Costa Rica - Gays will 'fight to the end' to legalize unions

The gay community of Costa Rica said today that he will fight "until the end" for the legalization of civil unions or marriage, through actions that include bills, applications for marriage and a possible application to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR .)

"We want to go forward and we will exhaust all means necessary," he told Efe Abelardo Araya, who chairs the Diversity Movement, an organization of gays, lesbians and transsexuals in Costa Rica.

As part of these actions, on 16 May two gay couples appeared before a family court in San Jose applications to marry, even though the country is illegal marriage other than between a man and a woman.

In one pair, made by Antonio Rodriguez, 34, and Eliezer Bermudez, 23, the court rejected her request on Monday, while the other, made by Lorenzo Serrano, 27, and Alberto Gonzalez, 23 waits for a response.

Abelardo Araya explained that, on behalf of Rodriguez and Bermudez, today appealed the court's decision, he states that he has not taken into account "international law" on human rights.

According to the activist, there are international treaties ratified by Costa Rica to guarantee rights to the gay community, as is the "Ibero-American Convention on the Rights of Young People", which in Article 5 prohibits sexual orientation discrimination.

"Our proposal is that Costa Rica breaks with the practice of being restricting citizens' rights to different features. It is human rights and therefore we will do everything appropriate to fight to the end," said Araya.

Other actions that promoted the homosexual community in Costa Rica are two bills that are stalled for a couple of years in the Legislature that seek to legalize civil unions between same sex.

These projects seek to guarantee civil rights to homosexual couples as to inherit the partner, joint access to loans, pensions and social security, among others.

According to Araya, these projects will take "new momentum" this year with the deputy of the opposition Citizens Action Party Carmen Munoz, who heads the legislative commission on Human Rights.

The Catholic Church has announced its strong opposition to these initiatives and even promoted a referendum on the issue last August was declared unconstitutional because it violated the human rights of a minority.

The activist said that among the legal scenarios include queries have been raised before the Constitutional Court and if there not efforts bear fruit, sue the State of Costa Rica before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

"That's the scenario that we intend to arrive after exhausting all domestic remedies," said Araya.

El Pais...

http://www.actup.org

Ben Cohen and Hudson Taylor are Straight Athletes Pushing for Gay Equality

By Jonathan Capehart

Take one look at rugby superstar Ben Cohenor Columbia University wrestling coach Hudson Taylor and you’ll see why gay men across America are in total swoon. But the adoration is more than skin-deep. Much more. These two straight athletes are out, loud and proudadvocates against homophobia and bullying, particularly against gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Ask any gay man and he’ll tell you that Cohen and Taylor are right out of central casting for the role of the popular, good-looking athlete who swoops in to tell the bullies to leave us alone.

I met these two inspiring leaders at a dinner last night hosted by the Human Rights Campaign to honor Cohen (right), who retired just 11 days ago and formed the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundationto combat bullying “wherever and to whomever it occurs” with special attention on the LGBTQ community.

With Cohen in front of me and Taylor to my right, it was hard not to think of how their positive examples contrast with those of Kobe Bryant and Joakim Noah. Two professional athletes whose recent anti-gay remarks on the basketball court led to fines levied by the NBA — $100,000 for Bryant and $50,000 for Noah — and, in the case of Bryant, a PSA promoting compassion and understanding. Taylor views this as a partial victory.

“People only record a PSA or make a statement when there’s a feeling that someone’s been assaulted or offended in some way,” Taylor, below, told me. “It’s not an internal desire to actually make a change in the athletic culture. So, it’s great that there is a fine of $100,000 or $50,000. I think
 that that means that shows how far athletics is going but the fact that it takes an incident in order for someone to make a statement about gay slurs that’s indicative of how far we have yet to go.”

Let’s face it. Athletes hold a certain status in our culture. What they do and say has an impact on millions of people, especially the young. Whether they like it or not, they have a responsibility to act in a manner worthy of the adulation they engender. It’s a responsibility taken very seriously by Taylor, who talks to young athletes about the power of their words to hurt and isolate. His foundation, Athlete Ally, asks everyone involved in sports to sign a pledge to take proactive steps to stamp out homophobia and transphobia in sports. Here’s how he responded when I asked him what he would say to one of his wrestlers if he’d dropped the gay slur f-bomb.

Well, I think the biggest thing is to give them a sense of perspective. It’s to make them aware that how they speak to each other and how they speak to other people and about other people matters, not only for the well-being of the team but also for the well-being of themselves, of their character, of their legacy. So, I think it’s important that I stress the heart of athletics, the beauty of athletics is it’s that space where we compete together regardless of our differences. So, if you’re white, if you’re black, if you’re young, if you’re old we’re all coming together to accomplish the same goal and when we use derogatory or demeaning language what it does is it creates a culture of individuals and that hurts our potential to accomplish our goals. I try to stress the importance of victory through unity and that we are only going to be the team and the athletic culture we know we can be when everybody is made to feel welcome, respected, safe, included, equal.

