PHOTOS: Michael Stokes Puts Men on Exhibit
Christopher Harrity
www.advocate.com/books/2015/11/14/photos-michael-stokes-puts-men-exhibit
Daily Archives: November 14, 2015
Childcare workers refuse to accept trans child, sue employer for discrimination
Childcare workers refuse to accept trans child, sue employer for discrimination
Two childcare workers fired from a Texas daycare for refusing to address transgender issues are now suing their former employer for discrimination.
Madeline Kirksey and Akesha Wyatt have lodged a lawsuit against the Children’s Lighthouse Learning Center in Katy, Texas because they feel their religious belief has been discriminated against.
Both women were fired two weeks ago after a six-year-old child returned to the daycare with his parents saying he identified as a boy – but both Kirksey and Wyatt refused to call him by his chosen name.
Kirksey, a Christian author and blogger, also said she feels the boy’s parents – a gay couple – were forcing the issue of gender onto their child.
According to the Daily Mail, teachers – handing out leaflets on working with trans students – encouraged staff to educate other children about transgender issues and to ‘defend their dignity’, but the women said they were uncomfortable speaking to children about trans issues.
‘I don’t think we should be talking to other people’s children who are under the age of 18 about being transgender,’ Kirksey said in an interview with Fox News.
Adam Taylor, a prominent lawyer who fought and won the case of Texas’ so-called bathroom bill being put before voters, is representing Kirksey.
He is filing a lawsuit against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as he says his client’s rights as a Christian have been infringed.
‘Literally, she was sacrificed on the altar of political correctness,’ he said, according to the Daily Mail.
‘It’s not just Madeline and it’s not just this school that we are concerned about. We need to send a strong message that Christians need to push back on this agenda.’
Wyatt’s attorney, Briscoe Cain, told Breitbart his client’s religious rights had been violated by the firing; she had wanted to protect the child from harassment and being discriminated against.
‘She is now out of work for defending her faith and standing up for the innocence of children,’ he said.
‘And for believing that it is the role of parents to decide whether children should be educated about transgender issues,’
The post Childcare workers refuse to accept trans child, sue employer for discrimination appeared first on Gay Star News.
Stefanie Gerdes
The Spiritual Power Of Tattoos: An All Together Conversation
The Spiritual Power Of Tattoos: An All Together Conversation
It seems like everyone has a tattoo these days. Whether it is a small rose, a skull or a crucifix, people are marking their bodies in unprecedented numbers. While some may want to dismiss it as a merely a trend, tattoos tap into the human need for rituals and meaning.
Welcome to All Together, the podcast dedicated to exploring ethics religion and spiritual practice in daily life. You can download All Together on iTunes, or Stitcher.
As fewer Americans identify with formal religious traditions, getting a tattoo can be a rite of passage and a means to claiming of identity. Tattoos can serve like stained glass windows that tell the story of the soul.
All Together host Paul Raushenbush talks with Noah Michaelson and Josh Korda, both of whose bodies are literally covered with tattoos. They talk about why they got their first tattoos, what spiritual significance tattoos have for them and what advice they have for people thinking about getting a tattoo today.
Noah Michelson is a poet and the Editorial Director of the Voices department at The Huffington Post. Josh Korda is a well-known Buddhist and presiding teacher at Dharma Punx NYC as well as a teacher at Against the Stream.
Also On The Huffington Post
— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
Ruby Rose faces backlash for tweets sent after Paris terrorist attacks
Ruby Rose faces backlash for tweets sent after Paris terrorist attacks
Ruby Rose is facing backlash from her fans after posting tweets telling her fans to pray for the world.
Following the terror attacks in Paris yesterday evening (13 November), in which at least 127 people died, as well as attacks in Lebanon and Syria, the Orange is the New Black star took to her Twitter and Instagram accounts.
Joining thousands of people expressing their support for the victims and condemning the attacks, she asked her followers to pray not just for Paris but for the whole world.
‘Let’s be honest… Pray for humanity. What is happening in the world,’ she wrote.
‘Today has been devastating. #Lebanon, #paris, #syria and everywhere under attack right now.
‘This is not a blanket post this is a post for today’s horrific news which spans many countries.’
Let’s be honest.. Pray for humanity. What is happening in the world.. Today has been devastating. #lebanon #paris #syria and everywhere under attack right now. this is not a blanket post this is a post for today’s horrific news which spans many countries.
A photo posted by Ruby Rose (@rubyrose) on
But the compassionate post didn’t go down well with all of her fans; many urged her to delete the image. Others confronted the star about her post, comparing it to the all lives matter-hashtag created in response to the black lives matter-movement and saying they expected her to be more respectful. ‘Of course someone had to do it, we can’t go through anything without some moron,’ edgeofglory wrote. Another user, going by the name of xqueentroianx, told Rose to ‘stop erasing what happened… acknowledge the terror attacks as the tragedies they are’. Rose was quick to defend her postings, saying her post was ‘not taking away from Paris’ but was about the other incidents that happened on the same day. She later also posted the phone numbers of numerous embassies in Paris, as well as a quote from President Obama’s speech in which he said: ‘This is not just an attack on Paris, not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity.’ ‘Literally what I said and stand by earlier,’ Rose captioned her Instagram post. ‘Yet [I] receive hate and horrible comments.’
