This inspiring, information-packed film will tell you everything you need to know about this vitally important topic. Included are pertinent facts and information from such top specialists as renowned civil rights attorney Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry (the leading national marriage equality organization) and John J. McNeill, author of “The Church and the Homosexual.”

Until the right of civil marriage is extended to same-sex couples in the United States, gays and lesbians will continue to be denied over 1000 rights, benefits and equal protection under the law.

The post I Can’t Marry You first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Image via www.mediaite.com

Ellen DeGeneres threw major shade at Caitlyn Jenner over the latter’s right wing views of same sex marriage today on the “Howard Stern Show.” It started when Caitlyn Jenner went on Ellen’s show and said:

“I’m a traditionalist.I’m older than most people in the audience. I kind of like tradition, and it’s always been a man and a woman. I’m thinking, ‘I don’t quite get it.’ I think, like a lot of people on this issue, I have really changed my thinking here to, ‘I don’t ever want to stand in front of anybody’s happiness.’ That’s not my job, okay? If that word – ‘marriage’ – is really, really that important to you, I can go with it.”

DeGeneres called out Jenner on her tone- noting that the phrasing and the tone don’t really make it sound like Jenner is on board with marriage equality. DeGeneres later went on Howard Stern to discuss how awkward that moment was. In her usual style, she was funny and gracious but perhaps slightly more acerbic than usual- saying:

“She [Jenner] still has a judgement about gay marriage. And I said, ‘You’re wanting people to understand and accept you — this is like, really confusing to people — and you still have a judgement about gay people and marriage”

Later, Sten asked DeGeneres if Jenner had danced with her, something most of DeGeneres’ guests do: “Maybe she didn’t want to dance with me because I’m a lesbian.”

She also got in one last barb before the conversation was over, saying” I think a lot of Republicans are wishing she wasn’t Republican.” Ellen wouldn’t be Ellen if she didn’t end the interview on a nice note, saying she just wanted Jenner to be happy.

What do you think? Team Ellen or Team Caitlyn?

The post Ellen DeGeneres Calls Out Caitlyn Jenner’s Antiquated Views on Marriage Equality first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Hold onto your baseball caps, we’re in for a ride. Yogi Berra, known for his mangled quips, reminds us, “It ain’t over, ’til it’s over.” Now that same sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, (Yay!) expect the fallout to come tumbling down and down and down. While SCOTUS has spoken in our favor, naysayers tell us their fight will continue. As with Row v. Wade, the right wingnuts with chisels in hand are already trying to chip at the new law in what will surely be a protracted effort to circumvent the ruling.

Same-sex marriage bans from Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan were considered in the SCOTUS ruling. Michigan immediately got on board. They found it best to abide by the full spirit of the law and gay couples have said their vows. Originally named as a defendant, John Kasich, the moderate Republican Ohio governor, said his state was also ready to move on. Political careers can be made or broken by going along to get along. With a presidential announcement likely forthcoming, Kasich can reach constituents who prefer middle ground.

On the other hand, Southern states led the way backward by digging in their heels. Mississippi claimed the decision would not take effect immediately in their state. Another presidential hopeful, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, is holding on to his belief that the decision should be up to each state. Texas expressed a divided opinion with some counties following the ruling and others holding on to the hope that religious convictions were being trampled—using a “law of God” argument to hopefully trump the Supreme Court and justify their position to withhold marriage licenses, a move that could prompt contempt of court charges.

And on the far right, where the separation of church and state takes on strange forms, we have, shall we say, some unusual views? Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, doesn’t surprise anyone by spouting favorite lines found in the bible about marriage between a man and a woman. Religiously inclined individuals holding on to narrow selective interpretations like to cite a “traditional” version of marriage, but conveniently forget that those traditions have changed over time and no longer include having multiple wives, not being able to remarry except in cases of adultery, and restrictive property laws that exclude widows. Marriage does evolve, but not in the way envisioned by Perkins, who oddly imagines more children being born out of wedlock. Apparently logic has nothing to do with his position. How did this guy get to be president of anything?

Now that same-sex marriage is legal, other ridiculous claims have surfaced, such as, it will bring about bestiality, pedophilia, and the wrath of God in the form of whatever anyone feels like saying God will do to smite us. Call me cynical, but from my vantage point, it seems many of these fire and brimstone claims are merely vehicles for collecting money to further the careers of the people who get paid to spout this nonsense.

I’ve yet to hear anyone say that the advancement of LGBT human rights has happened precisely because it is God’s will. I could sit through a lot of extra innings before that ever happens. It ain’t over, ’til it’s over.

