A shout to Cleo Manago for posting on his Facebook profile a brilliant essay written by the Salon’s Kate Harding defending Mo’ Nique’s controversial acceptance speech last night about “not playing the game.”  In addition to breaking it down, Ms. Harding makes some inciteful references to Hattie McDaniels (as did Mo’ Nique in her acceptance speech last night) that truly puts all critics of Mo’ Nique and what she had to say to shame.

But first we wanted our readers to see McDaniels and Mo’ Nique’s acceptance speeches in comparison. And after that, we want you to read Ms. Harding’s essay:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Link to Salon story: In defense of Mo’Nique’s Oscar speech

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Can we say how proud we are to know Lisa Powell? We met her at the very first Camp Courage for Courage Campaign in West Hollywood last January. It feels like a thousand years ago—seems like we’ve been through so much trudging this crazy equality road together. She is one of our mentors, a co-conspirator, and frankly just one helluva funny sista. We’ve shed many tears together through laughter.

Lisa has an extraordinarily rare gift of keeping the peace, bringing the calm, fostering the trust and moving forward in steady progress the whole time. She is indeed part community activist, part parent, part therapist, part drama killer, part visionary, part comedian, part sentinel—and all black woman. Truly she is a gift to not just the local African American LGBT community—but to the entire LGBT community here on the West Coast. Rick Jacobs ought to get on his hands and knees thanking the good Lord everyday for her association with the Courage Campaign. We jus’ sayin.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010, Lisa will be speaking at Cal State Northridge. The event (free by the way) is co-sponsored by various university departments and student clubs including the Center for Ethics and Values, Department of Gender and Women’s Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies Student Association, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alliance, Queer Studies Program, Queer Studies Student Association and the Women’s Research and Resource Center.

For more info on how to get a seat—and you should do that like—now–here’s the Facebook page for the event: A Conversation with Lisa Powell

But wait! There’s more. The sistas are busy! How many folks knew Jasmyne Cannick served as a producer for a recent documentary about the Black Panthers in Los Angeles? Yep, she sho’ did. And the film won’t shut down. Meaning the film just had screenings at the Pan African Film Festival. But do to overwhelming demand it returns with a limited engagement March 26 through April 1 at the Culver Plaza Theatres in Culver City.

“41st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers” is the first part in a documentary series that follows the Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party from its glorious Black Power beginnings through to its tragic demise.

We want to drop a few words about Jasmyne Cannick: We can honestly say there is NO ONE we know of who has demonstrated a dog-vicious unyielding commitment to the overall black community like Cannick. So much so that we seek consultation from her and only her on issues we’re undecided about in regards to the black community and black LGBTs. We don’t always agree, but we have to hand it to her, the sista loves loves loves her people and her community. So much so that some black LGBTs resent her for it. We don’t. But then again, we’ve never exclusively dated white folks. Quiet as it’s kept, we’ve found that it is those black LGBTs who seem to have the biggest ax to grind with Cannick. A mere observation. Make of it what you will.

Here’s the trailer for 41st & Central:

For more information on the upcoming Culver Plaza Theatre screenings go to this link: Black Panther Documentary Gets Limited Engagement in Los Angeles Mar. 26-Apr.1

To join the film’s Facebook fan page go here: 41st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers

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Yep. The loser admitted on live radio that he’s gay. California Republican Senator Roy Ashburn—who has consistently voted against gay rights and was arrested last week after leaving drunk from a gay bar with another man came out today on a Bakersfield radio station talk show.

“I am gay.  Those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long.  It is something that is personal, and I don’t believe I felt with my heart that being gay would affect how I do my job,” Ashburn said.

Wow. While people fight to the death for equality across the land—for the right  for the civil rights that are enjoyed by all with the exception of same gender loving folks—here’s a guy who believes that his sexual preference is something personal—-like his religion. This is why there’s so many misinformed heterosexual folks out there who believe that sexuality is a choice. It’s people like Ashburn who fuel such none sense.

Oh, and by the way, Ashburn is divorced with four daughters. His living a lie impacts more than just his political career. How tragic and unnecessary.

