The Your Stories section is all about you! Please take a minute to tell visitors of the ILGA website about what LGBTI life is like in reality. Please submit your personal story and share your experience!
Hello! My Name is Victoria Jones, but people who love me call me V.v., and I am 20 years old. I am going into my third year at Azusa Pacific University, but in order for me to register for the Fall Semester (where I will be a Resident Advisor), I need to pay the school an outstanding balance of $19,280.00. The reason why this has just arisen is because for my first three semesters, my mother paid for school. But at the beginning of this year, I just came out to her as being a lesbian. She cut me off. I work over 35 hours weekly now, but sustaining myself AND paying off my balance is actually impossible. I am asking that you good people PLEASE help me. APU is my life, and if I can’t go back, I don’t know what I will do.
Thank you so much!!!
I have a page where you can donate funds. Anything counts!!
https://www.youcaring.com/lgbtquniversity
Hi, I just began blogging about my experience as a USA Olympic Style Boxer at http://ProBoxingFitness.Net the blog is for LGBTQ and allies.
The blog will soon offer postings that target the physical, mental, and emotional well being of it’s readers.
The content will specialize in general fitness, the Sport of Olympic Style Boxing, and the topic of “Winning In Life.”
Blog visitors benefit from free fitness tips, advice, and an opportunity to get their fitness or boxing related questions answered by a Licensed Coach at no cost and NO DISCRIMINATION.
I am a documentary filmmaker, gay, and have just completed a film called STRAIGHT LINE CURVE. It showcases seven successful gay men of the USA Southwest who do not fit the stereotypes often associated with homosexuality. Each man has a high profile and is fulfilled, optimistic, inspirational and proud.
I believe this film offers the world a wonderful and motivational look at the gay journey, which few people in the general populace knows exists...but it does! This 32-minute film is available on DVD.
Ed Breeding, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
email: breeding4051@comcast.net
www.ed-breeding.artistwebsites.com
Allied NATO Government is hiding millions of infectious NON HIV AIDS cases (like mine) under the "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)" ICD-code.
My case goes up through the White House, NIH, CDC, WHO, to the United Nations. I recently testified on a federal-level in Washington, DC, and have been published 12 times on 4 continents.
UK PROGRESSIVE published one of my letters about NON HIV AIDS. This topic has been censored from mainstream media since 1992 (i.e., circa Gulf War I).
I hope that you will support this humanitarian issue, and spread-the-news too (e.g., write a story, add to your e*Newsletter and/or post on Facebook/Twitter).
In the fight for humanity,
k
My life with NON HIV AIDS (including my federal testimony):
www.cfsstraighttalk.blogspot.com
Or simply google "NON HIV AIDS"
My federal testimony about NON HIV AIDS from a recent CFS/ME advisory committee meeting (Washington, DC via conference call) posted (5 minutes):
the following is my friend Tom's story, in his own words
I committed statutory rape with a 15-year old male when I was 51. He was my student. I loved and love him whole-heartedly and completely, and promised him unconditional love, long before any sex took place. Human behavior is complicated and has many varieties. This is an unusual story. The government told a cartoon story with broad strokes of black and white.
I was imprisoned without bond, and had my freedom of speech taken away before I had been convicted of any crime. Newspapers printed government press releases without any checking of any facts. If necessary, I will submit to a polygraph on any statement I make, from any independent administrator. Ask those who contradict my statements if they will do the same. If a statement was proved by evidence or the victim's statements, I will put (P). I have discovered that the police falsify information, and distort and manipulate facts and testimony. My belief in the United States has been shaken.
The young man, a South American adopted into an Orthodox Jewish family, was cutting himself in September of 2009 when we met. He told me it was from the frustration with his home life, and not being allowed to be Latino or social, and being forced to observe a religion he found oppressive. He said one sister attacked him physically several times. He is a remarkable, bright, witty, and kind human being, with a fierce urge for freedom. I found him to be extraordinary. He came to see me most days, even more often after he was warned by his parents that I was homosexual, I found out later.(P) He brought a chess board in for lunches when he found out I played chess. We talked about history, religion, politics, psychology. He eventually he told me about the cutting.
I called his father, talked to the rabbis, called a psychologist, put him in touch with a former student with whom I thought he might click (heterosexual), gave him a copy of The Road Less Travelled, the best book I thought on how one gets happy. He kept cutting. I was frantic to help. I promised to love him unconditionally, forever. We loved talking, and I hoped I could make up whatever he lacked. I promised to do anything in my power to help him be happy. I sent him affirmation texts. (Know you are loved, you are great as you are, say "I am a wonderful person," etc.)
Some months later, on the phone, he said we should have sex. I told him that was a "really bad idea."
Some time later, he said he was playing tennis next to my building, and he would come by to work on a project. He came up, and said he was not there to work on the project, but to have sex. I tried to talk him out of it. (P) I said I could love him without sex. (P) He said I didn't have to. I said he did not owe me sex for love. He said he knew he did not owe, he wanted it, and he said I did too. I said sex was not that important, that he should not ask such a thing just for sex. He said it was for true love, that we were soul mates, we would be together forever. I said if we were soul mates then, we would be so in a few years. He said, true, but since we were we did not have to wait. Many times, he said he needed it to live. He confirmed at trial that he believed that. (P) He believed he loved me and that I loved him. (P) I said he should be with someone his age. He said he was attracted to older men. (P) I said everyone would assume it was my fault when it came out (even years later if we were together). He said he would tell them he picked me, and besides, we would be together. He said he had known what he wanted for a long time. He said such things happened all the time. Nothing happened that day (Feb,. 13 2010) We agreed to work it out. The conversation continued the next day with many more reasons for no on my part. He finally said if it was not me, it would be some other older white guy. (P) I agreed on February 14.
I have tried to be a good person my whole life. I try not to manipulate people. I love people without sex; sex and love are not the same thing. I do not even like to have sex with someone drunk, even a boyfriend because of the consent issue. I have always tried to tell the truth. Even in teaching, I would tell students the reason I was doing something (quizzes are designed to force you to read, etc.) I have tried to help the outcasts, with chess and theater. Many students said I saved lives, saved souls.
No combination of things could have made me give in like those. I had to save the life of someone I loved, a soul mate with love so true that 35 years made no difference, and if I didn't do it he would go do it somewhere else. I justified it by saving his life, not denying true love, and protecting him from those who did not love him. It was clearly wrong, but has anyone been subject to such arguments in such a situation? He said, trust me, believe me.
I thought that rejection just might kill him. I thought he wanted to be trusted and believed. I rationalized that the release of sex with someone he loved might stop the cutting. I let myself believe. He said in a statement later he did it for power and control. (P) The cutting stopped for four months until another fight with his sister.
Once I agreed I did whatever I could to make him happy. He was very advanced sexually. He claimed that I was the first, but close examination of his statement excluded from trial makes that claim dubious. He wanted to try light bondage and spanking. I always did what he asked. The prosecutor loved to say "penetrated with objects." I was the far more often penetrated. Everything done was done mutually. He was very happy, almost giddy. Only he could arrange meeting times. I came when he called, and did what he asked. He estimated 50 to 60 times in 5 months. The frequency with which he chose should have been proof of a loving if wrong relationship; I had no ability to arrange to see him. The schedule was his. He repeatedly texted and told me "You saved my life."
I had to move to Virginia to make more money. He said he wanted us to be together, so I remained faithful. I saw him that Christmas break, once, and it was clear he was no longer interested. He had been sleeping with a number of other older men. (P This is factual from his statements, not speculation.) I did not know that until my arrest. He called me to officially end the relationship in January. I was heart-broken, but I never raised his vow of eternal love. I tried to continue loving him as a friend. We soon emailed, and I never asked to renew the sexual relationship. I offered to be a best friend (my choice) or never talk to him if that was what he needed. (P) His emails say things like "Thank you...for everything," and "Not worry about you? Not possible." The emails are available.
He broke contact in early June of 2011. I heard by email from someone claiming to be him in October of that year, but it was not him. I denied the sex, thinking it was his family. I promised to do anything to help him if HE asked, and ended contact with the impostor. It was a Florida law enforcement agent. That was my first offer to turn myself in.
He got in trouble for his sexual contact with men. He refused to cooperate with police. (P) He was locked in psychological facilities for a year. He was brainwashed into changing the facts of what happened, (P) and his attitude was reversed. As far as I can tell, he was locked up for being actively gay. He was 17 for most of that time. In May 2012 he cooperated with police, and contacted me. When he called, I said I was ready to come tell the truth if that was what he needed. My second offer. He said he wanted me to come see him (reversed by police) and that he could not wait until he was 18. (P) I was confused by his previous rejection and now reversal. The policeman, as the young man, sent me sexually suggestive texts and emails, begging for me to renew the relationship, and made me promise to say something on the phone. It was the young man on the phone. I promised, and the young man initiated phone sex at the behest of the police. (P) I tried to decline; he said he had "needs." (P) I came to Florida and was arrested, after telling him twice more on the phone I would come and tell the truth. He was three months away from his 18th birthday at this point. The federal age of consent is 16, but they charged me under the Florida age of 18, but using a federal charge that carried a sentence of 10 to life.
The young man's police statement on which the indictment was based was largely disproved at trial. (P) The federal government charged me under an internet predator law, convinced that there were other victims. The police directed or suggested the false testimony. (P) They said I showed him child porn, which makes no sense. This was dismissed on sentencing, but they used it twice in trial to disgust the jury. They kept hinting at trial and sentencing about other victims, who do not exist, in spite of running a hotline number that was carried in the US and England. I find men from the age of maturity to 30ish more attractive sexually than older men, though not exclusively. Do heterosexuals do this as well? Does a 50 year old heterosexual fantasize about 50 year-ld women? I tried NOT to see students outside of school. I would never seduce anyone; the greatest attraction for me is someone's desire for me.
When the other victims did not appear, they brought in the FBI grooming expert to say I groomed him, since the evidence of persuading, enticing, inducing or coercing was slim. No grooming scenario exists in which the "groomer" waits for the "victim" to ask for sex, and then tries to dissuade the "victim." As unlikely as my story sounds, at trial he admitted that he, not I, proposed sex, that I tried to talk him out of it (and thus he talked me into it), that he BELIEVED he needed it to live, that I said I could love him without sex, and that he said he would find another older white guy if I said no. He AFFIRMED these at trial.