For many, that f-bomb and other homophobic words aren’t considered a big deal. Taylor turned philosophical when I asked how young athletes react to his inclusive message. “I think a lot of the problem stems from masculine and feminine gender scripts,” he said. “There’s this kind of myth that in order to be a successful athlete you have to be masculine. In order to be masculine you have to be straight. And I think that a lot of athletes, their initial reaction is such that using homophobic language is a way of declaring their straightness. By degrading others in that way or using that word in a negative context . . . in some way asserts my being a heterosexual.”

“There are two kinds of obstacles that need to be overcome for younger athletes,” Taylor continued in earnest. “[O]ne, redefining what it means to be a man or a woman or what is athletic? What is masculine? And the second is just really making them aware that, you know, for me, I never felt I had an out teammate. I never had an out friend. But that doesn’t meant that I never knew anybody who was closeted. [T]he truth is chances are that every athlete at some point in their life or every coach at some point in their life has encountered a closeted athlete who is being made to live a life less than what they should be and that’s because they are being made to feel isolated and segregated because of other people’s words.”

Before Taylor bolted the dinner (not because of my persistent questioning but because he had to catch the 10 p.m. train back to New York), he made a rather interesting observation about the difference in the reaction to bullying between successful male and female athletes. “Where are the female allies,” he asked? “There’s an assumption that because you’re a successful female athlete that you’re gay. So you have a lot of female athletes who are being kept in the closet as [straight] allies. And you have male athletes who are kept in the closet because of their sexual orientation.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com

Bloomberg/Lesbian Niece Speaks Up For Gay Marriage

Mayor Bloomberg and his niece Rachel at Cooper Union (NYC Mayor's Office)

Mayor Bloomberg made the case for New York State passing gay marriage by making the point that the majority of Americans (and New Yorkers) support it, "The question for every New York state lawmaker is: Do you want to be remembered as a leader on civil rights? Or an obstructionist? On matters of freedom and equality, history has not remembered obstructionists kindly." And he brought up his close, personal connection—his niece Rachel Tiven, who is a lesbian.

"There’s a reason I’m so passionate about this issue - and so determined to push for change. I see the pain the status quo causes - and I cannot defend it. When I meet a New Yorker who is gay, when I speak with friends and members of my staff who are gay, or when I look into the eyes of my niece, Rachel, I cannot tell them that their government is correct in denying them the right to marry. I cannot tell them that marriage is not for them. I cannot tell them that a civil union is good enough."

You can read the speech in full here; Bloomberg also said, “So the question really is: So, why now? Because this is our time to stand up for equality. This is our time to conquer the next frontier of freedom. This is our time to be as bold and brave as the pioneers who came before us. And this is our time to lead the American journey forward... In our city, there is no shame in being true to yourself. There is only pride. We take you as you are - and we let you be who you wish to be. That is the essence of New York City."

Bloomberg has poured money into gay marriage-supporting causes (though some advocates claim he's not doing enough). The stumbling block in New York is getting a bill passed in the notoriously difficult State Senate, which the Republicans control and which also has some very anti-gay marriage Democrats.

According to the Daily Politics, Tiven is "the eldest daughter of Bloomberg’s sister Marjorie, introduced her uncle before the address. According to a Bloomberg aide, she has three children with a female partner. Tiven is the executive director of Immigration Equality, an advocacy organization that fights for equal immigration rights for gays and lesbians"

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News 

Sex Lawsuit Involving Ga. Pastor is Quietly being Settled

EnlargeAssociated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2010 file photo Bishop Eddie Long speaks near in Lithonia, Ga. A lawsuit filed by four young men who accused Long of sexual misconduct has been resolved, attorneys for both sides said Thursday, bringing a quiet end to a blockbuster legal complaint that targeted one of the nation's most powerful church leaders.

by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS  

Lawsuits brought by four young men who accused a Georgia megachurch pastor of sexual misconduct have been resolved, attorneys for both sides said Thursday, bringing a quiet end to a blockbuster legal complaint that targeted a powerful national religious leader.

Both sides declined to discuss terms of the deal, other than to say the civil suits in state court would not go forward against Bishop Eddie Long, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.

The four young men had alleged Long abused his spiritual authority and coerced them into sexual relations with gifts including cars, cash and travel when they were 17. One suit also claimed Long had sexual contact with one of them during trips he took them on in the U.S. and abroad. Long denied the allegations, and federal and state authorities didn't investigate because Georgia's age of consent is 16.