For more on this story read this link: Conservative California state senator comes out

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Wait. Our bad. We just read a story this morning that ex-Death Row Records kingpin and former gangsta rap music titan Suge Knight is in trouble with the IRS for $6 mil. And now that we look into it, just a few weeks ago he made headlines after his ex sued for child support but the guy currently nets $1200 a month in income. This is a man who once ran a record label with a revenue of $100 mill annually. Shame.

We just hope Marc Solomon is still drawing a paycheck these days cause we haven’t heard hide nor hair from him in ages. And quite frankly, we’re concerned. After our Suge Knight guffaw, we double checked recent news bits on Solomon, too—just to be sure. Nada. We don’t understand. He was doing so well making an artform out of dodging the tomatoes and rotten eggs we among others happily slung his way. Where’d he go? Is it over? We noticed that these last few months we’ve been seeing a lot—to our dismay—of Geoff Kors’s big pie face on Huff Post and various online LGBT news outlets. But we didn’t think anything of it. Kors had been lying low anyway for an extended time since folks were still demanding that he hit the road after the No On 8 fiasco. Solomon in exchange had become the new face and voice of EQCA most of last year—a refreshing change for some we might add. But lately he seems to be MIA.

Truth of it is we miss him—the big foot sloppy geek.

The way he used to look so benevolently down into our big brown field negro eyes—telling us that…well actually we don’t remember him ever saying anything worthwhile remembering. Maybe it was that charismatic glare he gave us upon sight that moved us. Hard to tell if Solomon loved or loathed us. It seemed to be a touch of both.

Stop the press! Just came across this obscure piece in the LA Weekly. You know, that gay column that’s always three weeks behind in the news that nobody reads. The entry is about some fallout regarding EQCA crossing a picket line at a Mexican restaurant downtown (figures). But the author of the piece in an update says that Marc texted them an angry text about it. So he’s alive and still working for EQCA after all. Yay! Okay. Sigh. We can relax, now. This whole equality business just wouldn’t be the same without him.

You’re loved Marc—you lying Death Star running conniving picketline crossing bastard. Welcome back buddy. Good to see you’re still in top form with the angry texting and emails.

Here’s the LA Weekly piece by the way: (Update) Queer Town: Will Equality California Party Down at Union-Picketed Restaurant?

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Classic Saturday Night Live: Dan Akroyd about to give the business to co-anchor Jane Curtain

Well, we know of one group of gay folks who aren’t exactly whistling Dixie these days about the recent installation of openly gay California Assembly Speaker John Perez. We just received a press release from the Restore Equality 2010 (RE 2010) peeps and they’re none too happy about Speaker Perez’s recent statements concerning the status of the 2010 effort to get an initiative on the ballot to repeal Proposition 8. Lester Aponte posted the press release in the comment section of our piece John Perez Says Hi! EQCA Told Me To Tell You The 2010 Repeal Prop 8 Effort Is Dead.

To be fair, the press release isn’t necessarily a dissertation telling Speaker Perez how many ways he can go to hell. But reading between the lines we can clearly see that Aponte and the rest of the RE 2010 crew are hotter than catfish grease.

Since we wouldn’t want anyone to have to go frantically searching through comments for the thing—the press release— for our readers convenience we’re posting it in its entirety right here:

For Immediate Release

March 5, 2010
Contact:
Sean Bohac, State Advisory Panel Chair
PHONE: 619-218-3192, email: sean.bohac@restoreequality2010.com
Ian Hart, Communications
PHONE: 510-847-1981, email: ian.hart@restoreequality2010.com

Speaker Perez’s Marriage Equality Assessment “Greatly Exaggerated”
Endorsements Keep Window Open to 2010 Proposition 8 Repeal

Los Angeles, Calif. Mar. 5, 2010 – Restore Equality 2010, the campaign working to repeal California Proposition 8 via the ballot box this year, is calling on new California Assembly Speaker John A. Perez to wait until April 13 for a final assessment of the effort to win back marriage equality. Perez, the first openly gay speaker of the California State Assembly and a 2012 repeal supporter, told reporters this week, “There is no practical way to get it on the ballot in 2010.” Citing recent party endorsements throughout the state, Restore Equality 2010 maintains that the window for a repeal effort is very much open.