The interpretation of the law for induce as "cause" is to "allow to happen," when it should mean force. Under this absurd reading, this law has a LOWER threshold of guilt than statutory rape; a text message saying "OK, I will pick you up," would convict, without any contact. If every gay teen who texted an older lover were to be found in South Florida, there would be an army in prison. Statutory rape under federal guidelines carries a 41-51 month sentence. I was given 200 months under the persuasion statute. I had offered to plead guilty to statutory rape and it was rejected; they blamed me at sentencing for putting him through the trial.
Most heterosexual women in the same situation are sentenced to probation to two years. The application of this statute was arbitrary and unequal. The prosecutor announced to the jury that he granted that the "sex was consensual." The age of consent in Israel is 15, so in that civilized a country I would not even have committed a crime at all. The rich are sued for this. Where is the moral fairness?
Why was I prosecuted this way? Conservative politics and homosexuality. The family is Orthodox Jewish, the investigator who fashioned the testimony is Catholic, the prosecutor is Republican, and the judge voted for Rick Santorum.
I believed saving his life, or both of us believing it, would mitigate the statutory rape charge. I believed telling the truth and offering to turn myself in would mitigate. Telling the truth was the worst thing I could have done. Had I denied him when he called, and lied, nothing would have happened. I tried to be honest; rejecting him seemed to violate my vow of love.
I do not "blame" him for sleeping with other men. I do not love him less. I would have done anything for his happiness. I would have gladly NOT slept with him. I rationalized that I was being courageous to save his life and risk my own. I felt he was testing to see if my vow of eternal, unconditional love was real. He convinced me we were breaking convention for our mutual happiness. I thought I could serve some years to save him. If it truly saved his life, I wish I could say that knowing what I do now, I would still have been loyal enough to say yes. I would not have had the courage. I am sorry it happened either way.
Does love matter? Does fairness matter? Does the truth matter? When does a person have sexual and religious freedom? Can a conservative family change those by locking someone in psychological units, to change attitudes and alter facts? Does gay sex justify any level of charges, and any lying by the government?
i have been gay for five years. i'm fifteen so thats about a third of my life. i'm a male, some would call ginger, but the main reason why i am here is because i haven't told my parents yet. the reason why is because my father said he would disown me! i know i shouldn't keep something like this a secret, but i still do. plus i can't have a relationship! this really bothers me because i live in a small town in indiana and there aren't many dateable teens out there for me. i still haven't found anybody, and i'm starting to lose hope. i keep leaving major hints lying around, but know one seems to care! i feel like if i shouted at everyone the truth they wouldn't even hear me! i'm sick and tired of being alone. i need someone, but i just can't find the poor sod!
I hope that you will support this humanitarian issue, and spread-the-news too (e.g., write a story, add to your e*Newsletter and/or post on Facebook/Twitter).
Hello my name is Daria and I am a producer in the NYC area, I am currently working on my latest project which I believe may interest you! I am currently in pre production of my latest film called "The Honor" this film is a heart wrenching, dramatic story about the love of a bi racial lesbian couple, whom despite the scrutiny from their peers and family they pursue their relationship anyway. After much tirany the protagonists mother ends up having her lover and soul mate killed, this story goes through the very struggles of bi racial and homosexual couples do today, and ends with a triumphant and revelating reveal. I am personally a huge advocate for gay/lesbian rights as well as bi racial and bi ethnical rights, this movie is my baby and the script was given to me along side of a dozen others and I immediately knew which story I would then make come to life. If you could be of any assistance with this project I would be more then happy to mention your organization in our film and of course give you credits. This is a story very close to my heart and getting this film the recognition it deserves is my number one priority. If you would like a copy of our script I would be more then happy to send it to you, or any more information! I truly truly hope to speak with you soon! Thank you for you time.
Sincerely, Daria
Producer of "The Honor"
Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?
-Ernest Gaines
Devon Yaffe
(user currently living in UNITED STATES)
posted for
gay
readers
on 30/01/2013
My name is Devon Yaffe and after finding out I could choose any topic for my Senior Project, I decided on one that was closer to home: Overcoming Adversities as a Gay Teen. As a member of this ever growing community I planned to branch out to the gay community in ord er to hear the stories of gay youth. This documentary tells the story of ten gay males, ages ranging from 15-82. We find out how each of them overcame their adversities as a gay teen throughout each generation. Please enjoy.
James Cue
(user currently living in UNITED STATES)
posted for
gay
readers
on 28/01/2013
Hello, My Name Is James Alexander Cue. I Once Had a dream. I do not have a Eternal Illness. I have a disorder Called ITP. Its very Much controlled also. I am A homosexual, And Told my Family When I was very young. My family Is extreme Catholics . They Hit and beat me my whole life. After graduating High School I ran away Because I wanted to escape. My Family was always A middle class family. I moved away with a man Named Jonathan Escobar. He was On Tyra Banks show, for being transgender and being kicked out. But living with him wasn't ideal for me so I escaped Back home. Biggest mistake ever. Being young In My Mind that was the only other place I thought I could go. As anyone Else I wanted a education. I joined Beauty Schools Of America Homstead Campus. This only out ragged my mom and dad. They are Republicans and Dad Mason. I also being raised that way. Did All my commandants. But even so my family damned me for me being homosexual. But still I tried ...... I received no fin
ical Aid
due to the fact that Im not 24 and do not fall under the criteria Of receiving help because My family Is middle Class. My family could care less due to the fact that I decided To Do Beauty. But Still I tried and tried. Working next door to my school In A Restaurant Called Sake Thai and Sushi Bar. I was working 6 days a week as host and delivery boy. I later when On TO Get a DBA because Business fascinated me. The more I did the more my whole family grew cold. I went ON and got so many opportunity's Being Able to Intern for Ford Modeling And Elite and Even Helped with vanidades Feb.2013 issue Assisting Michelle Cameau. So As time passed I realized That I could not work annymore my grades dropped and I had even enrolled In ITEC. Meaning International "world wide". ... After working All year I gave it a quit. Due to the fact that my school was not covered I needed my w-2 form for school. My family became enraged saying I never paid rent. Which Even Hurt my feeling cause If I h
ad IT I
would but I just couldnt Im only 19. And with gas and cell phone, I barely was surviving. Never making payments on school. My mom On the 21st of January argued with me and started throwing my hair things which meant the world to me. A brush is what a doctor uses a x-ray. So we fought and me being so little got beat by my dad. It resulted With my siblings calling the cops. I got evicted. For my age. The cops laughed and would yell at me saying your a joke could you pack your foils faster. For days Ive spent In this small forest called Cauley Sqaure. Just confused. I know I couldnt pay rent but I needed to pay school. I can no longer go back and continue my education cause I owe A debt. And Now Im homeless. All I ever wanted was a chance to be a power house of strength. I have no home nor family. I sometimes wish I wasnt a homosexual and Did not like Beauty. But I fallowed my dreams. Now Im homeless and cant finish school. If there's Any way you guys could help, It would be li
fe chang
ing to me. Because I have nothing. Im sure soon my phone will die. And So will I. My Email Is Jcue_93@hotmail.com----- My Phone Is (786)518-5191. And You can see that I gave an effort On my website WWW.Jamesalexandercue.com / I need a home and Im dying in my desire to finish school. I know I don't have cancer. But I had a dream that was crushed by not following my parents way of living life. Hopeless Teenage with hopes Of Being a business Owner. If you could Help I would appreciate it. Thank you Please I would travel. And Need Money.
jack hugeman
(user currently living in UNITED STATES)
posted for
gaybisexual
readers
on 25/11/2012
EVERYONE DESERVES TO HAVE ACCESS TO EFFECTIVE COUPLES THERAPY REGARDLESS OF THEIR LIVING SITUATION OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
SUPPORT EQUALITY!
You are invited to participate in a research study to contribute to the field of Couple and Family Therapy. The purpose of this research is to examine the potential relationship between emotional intelligence and relationship satisfaction. Previous research about relationship satisfaction has EXCLUDED same-sex and cohabitating couples. This has prevented researchers and therapists from developing effective therapeutic interventions that can be used with all couples, not just married couples. All couples, regardless of living situation or sexual preference, deserve to have access to quality therapy. By participating in this research study, you have the opportunity to provide couple and family therapists with valuable information that may allow them to help all couples in therapy more effectively.
In order to participate, you must be 18 years of age, fluent in written English, currently in a relationship that has lasted a minimum of one year, and currently reside in the United States. If you would like to participate in this study, please click on the online survey link provided to you below for more information. All survey information will be available to you online and can be completed from the comfort of your own home during a time that is convenient for you.
If you have any questions about the study or know someone that you think may be interested in participating in this study, please feel free to pass on the link to the study or to contact the researcher at ashley.n.arn@gmail.com.
Survey Link: https://alliant.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eEG3ajl1vYwvm3q
If the link does not send you directly to the survey, please copy the link and paste it into a new browsing window.
BEST GAY NEWS Magazine published one of my letters about NON HIV AIDS. This marks it’s 7th publication. This topic has been censored from mainstream media since 1992.
Please read this through to the end. Is it possible Obama is muslim and has lied to and used gays to get elected? Are gays safe if he gets re-elected? Everyone needs to be warned.
GEY • 3 hrs ago
Father of Slain SEAL: Wants to Know Who Made the Decision Not to Save My Son? Lars Larson
Mr. Woods, the father Tyrone Woods, who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attack at the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya, reveals details of meeting Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton at the memorial service for the slain Americans at Andrews Air Force Base only days after the attack. And, in a recent radio appearance, Woods publicly questions who made the call not to send in back-up forces to possibly save his son’s life, as well as the three other Americans killed in Benghazi (which includes the American ambassador to Libya).
When [Obama] came over to our little area” at Andrew Air Force Base, says Woods, “he kind of just mumbled, you know, ‘I’m sorry.’ His face was looking at me, but his eyes were looking over my shoulder like he could not look me in the eye. And it was not a sincere, ‘I’m really sorry, you know, that you’re son died,’ but it was totally insincere, more of whining type, ‘I’m sorry.’”
