Heterosexuals Verses Homosexuals: Who Values Marriage More?

Gay magazine 'The Advocate', wrote an article on gay marriage possibly being revoked in California on November 4th election day, due to Prop 8. 

Gay and lesbian activists are fighting to keep this right by having petitions signed, proving that the right to marry should stay binding.

Comparing and contrasting homosexual relationships to heterosexual relationships, the fact remains that homosexual relationships last longer than heterosexual marriages.

In 2005, statistics showed over 8 million gay men and women who live as partners in committed relationships; 12% of the 8 million are married. The relationships usually last 10-20 years or longer. 

Heterosexual marriages end in divorce court over 50 percent of the time, with the divorce rate currently being of its highest to date; a huge increase from the 80's and 90's.

Government proclaims that marriage must stay traditional and sacred between a man and a woman, it doesn't matter if Americans get divorced 50 percent of the time. 

And yes, a drunken night in Las Vegas can easily lead a person to the alter to take on a sacred union that you, your physical self, may be unaware of. 

When heterosexuals marry are they marrying for love or convenience? Is marrying easier for heterosexuals, because they know they can always get out of it?

Makes you wonder doesn't it?

2008 LA

Senator Barack Obama on LGBT Issues

The Advocate is a magazine source that supports LGBT issues. Senator Obama's face was most recently on the front cover with words that read, "Obama, worth pinning your hopes on?"

The article introduced us to former Obama campaign aide Kevin Thompson, who is openly gay. Thompson shared his personal story of Senator Obama marching side by side with him, in a Chicago pride parade. 

The former aide stated that after the parade Obama, floored him with constant questions about the history of pride, how is it that every city has one, and what was the origin?

Mr. Thompson commented that he first met the Obama's when he came to work with Michelle Obama, in the Chicago Mayor's office in the early 90's. At the time Thompson, was married to a woman and having a hard time coming out. He confided in Michelle because he knew the Obama's were "the kind of friends that would never leave him."

On a car ride with the Illinois senator, after Obama hung up his cell from telling his daughter's goodnight, he turned to Thompson and asked "So Kevin, have you and Greg thought about having kids?"

Rick Garcia of the Illinois Federation for Human Rights, also known as the states largest gay and lesbian political organization described Obama this way,  

"He was able to talk about the issues in a natural, normal, comfortable way. He didn't struggle for language. He didn't say things like "homosexual preference" or "sexual preference". He was up to speed even before we started working with him." 

As soon as Obama, was elected into the senate immediately he sponsored legislation to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. He has spoken on LGBTQ issues more than any presidential nominee in history. 

In Obama's words, "Now, I'm a Christian, and I praise Jesus every Sunday.....sometimes, particularly in the African American community, in the church sometimes, I hear people saying things that I don't think are very Christian with respect to people who are gay and lesbian. The Sermon on the Mount says, treat people as you'd want to be treated. When we start blaming gay people for our problems, all we're doing is dividing each other. That's not the kind of politics I want to practice."

If you can't tell how open-minded, involved and forever present Senator Obama and his wife Michelle, are within the gay community do your research. 

At the end of the day with Obama, LGBTQ communities have a chance at equality and with John McCain, who opposes anything good for the LGBT community -- I think the choice is clear.

2008 LA

Actresses Jada Pinkett-Smith To Play A lesbian

Actress Jada Pinkett-Smith (seen above), will play a lesbian
in the remake of the 1939 melodrama by George Cukor, 'The Women.'

Pinkett-Smith, whose had her share of film roles spoke briefly about her new and adventurous journey, 

"I'm always trying to explore different realities. I've never played a lesbian before. I thought it would be a challenge and fun. I was up for the ride."

'The Advocate', an online gay magazine recently interviewed Jada on her feelings about the gay community, how she feels about playing a lesbian, and her childhood upbringing. The actress stated that she's all about love gay or straight, and in her reality every gay person would be out and happy.

Mrs. Smith was asked, if her kids came out to her as gay or lesbian what would she do? Jada admitted she might,

  
"Flinch for a minute out of her own selfishness of wanting grandchildren", and that what really matters is her "children's happiness and she knows many gay families happily raising children."

Eva Mendes (seen-r) is Jada Pinkett's girlfriend in the film, and new comer Russian beauty Natasha Alam (seen below) also stars in the movie.
 

HOT HOT HOT!

Check out an interview with Russian actress Natasha Alam, describing herself in the film.