“With apologies to Paul McCartney, rumors of Restore Equality 2010’s death have been greatly exaggerated,” said Sean Bohac, Chair of Restore Equality 2010’s State Advisory Panel. “Our deadline is still more than five weeks away, and the support for our campaign continues to grow.”

Passed by a slim majority in 2008, California’s Proposition 8 eliminated the state constitution-guaranteed right to marriage for the state’s same sex couples. Restore Equality 2010 has led an effort to repeal the proposition this year. The campaign cites recent opinion polls, changing attitudes, and historical precedent as evidence that such a repeal is winnable. Several parties and individuals have endorsed Restore Equality 2010’s efforts in recent weeks, including the Fresno County Democratic Party, the Southbay Democratic Club, Green Party chapters, and various LGBT and civil rights organizations. On Wednesday, the San Diego chapter of Democracy for America announced its endorsement of the repeal effort.

Restore Equality 2010, aided by its cross-party allies, has until April 12 to collect just under 700,000 signatures to qualify the repeal for the November ballot.

“We urge Assemblyman Perez to allow California voters time to be heard,” said Bohac. “If the Speaker wants to wait until 2012 to fight for marriage equality, certainly he can wait until April 13, 2010 to let all California voters have their say.”

Restore Equality 2010 is a grassroots campaign dedicated to passing a constitutional amendment in 2010 that guarantees marriage equality for all Californians. It envisions a California where all people can marry the person of their choice, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.It works to find common ground and build coalitions among California’s diverse communities. More information is available at www.restoreequality2010.com.

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You just don’t cut it, girl.  The make up and dress, perhaps?

We’ve been quietly observing the developments of the last couple of days surrounding the suspension of the three white school teachers from LA Unified School District for providing photos of O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman and RuPaul to their students at Wadsworth Avenue Elementary School. They gave the students photos of Simpson, Rodman and RuPaul among other black notables including MLK and president Obama to carry with them as they marched in a school parade celebrating black history month.

When first learning of the news we immediately understood why the teachers would be suspended for handing out photos of O.J. Simpson—-he’s a criminal and currently in jail serving time for his violent transgressions.  We’re still kinda’ puzzled about Dennis Rodman—although Rodman was definitely the Madonna of the NBA when it came to stirring up controversy and getting his name in the press; if  his crime is using sexuality any way and any how to get his name and mug in the papers then okay—the teachers deserve the smackdown on that one, too.

But Ru Paul? Just like that? Deemed unacceptable and inappropriate to be celebrated by black children without a smidge of clarification as to why?  Yea, we figure these teachers were more than likely being a–holes in terms of intention. But still, we have to beg the question.

We’ve been staving off from opinion on the matter as black leadership in Los Angeles including the presidents of the local chapters of both the NAACP and the Urban League have condemned the teachers actions calling for the immediate termination of all three educators. We find their position more than appropriate—when it comes to the photos of O.J. Simpson and Dennis Rodman, that is.

Today we read the mayor’s thrown his two cents in on it expressing shock and outrage—yea, right. Look, we wanna know what others think. That’s right—time for poll.  Do you think that its straight up homophobia for deeming Ru Paul inappropriate to be acknowledged by black school children during Black History Month?

And as food for thought we’re gonna throw this in—do you think parents of Polish descent would react the same way if their children were given photos of Liberace by black teachers?  We know, queeny as he was he never wore a dress.  But that’s the best we can come up with—wait. Here’s another: Boy George—do you think British parents would react similarly if their school age children were handed out photos of Boy George on some national ethnic holiday? Perhaps you can come up with better analogies.  We’re just throwing these out there for argument sake. The poll is going to be in our sidebar here on the blog.  We’ll twitter it, too.

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In his very first press conference with LGBT publications and outlets California’s new speaker openly gay John Perez stated that on no uncertain terms the 2010 effort to repeal Prop 8 is dead as a doornail. According to the Bay Area Reporter, Perez said that there’s no practical way to repeal the state’s anti-same-sex marriage ban this year.