Literally what I said and stand by earlier. Yet receive hate and horrible comments. A photo posted by Ruby Rose (@rubyrose) on
The post Ruby Rose faces backlash for tweets sent after Paris terrorist attacks appeared first on Gay Star News.
Stefanie Gerdes
www.gaystarnews.com/article/ruby-rose-faces-backlash-for-tweets-sent-after-paris-terrorist-attacks/
Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Paris, the victims, and their families
Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Paris, the victims, and their families
www.hrc.org/blog/entry/paris?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed
Man Bikes Piano to Site of Paris Bataclan Attack, Plays John Lennon’s ‘Imagine': WATCH
Man Bikes Piano to Site of Paris Bataclan Attack, Plays John Lennon’s ‘Imagine': WATCH
A man rolled up with a piano attached to his bicycle outside the Bataclan, the Parisian concert hall where dozens were murdered last night in terrorist attacks, and began playing John Lennon’s “Imagine”. The piano was painted with a peace symbol.
Attacks in Paris: he transports his piano and plays before the Bataclan Imagine (Lennon ) pic.twitter.com/SFQBEtOGat
— ♛GHOST_RIDER♛ (@belkacemi) November 14, 2015
According to witnesses, he left right after the performance.
Watch:
RELATED: More Than 120 Killed in Coordinated Terrorist Attacks in Paris
RELATED: British Prime Minister David Cameron’s Full Remarks on the Paris Attacks: WATCH
Image via:
Scene outside #Bataclan after #ParisAttacks: Man pulled up with piano attached to bike, played Imagine and left. pic.twitter.com/p3ivcewHEK
— Stacy Meichtry (@SMeichtry) November 14, 2015
The post Man Bikes Piano to Site of Paris Bataclan Attack, Plays John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’: WATCH appeared first on Towleroad.
Andy Towle
Man Bikes Piano to Site of Paris Bataclan Attack, Plays John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’: WATCH
Brighton Pride 2015
Mormon Church Adjusts Antigay Policy on Kids' Baptism — Barely
Mormon Church Adjusts Antigay Policy on Kids' Baptism — Barely
The Mormon Church announced minor changes to one of its new antigay policies Friday, but it may well not satisfy the many people offended by the church’s stand — hundreds of whom plan to resign their membership Saturday.
The church “tweaked” its new policy on baptism of children of same-sex couples, The Salt Lake Tribune reports. Earlier this month the church updated its leadership manual to say children living with parents who are in a same-sex relationship could not be baptized until they turned 18, and then only if they stop living with their parents and take a position opposing such relationships.
“A clarification released Friday by the faith’s governing First Presidency said that applies only to children whose ‘primary residence’ is with a same-sex couple,” the Tribune reports. “If a child spends weekends with a parent in a same-sex relationship, for instance, he or she still can receive a naming blessing, be baptized or go on a proselytizing mission like any other Mormon.”
Also, a child of same-sex parents who has already been baptized does not have to be excluded from church activities, although decisions about this “should be made by local leaders with their prime consideration being the preparation and best interests of the child,” Mormon officials said.
There was no “tweak” to the other new policy — that entering into a same-sex marriage constitutes apostasy, that is, rejection of church teachings, and is grounds for punishment up to and including dismissal from the faith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as the Mormon Church is formally known, has long opposed same-sex relationship — saying gays and lesbians could be faithful Mormons if celibate — but such relationships have not previously been included in its definition of apostasy.
The handbook says these policies “have been approved by the Council of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles” (the latter is pictured above), the two highest governing bodies of the church.
On the policy regarding children, “the new clarification from the church helps children who are being raised by both gay and heterosexual parents,” Troy Williams, executive director of LGBT rights group Equality Utah, told the Tribune. “However, we are disappointed that children born of same-sex parents must still ‘disavow’ their parents’ marriage. This is a hurtful requirement for any child.”
As of Friday night, more than 1,000 people had signed up on Facebook to attend a “Mass Resignation From Mormonism Event,” to be held Saturday afternoon in a park adjacent to the church’s headquarters in downtown Salt Lake City. The event is billed as a gathering for people who wish to resign from the church and anyone who wants to support them, and many of the attendees plan to fill out resignation forms and deliver them to the church.
Trudy Ring
www.advocate.com/religion/2015/11/14/mormon-church-adjusts-antigay-policy-kids-baptism-barely
Here's What It's Like For A Single Gay Man To Welcome Twins Through Surrogacy
Here's What It's Like For A Single Gay Man To Welcome Twins Through Surrogacy
One individual is opening up about his experiences having a pair of twin girls through surrogacy as a single, gay man.