Still, the scandal tainted the reputation of Long, who over two decades had transformed his suburban Atlanta congregation of 150 into a following of 25,000 members and an international televangelist empire that included athletes, entertainers and politicians. The 58-year-old husband and father of four has championed strong families and been an outspoken opponent of gay marriage.

Plaintiffs' attorney B.J. Bernstein said Thursday "we can confirm that the matter has been resolved" but would not elaborate. Phone calls to the young men were not returned.

Barbara Marschalk, an attorney for New Birth Missionary Baptist, confirmed the suits had been resolved and said they would likely be dismissed by Friday.

Church spokesman Art Franklin issued a statement late Thursday saying: "After a series of discussions, all parties involved have decided to resolve the civil cases out of court. This decision was made to bring closure to this matter and to allow us to move forward with the plans God has for this ministry."

"As is usually the case when civil lawsuits resolve out of court, we cannot discuss any details regarding the resolution or the resolution process, as they are confidential," Frank said in the statement. "This resolution is the most reasonable road for everyone to travel."

Much of Long's appeal was based on a prosperity gospel — featuring his own lavish lifestyle — and his macho appearance, accented by the muscle T-shirts he often wore in the pulpit.

The TV preacher's ministry was threatened in September when Spencer LeGrande, Jamal Parris, Maurice Robinson and Anthony Flagg sued Long in DeKalb County state court. The Associated Press does not generally identify people who claim they are victims of sexual abuse or misconduct, but Bernstein said the four consented to making their identities public.

Two of the men who brought suit alleged that Long groomed them for sexual relationships when they were enrolled in the church's LongFellows Youth Academy, a program that purportedly sought to guide teens through their "masculine journey" with lessons on financial discipline and sexual control. Two other young men — one of whom attended a satellite church in Charlotte, N.C. — made similar allegations.

Flagg, who enrolled at the academy at age 16, said Long chose him as a "spiritual son" after learning of the young man's challenges growing up without a father. Flagg moved into another minister's home after being arrested on an assault charge when he was 18. The lawsuit alleged Long would visit, crawl into bed with him and the two would engage in sexual acts.

Robinson said his mother enrolled him in the LongFellows program when he was 14. Long started lavishing attention on him the following year, and a church employee soon rewarded the teen with a Chevy Malibu, the lawsuit said. The two began engaging in sexual acts after an October 2008 trip to New Zealand.

Parris, who said his father had not been active in his life, said Long encouraged the teen to call him "Daddy" and later used biblical verses to justify the alleged abuse.

Long denied the allegations in court motions, saying that he often encouraged his flock to call him "daddy" as a term of respect. He acknowledged giving gifts to the plaintiffs, but said he often provided his church members with financial help. During church sermons, he turned to biblical terms to portray himself as an underdog.

Long has remained at the helm of New Birth since the allegations surfaced last year, vowing to fight the allegations.

"I feel like David against Goliath. But I got five rocks, and I haven't thrown one yet," Long said during his first sermon after the lawsuit was filed. He said that although he didn't claim to be perfect, "I am not the man that's being portrayed on the television."

http://www.npr.org

'Frontline' examines gay life of Bradley Manning

Posted by duy |
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The PBS series Frontline is currently airing an examination of the life of Army Pvt.Bradley Manning. Manning is a Federal prisoner who is suspected of leaking thousands of secret U.S. documents to Wikileaks. A lot of controversy has arisen around Manning's actions, the allegedly harsh treatment and isolation he has endured while incarcerated, and the way in which he was caught.
The program includes coverage of the widely assumed but little-discussed facts about Manning's sexual orientation. Jordan Davis, described as Manning's best friend back in Oklahoma, said he thought Manning grew up scared of his "controlling" dad. But said that after his father divorced his mother, Manning began to change his appearance, and eventually revealed his secret to Davis (Frontline / PBS):

"He told me he was gay, and I said, 'Okay, well, you know, it's whatever floats your boat, man.' And that was pretty much it."