Woods says that shaking President Obama’s hands at his son’s memorial service was “like shaking hands with a dead fish.”
“It just didn’t feel right,” he says of his encounter with the commander in chief. “And now
that it’s coming out that apparently the WH situation room was watching our people die in real time, ( now we learn from 2 drones) as this was happening,” Woods says, he wants answers on what happened—and why there was no apparent effort to save his son’s life.
“Well, this is what Hillary did,” Woods continues. “She came over and, you know, did the same thing—separately came over and talked with me. I gave her a hug, shook her hand. And she did not appear to be one bit sincere—at all. And you know, all she mentioned was that thing about, we’re going to have that person arrested and prosecuted that did the video. That was the first time I had even heard about anything like that.”
“Apparently even the State Department had a live stream ( 2 drones we now learn) and was aware of their calls for help. My son wasn’t even there. He was at a safe house about a mile away. He got the distress call; he heard them crying for help; that’s why he and Glen risked their lives to go that extra mile just to take care of the situation. And I’m sure that wasn’t the only one received that distress call—you know, come save our lives … I’m sure that other people in the military, in the State Department, in the White House, received that same call that he would receive. And I’m sure that most military people would jump at the chance … to protect that life [and] not leave anyone behind.”
Woods made clear that he isn't "mad," but that he wants to the "truth" to be told because he feels " abandoned."
Woods says he was told by military officials that the military could have "come above [the area] and completely carpeted area," and therefore saved the officials in Benghazi, Libya. But that someone gave the command for the American military not to save the lives of the Americans under attack.
"When I heard, you know, that there's a very good chance that the White House as well as other members of the military knew what was going on and obviously someone had to say, don't go rescue them. Because every person in the military--their first response [would be], we're going to go rescue them. We need to find out who it was that gave that command--do not rescue them." Woods will be on with Judge Jeanne this weekend.
The mother of the other seal was told to just fill out a from to learn what happened to her son.and was not allowed to view the body of her dead son. Impeach, fire and many need to be prosecuted for dereliction of duty and relieved of command.
____________________________________
You have to wonder, since we now know the White House watched the drones for 7 hours as it was happening --- and did nothing to call in military help stationed in Italy (could've been there in 1 hour);
Rand Paul said: Where the h*** were the Marines? Why in the h*** did you send them home?
Those are just a few of my questions for Barack Obama about the tragic situation in Libya where four Americans - including our U.S. Ambassador - were murdered by radical jihadists.
I’m outraged that the 16-person security team assigned to protect our Ambassador was sent home, and there were no uniformed Marines guarding him.
I’m outraged that the DC-3 plane that could have helped get people out of the country was taken away before the attacks.
---------------------------------------------------
There were 17,000 (some were marines) and other personnel guarding the embassy in Iraq;
There was supposed to be a plane stationed at the embassy in Libya to get them out if they were in danger. It was taken from them on May 4th;
16 armed personnel had been there -- and requested to stay, because they knew the ambassador was in danger. Who ordered them out?
Why did the White House leave the gay ambassador unprotected (remove his protection) and watch his murder?
Why did Obama send a gay man to a country that kills gays as part of their religion?
Obama mentions his "muslim faith": http://youtu.be/bMUgNg7aD8M
Did he set him up to have him killed because muslims over there kill gays?
He told the emmisary to Russia he'd have more flexibility after his re-election; and he bowed to the king of Saudi Arabia; will he also use "more flexibility" in allowing the muslim terrorists to harm and kill gays here -- with impunity?
Did he influence the Democratic Party to let an Imam pray that sharia law will be instituted in the US? -- which calls for killing of all gays and slavery of all women? We have been betrayed.
This is not a political question. It is a question of murder. Justice needs to be done. Everyone needs to be warned.
I LOVE GAYS SO MUCH AND I LOVE TRANSEXUALS SO MUCH AND I HAD A VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH GAYS AND TRANSEXUALS IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.WE ARE LOVERS.THANKS.
Hi .. I am from Iraq living in Syria .. 4 years ago .. I live with my aunt in large Age .. We registered refugees in the United Nations .. and we are very bad condition due to poor conditions of Syria .. We live in a hot zone..... Please Help us ... 00963940457313
I was born on the resurrection day april 17, my uncle was a famous boxer in Cuba (I am an amateur boxer in the USA) named Felix Perera, and have had accidents and live a tough life and have face challenges. I create websites and organizations, I have two main projects www.believeingod.info a positive educational and charity project and the management company at www.investmentshome.com I am looking for support. I believe all people should have rights and God is to judge as long as you are legal.
(user currently living in AMERICAN SAMOA)
posted for
gay
readers
on 26/08/2012
+5
My name is Mikhail Sebastian. I am 39 years old, former citizen of USSR. I have been living in the USA for 16 years now as stateless gay person without country and citizenship since the dissolution of former Soviet Union. I am registered stateless person with UNHCR. On December 29, 2011 I have traveled for New Year holiday to the US territory of American Samoa in South Pacific. On my way back to Los Angeles I was barred from entering USA as I was told by immigration authorities that since I left the mainland of the US I in fact self-deported myself from USA. I have no country to go to, no country to claim as a stateless person but my long-term residency was in the USA.
I previously lived in several republics of former Soviet Union and the last one was Turkmenistan where homosexuality is punishable by law up to 5 years in prison. I came to the USA to seek protection, safety. Now I am stranded in the US territory fighting with federal authorities to allow me to return back home to Los Angeles. My case is now with Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.
I need your help to advocate for my plight, to urge US Government to grant my humanitarian parole so I can return to my productive life in the United States.
International Stateless Persons Organization has created a petition for me including petition from my friends. I would need to raise the awareness with US Government about the plight of stateless people who are not protected by current immigration law.
Cast the Last Stone
or
I Got Your Civil Union Hangin’
or
From Selma to Montgomery to...
Do you take this man and this woman
Do you take this woman and man
To love and to honor and cherish
Like only a good Christian can
Will you throw a few stones at the heathens
Will you tell ‘em all where they can go
Will you hate everyone who’s not like you
For the Bible tells you it’s so
Or will you listen to that old hippy Jesus
Who said Leave all the bullshit behind
And let two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Enjoy all the love they can find
{chorus}
I’ve always loved you
And you’ve always loved me
You’d think love would be easy
In the land of the free
In a world full of bitterness
Hatred
And stone
Why don’t they leave all the lovers alone?
The love police say we can’t marry
The thought police say we can’t think
While the lawmakers locked in the closet
Say we can’t watch them buy the boys drinks
I love you like your soul is my soul
I’ll stay till the end of the world
But the minister ran from the altar
When he found we’re a couple of girls
Tradition can be a real mother
Those weren’t cruise ships in the triangle trade
And the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Know history’s meant to be made
{chorus}
Money is nice if it’s decent
And handy when push comes to shove
But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Know everything’s lost without love
They say Jesus he died for the sinners
And he fought so that true love can win
But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Forgot they should read the small print
Charlie Manson can legally marry
Any woman that’ll give him the time
But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Were told that their love is a crime
{chorus}
Yeah, Charlie Manson can legally marry
Any woman that’ll give him the time
But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
THEY KNOW THAT THEIR LOVE IS SUBLIME
The gay community needs to watch out what they wish for !
What they do not understand is Obama lies about everything , including being a Muslim !
No? Well watch who celebrates Ramadan this fall, He cannot be both Christian and Muslim ! It's all an act !
..Obama makes it clear that he will issue in Sharia law next term ! See for yourselves below..
Homosexuals , When Sharia law is allowed gays will be flogged and killed by Muslims !
My suit is currently in the MCAD and will hopefully be moving forward in August. Discrimination and allowing a hostile work environment is horrible. I lived it for almost a year before US Airways accused me on writing the comments and firing me without even doing an investigation. I hired my own handwriting expert who sliced US Airways handwriting expert to pieces. It is foolish to think that companies today still discriminated against GLBT person. Help me speak out against this company and let them know enough is enough!
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
________________________________
)
Jeff, )
Complainant, )
)
v. )
)
US AIRWAYS, INC., )
Respondent. )
________________________________)
COMPLAINANT’S STATEMENT IN REBUTTAL
In accordance with correspondence from the MCAD, and as discussed at the Investigative Conference held on February 22, 2012 before Investigator XXXXX, the Complainant (“Mr. Wood”) hereby submits his Rebuttal to the Position Statement of the Respondent, US Airways, Inc. (“US Airways”), which he received on Friday, February 17, 2012.
For the reasons set forth below, Mr. Wood has established the requisite probable cause that he was subjected to a hostile work environment, and that he was later subjected to willful and unlawful retaliation.
I. Facts
There is no need to recount all the facts, as alleged in the Amended Complaint and the company’s response thereto. With regard to the company’s Position Statement, however, Mr. Wood notes the following.
In fn. 2 on page 2 of the Position Statement, US Airways states it lacks sufficient information about the statements attributed to The Director. Mr. Wood, however, has alleged there was a witness to the statements. See Amended Complaint (“Am. Compl.”) ¶ 5.
In paragraph 2 on page 3 of the Position Statement, US Airways denies knowledge of two instances of graffiti (found in August and September 2011, Exhibits 8 and 10 of the Am. Compl.). Mr. Wood did inform and advise HR representative XXXX and Managing Director about all the instances of graffiti, by either telephone or emails.
In the fifth paragraph on page 3, US Airways states that it “involved” Mr. Wood in the installation process. Mr. Wood responds that he was advised and directed by Station Director XXXXX with regard to where the cameras would be installed.
In the sixth paragraph on page 3 of the Position Statement, US Airways denies Mr. Wood’s allegation that he raised certain issues with The Director of HR in a conversation Mr. Wood had with on or about September 7, 2011. As alleged in the Amended Complaint, ¶ 19, this conversation was witnessed by another Manager, who could confirm that these issues were discussed at that meeting. In addition, Mr. Wood did inform Ms. XXXX from HR and the station directors of the comment made by fleet service agent XXXXX Further, the comment itself was overheard by Ramp Shift Manager XXXXXXX.
