/t Raw Story)

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Uzo Aduba wins second Emmy for portrayal of ‘Crazy Eyes’ on Orange Is the New Black

Uzo Aduba won her second Emmy in two years on Sunday (20 September) for her portrayal of lesbian prisoner Suzanne ‘Crazy Eyes’ Warren on Orange is the New Black.

Aduba gave one of the night’s most emotional speeches and said to show creator Jenji Kohan:
‘I appreciate you for putting belief back in my heart. I love you mostly because you let me be me.’

The win gave the actress a unique place in the Emmy record books as Aduba became the first performer since Ed Asner to win in both the comedy and drama categories for playing the same role.

While Asner accomplished the feat by portraying the same gruff newsman on the sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show then on the spinoff drama Lou Grant, OITNB competed this year as a drama after being considered a comedy its first year.

Here is a full list of Emmy winners:

Outstanding Drama Series: Game Of Thrones

Outstanding Comedy Series: Veep

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series: Viola Davis (How to Get Away With Murder)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series: Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones)

Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series: Game Of Thrones

Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series: Game Of Thrones

Outstanding Directing For A Variety Series: The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series: The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Outstanding Limited Series: Olive Kitteridge

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or A Movie: Richard Jenkins (Olive Kitteridge)

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Series Or A Movie: Frances McDormand (Olive Kitteridge)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Series Or A Movie: Bill Murray (Olive Kitteridge)

Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie Or A Dramatic Special: Lisa Cholodenko
(Olive Kitteridge)

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Series Or A Movie: Regina King (American Crime)

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program: The Voice

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series: Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep)

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series: Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent)

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series: Jill Soloway (Transparent)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series: Tony Hale (Veep)

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series: Allison Janney (Mom)

Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series: Veep

The post Uzo Aduba wins second Emmy for portrayal of ‘Crazy Eyes’ on Orange Is the New Black appeared first on Gay Star News.

Greg Hernandez

www.gaystarnews.com/article/uzo-aduba-wins-second-emmy-for-portrayal-of-crazy-eyes-on-orange-is-the-new-black/

10 Moments For Women At The 2015 Emmys That Had Us Cheering

Despite the fact that professional awards show hosts Amy Poehler and Tina Fey should host every award ceremony forever, the 2015 Emmys managed to deliver some greatness. Badass women took home awards (oh hey there, Viola Davis, Jill Soloway, Amy Schumer and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, to name a few), and those women used their platform to draw attention to people whose voices are often not heard.

Here are 10 of our favorite lady love moments:

1. Andy Samberg called out Hollywood sexism within the first 10 minutes of the show. “The wage gap between men and women hired in Hollywood is still an issue,” Samberg said in his opening monologue. “Wait, sorry, I misread that. The age gap between men and women hired in Hollywood is still an issue. Wait, I’m sorry I misread again. It’s both, still both.”

2. Julia Louis-Dreyfus celebrated “funny, powerful women.” “I love funny women. I love funny, powerful women,” the “Veep” actress said when accepting her Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy. All we have to say is Hell. Yes. 

3. We were all reminded that funny women are just — gasp! — funny people. “Amy Schumer is really, really funny. You know, for a person,” said Andy Samberg. 

4. Jill Soloway used the Emmys stage to bring attention to the discrimination trans people face on a daily basis. “We don’t have a trans tipping point yet. We have a trans civil rights problem,” she said. 

5. Taraji P. Henson and Regina King shared a moment of sisterly love. After thanking her mother for teaching her the “power and blessing of being a woman,” King got a “Yaaassssss!” and a huge hug from the “Empire” actress following  her Supporting Actress win. 

6. Amy P. and Amy S. teamed up to take over the world — and call out the bullshit female comedians face. #AmyAmy2016 “What an exciting two to four hours for women in comedy,” Poehler said. “Let’s not forget what tonight is about: celebrating hilarious women and letting the Internet weigh in on who looks the worst,” Schumer chimed in. Too real.

 7. Amy Poehler was a badass, even if she didn’t win the Best Actress In A Comedy Series award. She did not give a f**k. And we loved it. 

8. Richard Jenkins accepted his award for his role in “Olive Kitteridge” by thanking the “incredible women” who made it happen. “There were about a hundred thousand of them,” Jenkins added, before naming just a few, some of whom — Jane Anderson, Lisa Cholodenko, and Frances McDormand — also won awards for their work on the show. 

9. Amy Schumer beat out a billion dudes for Best Variety Sketch series. “This show fights for what we believe in,” Schumer said. 

10. Viola Davis’s acceptance speech for Best Lead Actress In A Drama Series was moving — and important. She reminded us why awards shows can be great sometimes. “The only thing that separates women of color from everyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for a role that isn’t there.” Amen. Give all the things to Viola.  

 

Also on HuffPost:

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Evan Rachel Wood has this important message about bisexuality: ‘We do exist’

Evan Rachel Wood last week shared a powerful message about her bisexuality ahead of Bisexual Awareness Week, which began on 20 September.

The Emmy-nominated actress had been in two public relationships with men, Marilyn Manson and Jamie Bell, but came out as bisexual in 2012.

I myself am bisexual and have always “joked” about miley giving me gay vibes. Not a bad thing! Just an observation.

— #EvanRachelWould (@evanrachelwood) August 24, 2012

‘Actually I am divorced with a son and no matter who I am with I am #stillbisexual,’ she wrote on Twitter.

Remember, bisexuality doesn’t mean halfway between gay or straight.
It is its own identity.

— #EvanRachelWould (@evanrachelwood) September 17, 2015

Wood went on to recount her own struggles with her sexuality and the feelings of shames after coming out as bisexual.

Bisexual people are the largest single group within the LGBT community, yet we are hardly recognized.

— #EvanRachelWould (@evanrachelwood) September 17, 2015

‘I think in some cases people don’t want to be labeled because they are ashamed to be bisexual.
And this needs to stop,’ she wrote.

‘I have battled with myself most of my life because I wasn’t gay or straight enough. I used to think I would never be happy.

‘I had to go through the same panic and shame and depression a lot of people in the LGBT community go through but when I came out a new found shame took over. Bi-shame. Feeling like people are judging you all over again but for different reasons.

‘A weight was lifted but not completely. I still feel like we have to constantly prove ourselves & our worthiness within the community.

Wood ended with this powerful message:

Point being, its ok. We do exist.
Don’t let anyone make you feel unworthy.
No one knows your journey but you.
#BisexualAwareness

— #EvanRachelWould (@evanrachelwood) September 17, 2015

The post Evan Rachel Wood has this important message about bisexuality: ‘We do exist’ appeared first on Gay Star News.

Darren Wee

www.gaystarnews.com/article/evan-rachel-wood-has-this-important-message-about-bisexuality-we-do-exist/

Andy Samberg Destroys Kim Davis While Hosting Emmy Awards

 

— Comic actor Andy Samberg turning Kentucky’s notorious antigay County Clerk Kim Davis into comedy gold while hosting the 2015 Emmy Awards

Jeremy Kinser

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