Lady GaGa ‘Defends Adam Lambert From Homophobe’

Truth be told, I knew little about Lady Gaga prior to the National Equality March back in October. While my youngest daughter and the assistant to a mortgage loan officer I work with would comment on her, I really had no idea who she was other than from what I read in an Out Magazine article about her. But at the NEM, she made some amazingly supportive comments about gay rights and gay equality that resonated with me (the boyfriend and I were in the press area about 25 feet from the stage). Today, working again on the remodeling of the boyfriend's salon, we had the radio playing and low and behold, they played a couple of her songs and I liked them. Now, she has apparently lambasted a homophobic critic of Adam Lambert and again confirmed that she is an ally of LGBT equality. Given her current prominence in the music industry, I can only hope that she will continue to speak out against those who speak of LGBT Americans as less than full citizens or, worse yet, as less than fully human. Here are some highlights from Show Biz Spy:

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The Poker Face hitmaker apparently lost her cool when a hideous homophobe criticized her for being friends with openly gay American Idol star Adam Lambert. According to the National Enquirer, GaGa was partying with pals at Ottawa club Barrymore’s after a concert when the man confronted her. The guy apparently approached the star and shouted, “I saw you and Adam Lambert on the AMA show, and the guy’s a flaming fa**ot
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GaGa replied, “Well, that’s your opinion, isn’t it? And I’m not about to waste my time trying to change it.” The homophobe then slurred, “Well, don’t you care that you’re both going to HELL!” Outraged, GaGa said, “No…not as long as I don’t have to see YOUR face there!”
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The drunkard then screamed, “WELL, YOU’RE A FREAK…AND SO IS HE!” Before leaving, the singer said, “Okay, that’s it! Call ME anything you want, but when you start calling my friends names, it’s OVER — it’s WAR!” GaGa then poured a glass of wine over the homophobe and made a beeline for exit.

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I applaud Lady Gag's willingness to user her current fame to speak out against homophobia and the politics of division and hate. Would that mere celebrities used their fame and press access to speak out against bigotry.

Christianist Hate at NEM

The only unpleasant moments at the National Equality March yesterday occurred shortly after the beginning of the March when the boyfriend and I found ourselves face to face with hate merchant extraordinaire and murder advocating anti-abortion loon Randall Terry (at left). Terry was yelling nastily at marchers with a megaphone and calling us freaks and sinners. Quite a few of us had words with this man and even the boyfriend yelled back at Terry - who I deem to be one of the leading false Christians today which is quite an accomplishment given the number of vile professional Christians one encounters. Other than this unexpected face to face encounter, the entire mood yesterday was one of determination and good cheer. The ONLY hateful language we heard all day came from Mr. Terry - something that is all too typical of the most visible Christianists.
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In contrast, retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu had a beautiful letter read at the March in full support of full LGBT equality both within and outside of the Church.

National WEquality March - Reflections the Day After

While it is not fully official, Metro Police officials off the record are saying the march was more like 250,000 people. Just so you all know. Amazing, truly amazing! Take that Barney Frank.

David Mixner

Cast of Hair

The blogosphere seems full of accounts of bloggers doubting Obama's commitment to the issue of LGBT rights. And on this issue, just as in the botched health care reform fight, Obama appears to be his own worse enemy. Frankly, he does not seem to get the fact that how one leads as a senator in Congress and how one leads as president of the nation are two VERY different things. I'm afraid we are going to continue seeing bungled messages and many instances where opportunities to use the bully pulpit of the presidency are are passed up and opponents to progress will be allowed to win out. A common message given by speakers yesterday is that we who are pushing for full LGBT equality NOW are on the right side of history. Those who embrace hand wringing and incrementalism at the pace of a crippled snail are not. For all his pretty words, Obama and the weak kneed Congressional Democrats are not on the right side of history and will someday be judge accordingly. There are some great clips up on You Tube of some of the speakers yesterday, and I am posting a few so that readers can hear the messages themselves.