In fn. 3 on page 4, US Airways acknowledges that Mr. Wood informed Mr. XXXXX about the comments made by two union representatives. Mr. Wood hereby alleges that he also informed a HR representative about these comments, and also spoke with HR about the xxxxx matter around the same time. At the bottom of page 4 of the Position Statement, US Airways states that Mr. Wood never raised the issue of the interaction between Mr. XXXXX and Agent XXXXX. Mr. Wood, however, did mention to Mr. XXXXX , in a conversation in Mr. XXXXX office, the exchange between Mr. XXXX and Ms. XXXXX, as well as the comment made by Ms. XXXXXX.
In fn. 7 on page 5, US Airways denies any knowledge about the graffiti found on or about January 3, 2011 (exhibit 27 of the Am. Compl.). In rebuttal, Mr. Wood states that US Airways employees were aware of, observed, and/or photographed that graffiti, including XXXXX and XXXXX (who was referred to by name in this graffiti).
Finally, as for the company’s retention of a handwriting expert, Katherine Koppenhaver, and her January 19, 2012 letter, which is addressed in the Position Statement and was discussed at the Investigative Conference held on February 22, 2012, Mr. Wood offers the following in rebuttal. Mr. Wood has retained his own independent handwriting expert, Dr. Richard S. Fraser. Dr. Fraser has reviewed Ms. Koppenhaver’s letter, as well as the materials she used in forming her opinion, and found that her conclusion was flawed and unwarranted. See Exhibit 1 (March 4, 2012 letter report of Dr. Fraser). Among other things, Dr. Fraser questions Ms. Koppenhaver’s methods, and points out numerous shortcomings with her analysis and conclusion.
II. Legal Argument
Turning to the applicable law, Mr. Wood responds to the Position Statement of
US Airways as follows:
A. Mr. Wood’s Work Environment Was Sufficiently Hostile and Offensive
The factual allegations demonstrating the hostile work environment that Mr. Wood was subjected to are described in his Amended Complaint. “A hostile work environment is one that is ‘pervaded by harassment or abuse, with the resulting intimidation, humiliation, and stigmatization, and that poses a formidable barrier to the full participation of an individual in the workplace.’” Cuddyer v. Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., 434 Mass. 521, 532 (2001) quoting College-Town, Div. of Interco, Inc. v. Massachusetts Comm’n Against Discrimination, 400 Mass. 156, 162 (1987).
The hostile work environment consisted of vulgar and offensive homophobic graffiti directed specifically at Mr. Wood, over approximately nine months, and the corresponding failure by US Airways to timely and adequately respond to that graffiti. Under applicable case law, this was sufficiently severe and pervasive to constitute a hostile work environment. For example, in Salvi v. Suffolk County Sheriff’s Dept., 67 Mass. App. Ct. 596, 603-606 (2006), a hostile work environment was demonstrated by homophobic verbal statements made to the plaintiff and about the plaintiff, together with one instance of out-of-work harassment. In Belanger v. Sant-Gobain Industrial Ceramics, Inc., 1999 WL 1324190 *3-4 (Mass.Super. Feb. 24, 1999), two comments by a coworker about the plaintiff’s sexual orientation, made within one week after the plaintiff’s return to work following an absence stemming from sexual harassment by a different coworker, were sufficiently severe and pervasive for the jury to have concluded they created a hostile work environment. Accordingly, the Superior Court denied the defendant’s motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and for a new trial, leaving intact the jury’s damage award of $634,000, consisting of back pay ($102,000), front pay ($372,000), emotional distress damages ($52,000) and punitive damages ($108,000). And in Messina v. Araserve, Inc., 906 F.Supp. 34 (D.Mass. 1995), two months of name calling and sexually suggestive gestures were enough to constitute a hostile environment. See also Modern Continental/Obayashi v. Massachusetts Comm’n Against Discrimination, 445 Mass. 96, 115 n.23 (2005) (assuming that graffiti constituted a form of harassment). In Rolando Cano v. Chertoff, 2006 WL 2332538 *10-*12 (E.E.O.C 2006) the hostile environment consisted of unwelcome comments, rumors and graffiti. The graffiti there was similar to that directed as Mr. Wood, including: “Cano swallows,” “Cano sucks dicks” and “Cano’s a queer.” Id. at *12. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission concluded that:
the sexually explicit comments and graffiti directed at complainant, after he expressed that he found them offensive, were sufficiently severe and pervasive to create an intimidating, hostile, and offensive work environment. The Commission notes that, evaluated from the viewpoint of a reasonable person in complainant’s circumstances, the sexually explicit comments and graffiti were extremely offensive and we not the record shows that complainant, a veteran supervisor with the agency, had his authority undermined by the offensive conduct.
Id. Mr. Wood submits that offensive verbal comments are equivalent to offensive written graffiti, and perhaps more so as they are anonymous and can be seen by many people.
The company’s failure to effectively stop the graffiti contributed to and exacerbated that hostile environment. This environment was severe and pervasive enough to alter the conditions of Mr. Wood’s employment. He suffered severe emotional distress as a result of the repeated instances of graffiti, as well as the company’s lackadaisical response to it. The totality of these circumstances are indeed enough to be offensive to a reasonable person, and were experienced as such by Mr. Wood. See Harris v. Forklift Sys., Inc., 510 U.S. 17, 23 (1993) (“whether an environment is ‘hostile’ or ‘abusive’ can be determined only by looking at all the circumstances including the frequency of the discriminatory conduct”); Ruffino v. State Street Bank & Trust Co., 908 F.Supp. 1019, 1038 (D.Mass. 1995) (“hostile environment discrimination typically is not confined to one act, directed at one individual, one time; rather it is a composite of workplace action and inaction”); Belanger, supra at *4, citing Harris v. Forklift Sys., Inc.
B. The Company’s Response Was Not Reasonable
Furthermore, the company’s response was not reasonable in these circumstances. The response was clearly not prompt, as US Airways acknowledges that surveillance cameras were not fully installed until September, six months after Mr. Wood’s initial complaint about inappropriate graffiti and vandalism of company property, and only after Mr. Wood had made repeated requests. Nor was appropriate training of all employees promptly undertaken or completed. As of the filing of the company’s Position Statement in February 2012 — nearly one year since Mr. Wood’s initial complaints — they concede that not all employees have completed anti-harassment training, but that it “will be completed shortly.” See Modern Continental, 445 Mass. at 111 n.17 (noting that a plaintiff’s claim survives summary judgment where there was a “protracted delay before taking any remedial action”).
Statements made by Mr. Wood’s superiors at US Airways also demonstrate the company’s unreasonable response to his repeated complaints. See Am. Compl., ¶¶ 5, 8, 10-11, 18-19. “An employer who passively tolerates the creation of a hostile working environment implicitly ratifies the perpetrator’s misconduct ….” Modern Continental, 445 Mass. at 105. The SJC continued:
Moreover, acquiescence on the part of the employer effectively communicates to the victim of harassment that her employer does not care about the hostile environment in which she must work, a message that can only operate to exacerbate the adverse effects of that hostile environment. In this context, an employer who is not part of the solution inevitably becomes part of the problem.
Ibid. See also Salvi, 67 Mass. App. Ct. at 606; Barbot v. Hapco Farms, Inc., 19 M.D.L.R. (1997) (MCAD ruled that where an employee who was called names, the employer’s response of telling the employee to “ignore the situation and get back to the job,” and promising she would be “on the lookout” and would be calling a meeting of employees in which she would condemn the name calling, was ruled an inadequate response by the employer). Commentary in this area of the law notes that “reported MCAD cases reveal a tendency of employers to underreact to claims of antigay harassment in the workplace.” Massachusetts Employment Law, MCLE, Vol. 1, Ch. 12, § 12.7.2 (2009).
With regard to the investigation of Mr. Wood’s complaints, the company’s initial response was inadequate and ineffective. Later, the company apparently began investigating whether perhaps Mr. Wood was himself responsible for the homophobic graffiti directed at him. Accusing the victim of being the perpetrator cannot possible qualify as having conducted a reasonable investigation — especially where Mr. Wood’s own handwriting expert has undermined and refuted the company’s handwriting expert’s report and conclusion. See Exhibit 1. The company’s resorting to an investigation of Mr. Wood, let alone relying on the inadequate and inconclusive report of their expert, buttresses the evidence that the company’s response was not only unreasonable but retaliatory.
C. Retaliation
With regard to Mr. Wood’s claim of unlawful retaliation against him by the company, this is demonstrated by, inter alia: the company’s delayed and ineffectual response to his initial complaints; various statements made to Mr. Wood by his supervisors; the company’s lack of legal support when Wood was falsely accused of harassment in December 2011 by fellow employee XXXXX, after Mr. Wood has filed his charge with the MCAD in October 2011; the company’s accusation that Mr. Wood himself was responsible for the offensive graffiti; and the company’s reliance on the handwriting expert’s flimsy findings as the basis for ultimately terminating his employment. The investigation of Mr. Wood, the victim of the hostile work environment, and later termination of Mr. Wood based on an inadequate and inconclusive handwriting report, constituted willful retaliation by US Airways.
Conclusion
Having offered the handwriting analysis of Dr. Fraser in rebuttal to the company’s own handwriting expert, which demonstrates the ample shortcomings with Ms. Koppenhaver’s methods and conclusion, Mr. Wood has established the necessary probable cause that he was both subjected to a hostile work environment and retaliated against.
I swear or affirm, under the pains and penalties of perjury, that I have read the above Rebuttal Statement and that it is true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
__________________________
Jeffrey R. Wood, Complainant
Dated: ____________________
On this ___ day of March, 2012, before me, the undersigned Notary Public, personally appeared __________________, and proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification, which was ___________________, to be the person whose name was signed on the within document in my presence.