“I know people don’t want to hear that, but it is absolute reality,” says Perez.  “The money is not there and the signatures are not there to get it on the ballot in 2010. I don’t think the best environment to put it on the ballot is in 2010.”

We know this is harsh news for folks like Lester Aponte, one of the most vocal local backers of the signature gathering required to get the initiative on the 2010 ballot.  He and other folks we know worked really hard trying to get the sigs and drum up support. But we knew the last nail in the coffin was with Rick Jacobs announcement that Courage Campaign was pulling out.  An effort that big takes some serious institutional backing. Without it, we saw the campaigns days as numbered. And we were right.

Gotta hand it to them,  EQCA worked hard in blocking the success of a 2010 initiative.  Not that we have anything against Perez, but this announcement doesn’t surprise us coming from an openly gay California politician.  EQCA had the lockdown on gay lawmakers aka Mark Leno and crew long before this whole deal even started.  Not to mention the fact that EQCA has had the backing of most local LGBT Latino orgs for some time now concerning when to go back to the ballot with Prop 8.  Stands to reason Perez would echo their sentiments.  He’d be foolish not to.

For more details on this story go to this link: Perez calls 2010 Prop 8 repeal effort DOA

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We just want to make sure black LGBT and same gender loving leadership, community activists and social commentators here in Los Angeles get to see what a low priority marriage equality is for people of color in DC. Since, well,  according to some Los Angeles based African American LGBT leadership— marriage equality—-“a single issue” is the catch phrase they use— isn’t of much concern here on the West Coast to black gay folks.  Because unlike blacks in DC,  we’re struggling with so many other things—like, like, um, hmmm… let’s see…and then theres…and let’s not forget…(scratching head).

Y’all need to quit. There’s never ever a good reason to cut off your nose just to spite your face.  Now run and go tell that.

Republished courtesy of the Freedom To Marry Web site:

Meet the First DC Couples to Apply for Marriage Licenses

The first same-sex couples to apply for a marriage license in Washington, D.C. are standing in line now. After a three day waiting period, couples will be able to pick up their license and have their marriage performed beginning Tuesday, March 9th. Here are profiles of a few of the committed couples who will finally be able to share in the responsibilities, protections, and commitment of marriage.

Angelisa Young and Sinjolya Townsend

Angelisa and Sinjolya, both African-American females, will be married at HRC Equality Forum on March 9th in the presence of family and friends. Angelisa (age 47) and Sinjolya (age 41) have been together for 13 years and have two children ages 21 and 25. They both work for DC government and are long-time residents of the District.

Reginald (Reggie) Stanley and Rocky Galloway

Reggie Stanley and Rocky Galloway

Reggie and Rocky, both African-American males, are long time residents of the district. They are both 50 years old and have two children, Malena and Zoe Stanley-Galloway, that are each 15 months old. They will be married at HRC Equality Forum on March 9th. Participating in the ceremony will be their two children, Jim Cullion (the best man) and Cherrie McCoy (the best woman).

Cuc Vu and Gwen Migita

Cuc Vu and Gwen Migita

Cuc Vu, an Asian Pacific American woman and Gwen Migita, an Asian Pacific Islander, will be married in a non-denominational ceremony. Cuc (age 39) and Gwen (age 38) have been together since October 2008 and are long-time residents of the District.

Aisha C. Mills and Danielle A. Moodie

Aisha Mills and Danielle Moodie

Aisha Mills (32), an African American woman who is president of the Campaign for All D.C. Families and her fiancé Danielle Moodie (30), a Jamaican American woman who works for Mayor Bloomberg of New York’s Washington, D.C. Office of Federal Affairs, will be married in August at an interfaith ceremony on Long Island. The couple, who live in Columbia Heights, have been together for 6 years. They will be applying for their license on March 3rd and are in the midst of wedding preparations.

Rick A. Imirowicz and Terrance Heath

Rick Imirowicz and Terrance Heath

Rick Imirowicz, a forty-three year old Caucasian male, will be marrying Terrance Heath, a forty-one year old African-American male. Rick is a doctor and practices Catholicism, while Terrance practices Buddhism. They are long-time District residents, have been together for 10 years and have two children.