Manning lived with his mother for a while then returned to live with his father, Brian Manning, who says he was surprised when his Bradley told him he was gay. He claims Bradley had become argumentative and that he lost a job because he was "increasingly erratic."  Brian Manning added that Bradley was not kicked out of his home because he was gay, but said his son moved out after a confrontation with his new stepmother. Brian Manning told the show that he's the one who suggested that his "aimless" son should join the Army to find "structure."
Frontline reports that Manning enlisted in 2007, at the age of 19,  to become an intelligence analyst. But he was harassed and disliked by drill sergeants, possibly because he was "gay and effeminate," according to his Army roommate. Manning continued to have "outbursts" and, after being deployed to Iraq, "his private life fell apart."
Frontline says Manning used social media to show his support for the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and gay marriage, and even posted pictures of himself at gay rights rallies with pro-gay signs. His father and others expressed concern over the public display of his sexual orientation while under the U.S. military's DADT policy.
It's reported that Manning had a relationship with Tyler Watkins a student in Boston, and was introduced there to a group of computer science students and "hackers." Frontline says Manning went to Iraq, but returned to find that Watkins wanted to break off their relationship. The show adds that Manning took the news that Watkins began a new relationship very hard. (Frontline / PBS)

Old Navy is Sold On Gay Pride Which Equals Big Bucks

Old Navy is the latest -- and perhaps biggest -- retailer chain to jump on the gay pride bandwagon. Starting next Monday, the company will be selling four different rainbow-emblazoned "pride" t-shirts for men, women, and babies. Ten percent of the shirt's proceeds will go towards the It Gets Better Project.

The fact that Old Navy (owned by Gap, Inc., which ownsGap, Banana Republic, and Piperlime) is coming out with these is not exactly shocking -- even in spite of their magnitude. I mean, retailers and fashion houses have been supporting the gay community for forever now. But there does seem to be a sudden burst of (really outspoken) gay pride support (and of course apparel) available from the fashion world these days. Are they striving for social justice, or are they just out to make a buck?

There's no doubt in my mind that the companies -- most people in them, at least -- actually support gay marriage, etc. I don't think the emotion behind their messages is false. It may be a stereotype, but it's true -- the majority of the fashion world is run by women and gay men.  However, the main purpose of fashion designers and retailers is to, well, sell clothes. Maybe it's partly to do with Glee, but gay pride is hotter than ever right now. Not to mention the fact that the gay community possesses a buying power of over $800 billion! And if you really want to get down and dirty here, mygayweb shows that:

• Gay men and lesbians go out more, buy more, have more disposable income, and are extremely loyal consumers.

• Gay and lesbian consumers purchase from companies/brands that advertise in gay media, deliver product messages in gay-specific advertising, support gay and lesbian community causes, and are good to their own gay and lesbian employees.

Interesting, right? That Gap, Inc. might be on to a thing or two. As well as J.Crew, who featured asame sex couple in their catalogue and who started Pink Toe-Gate, and American Apparel, who sells oodles of their "Legalize Gay" t-shirts. Other, more high-end designers, like Kenneth Cole and Marc Jacobs, have featured limited edition gay swag.

It's nice that these companies are coming out to support such a worthy cause, but I think it's safe to assume that if these items aren't turning around as fast as the companies would like, they'll be booted from the shelves in exchange for something else. You know what they say about fashion: One day you are in, the next you are out.

Posted by Nicole Fabian-Weber

 http://thestir.cafemom.com

Image via Old Navy

F-word as bad as the N-word

  

by Jim Buzinski.

The recent fines in the NBA for Kobe Bryant and Joakim Noah using “faggot” has engendered a lot of talk about language and what is and isn’t a slur. Mike Freeman of CBS Sportsline has a provocative column where he says that calling someone a “faggot” is the same as calling a black person a “nigger.” Freeman, who is black, is especially critical of African American jocks who use the “F-word” with abandon.

That word is the same as the N-word. Yes, it is. Don’t look at me like that. Yes. It. Is.

This won’t be a popular stance among some of my African-American football acquaintances, but it’s a truthful one and it’s a conversation that needs to be had.

When black men degrade gays, we are hypocrites. We cheapen our own history and struggles. It remains stunning to me why more African-American athletes (not all by any stretch but enough) don’t understand this. When a slur is aimed at us, we feel the impact. So why wouldn’t gays?

Freeman asked for my thoughts:

“I find it sad and ironic that athletes from a group long oppressed by language and the power of certain slurs would easily toss them around about another group,” said Jim Buzinski, who runs Outsports.com, a site dedicated to the coverage of gay athletes. “There will be people who will argue there are historical differences, and while true, does not somehow make one slur ‘more acceptable’ than another. Hateful words are hateful words, period.”

I would think that Freeman’s point is logical and unassailable, but every time this issue comes up we hear people giving a pass to the use of “faggot” and claiming there is no equivalence with other slurs (just read the comments on his column to see this in action).

I am always bothered when minority groups try and out-do each other in claiming the discrimination and oppression they have suffered is somehow worse than what another group endured. This is not a game of one-upsmanship. “Faggot” is used to demean people when myriad other neutral curse words can be uttered, so the speaker of the word recognizes its power to hurt. I hope this becomes self-evident to more people and applaud Freeman for tackling it head on.

I would love to know what others think about this issue since it seems everyone looks at it a little differently.

http://outsports.com/