“Domestic Partnership” Does Not Equal Marriage

An editorial on marriage in the Portland Press Herald laid out in the clearest language possible why the debate around relationship recognition should about marriage and not just the collection of rights and responsibilities accessed through marriage.

A domestic partnership law is the wrong place to start the discussion. Those who object to the state applying family law norms to same-sex relationships see it as a way to sneak gay marriage into the law books.

Those who support same-sex marriage view it as a less-than-equal legal status that does not carry one of the most important benefits of marriage – its universal recognition.

In a school, hospital or courthouse, everyone understands the family relationship of marriage and the rights that go with it. A new institution with an unfamiliar name would not have the same weight.

We support full marriage rights for same-sex couples because we believe they are entitled to equal protection under the law. Marriage is the best building block for stable, supportive families, and families led by same-sex couples should have same legal rights and obligations as those led by heterosexual couples.

Equality Matters: Online March for LGBT Equality

Equality Matters is launching an Online March for LGBT Equality set for the week of the presidential inauguration January 17-24.

Equality Matters is using the power of social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter to spread the message about the importance of equal rights for LGBT people. The group is asking people to change their profile pics to one of several Equal Matters created graphics, post links for the event to their profiles and status to with a message promoting equal rights for LGBT Americans.

DC Community Prepares for Marriage Fight

Here’s a quick update on efforts to win marriage equality in Washington, DC and info on an upcoming event for folks wanting know more about getting involved.

In this excerpt from a DC community forum on marriage organized by DC for Marriage last month, I outline the challenges and opportunities we face in winning marriage in the District.

Does the LGBT Movement Need to “Get Real?”

There is a moment in every Dr. Phil show were he tells the guests of the day that they need to “get real” and stop the behaviours that are causing them pain and emotional distress.I think it is high time that the LGBT community internalize that message and end the sometimes limp-wristed approach we take to fighting for our right to equal treatment under the law.

Continuing reports and analysis coming out about the No on Prop 8 campaign show that our side ran a timid and poll-driven campaign that avoided the use of images and messaging featuring same-sex couples talking about how Prop 8 would effect their lives, ignored outreach to communities of color until the last minute and failed to anticipate anti-gay tactics that even a first year poli-sci student could have predicted.

The Gays are Pissed. Now What?

Every other blog post is about gays erupting in righteous anger over the passage of Prop. 8, hate-monger James Dobson’s induction into the Radio Hall of Fame or some other issue. But, what are we accomplishing other than giving people an opportunity to act out?

What Would Harvey Milk Do?

In this time of incredible passion, anger and energy in the LGBT community, these words by Harvey Milk could not ring more true.

It is amazing to see how quickly our community catapulted from grief to outrage over the passage of four anti-gay state amendments on November 4. Tens of thousands of LGBT people and allies have marched in the streets to demand an end to the bigotry and hatred used by right-wing religious extremists to harm our families and fill their coffers.

Some people are calling this Stonewall 2.0. I call it the kick in the ass that the LGBT community has needed for quite some time.

We have become way too comfortable with television shows like Will and Grace and The L Word lulling us into believing that everything really is okay.

Now is the time to turn that anger and passion into effective action that will win full equality for LGBT people. It won’t all be as glamorous and self-expressive as protests, but we need to use a multiplicity of tactics to get the job done.

Apple Comes Out Against Prop. 8

Here’s another reason I am proud to own a Mac:

No on Prop 8

October 24, 2008

Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.

Gays Won’t Let Friends Vote McCain

Just as friends don’t let friends drive drunk, we should declare right here, right now that as LGBT people we won’t let our friends vote McCain. At least not without a fight.

If you think I am overstating the importance of this, watch this video by the Human Rights Campaign on McCain’s long record of opposition to LGBT equality.

I understand that voting is a personal thing, but it is critical that we let our friends, family and co-workers know how much a McCain/Palin administration would hurt us and our families.

Video: No on Prop. 8

One of my readers passed along his latest video in opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment that would overturn marriage rights for same-sex couples in California. California is one of only two states in the U.S. where same-sex couples can legally wed.

For more info on how you can help to defeat this attack on LGBT families, visit No on Prop. 8.

Find Your Center at the DC Center

I have lived in Washington, DC for nearly nine years and for much of that time I have been involved with the LGBT community initially as a pro-mo (professional homosexual) and lately on a volunteer level. In that time I can honestly say that one of the most exciting projects I have been involved with is serving on the board of directors of The DC Center.

The mission of The DC Center is to celebrate, strengthen, and support community among the GLBT residents and organizations of Metropolitan Washington, DC.

While we may not be as big or as well known as some of our sister community centers in cities like Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, we provide a number of amazing programs that the LGBT community can’t find anywhere else in the District. Stay tuned for more exciting news about The DC Center including information on an upcoming community survey and details for relocating The DC Center to a newer, more accessible location.

After the jump are details on The DC Center’s main programs.