~Freedom To Marry

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Barb Davis White, a Tea Party activist and Republican candidate for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District

There simply are no words.  We have to save our commentary on this for later.  In truth, we’re too stunned at the moment to say anything. Read the following the Minnesota Independent article published today:

For the first time in Minnesota history, a legislative committee contemplated the legalization of same-sex marriage in the state on Monday. And while gay and lesbian families shared moving testimony about the hardships their families face because they cannot marry, a duo of congressional candidates stole the show with controversial commentary on gays and lesbians.

Barb Davis White, a Tea Party activist and Republican candidate for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, prompted shocked gasps from the packed hearing room when she said, “Rosa Parks did not move to the front of the bus to support sodomy.” Her testimony involved accusations that the movement for marriage equality is hijacking the civil rights movement.

“There is no difference between a black person and a white person other than their skin color when there’s a tremendous difference between a man and a woman,” said White, who was the GOP’s endorsed candidate against Rep. Keith Ellison in 2008. “Allowing a black woman and a white man to marry does not change the definition of marriage. However, allowing two men or two women to marry would fundamentally change that definition.”

White also garnered some laughs from the audience when she said, “Studies also show that the average homosexual has hundreds of sexual partners in his lifetime… and I repeat hundreds.”

“I’m here today to tell you that homosexuality and lesbian behavior is unhealthy,” claiming that gays and lesbians have higher rates of STDs than anyone else in the world, including “gay bowel disease,” an ailment that does not exist and is often used by religious right figures to paint gay men as diseased.

Another congressional candidate, St. Thomas University law professor Teresa Stanton Collett, who is running as a Republican for the 4th Congressional District, warned that Minnesota’s Christians are under attack.

“Make no mistake: Marriage, as a civil institution, as a legal institution, is grounded not merely in religion but also in the biological reality that sex makes children and children need a mom and a dad,” she said. “And should we choose to redefine that legally we will put the religious and moral beliefs of all Minnesotans at issue.”

“Churches and religiously affiliated institutions will lose their tax-exempt status,” she said. She claimed that Christian colleges would be forced to house same-sex couples in dorms, social work students would be kicked out of school if they refused to counsel gays and lesbians, politicians would revoke funds from religious organizations, and parents would be arrested for speaking out against homosexuality.

The hourlong testimony from both sides contemplated three bills: one to create civil unions, one to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages and one to allow full legal marriage for same-sex couples. The hearing was for informational purposes only, and no vote was taken.

~Minnesota Independent

By Andy Birkey

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There’s a great story today on the blog 365 Gay titled Blacks play key role in D.C. marriage equality. The piece features DC African American marriage equality activist Michael Crawford and how outreach to the African American community in DC was critical for the success of marriage equality in the nation’s capital.

It’s a heartwarming story for those of us California blacks who still have to contend with beliefs that the black community is overwhelming homophobic. Never mind that there was absolutely no outreach to the black community in California at all in the days prior to the Nov 5, ‘08 vote on Proposition 8.

But black same sex marriage advocates in DC worked hard in gaining support from the black community which culminated in the support of many local black clergy and black heterosexual DC residents who vocally and visibly faced off with those black clergy and community leaders opposing marriage equality.

The moral here is that it takes LGBT black community members to stand up first—and reach out to potential allies. That’s the only way that gay rights issues are going to become important to the black community. As some black LGBT Angelenos continue to dismiss marriage equality as something of non-importance to their community, know and understand that it will never become important—-until you make it important.

The fact that an assault on black women’s reproductive rights is about to be thrust in the spotlight any day in the black community clearly indicates that when it comes to ones rights—-there is no such thing as it being a “single issue.” When someone’s rights are taken away then everybody’s rights are up for grabs. We really wish those local black LGBTs and same gender loving folks who sing the “no single issue” song—would give it up and get real.

Maybe this story on DC’s black LGBTs and same gender loving folks fighting the good fight might serve as inspiration for the local black LGBT community.

365 Gay: Blacks Play Key Role In DC Marriage

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