__________________________
Notary Public
Commission Expires:_________
Respectfully submitted,
Complainant,
Jeffrey R. Wood,
Hey Davor!
am sorry for that experience but this is how we are treated here in uganda too. can you please call me i want to share with you my experience +256774970030
HOMOPHOBIC REMARKS MADE BY A STORE EMPLOYEE FOR WAL-MART
*Email to the HR Department*
Hello,
My name is Michael Devor and this morning at 2:15am I was shopping in your store in Eaton OH and I had an issue come up that I feel needed brought to your attention. I was talking on the phone with the store manager on duty about my bad experience with a store associate. She was having an unprofessional attitude with me when explaining your check policies. Which isn't a huge issue every store has them but when the store manager at the end of our phone conversation called me a "faggot" then we have an issue. I dont know about what state your in but in Ohio that's a hate crime. I have shopped at this store since I can remember and to be disrespected like that has made me not only decide to shop at Kroger but I will also be forwarding this message to all major LGBT organizations as well informing my fellow LGBT members that your no better than Chick-fil-A and we should take our business elsewhere as well.
Supercenter #5374
100A E Washington Jackson Rd
Eaton, OH 45320
(937) 456-1777
rachid boukhdal
(user currently living in MOROCCO)
posted for
gay
readers
on 24/07/2012
Hi im Rachid Boukhdal from morocco im 27 years
im gay but you know its not easy be gay in a muslim country
i find it very hard here to go out,to meet people,to live my life as i want it,i realy hate my life here, and the problems with my familly bcs the people talk about me and the big problem is the religoin you know that you cant be a gay in islam,i realy want to move from here so pls i need your help i have nobody here to talk with but you and i feel a bit ok bcs i sent you this leter
Alex F.
(user currently living in UNITED STATES)
posted for
gay
readers
on 12/07/2012
+20
A bunch of guys fucked me in the bathroom. Told me being gay was a sin. Whatever though, I'm over it. I don't know how but whatever. Its my own little sad story. They pulled me in after school. I had to serve detention and they just got done with basketball practice. I just let them do what they wanted to me. No one in my town is gay. I'm the only one and it sucks. I'm the only onlin my school and no one really likes me. ll the girls just want to date and all the guys hate gays. One time I was walking own the road and they threw a rock at my head. I had to go to the hospital and stayed overnight. Another time I was in class and one boy walked up to me when the teacher walked out and asked me out. I ignored him because he has a girlfriend. He gripped my hair and asked me again. I said no and he pushed me out of my chair and walked away. Long story short, I have a not so good gay life. I, honestly, never said I was gay either. No one asked me. They just assumed. I am but still... It's like me assuming you're good with math because you're Jewish. I'm not mean. I'm nice to everyone. Even people who beat me up. I'm not a skinny guy. I'm not fat but, kinda muscled. So it's not like I look the part. I'm not trying to make someone feel bad but, if you wear makeup and wear girl clothes, that's the gay look people think of. Sometimes at least. My hair is shortish. Doesn't run off my head. It's really soft so I don't have weird hair either. I don't k ow, maybe my life is supposed to be like this. One time I had a boyfriend, he left me for my friend. I guess it was a joke. He laughed in my face a week later and left. She was ,my friend for 3 days. I thought maybe things were going to change butt it didn't. I didn't ask for this. When I was five, I dreamed of high school. How much fun it was going to be. How I would make all these memories to remember when I'm an adult. But I don't have any. I didnt have a good childhood. My parents fought a lot. They got a divorce when I was 8 and I never seen my dad again. My mom doesn't really care. The first time I got beat up, I came home crying because my nose broke. She said whatever. She brought me to the hospital half an hour later after me crying and annoying her. But whatever. All I want is a relationship. I know it's stupid to want that instead of a different life but, I could be someone's special boy. I want someone to hold me and tell me that they love me. I want him to kiss me and put his arm around my waist when we're walking around. I want to fall in love. I want to belong to someone. I want him to hold me while I sleep. Its stupid because I don't think I'll ever get to love someone. No one really likes or wants to be around me. Why would someone want to be with me? I'm pathetic. I don't even think I'll live to be old enough to go away from this town. I wanna go to California... It just seems fun there. But, I might not live to graduate high school. I'm ok with that. I'm ok with being hated and being beat up by others. I'm ok with never finding a perfect boy for me. I'm ok with never having a happy life. I'm just ok.
Well! Hello! I experienced my first gay sexual act about 7 months ago now i guess? I met this guy in a college class i was in and we became friends. Well, one day out of no where when we were cleaning his pool if i had ever questioned my sexuality. At first i was like thrown off completely by the question! like i just froze and was confused on why i was even getting asked this. because i had no gay tendencies at all. I never acted feminin or anything. He just randomly asked me! So i responded with saying no im not gay but said if he was i dont care at all. And he said he was not gay but was just wondering about it. about 20 minutes later after we were finished cleaning his pool he asked me if i masturbated on a regular basis and if so he wanted to know if he could watch me masturbate. I didnt really want to at the time because i was completely blown away by that whole conversation. well a few days later i went back to his house and he and i were just sitting there on his back yard porch and i brought up the conversation we had the previous week. and i asked him if he wanted to go in the pool and masturbate. He said sure. So we began to watch each other masturbate and then for some STRANGE reason i walked up to him with out hesitation or anything and started kissing him and i i started to reach for his penis and he asked me if i was sure. and i said yes i want to see if i like this. So i started to stroke his penis and i was massaging my penis as well. I think i ended up cumming first and then i started stroking his penis harder to make him cum and honestly that was the best first experience i have ever had for sex. I really enjoyed that! I guess we got very comfortable with each other because now we watch each other or help each other almost every week! I guess the problem with this is i am trying to figure out my sexuallity because every since he and i started messing around i have not even tried to get a girl! Like the thought has never even crossed my mind! So i guess i am trying to figure out what is goin on in my head lol! I am def attracted to women! but i really enjoy giving him pleasure! I find myself doing girly things when i am with him too lol... Like the jeans i wear are tighter and i wear underwear that is very form fitting lol.. I dono! thats my story..
I'm 37 years old gay from Algeria and there are no LGTB rights and freedom in this country ,local traditions are obliging me to live a life which is not mine ,mom is always obliging me to marry a woman ,this will never happen because i was born naturally gay and i have no pleasure with girls,,my story is so sad and i want to have a situation and a natural life i cannot change myself ,,if any help ,any solution please advise me !!
I'm a gay men. I stay home and take care of my home and husband and a Small farm. I went to court for having pot and the judge said I was lazy. My household makes 250g a year. I worked off shore for a cruise liner. I got sick two weeks in. They would not let me stay on shore for a week to get better . So I HAD TO quit. I've worded coast to coast. What should do? I'm very sorry I know the world is bad.i wrote this before I read the storys I want to help. The court wanted tyo put me in jail for five year but I know now that the worlds a hole lot worst. I love you !!! Stick in there and maybe the WILL GET BETTER before you know it. Our power together WILL fix the world . We just have to stick in there no matter what. Love for all!!
Hello. My name is Hailey. I'm in the 8th grade. My American History teacher are having us do this Current Event project and one of his examples was the Westboro Baptist Church. I had never heard of them before this day. He knows I'm gay. He had asked if everyone would check out there website. Not because he's like them, just for us to see what they do and whatnot. I thanked him at the end of class for pointing this out. Informing people, kids about the shit people go through. One of my fellow peers had said "Hailey, if they ever do this to you. i'll beat them up." He's the sweetest kid. He's also baptist but caring.
OH and my history teacher also cleared up a homosexual sterotype. That gays spread aids and hiv.
Terry Angel Mason
(user currently living in UNITED STATES)
posted for
gay
readers
on 07/04/2012
AN URGENT OPEN LETTER TO HISPANIC AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN PASTORS REGARDING THE PAUL RYAN BUDGET
PAUL RYAN IS AT IT AGAIN! HE'S DOUBLING DOWN ON OUR ECONOMIC MISERY! BEWARE OF THE 2012 PAUL RYAN BUDGET!
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I greet you in the name of Jesus, Savior of the world and soon coming King!
I realize that many of you may not know me and since you are called to lead God’s people, I realize that the first thing you will want to know is what my credentials are. While I am tempted to go into great detail about who I am, I must be cognizant of the fact that this letter will be printed in numerous publications both nationally and internationally, and cannot be too lengthy.
Suffice it to say that I am first a born again child of God and I am a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ. I have been saved since the age of five, was called into ministry at the age of eight, and was ordained and licensed by ordained ministers in a credible non-denominational Church in San Diego, California, where I founded my first ministry. While I know that others of you will want to know more about my back ground, I ask that you not focus so much on those issues, but rather the urgent matter that prompted me to write this urgent correspondence that literally deals with what I feel are life and death issues that will affect many of us as well as those to whom we minister.
Beloved shepherds, the apostle Paul warned us in the epistle of II Timothy, chapter 3 that in the latter days, “perilous times shall come.” I think we all agree that the world is experiencing exactly what he prophesied in this profound letter written to the Timothy, his protégé. Brothers and sisters, I realize that we come from many different backgrounds and that we are as diverse in our interpretation of scripture as there are varieties of flowers on the earth and stars in the universe. But there are fundamental truths and basic tenants of the Gospel that I feel bind us together in a spirit of unity and it is in that spirit that I address you in this correspondence.
Because God has given me an international platform as a columnist and author, I am ever careful to give Him the glory for making this possible because I know that if it were not for His favor and wisdom, I could never have achieved success on any level. In gratitude to Him and because of the sincere concern I have for all of God’s people – the LOVE OF CHRIST IN ME WON’T LET ME BE SILENT about the issues I bring to your attention!
As you know, this election year deals with many issues such as birth control, contraception, the fate of Medicare and Medicaid, Obama Care, The Citizens United decision, Marriage Equality, gun control, laws (rightfully) in question like the “Stand Your Ground Laws” in Florida and many other states in addition to whether or not the accomplishments of President Barack Obama has met the needs of citizens in the United States that elected him to the office of president.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I know without a doubt that it was the Spirit of the Lord that inspired me to write this letter to you. Moreover, I believe that if you have the Spirit of Christ in you then the Spirit of truth will confirm this in your hearts and minds.
Because of what I do in the community as an HIV/AIDS advocate, Civil Rights Activist and pastor, I am constantly in the presence of people from every walk of life, with needs that often prick my heart in a way that I could never articulate. Many nights I find myself prostrate in the presence of God with tears in my eyes because I see people in such dire straits on a regular basis and admittedly this is somewhat disconcerting and overwhelming!