Honolulu-based videographer Alan Sangpan made the decision last year to become a father through surrogacy with the help of a woman living in India. Yahoo followed up with the father this month — who is no longer single — as a part of its video series “What It’s Like.”
“I was happy… [but] also very scared at the same time… I was just trying to figure out how I was going be able to do this by myself because at the time, I didn’t have any help. It was just me.”
Check out the video above to hear more of Sangpan’s story.
Also on HuffPost:
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Max Emerson Is Steaming Up The Far East; The Game Shows It Off Again
Max Emerson Is Steaming Up The Far East; The Game Shows It Off Again
This week, John Stamos revealed the man he’d give it up to, Steve Grand went on a date with a gay marine and Rob Lowe enjoys meeting guys on Grindr. Here’s what happened recently on Instagram:
Ronan Farrow: additive-free.
A photo posted by ronanfarrow (@ronanfarrow) on
Eliad Cohen is letting it all air out.
Good night my friends ? A photo posted by Eliad Cohen (@eliad_cohen) on
Andy Cohen takes the train just like us!
Brad Goreski is out to sea.
Best. Time. Ever! Absolutely loved my stay at the @oohaymanisland! Sad to leave. The barrier reef is so stunning! ??? @ooresorts #oohaymanisland A photo posted by Brad Goreski (@mrbradgoreski) on
Hugh Jackman is almost there.
Singing rehearsals for #BroadwayToOz . Getting there ….
A video posted by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on
Would you trade places with Russell Tovey‘s pup?
#feet #freedom and #theRock. #nyc #newyork #manhattan #Rocky #freedomtower #frenchbully A photo posted by Russelltovey (@russelltovey) on
Alex Minsky is bilingual.
David Beckham heats up Antarctica.
Just marked the pitch out … Anyone see the corner flag behind me ?? ? game 5 Antarctica WOW no words !!!! #loveofthegame @unicef A photo posted by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on
Our guess is Trevor Donovan doesn’t require much beauty sleep.
How many hours of sleep do you usually get per night? #picoftheday #instagood #me #trevordonovan #sleep
A photo posted by Trevor Donovan (@trevordonovan) on
E.J. Johnson loves his tequila.
Tequila enthusiast #casamigos #teamthis A photo posted by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on
Tyson Beckford showed Cuba Gooding Jr. the money.
Always good seeing my big bro! @alexandernashnyc #tysonbeckford #vsfashionshow vsfashionshow2015 #nyc
A photo posted by Tyson C. Beckford (@tysoncbeckford) on
Jack Falahee makes Big Sur even more scenic.
“Look at dis. Its beautiful af.” Big Sur 2015 A photo posted by Jack Falahee (@jackfalaheeofficial) on
Nev Schulman enjoys some incredibly tall succulents.
A photo posted by Nev Schulman (@nevschulman) on
Zachary Quinto could use a shave.
Robbie Rogers is a vision in black and white.
Max Emerson is upside down in China.
Let’s pretend #today that #iWokeUpLikeThis and am not actually crammed into a #middleSeat between a #crying #baby and a #gassyMonster on a 14 hour flight. #whereInTheWorld is safe?! #winner gets to #punch an #infant A photo posted by Max Emerson (@maxisms) on
Johnny Weir is best in show.
Got to meet the Best in Breed #japanesechin Pinx!
A photo posted by JOHNNY WEIR (@johnnygweir) on
Keep lifting those legs, Ryan Lochte.
After a hard week of training in #OTC and #PR in weight room, me and @timphil1 decided to crush some abs to finish the week off! #paintrain #roadtorio #gains A photo posted by Ryanlochte (@ryanlochte) on
The Rock has arrived.
The Game is such a shrinking violet.
#FineNiggaFriday so tonite you wanna go out… I say let’s stay in #NetflixAnd.. #Naw #GetDickAndChill #OpenUpForMeSoICanHelicopterTongueOnThatPussy #MotorboatThatMonkey #iMeanLickThatPearlSoFastYoVaginaGoIntoShock #ThenImGoneWakeThatVaginaUpWitThisWarmFreshOutTheShowerDick #SeeTheWayISlideInYouGoneMakeYoBestfriendFeelLikeImFuckinHerToo #MakeHerBustANutAndSheAintEvenHere #SheGoneCallYouLike #GirlAreYouFuckinGameAgainCauseICanFeelItToo #DickGameStrong #QuestionIs #CanYouTakeTheWholeThing #canyounot #IfYouCanIllEatYoPussyTilScandalComeBackOnNextWeek #ThisTongueWillMakeYouLateForWork #ThisDickWillMakeYouRestructureYourDay #ThisDickCanSewInBundles #ThisDickCanKeepThemEdgesSlickedDown #ThisDickCanFillInYourNails #ThisDickCanBeYourBestFriend #ThisDickWillChangeYourLife #DropsMic #MEATPRINTPAPI has spoken
A photo posted by The Game (@losangelesconfidential) on
Jeremy Kinser