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National Equality March Message: No Excuses, No Delays

It has been truly a long and utterly amazing day, beginning at 5:00 AM when the alarm went off so that we could meet the buses carry about 100 of us from Hampton Roads to the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. (many more from the area went up prior to today). The boyfriend and I did the entire march route slightly ahead of the huge main body of marchers, including the block right past the White House where the photo at the bottom of this post was taken. Along the route we were interviewed by CBS News - I have no idea if the footage was used or not- as we walked down the center of Pennsylvania Avenue seeking to arrive at the Capitol ahead of the massive crowd so that I could secure my press credentials. I have yet to see an estimate of the numbers, but it was a very, very large crowd.

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Sadly, from the few sites I have checked since arriving home, it seems Obama - through unnamed sources, of course - is having a hissy fit and John Harwood at NBC News stated:

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For a sign of how seriously the White House does or doesn't take this opposition, one adviser told me those bloggers need to take off the pajamas, get dressed, and realize that governing a closely divided country is complicated and difficult.

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Hmm - the same bloggers who helped get his sorry ass elected and this is the attitude? If Obama thinks it is difficult to govern now, wait until 95% of LGBT citizens take their money and votes away from Obama and the Democrats. Frankly, what is the point of supporting politicans if they do nothing for your equality under the law. Something supposedly guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution I might add. If Obama's attitude and behavior continues as it is towards the LGBT community - i.e., nice, meaningless words like at last night's HRC dinner - I would love to see him face a primary challenge come 2012.

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As for the HRC crowd, today may well have signaled the tipping point where grass roots activists are finally tired of the HRC approach of groveling and begging for whatever political scaps are tossed to it. The crowd today and the messages they heard were VERY clear: no more excuses and no more delays. Andrew Sullivan had an analysis of HRC that I believe is point on:

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Readers know I've long been highly critical of the Human Rights Campaign, because I believe they get nothing much done, and have been co-opted by the Democratic party establishment, and have sucked resources out of local gay groups and states who really are creating change, and because of their insufferable smugness, eagerness to take credit for work others do, and Rotary Club dinners that often form their only seriously organized activity. . . I do not want to tar with one brush many well-intentioned people working for them or with them. But their leaders are just so passive, weak-kneed and apologetic, you could mistake their balls for a couple of peas.

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This split in the gay movement is not new - if you saw the movie Milk, you could see the same tension between those who wanted to stand up and fight for equality and those who wanted to offer milquetoast, semi-closeted incrementalism with straight power. . . . This weekend, these two tendencies will collide together in DC. Thousands of gay, lesbian, transgender and straight allies will be descending on this town for a classic march to express anger, commitment and seriousness to equality. At the same time, one thousand wealthy, tuxedoed, Democratic party donors will be at the Washington Hilton for the HRC dinner of dinners (which tend to be fabulous and fucking endless).

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It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. Personally, I hope the motivated activist who were in Washington today go home, organize and leave HRC on the sidelines. The energy today was palpible and the event and the speeches were incredibly moving, making me almost tear up on occasion. Turning to happier issues, thankfully, as a contributor to Bilerico-DC we accessed the press area immediately to the right front of the stage. Having the equivalent of front row seats we got some amazing photos ranging from David Mixner who first called for the March back in May, Cynthia Nixon, Dan Choi, Dustin Lance Black (in the photo with me below), Julian Bond, Cleve Jones, Michelle Clunie from Queer as Folk, Lady Gaga and many, many more.

I will post more about our amazing experience tomorrow and over the next few days. The number of great speakers was incredible and I'd like to share my thoughts and impressions on a number of them who delivered thoughtful and provacative calls to activism that hopefully will speep across every congressional district in the nation. The March today is a beginning, not the end and readers need to go to Equality Across America and find a group in your congressional district. If one doesn't exist, then get some friends and start one yourself. Each and every one of us needs to get engaged and DEMAND full equality now. Talk to you members of Congress and state representatives. Beleive me, it is far harder for them to write you off when you are looking them in the face and are no longer some anonymous LGBT theoretical person. If they will not support your cause, then work to elect others who will.

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Over the nex few days, I'd also like to also share more of the 188 photos the boyfriend took throughout the day.