I have lived on the earth 55 years and I must admit that I have never seen such disregard for human beings as I have in the last few years. Jesus said that this would be, yet admittedly I am still amazed how we can even be considering doing anything in the realm of politics that will gut and obliterate the social programs that house the homeless, feed the poor, and provide medical assistance to seniors and funding to education programs for our children, youth and young adults.
While I realize that many of you have been speaking out about these issues, I also know because of my travels nationally, that most of us have been sinfully silent. Now just so you know, I am aware of what the laws say about separation of church and state and I am aware of the restrictions that a 501 (3c) non-profit status places on religious institutions and congregations. I know that none of us can mount the pulpit and recommend to any of your parishioners who they should or should not vote for, even though many of you do it anyway! You should know however, that Jesus made it absolutely clear in the Word of God that our heavenly mandate is to lead the lost to Christ, heal the sick, clothe the naked, visit those who are in prison, teach our children the statues and precepts in God’s word, and to lovingly care for our senior adults and widows in our congregations. While I know that many of you do a great job in many of these areas, if we take an honest inventory on a national and international scale, we are greatly missing the mark!
Thousands of men and women are in prisons in our nation and yet few of us have effective prison ministries. Countless youth, young adults and even senior adults are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus and only a handful of us have even taken the time to set up a ministry to these people because either we feel unqualified to do it or because we prejudge these individuals, while we shrug our shoulders and purposely look the other way because deep inside we feel they got what they deserved and thus are unworthy of any assistance our ministry could give them.
Sunday after Sunday I watch elderly people struggle to climb the steps of busses in my city that shouldn’t even be on the road because they are old, outdated and unsuitable to serve seniors and disabled persons, while more modern buses are assigned to rich influential areas in our cities and neighborhoods. What is even more troubling is the fact that while many of us can afford van and bus ministries that would address these needs; we do nothing to change this. The result is that our seniors, whom by the way are some of our most loyal and dedicated (tithers) and members, are forced to ride substandard buses, filled with violent people and youth who use foul language, engage in drug use while on the busses and have absolutely no respect for the elderly. Furthermore, it is to our shame and our misplaced priorities that after church has concluded, many of these same seniors stand on bus stops while other parishioners pass them by in their Mercedes, Cadillac’s, BMW’s, Chrysler 300’s, wave at them and won’t even stop to see if they can assist them with getting home.
In 2008, many Right Wing prominent rich evangelicals infiltrated our ranks and convinced us to vehemently oppose Proposition 8. Over 65 million dollars was spent to prevent same-gender-loving people from getting married because it was said that this threatened the family unit and was undermining the institution of marriage. This issue galvanized Pastors, Bishops, Priests and parishioners and proposition were voted down by a narrow margin. Many of us flexed our spiritual muscles thinking we had done the Lord a great service as our Right Wing elite brothers and sisters quickly retreated to the safety of their culturally and religiously isolated ranks, never to worship with us again, at least until they feel our support is needed when the next issue or controversial proposition comes up.
I was amazed when this happened and I will tell you why! Just think of what the body of Christ could have done with $65,000,000 dollars? We could have used that same money if we were really concerned about saving marriages to create national counseling programs where pastors could have been trained to minister to married couples and couples who are preparing to marry. Money could have been poured into already existing credible programs which are effectively providing counseling to our parishioners, creating stronger marriage relationships and perhaps decreasing the great number of divorces in the body of Christ. Oh my brothers and sisters, I know that it is easy to blame the gays for the conditions of our failed relationships, but the truth is when we stand before Christ (and believe me when I tell you all of us will), there will be no one to heap the blame upon but ourselves! An incidentally, the proposition will soon be overturned and the money used to fight it will be a wasted investment!
Many of us were ecstatic when Senator Barack Obama was elected as the first African American President of the United States and vowed to support him in every way. Yet, when we discovered that he was a President who had purposed in his heart to ensure that all Americans have equal rights, no matter what their religious convictions, age, gender, or sexual orientation, many of us bailed and joined the ranks of other prominent elite religious leaders, many of whom are used like puppets by right wing politicians to do their bidding.
Now here is the horrific reality that I find amazing! Many of us, as leaders, are willing to support a political machine that will strip away social programs that meet the needs of over 70 percent of our parishioners because we don’t have a correct understanding of the office of “Priest” and “King”. Barack Obama was not elected or ordained by God to operate in the office of Priest/Pastor, but rather the office of “King” which biblically is synonymous with President of the United States. Now don’t misunderstand or misconstrue what I am saying, thinking I am suggesting that any elected official is to misuse his office, forget the mandate of God, disregard the needs of the people and act like a dictator. But I point these things out to you because it is evident to me that many shepherds don’t have a correct biblical understanding of these offices and confuse the two or place expectations and demands upon the President of the United States that should never be placed on any elected official who serves in this office.
I challenge each one of you to do something radical! Get out of your lavish vehicles and for just one week, ride the buses and trains in your city. Instead of pulling up to the church grounds in your 2012 Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes or Bentley, use public transportation to come to church for just one week. I guarantee you that your entire perspective will change and that most of you will respond by making radical, much needed changes in your ministry; changes that will finally bring that growth that many of you have been praying for so desperately!
Find out what institutions in your city care for and offer services to the elderly, those suffering from HIV/AIDS and other life threatening illnesses. Ask if you can come and see how they run these programs and what your congregation can do to assist them. Now what is going to startle many of you is how many of your parishioners’ faces you are going to see at these places when you visit them. And after you have visited these places, I guarantee you will not be so quick to mount your pulpit and foolishly bash these people and/or organizations, especially when you discover that many of them are doing a better job than you ever could, as they compassionately minister to the hundreds, if not thousands in your congregations.
I am know that many of you are aware that because the country now has an African-American President, many states have enacted voter suppression laws that will prevent hundreds of thousands of African Americans from voting in the 2012 election. While we cannot immediately reverse these laws, we can begin national campaigns to make sure that everyone in our congregation has appropriate identification documents that will ensure that they can vote.
Additionally, we can creatively arrange car pools so that voters can get to polling places. Recently, I heard it announced on television that many national organizations who are responsible for getting voters registered are totally abandoning all efforts because of voter suppression laws that place them in legal harm's way (or should I say, “illegal harm’s way”).
If we are honest with ourselves, most of our church calendars are filled with annual days that never address any of the issues that I have mentioned in this letter. Just imagine how grateful our congregants will be when we initiate a plan to help them obtain the proper identification so that they can vote this year. Since the vast majority of our parishioners already possess these documents, this effort will not be financially cumbersome or burdensome and it is not illegal, nor does it place our religious institutions in legal jeopardy in any way.
Year after year we diligently plan for the Pastor’s appreciation day, the Annual Usher's day, Youth day, Men’s and Women’s day and the list goes on. As a matter of fact, we have this down to a science, but now we must refocus ourselves and come to understand that our very livelihoods is at stake. We cannot allow the few programs that our government has in place which meet our medical needs, our educational needs, and other much needed social programs to be stripped away, while the rich get richer and feel no obligation to the poor, working poor or the endangered middle class.
In conclusion, I wish to state that many of us worry about the moral decay of our nation and because this is a concern, politicians use this as leverage to distract us. They know we think that the wrath of God will come upon our great nation because we feel that much of what the unchurched does is in direct opposition to the Word of God. But, the truth of the matter is that if our nation is destroyed and/or incurs the wrath of God, it will be because we pander to the rich, while totally disregarding those who are destitute and who are in desperate need of our assistance! Tragically and ironically, even if we don’t like what is being done by those in positions of authority -- still, we remain conspicuously silent!
Before you discount what I am saying, or disregard this letter, I ask that you act with the same resolve and urgency when you thought the institution of marriage was being undermined; because now there is a real Goliath on the battle field! And this giant looks like us, knows all of our religious terminology, knows exactly how we think and knows how to use what we think and believe against us. And if we are not careful, he will cut off our heads, desecrate our people and deny us our civil rights, all to benefit him and deceive us. But of course, only after he has plundered our parishioners, made a mockery of our spiritual mandate – WE WILL BE THE ONES TO BLAME FOR LETTING THESE ATROCITIES HAPPEN!
The choice is yours! The onus is upon us, the men and women who were called to shepherd God's flock. Will we step up, embrace and demonstrate the qualities of Christian Leadership with which we were gifted and protect our congregations? Or will we stand indolently and apathetically aside while we bear witness to the politically proposed evisceration of our poor, our youth, our seniors, and our already struggling and endangered middle class? Either way, I guarantee you that we will one day stand before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and give an accounting for our actions or lack of actions. I cannot speak for you, but when The Prince of Peace asks me did I feed and protect his flock? I want to look Him in the eye with pride as I say "Yes , Lord!" And not hang my head in shame!
In His Service,
Bishop Terry Angel Mason, Global Author and Intl. Columnist
OTHER COMPELLING ARTICLES PENNED BY MASON
The Endangered Middle Class is on Life Support.. and the Republicans are Poised to Pull the Plug
ARTICLE LINK: http://www.lasentinel.net/The-Endangered-Middle-Class-is-on-Life-Support.html
MASON WAS RECENTLY NAMED THE NATIONAL HIV/AIDS SPOKERSON FOR 2012
The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Strategic Leadership Council has selected Internationally Acclaimed Author and Community Activist Bishop Terry Angel Mason to serve as a national spokesperson for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day held each year on February 7th. Bishop Mason has worked diligently to empower thousands of Black communities across the country to increase awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the importance of getting tested and/or seeking treatment. Because of his dedication and passion to mobilize African Americans to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, we are honored to have him serve as a one of our national spokespersons.
For more information on the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, please visit NationalBlackAIDSDay.org.
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW FOX FIVE TELEVISION INTERVIEW WITH MASON
http://www.fox5sandiego.com/videogallery/67914839/News/black-hiv/aids-awareness-day#pl-62889739
M.Imran
(user currently living in PAKISTAN)
posted for
gay
readers
on 03/04/2012
+5
I am a gay.but I have no right in this country.please help me.i want to with sex an old men 45+ nice world.please help me.i have no way to live this country.i feel so lonly.please help me and give a new life.
M.Imran
Orinam Admin
(user currently living in INDIA)
posted for
gay
readers
on 18/03/2012
We appreciate the attention, but please note that you have copy-pated the article from Orinam.net in violation of copyright.