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com

The post From A to Zoe: It ain’t over, ’til it’s over first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, declared her support of same-sex marriage along with several other same-sex positions. Armed with a graphic Powerpoint presentation that included videos, Clinton explained exactly how her position had changed and how happy she was when she made it. Her delight was shared by the LGBT community who not only welcomed her support for same-sex marriage, but busted their collective butts to get home to try out the new positions.

The surprise announcement came despite Clinton’s avowed heterosexuality. At a news conference Clinton said, “Shifting my position felt natural and frankly, being on top of my subject makes me feel more comfortable. It was a long time in coming and I felt a great release.”

Responding to her statement, spokesperson Anita Muff from the lesbian PR firm Butch and Cassidy, remarked, “It’s understandable that Clinton prefers being on top. It’s a natural expression of her personality. After all, she’s a powerful woman. We would expect her to take charge.”

Years ago, Clinton’s detractors tried to discredit her by calling her a lesbian. Since then, this country has witnessed a sea change in attitudes, lesbian wannabes dominate the media, the USA soccer team accepted straight women, and with the exception of a few backwater hold-outs, a majority of states have passed legislation to further same-sex marriage and civil liberty protections.

Even in Indiana and much of the South, where stubborn attitudes cling like liars to falsehoods, closeted gays found reason to hope. “It’s a mystery to me why women continue to vote against their best interests,” said one woman who preferred to remain anonymous. “Perhaps this new revelation will free women to vote their conscious and stop being led like sheep to the slaughter. Also, I tried one of the positions she recommended and my partner and I loved it! Wow! Check out slide eleven on the PowerPoint. She’s got my vote.”

Interviewed at home, Florida republican Jeb Bush scoffed at the news. “This ploy is merely a political version of ‘Girls Gone Wild.’ She’s taken a page from her husband’s playbook to get publicity. Should I join the presidential race, I’m not worried about getting women voters. History has proven how much women like a Bush.”

While Clinton’s appeal for women is busting out front and center, millions of men find her an attractive candidate, too. Roland Tumble, director of the San Francisco-based LGBTQQIAXYZ Center said, “We cheered at her commitment to our community. Hillary is hot and ready to go. It’s times like this, I wish I were a lesbian.”

Upon hearing the news, another San Franciscan, Monica Lewinsky, also made an astounding admission. In a Twitter post that has since gone viral, Lewinsky tweeted: “Finally can tell rest of story. My only interest in Bill was to get to Hillary. So happy for her. Hillary, call me.”

A spokeswoman in the Clinton camp indicated there could be more startling announcements in the days to come, inferring that Clinton’s openness at trying new positions bodes well for other aspects of the leadership role she hopes to win in 2016.

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com

The post From A to Zoe: Same-sex positions cause Clinton uproar first appeared on Lesbian.com.

By now you’ve heard that Charles Manson and a 26-year-old woman he’s since renamed “Star” are getting married.

Ding dong the bells are gonna chime. The bell that is, that signals all prisoners back to their cells. Insert here all the well-deserved observations that there’s a 54-year-age difference; they won’t even get conjugal visits because he’s serving a life sentence; and, of course, “mass murderers can marry and gays can’t?!” Well, mass murder orchestrators to be precise but, still.

But is she crazy? Who are we to judge? Is she in love? She’s been visiting him weekly since she moved, at age 19. to the city in which he’s incarcerated and began writing to him three years prior. Sounds like love. She was attracted to his ATWA (Air Trees Water Animals) philosophy. See there? Somewhere between the LSD and the stabbings lurked a nascent environmentalist. His softer side. She’s dedicated. She once shaved her hair and cut an “X” into her forehead in protest to his being put in solitary confinement. Out here in LA we use botulism in that spot. Who’s crazier?

Although, it seems silly for her to want to seem younger for a man 54 years her senior, maybe she does have issues.

She’s not thinking clearly. Not about her nuptials. That’ll be the easiest wedding in the world to plan. They’re only allowed 10 guests, won’t need a caterer and can easily be registered at the prison commissary. But what about her future?

Most likely, Charlie will die before her. And, virgin or not, she’s set a really low bar for subsequent mates. Really, who can’t top a mass murdering, octogenarian loony? What will her match.com profile say? “I really believe in knowing where my husband is every night.”

Then again, maybe that’s her plan. To set a record for partnering with incarcerated killers. Tall dark and handsome? Sorry Star, we shot Osama. Or, maybe she marries the Menendez brothers. Oh, wait, they BOTH married AFTER they were put in jail. Lyle Menendez, in fact, has been married twice. Phil Spector? Sorry, Star, also taken. But who could resist that hair?