Tomorrow's Postings - NEM Sunday

The boyfriend and I will be catching a bus - one of several leaving Hampton Roads - at 7:00AM to travel to Washington, D.C., with a group of other LGBT Virginians attending the National Equality March. As a result, I will not have Internet access and will not be doing live postings tomorrow. I have written some posts that will automatically publish tomorrow morning and in the event we get home before it is too terribly late, I may do a preliminary update on our experience. The D.C. weather forecast is for clear and sunny tomorrow, and I surely hope that such will be the case.

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The boyfriend will be acting as my photographer and I am hoping that with press credentials I may get an interesting interview or two. Whether or not Obama and the Congressional Democrats pay any note to those of us assembling tomorrow, I believe the March will energize people to not be satisfied with the crumbs being doled out to us at present and that a younger generation of leaders with more energy and a willingness to press demands for equality will be moved to step forward. We need more inspired leaders and few ass kissers like Joe Solmonese and his cohorts at HRC.

Julian Bond - Rights Still to be Won

The Miami Herald is carrying a column by Julian Bond - the same Julian Bond from the civil rights push for African Americans - that looks at the state of gay rights in this country more than six (6) years after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the sodomy laws in Lawrence v. Texas. Until that ruling, in thirteen states - Virginia included, of course - gay Americans were subject to arrest and in some cases open to felony charges simply for having same sex physical relationships in their own homes. While the specter of arrest and criminalization under the sodomy laws is gone, in many states - again, Virginia included - LGBT citizens are still second or third class citizens. Why? Religious based discrimination when all of the bullshit excuses are stripped away. That's the true bottom line. In a nation that promises freedom of religion yet continues the penalization of gays and deprivation of legal protections and equality under the civil laws shows that the propaganda of the United States is a fraudulent and that the nation still fails to live up to the promises set forth in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. This travesty needs to end NOW and the days of being satisfied with incremental change are gone. Would that Obama and Congressional Democrats had the guts and courage to end religious based discrimination against LGBT Americans. Here are some highlights from Bond's column:

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The civil rights struggle for legal equality in America today is no less necessary, nor worthy, than a similar struggle fought by blacks several decades ago. Now, as then, Americans are denied rights simply because of who they are. When lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans gather in Washington Sunday for the National Equality March, they will invoke the unfulfilled promise in our Constitution that they, too, are due equal protection under the law.

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I will join them in their march because I believe in their equality and believe in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution that promises to protect it. I will join them because the humanity of all people is diminished when any class of people is denied privileges granted to others. I will join them because I know that when heterosexuals stand up and call for justice alongside their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters, the sooner justice will come.

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We can no longer pretend that civil rights do not include rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. Flimsy justifications for anti-LGBT bias are giving way to evidence that society is strengthened, not weakened, when LGBT people are given equal protection under the law. Where they are free to marry those they love, the sky has not fallen. Where they cannot be denied employment and housing simply because of who they are, the sky has not fallen. Where they serve nobly in the military without the burden of secrecy, the sky has not fallen. Rather, when all people are free to live up to their full potential, all of society benefits. Yet the United States still permits all these forms of discrimination. And this is why we must march.

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My friend Coretta Scott King said in 2000: ``Freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation is surely a fundamental human right in any great democracy, as much as freedom from racial, religious, gender or ethnic discrimination.'' That is why the NAACP resolved several years ago that ``we shall pursue all legal and constitutional means to support non-discriminatory policies and practices against persons based on race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or cultural background.''

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This weekend, those who believe in the ideals of our Constitution, those who have a dream that we will one day live in a nation where people will be judged not by whom they love but by the content of their character, and those who stand up for their ideals can be proud that they stood up and spoke out for justice.

