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

Governor Deval Patrick's Daughter Says She's a Lesbian

Eighteen year old Katherine Patrick (seen-l), daughter of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick (seen-r) and mom Diane, recently decided to come out to her parents. 

The young teen stated that it was the easiest experience, because her parents responded with so much love and hugs. The Patrick's told their story to Bay Windows, a gay newspaper in their home state.

This is an incredible moment for all LGBT African Americans, because the black gay community isn't as easily accepted among their race.

Mass murders and brutal beatings of many gay and lesbians have taken place, simply because of who they choose to love. 

People often fear what they don't understand and this usually gives way to cruel and malicious acts, to invoke fear in others as a way of attaining a stronger base of hate.

Governor of New York David Paterson was quoted in a N.Y. Times article stating that when he was little,  

"There was a gay couple close to his family and they would always help him with his spelling as a little boy." Governor Paterson went on to say, "People who live together for a long time would like to be married, as far as I'm concerned, I think it's beautiful."

Both Governor Patrick and Governor Paterson, support gay marriage. Thanks for the support guys!

2008 LA

Michelle Obama: My Husband Will Fight for Gay Equality

Michelle Obama (seen-l), wife of Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama, spoke Thursday night in New York City at a fundraising dinner for the Democratic National Committee's Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council.

Michelle Obama stated that her husband will fight for gay equality, just as he fought to help working class families overcome poverty. 

Mrs. O, reminded followers of her husband's strong record to push for workplace discrimination legislation in his home state of Illinois, where he served in the legislature.

Barack Obama stated that it should be up to individual states, to decide whether to allow gay marriage. Michelle Obama commented that her husband wants equal treatment for any relationship recognized under state law.

The DNC reported the dinner raised more than one million dollars for the cause.

Thanks for the support Mrs. O!

2008 LA

Free The New Jersey Four

In 2006, Seven African American lesbians from Newark, NJ, had their rights violated. 

Patreese Johnson, Renata Hill, Venice Brown, Terrain Dandridge, Chenese Loyal, Lania Daniels, and Khamysha Coates, were in New York City's west village by the well known piers. 

A man by the name of Dwayne Buckles was selling DVDs on the streets when he tried to proposition, Patreese Johnson. Buckles became angry when he was rejected and as a result, he followed them down the street yelling insulting comments such as, "I'll F*** you straight, sweetheart!" 

Buckles then spat in Renata Hill's face, threw his lit cigarette at her, and yanked her hair while strangling her. As the fight continued on Patreese Johnson, only 4'11 and 95 lbs., took out a knife she often carried for protection.

Two men saw what was going on and came over to help the women. Dwayne Buckle was hospitalized with lacerations to the stomach and liver. 

On two different occasions Buckle reported that two men attacked him -- and not women. Patreese Johnson's knife was never checked for DNA, and the men that beat up Dwayne Buckle were never questioned by the authorities. The whole incident was caught on surveillance but the video was never seen. 

If the two men were at the scene of the crime then why weren't they questioned? Isn't questioning a witness normal police protocol? 

But somehow the seven women ended up on trial for attempted murder. The authorities allowed Mr. Buckle to contradict himself and testify against the women, after he originally stated that it was two men who caused his visit to the hospital. 

This is blatant discrimination and the women should appeal the case. 

Only four of the seven females were sentenced June of 2007, reportedly by an all white jury of mostly women. The jail terms range from 3 1/2 to 11 years. The oldest female is age 24, and two of the women are mothers with small children.

The media had a field day degrading the women by calling them, " A wolf pack of lesbians." 

Praying that one day justice will be served.

2008 LA

You can send a letter of support to these addresses below:

1. Patreese Johnson #07-G-0635 Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, P.O. Box 1000 Bedford Hills, NY 10507

2. Renata Hill #07-G-0636 Building 112A2 Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, P.O. Box 1000 Bedford Hills, NY 10507

3. Terrain Dandridge #07-G-0637 and Venice Brown #07-G-0640 Albion Correctional Facility, 3595 State School Road Albion, NY 14411-9399

For more information on this matter click here.

Cleared For Marriage Equality?

May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court cleared the way for same-sex couples to marry. 

Court decisions have gotten us excited in the past, only to be overturned by those who differ in opinion. So excitement may have to take a back burner for now, or we'll be licking our wounds later.

June 16, 2008, will be a glorious day for the LGBTQ community, however, I wonder if an agreement was reached quickly on this issue out of compassion, or is it a ploy for same-sex marriages to boost California's deflating economy? 

Once the economy is doing better, will the rights of the LGBTQ community be revoked again? 

Recently, businesses have calculated how much revenue could be made should same-sex couples decide to have weddings. Interesting how Gay and lesbians are human beings fighting for a civil right, while the state thinks only about financial relief for a few months. Come November, all gay marriages could easily be overturned -- but I'm sure only after a lot of splurging on weddings, honeymoons and homes have first taken place.

My personal opinion? 

Don't spend a ridiculous amount of money on your weddings just have a nice small ceremony while we wait for November, to finally find out whether we'll truly gain marriage equality; beat'em at their own game!

2008 LA