Why is it women fall for convicted criminals? Some psychologists say it’s a “mothering” instinct. Some say that it’s the belief they can save or change them. I say it’s an evolutionary response to weed out the weirdos. Carry on ladies! Keep those genes outta the pool, thank you.

And, in the meantime, when the attorneys for gay marriage are next asked to prove that gays getting married won’t defile the sanctity of marriage, they need only say five words to the judge: “Charles Manson. Now, define sanctity.”

Jennie McNulty was named one of Curve magazine’s Top 10 lesbian comedians. She can be heard weekly as co-host of LA Talk Radio‘s “Cathy Is In: The Cathy DeBuono Show.”

The post Orange is the new crazy first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Moments ago, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled that bans on the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in four states — including our Tennessee case — do not violate the U.S. Constitution.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act last year, we have experienced a sea change in the freedom to marry, with nearly 40 court victories across the country in favor of marriage equality.

While today’s decision hurts loving couples and families in Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio, this case isn’t over, and we know the tide is turning. We know — one day soon — every person across the country will be able to marry the person they love.

We will not rest until this decision is overturned and until no matter where you live, you have the freedom to marry the person you love. But we can’t do it without you.

We need you to stand with us. Will you join us in the fight for equality and justice by donating today?

Onward,
Kate Kendall

Make a donation at NCLRights.org.

The post NCLR: A setback for marriage equality first appeared on Lesbian.com.

SAN FRANCISCO, California — Beginning at 10am Mountain on October 21, 2014, marriage licenses will be issued to same-sex couples across Wyoming — a victory that wouldn’t have been possible without you and your trust in us.

Wyoming is the latest in a string of marriage equality victories in NCLR cases, including Utah, Idaho, and Florida.

We know that there’s much work ahead to enjoy the full promises of equality and justice, and we’re working tirelessly to ensure that every member of our community can live fully and freely.

Onward,
Kate Kendall

Make a donation at NCLRights.org.

The post Wedding bells ring in Wyoming first appeared on Lesbian.com.

On Monday morning, I was in my hotel room in Washington, D.C. The news was on, all was as expected, and I was finishing up e-mails before heading out to a breakfast meeting. A minute later, the world was gloriously, fabulously, improbably turned upside down.  

I was nervously waiting, as we all were, to see which case(s) the U.S. Supreme Court might take this term to decide whether same-sex couples throughout the country have the freedom to marry. Then, that penultimate question was suddenly settled in a huge new swath of the country, including for NCLR’s case in my home state of Utah. Marriage bans in Utah, Indiana, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Oklahoma were gone.

I sat at the desk in my hotel room in stunned, gratified, awe-struck, elated disbelief. I may have even screamed a little.

On that beautiful fall morning, the high Court declined petitions for review in all of the marriage cases before it. The practical effect of that decision was to make all of those decisions final. The bans were nullified as unconstitutional, and lower court rulings in those cases could now take effect. Translation: couples in all five states could now marry.

But wait, there’s more! The Supreme Court’s decision meant that marriage bans in all the other states within the Fourth, Seventh and Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals—in Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wyoming—would soon be history as well. By the end of the week, couples were already marrying in Colorado and West Virginia, one county in Kansas was already issuing licenses, and the other three states were moving closer to ending their marriage bans as well. In short order a total of 11 more states will join the other 19 where marriage already means marriage for everyone. Soon, more than 30 states will respect our relationships and treat them equally to all others.

At 9am on the first Monday in October 2014, life and reality and expectations were one thing. By 10am on the first Monday in October 2014, life and reality and expectations had undergone an exhilarating renovation. It was, quite literally, breathtaking.

The next 24 hours were a blur. But for me, it involved a late night and very early morning. On Monday night, I did a segment on “America Tonight” on Al Jezeera America, and before dawn on Tuesday, I was at a studio just blocks from the Supreme Court for a segment on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” (one of my East Coast travel addictions). You can see that segment here.

But wait, there’s more! On Tuesday afternoon, as I boarded my flight back home, I got the news that the Ninth Circuit, in our Idaho case, had invalidated that state’s marriage ban, as well as Nevada’s. (And later that night the San Francisco Giants clinched the series over the Washington DC Nationals, that’s another story…but YAY!)

In what many saw as an odd twist, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy granted a temporary stay of the 9th Circuit ruling in response to a request by Idaho officials. We are disappointed for couples in Idaho at this delay, but we believe it is just that, and soon Idaho will be among the states where we can marry.

Whew!! I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted! Actually, not really.