We ask that you use no more than 50 words and then link to the original article, as per our copyright http://orinam.net/about/copyright/
Stephen Michael Richards
(user currently living in UNITED STATES)
posted for
gay
readers
on 16/03/2012
I remain unemployed, genetically disabled from Gilbert Syndrome, surgically disabled from a tonsillectomy, non-driving, non-drinking, non-smoking, non-drug-using, bankrupt, living in a hotel room that does not allow visitors, and in love with a man with whom I have been together only once.
Homosexuals are sick, enthusiastically fascist spreaders of disease who purport to be open-minded. You're all mentally ill, hormonally imbalanced, self-obsessed idiots. It would probably be a benefit to humanity if you all were to die of AIDS, and I say these things as a former supporter of gay rights. This is not hate, it's truth.
My name is Lianda Tel and I am a student at The New York Film Academy in Los Angeles.
I'm originally from The Netherlands were homosexuals are widely excepted. I grew up in a culture where people are comfortable talking about and be around gays and lesbians everywhere.
Coming to America I feel the same openness in certain creative fields but not in every area or culture.
Currently I am working on a project that is very dear to our hearts, especially our film maker Charlie Peppers.
We want to tell a story about this Gay Fraternity leader who has issues with coming out. It is a story about how strong we really are and how we see ourselves. It is a story that needs to inspire people to accept and understand the gay community.
In my hope to raise some awareness for this project that is shooting in April so we have put up a website to raise some money as well. I hope you will review the site and hopefully can give us some notes on the project and hope you will spread the awareness of our project.
Please email me suggestions or questions at lianda.tel@nyfa.edu.
i always wanted to tell my story but never knew how. so here goes nothing.
my name is ismael vera jr. i was born and raised in new york. in Brooklyn. i am 21 now. i am gay Hispanic guy. my story had many story's. from the boy who was homeless because he was gay. to in high school drama. to bad relationship. to wanting to do it all to not doing anything. i just want a chance to some one to hear me out.
i am very nice. funny. out going. laid back guy. who likes to do many different things and always looking to try something new. but one thing is holding me back is that i never got to finish high school. when i started high school. it was great i loved to learn and loved school. my sister graduated from that school and my little sister came in after me. but my older sister was the only one who got to graduate. but my little sister and i had a little secret. i knew i was gay since i was little i use to mess with my cousin when i was younger. i always was into men. i was OK with my self. i got picked on in school but it didn't bother me as much as what was going on at home. i remember when i got a phone call from a teacher who i use to talk to. and that my mother had called the school demanding for me to come home. she said to me that she said that she read something of mine and that i was sick. from that i knew what she had found out for i use to write in my journal and my mother always looked though my things. i was so scared to go home that day. my mother is very religious. i remember going home and she asked me to read her my journal out load to her. she mad my sisters read it to her for she could not understand what i was writing. after that it was hell. she use to throw my cloths out. she threw out my books everything i had. i could not go out, have friends. watch tv. or anything. i would spend most of my time in my room. working out. she use to beat me and my sister. we fought a lot. i remember wanting to kill my self many times but was scared to go to hell. my mother hit my sister really bad once that she went to school and someone called ACS. my sister took the chance to leave. i was scared to leave. even though my mother did all that i couldn't do that, but i was just so tired and didn't want to live there any more. so i went with my sister. it was a scary thing going though ACS and foster care. its not what it seems. in court. i went back home in terms i would work.
my mother never let me work for she did not want to me become independent. she didn't even let me get my state id. i remember not going to school and stealing my social secretary card and my documents from my mother so i can get my state id. when got my first check for 260. if i remember right my mother went crazy. and said i got paid to much. she did not want me to work. i never understood why until she took me to this place. she where they gave her money because i was a premature child and got SSI. she use to tell me to act like i couldn't read. she did not tell them i was working. when they found out my, and my mother had to pay them back she was upset and said i had to pay back a lot of money. she hated that i was gay and that my sister left with foster care and blamed on me. i went home one day and she threw everything out. i was 18 and i could not go back to foster care. so i was in my last year of high school and need 3 credits to graduate. i was leaving from house to house. in trains. in a stockroom of a mall. i got a job and i started to go to programs for gay youth i got in. but i had to get a job and i just wanted to have my own place. so i got more work. i moved from program to program. i was modeling, go go dancing. working at 2 jobs and working for the census at the time and i couldn't do school. i didn't sleep. so i stop going. my school helped me as much as they can.
at one point in high school it was like the movie "mean girls". but things got bad. i remember my friend punching the mirror in the boys bathroom because of something and cops caking him aways. it was bad at one point. i went from a no body. to knowing everybody in high school. and at the end. i was by my self.
i was very stupid for not graduating. i really wish i could go back and do things over. now i am with my boyfriend in Italy for a month and i am going to try to get my GED in new york. i just wanted to tell my story. it gets better.
Just Published: "An Orphan No More...the true story of a boy" written by Jerry and Jordan Windle. Jordan is Jerry's 13 year old son. Adopted from Cambodia when he was only 18 months old. Jordan is now the youngest Diver to qualify (at age 12) for the USA Diving Olympic Team Trials in Seattle, Washington. Order this wonderful Children's Book with the foreword written by 4-time Olympic Diving Gold Medalist, Greg Louganis. www.anorphannomore.com or www.jordanwindle.com
This story celebrates the ideal that Love is Love!
Terry Angel Mason
(user currently living in UNITED STATES)
posted for
gay
readers
on 23/01/2012
tagged with health
Internationally Acclaimed Author, Civil Rights Activist, HIV/AIDS Advocate, Named National Spokesperson for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - Feb. 7, 2012
100,000 Blacks are now living with HIV or may have died from AIDS related complications. It's time for us to do something different that inspires young and old, gay and straight, religious and non-religious to get on board with realizing the value and worth of Black life and acting accordingly.
Terry Angel Mason, internationally-renowned author, keynote speaker, poet, singer, songwriter, minister, columnist and civil rights activist was selected as The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Spokesperson for 2012. February 7, 2012 will be the 12th annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a nationwide community mobilization effort to emphasize the HIV/AIDS “State of Emergency” among African-Americans. The theme is “I am my Brother/Sister’s Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS."
Mason will be assisting NBHAAD in meeting its objectives by using his international platform to encourage individuals to get educated about HIV/AIDS, get tested, get treated, and get involved in advocating for the resources necessary to fight the disease. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will target 14 major cities to promote HIV/AIDS Awareness events and activities: Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham and Washington, DC. The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is led by a Strategic Leadership Council (SLC) that provides guidance, direction, and strategic thought to engage African American community stakeholders and organizations for sustained participation in the initiative. The SLC includes six national organizations that work together to address specific issues which influence the course of HIV/AIDS in African American communities across the United States.
The author and LGBT advocate has been making local and international headlines since the release of his first book, Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent, a gripping tome that offers strategies to help parents, families, ministers, teachers and community leaders effectively understand and support gay teens, young adults and people infected with HIV/AIDS.
A highly respected, in-demand speaker, Mason is poised to join other notable leaders, entertainers and spokespeople in fighting this disease, and recently announced that he will be available for interviews on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which takes place on February 7th.
“The HIV/AIDS epidemic has hit the African American community the hardest, and I want to prevent the spread of this disease in our community by sharing my story and educating people on the facts and how they can protect themselves,” states Mason.
Mason has been garnering local and national praise for his latest literary release titled, They Say That I Am Broken, which deals with a plethora of issues affecting the Same-Gender-Loving community, including homophobia in the Black church, HIV, DADT (Don't Ask Don't Tell), gay marriage, homeless gay children, and more.
“The book also features captivating articles about CNN anchor and author Don Lemon, Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, and much more,” stated Mason. “They Say That I Am Broken is poised to gain worldwide recognition, as it affirms God’s love for all people, and eloquently dissects race, religion and homosexuality through empowering essays, poems and stories,” Mason added.
A survivor of full-blown AIDS and cancer, Mason was selected as Real Health’s Magazine Advocate of the Month and featured in www.HealthyBlackMen.org -- for the month of December -- for World AIDS Day. (Direct link to article: Terry "Angel" Mason is Blessed, Not Broken )
Mason's books have touched millions of lives and have been submitted for a Pulitzer Prize and numerous awards, including the Lambda Literary Award and the Stonewall Book Awards. Since his international debut, Mason has sparked worldwide debate about pressing issues affecting African-Americans and the gay and lesbian community. The celebrated blogger and columnist recently published an article about SB 48, (The Fair Education Act; a law that requires schools to include LGBT history), and denounced the black religious community’s actions to overturn the bill, citing that their intolerance and support of inequality promotes more bullying, discrimination and violence in the gay community.
The article received numerous responses and led to him to being featured in the December issue of Connextion Magazine and other national publications. View page 60 via the following link to read the full article:
http://www.calameo.com/read/0003904676b6cb3a1a2a5
For all media interview considerations, or to request Angel Mason to appear or speak at your Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day or Pride event, contact Florence Edwards at 310-746-7149. Because of Mason’s busy schedule, please note that we cannot accommodate all requests; therefore it is essential to contact us as soon as possible to ensure his presence or participation at your event.
The highly sought after writer and speaker has been featured in the following publications and/or news venues: Lee Bailey's) eurweb.com, The Los Angeles Sentinel, Healthy Black Men, The East County Magazine, Five (5) Magazine, Whosoever Magazine, SGL Weekly Magazine, Outword Magazine, The NBJC Newsletter, The Advocate, Frontier Magazine, Broadway World, The Windy City Times Newspaper, New Pittsburgh Courier, New England Informer, Our Weekly Magazine, Out Impact, The San Diego Gay and Lesbian News, The San Diego Gay and Lesbian Times, The San Diego Union Tribune, ME Magazine, POZ Magazine, The New Civil Rights Online Magazine, A&U; Magazine, Religious Tolerance, Marriage Equality International, Homorazzi, BN&S; News Commentary, Real Health Magazine, Q Magazine, MSNBC News Vine, ILGA, Out Military Online Magazine, Proud Parenting Web Magazine, Fuse Magazine, Echelon Magazine, The Bay Area Reporter, Connextions Magazine, and in many other publications.