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Julian Bond is currently a professor of history at the University of Virginia and distinguished professor in residence at American University. He is also board chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

National Equality March Route

Click image to enlarge

Freeper and Christianist Extremist Randall Terry Condemns NEM

It was only a matter of time before the loons and haters of the far right began to hyperventilate and convulse over the National Equality March and Obama's appearance at the HRC dinner tomorrow evening. Randall Terry - yes, the same Randall Terry who supports the murder of abortion providers - doesn't disappoint with his crazed and hate-filled press release. The man is about as un-Christian as one can be and continues to be a poster boy for why one might prefer not to be a Christian, or at least Terry's style of Christian. Here are some highlights via PR Newswire for Journalists of Terry's screed:

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Christians will gather at two key locations to remind homosexual marchers that God loves them, and they can be redeemed, but society cannot "normalize" a self-destructive behavior that can rob a human being of their eternal soul. Christians will bear witness to the truth: God made marriage to be a sacred covenant and sacrament between a man and a woman, and His Laws and order cannot be nullified - not by them, not by the Courts, and not by President Obama.

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[W]hen they try to force the rest of us to create a right to "homosexual marriage" where none exists, and to say that an objectively evil behavior is good and even desirable, we must fearlessly oppose them with all our might. The child-killing movement and the 'homosexual marriage' have formed an unbreakable bond - a 'cultural axis of evil' - because they both spring from the same root: the rejection of God's Law and Natural Law concerning human sexuality and procreation.

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"President Obama does America and the nations of the world a great disservice by legitimizing this self destructive, degrading behavior by speaking at the HRC banquet. On one day he speaks at Notre Dame, talking about the common good, and then proceeds to attack life and marriage in his policies, thereby destroying the common good. It is shameful."

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Those attending the National Equality March who seek to avoid Mr. Terry's form of "love" should avoid the following locations where gay-haters are supposed to be gathering:

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1. Saturday Evening, Oct 10, 6:00 PM: Location of Human Rights Coalition Banquet, at which President Obama is the keynote speaker. Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. 801 Mount Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC.

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2. Sunday, Oct 11, 12:00 Noon: National Equality March Parade route, Southeast Quadrant of Lafayette Park, across from White House.

Barney Frank Calls National Equality March "Useless"

UPDATED: I have received comments from some arguing for work back on th ewhome front. I just do not see activism in our home states - at least not in backwater states like Virginia - as the solution. Years of activism have brough us here in Virginia basically nothing and legal protections for LGBT Virginians continue to rate lower than protecting domestic pets with most of our bigoted legislators. For Virginia, national legislation is the only answer for change within the next decade or more in my assessment. What works in Massachusetts doesn't necessarily work elsewhere.

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Since I heard this story I have had to calm down a bit before writing my thoughts. I'm not sure what happens to members of Congress, but sooner or latter their egos get the better of them and they seem to end up in tempestuous love affairs with themselves. Joining this category is Congressman Barney Frank. Notwithstanding the abject failure of Frank and Congressional Democrats to deliver ANYTHING significant benefiting everyday LGBT Americans - even with a Democrat in the White House and Democrat majorities in both houses of Congress - Mr. self-impressed Frank told Michelangelo Signorile that the National Equality March is ""useless" and LGBT Americans should not put pressure on the White House. Poor Obama. He can't take "more pressure." What about LGBT Americans who continue to be thrown out of the military under DADT or gays fired from their jobs due to religious based bigotry. In my view, Obama's "pressure" is pretty low key compared to what many LGBT Americans face every day in this falsely proclaimed land of "liberty." Here are some highlights from The Gist:

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On the National Equality March:Barney Frank believes the march this weekend and rally on the mall are "useless" and don't put pressure on the White House. "I literally don't understand how this will do anything," he said. "People are kidding themselves. I don't want people patting themselves on the back for doing something that is useless." Besides, he says, "Barack Obama does not need pressure." He says we should model ourselves as lobbyists on "the National Rifle Association." He says people should not come to Washington and should stay home and lobby their members of Congress. "Nobody in Congress even knows they're there, he says, and he is not attending the March: He is going to California to raise money for himself and other Democrats.

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I can't wait for the next call I get from Congressional Democrats asking for money when I will mimic Mr. Frank's words and relate how in my view giving money to Congressional Democrats is "useless." I hope Mr. Frank's fundraising trip is a bust. LGBT Americans need to turn off the LGBT ATM and tell folks like Barney Frank to go f*ck themselves until the deliver REAL results. The time for talk is over. Action is what is needed.