2008 LA

Ellen Degeneres And Portia De Rossi Make It Official

On a Saturday evening talk show host Ellen Degeneres 50, and model/actress Portia De Rossi 35 (Ellen seen-l and Portia seen-r), made their commitment official by getting married!

The intimate ceremony was held at the couples Los Angeles home, with a guest list of only twenty close friends and family members.

Congrats to the brides and hoping all the best for you two; maybe Ellen will be a mommy soon?

2008 LA

Join The Afro European Sisters Network

Sandra Rafaela is vocal in her mission and distinguished within her own right. 

Ms. Rafaela has an Afro-Caribbean and European background and she currently resides in the Netherlands. 
She created a platform not just for lesbian women but for ALL WOMEN, to have a place to connect and share thoughts, literary works and creativity.

 

Her passion for creating Internet spaces to elevate the social status of Black women around the world regardless of geographical location, is how her 'Afro European Sisters Network' was born.  

Kudos to Ms. Rafaela for using her courageous efforts in an online forum that gives minority women an outlet to express themselves.

For more information on Ms. Rafaela's works and promotions of women's works visit here.
 

The Afro European Sisters Network has joined forces with the Black Women in Europe social network and award winning blog authored by Adrianne George, which will soon launch on the Women in the African Diaspora social network and the AESN/BWIE website.

2008 LA

Lesbian Documentary 'FREEHELD' Wins Oscar

Cynthia Wade won an Oscar for her short 38 minute documentary titled, "Freeheld".

(Lt. Laurel Hester seen-l and partner Stacie Andree seen-r) Photo by Cynthia Wade

The storyline concedes to the struggle of New Jersey police officer Laurel Hester, who tried transferring her pension to her domestic partner during her final months of her life. 

Hester worked as a detective on the force for twenty-five years while she battled cancer, and fought to give her partner Stacie Andree the financial security of her pension before she died; a right that's automatically given to married heterosexual couples.

Watch the documentary to see if Officer Laurel Hester was successful in her pursuit. Click here to view the trailer.

Thank you Officer Laurel Hester and Stacee Andree, for having the courage to share your story as I'm sure it wasn't easy. Moreover, you should take solace in knowing through your story others will be redeemed.

And thank you Ms. Cynthia Wade, for using your creativity as a tool to help others.

2008 LA

Gay Yearbook Put On Blast

In New Mexico at Clovis High school, the student staff caused an uproar with this years "gay" yearbook. 

The infamous book has a section that features eleven lesbian couples with the title, "Do you want to go out?"

Student editor Maggie Chavez (seen-r) stated, "We just wanted to show that there is diversity. There are gay and lesbian couples in the school and they have a right to be in the yearbook just as much as anybody else does."

(staff member Jessie Hardison seen-l and editor in chief, Maggie Chavez seen-r) Photo by Lilliana Castillo

The student staff went on to explain that when making this conscious decision to feature gay couples, it was made with much consideration and discussion by the staff. Ultimately, the staff agreed to be diverse and open minded by creating a yearbook that all students could enjoy. There were heterosexual couples featured as well.

Former Lt. Gov. Walter Bradley was extremely upset by the photos. 

Bradley, who considers himself a parent and concerned christian stated, 

"I think it's highly inappropriate to place that in that venue. That is no place for that type of negligent exploitation of our kids. I do not in any way believe this reflects the attitudes and values of this community." 

Mr. Bradley also vows to never donate funds to the school anymore if it will be used on things such as this diverse yearbook. Other christian community residents say they plan to protest in front of the school board, however a higher authority within the school system commented they let the yearbook pass for publishing because, "It didn't violate any of the district policies."  

The yearbook is completely student produced, which makes sense because who knows more about the student experience then a student?

The yearbook staff members stated they hold strong christian values as well, but the issue is a matter of discrimination. 

Staff member Jessie Hardison (seen above-l) commented, "I believe God's OK with it. I don't think he cares what you wear, what color your skin is or who you're with. I think he loves you for who you are."

No update yet as to whether the yearbook has been discontinued or not, but I have to give HUGE rainbow props to Jessie and Maggie for standing up for LGBT rights. You go girls!

2008 LA

New Gay Artist On The Scene: Melange LaVonne

Two thumbs up goes to 30 year old California raised, Hip Hop lesbian artist Melange LaVonne.

Ms. LaVonne's music video spreads much needed positivity and motivation to the LGBT community. Her song is titled "I've Got You", a
tribute to her baby boy and wife.

The video will air on Logo; which is a gay television network and you can check out the website here. 

2008 LA