To purchase Mason’s books, read breaking news stories, feature articles, interviews, or obtain more information about the author, visit his website at www.TerryAngelMason.com.
Photos were provided by Florence Edwards, who can be reached at (310) 746-7149 or Florence.Edwards1976@gmail.com.
To contact Author (Angel Mason) directly phone: 323.819.5385 or 323.402.0111
CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO HEAR MORE COMPELLING AUDIO INTERVIEWS AND TO VIEW INSPIRING VIDEOS ABOUT MASON:
http://terryangelmason.com/interviews-expressions-_275.html
Earlier this week, I recorded a video and put it on CNN Ireports. Entitled a "A Call to the LGBT Community," it calls for increased unity, and activity, in this contentious election season. Check it out http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-729339
Cast the Last Stone
or
I Got Your Civil Union Hangin’
Do you take this man and this woman
Do you take this woman and man
To love and to honor and cherish
The way only a good Christian can
Will you throw a few stones at the heathens
Will you tell ‘em all where they can go
Will you hate everyone who’s not like you
For the Bible tells you it’s so
Or will you listen to that old hippy Jesus
Who said Leave all the bullshit behind
And let two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Enjoy all the love they can find
{chorus}
I’ve always loved you
And you’ve always loved me
You’d think love would be easy
In the land of the free
In a world full of bitterness
Hatred
And stone
Why don’t you leave all the lovers alone?
The love police say we can’t marry
The thought police say we can’t think
While the lawmakers locked in the closet
Say we can’t watch them buy the boys drinks
I love you like your soul is my soul
I’ll stay till the end of the world
But the minister ran from the altar
When he found we’re a couple of girls
Tradition can be a real mother
Those weren’t cruise ships in the triangle trade
And the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Know it’s time to make history fade
{chorus}
Money is nice if it’s decent
And handy when push comes to shove
But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Know everything’s lost without love
They say Jesus he died for the sinners
And he fought so that true love will win
But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Were told they should read the small print
Charlie Manson can legally marry
Any woman that’ll give him the time
But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Were told that their love is a crime
{chorus}
Yeah, Charlie Manson can legally marry
Any woman that’ll give him the time
But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
THEY KNOW THAT THEIR LOVE IS SUBLIME
Cast the Last Stone
or
I Got Your Civil Union Hangin’
Do you take this man and this woman
Do you take this woman and man
To love and to honor and cherish
The way only a good Christian can
Will you throw a few stones at the heathens
Will you tell ‘em all where they can go
Will you hate everyone who’s not like you
For the Bible tells you it’s so
Or will you listen to that old hippy Jesus
Who said Leave all the bullshit behind
And let two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Enjoy all the love they can find
{chorus}
I’ve always loved you
And you’ve always loved me
You’d think love would be easy
In the land of the free
In a world full of bitterness
Hatred
And stone
Why don’t you leave all the lovers alone?
The love police say we can’t marry
The thought police say we can’t think
While the lawmakers locked in the closet
Say we can’t watch them buy the boys drinks
I love you like your soul is my soul
I’ll stay till the end of the world
But the minister ran from the altar
When he found we’re a couple of girls
Tradition can be a real mother
Those weren’t cruise ships in the triangle trade
And the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Know it’s time to make history fade
{chorus} Charlie Manson can legally marry
Any woman that’ll give him the time
Money is nice if it’s decent But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
And handy when push comes to shove Were told that their love is a crime
But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Know everything’s lost without love {chorus}
They say Jesus he died for the sinners Yeah, Charlie Manson can legally marry
And he fought so that true love will win Any woman that’ll give him the time
But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers But the two dear sweet lesbian lovers
Were told they should read the small print THEY KNOW THAT THEIR LOVE IS SUBLIME
Being a senior in high school I couldn't ask for better in the way of being me and getting messed with. I did get bullied a ton when I was in middle school for the preconception that I was gay. Later I finally came out my sophomore year with tons of support that I have now. Slowly I started telling more friends and adults along the way. Now I plan to find a organization in the states so I can start making a difference here at home.
College Speech here at my high school has really brought the advocate out in me this year. I have always fought for the community, but with the ability to get a voice to my class, has made it more wild. An informative speech I have been working on currently has me on the bystander effect and bullying. That has kept me busy with me trying to perfect it as much as I can. I want to be the one person for small towns to make a difference while I am still here. Then my nation and ultimately the world.
All in all, whatever I can do, I will do it. I will be the one that makes a difference behind the scenes. No fame needed, just the pride of a job that I go to everyday and love! I love LGBTQIASP individuals more then you will ever know. This is the era of change. Here we come.
Stanley Howard Erwin
(user currently living in UNITED STATES)
posted for
gay
readers
on 18/12/2011
when i was 14 i came out to my parents that i was gay and when my father heard me say that i remember him slapping my face and telling me to get out of his house and also him calling me names like fag and stuff like that and i also remember him saying that god hates gays but i remember when i was younger the Sunday school teacher saying that god hates no one. so that's my story.
(user currently living in UNITED STATES)
posted for
gay
readers
on 17/12/2011
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Florence Edwards, Ph. 310-746-7149
email: florence.edwards1976@gmail.com
Global Author: Terry Angel Mason
323.402.0111
WWW.TERRYANGELMASON.COM
Pulitzer Nominated Author and Civil Rights Activist
Terry Angel Mason Featured in Connextions Magazine, Broadway World and www.HealthyBlackmen.org
San Diego, CA—International author and LGBT advocate Terry Angel Mason has been making local and international headlines since the release of his first book, Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent, a gripping tome that offered strategies to help parents, families, ministers, teachers and community leaders effectively understand and support gay teens, young adults, and people infected with HIV/AIDS.
Since his international debut, Mason has sparked worldwide dialogue about pressing issues affecting African Americans and the gay and lesbian community. A revered civil rights activist, blogger and columnist, Mason recently published an article about SB 48, (The Fair Education Act; a law that requires schools to include LGBT history), and denounced the black religious community’s actions to overturn the bill, citing that their intolerance and support of inequality promotes more bullying, discrimination and violence in the gay community. The article received numerous responses and led him to being featured in the December issue of Connextion Magazine. View page 60 to read the full article:
http://www.calameo.com/read/0003904676b6cb3a1a2a5
Prayers for the Bullied - Article Featured on Pgs. 60 & 61
They Say That I Am Broken
Angel Mason's Newest Literary Masterpiece
is
One of the most anticipated books of the year!
-click on the book cover below to hear an audio excerpt from Mason's new Literary Masterpiece!-
A minister, speaker and global hero, Angel Mason has been garnering local and national praise for his latest literary release titled, They Say That I Am Broken, a powerful book aimed at spreading truth about the dangers and consequences of homophobia, hate, and inequality. A survivor of full-blown AIDS and cancer, Angel was selected asReal Health’s Magazine Advocate of the Month, and will be featured inBlackMensHealth.org for the month of December. Visit www.BlackMensHealth.org to view the interview.
A beloved author, Mason's books have touched millions of lives and have been submitted for a Pulitzer Prize and numerous awards, including the Lambda Literary Award and theStonewall Awards.
Mason’s latest, highly anticipated release, They Say That I Am Broken is a gripping page-turner that deals with a plethora of issues affecting Same-Gender-Loving community, including homophobia in the Black Church, HIV, DADT (Don't Ask Don't Tell), gay marriage, homeless gay children, and more. The book also features captivating articles about CNN anchor and author Don Lemon, The Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, and much more. They Say That I Am Broken is poised to gain worldwide recognition as it affirms God’s love for all people, and eloquently dissects race, religion and homosexuality through empowering essays, poems and stories.
They Say That I Am Broken can be pre-ordered by visiting www.TerryAngelMason.com. Electronic review copies of They Say That I Am Broken are now available for the media upon request by contacting Florence Edwards at Florence@Publicity911.com.
Release Date: WINTER 2012
Angel Mason’s work has been featured in publications all over the world. Please view his latest articles about marriage equality:
IT'S OUR TIME FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY.
Prop 8: Out of Sight, But Not Out of Mind (Edge Magazine)
The Ugandan Homophobic Plague That Has Spread And Infested Ghana!
Infected By What Some Say Is An Unforgiveable Sin and An Incurable Disease
Terry Angel Mason is available for all media interviews/appearances. Interview requests should be submitted to Florence@Publicity911.com. Electronic review copies of They Say That I Am Broken are also available upon request.
About Global Author Terry Angel Mason
Terry Angel Mason is an internationally renowned author, keynote speaker, poet, singer, songwriter, minister, and Civil Rights activist who currently resides is Southern California. He is the author of three popular titles, Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent, They Say That I am Broken, and The Dream Keeper, set to be released later this year). A revered leader and global change agent, Terry Angel Mason’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower millions around the world, and promote love and acceptance for all people.
A highly sought after author and activist, Mason has been featured in (Lee Bailey's) eurweb.com, The East County Magazine, Five (5) Magazine, Whosoever Magazine, SGL Weekly Magazine, Outword Magazine, The NBJC Newsletter, The Advocate, Frontier Magazine, Broadway World, The Windy City Times Newspaper, New Pittsburgh Courier, New England Informer, Our Weekly Magazine, Out Impact, The San Diego Gay and Lesbian News, The San Diego Gay and Lesbian Times, The San Diego Union Tribune, ME Magazine, POZ Magazine, The New Civil Rights Online Magazine, A&U; Magazine, Religious Tolerance, Marriage Equality International, Homorazzi, BN&S; News Commentary, Real Health Magazine, Q Magazine, MSNBC News Vine, ILGA, Out Military Online Magazine, Proud Parenting Web Magazine, Fuse Magazine, Echelon Magazine, The Bay Area Reporter, Connextions Magazine, and in many other publications.
For breaking news, articles, interviews, or to learn more about Terry Angel Mason, visit his website at www.TerryAngelMason.com.
He can also be reached on the Web at www.facebook.com/home.php#/terryangelmason, www.myspace.com/angelsloveson and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ALOVEBALLAD.
# # #
Thank you so much!!!
I have a page where you can donate funds. Anything counts!!
https://www.youcaring.com/lgbtquniversity