‘Hair’ Closes for One Day So Cast Can March in NEM Rally

When the boyfriend took me to New York earlier in the month after a prior meltdown, we had the good fortune to be able to see the musical "Hair" and I posted about the experience and the activist work of lead actor, Gavin Creel, who co-founded Broadway Impact. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to get a message from Creel himself. As the New York Times is reporting, the musical will close down for one day so that the entire cast can travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Equality March. Once again, the momentum for this action came from Creel (pictured at left). I am excited about attending the March - the boyfriend bought us bus tickets on buses being run up to D.C. by HROC, a local LGBT groups for which I prepared the organizational documents. I expect it should be a long and crazy day. It will be especially fun since I will have press credentials! Here are some highlights from the New York Times:

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Playwrights and producers have used scathing commentary, heartbreaking drama and sharp satire to score political points about war, torture, presidents, AIDS, race relations and women’s rights with New York theater audiences. Now the Broadway musical “Hair” is expanding the concept of stage activism by taking to the streets and urging audiences to follow. The producers canceled a Sunday matinee so that the cast and crew could attend and perform at a march for gay rights in Washington on Oct. 11.

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That unusual — and expensive — decision to skip a popular weekend performance at the beginning of the theater season originated with the show’s star, Gavin Creel. “I said, ‘My God, we have to go, we have to go,’ ” Mr. Creel recalled when he first heard about the rally late last spring.

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[I]n May Mr. Creel met Cleve Jones, creator of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, when he came to see “Hair” with Dustin Lance Black, author of the Oscar-winning screenplay for “Milk.” At a party afterward for the release of the cast recording, they all talked about the Oct. 11 National Equality March that Mr. Jones was helping to organize. The rally’s organizers say they are seeking “equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states” for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people.

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[A]t the heart of “Hair” is a political message about equality, justice and freedom, and that everyone involved “knew what they were signing up for.” The Sunday matinee was canceled and a Monday-evening performance on Oct. 5 was added. Ticket-buyers could trade in their seats for another performance or get a refund. The cast and crew were essentially given the day off, although, as it turns out, Mr. Creel said he thought that nearly everyone in front of the curtain and many who work behind it plan to go to Washington.

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Blunt appeals from the stage to attend the rally seemed inappropriate, but during the final number, when the audience is invited to dance onstage, cast members now hold up homemade signs about the Oct. 11 rally that say: “Our tribe is going. Are you?”

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At the same time, Broadway Impact is organizing at least 20 free buses to take people from New York to the rally and back. Performers like Sutton Foster, Audra McDonald, Jonathan Groff and Neil Patrick Harris, as well as the casts of “Hair” and another Broadway musical, “Memphis” (opening Oct. 19), have each donated the $2,400 needed to rent a bus. The tribe will be on one of them.

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Again, it should be an interesting adventure. At times, I truly believe that activism and this blog have saved my life - with help, of course from the boyfriend, my youngest daughter and my family and office staff.

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NOTE: Others seeking to attend the March from the Hampton Roads area can still purchase bus tickets at the HROC website.

Gays To Help The Disadvantaged and Sick in Conjunction with National Equality March

I received a press release from the Empowering Spirits Foundation, Inc. ("ESF"), a non-profit, non-partisan grass-root based civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, whose members engage in service-oriented activities in communities typically opposed to equal rights. In working side-by-side with non-LGBT neighbors these neighbors may come to see similarities rather than differences in each of themselves and members of the LGBT community, engage in dialogue through non-confrontational means, and come to promote equality. I have often said that by putting a face and personality out to people - as opposed to some stereotype - we have the best opportunity to open hearts and minds. Here are some highlights from the press release:

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The Empowering Spirits Foundation (ESF), a national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization will hold its “Proud Hearts Reach Out” service events across the nation on October 10-11, 2009, in conjunction with Coming Out Day and the Equality March on Washington.

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The ESF has partnered with Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, MyOutSpirit.com, and others to engage in service oriented events designed to allow LGBT individuals to work side-by-side with non-LGBT members in an effort to open up communication between both sides.