Truth be told, I am thrilled at this turn of events. For us, it means more deliberate work to assure that EVERYONE will one day live in a state where they live in the light of full equality and justice. While the events of this week have been extraordinary, they have highlighted where we still lag and the inanity of being denied basic equality—like employment protections—even as we win the right to marry.

We are not done. In some ways, we now have even more to do to win marriage nationwide and then to bring the FULL promise of “equal justice under law” to every LGBT person, no matter where they live. But if the events of this week are any indication, justice and love will win out AND the ride will be filled with unimaginable twists and turns.

Onward,


Kate Kendell, Esq.
NCLR Executive Director

Make a donation at NCLRights.org.

The post NCLR: A giant leap forward first appeared on Lesbian.com.

BY CANDY PARKER

What did you miss this week in the world of LGBT news? Check out our Lesbian.com round-up and you’ll be ready to gather ’round the rainbow-colored water cooler to talk about five of the biggest, best and most interesting stories for June 15-21.

5 marriage equality cases get their day in court

On Monday, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals set August 6 as the date on which it will hear arguments for the five marriage equality cases pending before the court. The Cincinnati-seated court announced that arguments for cases in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee would take place at 1p.m. in what could be a historic day for marriage equality in those states.

Only the Michigan case pertains directly to the right of same-sex couples to marry. The others address issues related to birth and death certificates and state recognition for same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.

Obama announces executive order protecting LGBT workers

Speaking at a Democratic National Committee gala in New York City Tuesday, President Obama received a standing ovation after announcing an executive order which would bar federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT workers.

“We don’t benefit as a country or an economy – businesses don’t benefit if they’re leaving talent off the field,” Obama said. “And that’s why I’ve directed my staff to prepare for my signature, an executive order prohibiting discrimination by federal contractors on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity… Because in the United States of America, who you are and who you love shouldn’t be a fireable offense.”

Obama went on to encourage passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

“It would be better, by the way, if Congress passed a more comprehensive law that didn’t just cover federal workers. And we need to keep working on that, so don’t take pressure off Congress,” Obama added.

Texas Governor skewered for comparing homosexuality to alcoholism

Comedians and late night talk show hosts continued to lambaste Texas Governor Rick Perry for comments he made the previous week before a gathering at San Francisco’s Commonwealth Club. Stephen Colbert, John Stewart and others chided Perry for comparing homosexuality to alcoholism.

“Whether or not you feel compelled to follow a particular lifestyle or not, you have the ability to decide not to do that,” said Perry. “I may have the genetic coding that I’m inclined to be an alcoholic, but I have the desire not to do that, and I look at the homosexual issue the same way.”

The latest to take aim at Perry’s remarks is Funny or Die who rebuked the governor in the best way possible – with uproarious hilarity – in the following NSFW video released this week.

Dutch “gay-only village” hoax goes viral

The gay rights group Pink Monday Foundation pulled the rainbow-colored wool over the eyes of international news outlets this week with the announcement of plans for the establishment of GayVillage, a purportedly “protected,” LGBT-only community to be constructed in the Netherlands.

The elaborate hoax gained credibility via a professional-looking website and promotional videos touting the development, as well endorsement by the mayor of Tilburg, the GayVillage’s announced location.

Pink Monday said that the outrage sparked by the stunt was exactly what they were hoping for. “The negative reactions we got are positive for Pink Monday. We are happy that people think a gay village is a crazy idea.”

News outlets were incensed by Mayor Peter Noordanus’ participation in the ruse, claiming that their credibility had been impacted. Noordanus said he had “underestimated the impact of my quote,” adding, “I did this with the aim of drawing attention to gay rights and not to trick the media and society.”

Presbyterian Church USA approves same-sex marriage

On Thursday, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) voted to amend its Book of Order to redefine marriage, replacing the phrase “a man and a woman” to “two persons.”

The 429-175 vote by leaders of the PCUSA launches a path toward gay marriage throughout the denominations 10,000 churches across the country. A majority of the churches 172 regional bodies must now approve the change before it becomes official, a process which could take up to a year.

“This is a glorious day for the church and for LGBT people who have been seeking full inclusion here for decades,” said Rev. Randy Bush, the co-moderator of the board for Covenant Network, a pro-LGBT church group.

In a separate vote, the PCUSA also voted to allow pastors to officiate same-sex marriages in states where marriage equality is the law. No further approvals are needed on that measure, made final by the group’s 371-238 vote.

The post LGBT week in review: Marriage equality advances, gay village hoax goes viral first appeared on Lesbian.com.

The Gay Women Channel is back with another great video, this time using the voices of children to get to the heart of gay marriage.

The post Out of the mouths of babes: Kids explan same-sex marriage first appeared on Lesbian.com.