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“ESF is proud to be working with various organizations to address many of the major issues facing Americans today; affordable housing, inadequate healthcare, and a lack of funds for neighborhood revitalization,” said A. Latham Staples, President and C.E.O. of the ESF. “Regardless of whether you are gay or straight, these issues affect everyone. And for those in the LGBT community who are unable to attend the national march, this is a great opportunity to help others in need, and in doing so we can engage in dialogue through this non-partisan manner in an effort to promote understanding and equality.”

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We are a part of this community, our families are here. Our well-being and our lives are intertwined with everyone else in the community. And our spirituality demands that when we can help, we do so, while our integrity demands that we aid without hiding who we are.”

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What: Empowering Spirits Foundation’s “Proud Hearts Reach Out” events

Where: Nationwide, 36 states

When: Saturday, October 10, 2009, & Sunday, October 11, 2009

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Volunteers are asked to visit www.empoweringspirits.org to R.S.V.P. For more information on the San Diego event or an event being held in any other city please visit www.empoweringspirits.org, email events@empoweringspirits.org or call (858) 523-8201.

Cleve Jones Invites Obama to National Equality March

Cleve Jones has invited President Obama to the National Equailty March on October 11, 2009. As fate would have it, it now looks like I will miss the experience of the March (I will be there with attendees in spirit), but such is life. I believe that the March has great potential to make those on the fence and the undecides to open thier eyes and see LGBT Americans as people, not just some theoretical group that can be easily ignored. Hate and prejudice is a terrible thing - as I know full well from my judicial lynching by the Virginia court system in my divorce. It needs to be confronted and the complacent need to be forced to look at the inequality and ruined lives their compacency ultimately supports. I believe the March has the potential to do this and to also engage a new generation of activists. Here are some highlights from a press release from the March organizers that includes the text of Cleve Jones' letter to Obama:

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Dear President Obama:

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Thank you for honoring Harvey Milk with the Medal of Freedom Award. Harvey was my friend and teacher. In the 30 years since he was assassinated lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have attained a handful of rights in a handful of states, but we are still second-class citizens.
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Your historic election gave us hope that change can happen, and now tens of thousands of LGBT people, along with our straight allies, are taking action to demand it. On October 11 we will march on Washington in support of a single goal: full and equal protection for LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.
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Equal rights are not a "gay" issue. They are about our shared human rights: safety in our schools and jobs, equitable healthcare and housing, and protection for our families, to name a few.

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I compare our National Equality March with the Civil Rights March of 1963. Martin Luther King had a dream; we have a dream too. We share Dr. King’s belief in the dignity and equality of all peoples, and his commitment to non-violence. And we share his faith that justice will prevail.
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We do not expect to achieve our goal overnight. Our struggle for equality has taken many years, and much hard work remains ahead. The nation is preoccupied with economic hardship and war. But you have given us hope that civil rights remain on this nation’s agenda. The time is right for us to call on our fellow Americans, our elected leaders, and you to reaffirm our shared commitment to civil rights.

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With hope in our hearts, we invite you to join us on the west lawn of the Capitol on October 11th. We ask you to take the microphone and renew our faith that Washington will work with us, and not against us. We urge you to remind the world that we are welcome members of this nation. We invite you to stand with us in pride.

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Sincerely,Cleve JonesCo-Chair, National Equality March

National Equality March Blogger Briefing

This afternoon I had an opportunity to participate in a blogger briefing conference call with Kip Williams and Robin McGehee, national co-directors of the National Equality March scheduled for October 10-11, 2009 in Washington, D.C., as well as other bloggers and Dan Choi, the West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran who was discharged from the Army under the idiotic Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy favored by Christianist loons like Elaine Donnelly (who has NO military experience herself) and backward thinking Neanderthals in the top military brass. After the conference call, latter in the evening Dan Choi called me and we had the first of what I believe will be a number of conversations about the need to repeal DADT and how past and present LGBT members of the military can become involved in the push for full LGBT equality under the civil laws. I will be doing subsequent posts on this issue and my conversations with Lieutenant Choi. As for the March itself, one of the goals is to allow it to be a mechanism to create a more unified national movement while at the same time bolstering state by state efforts for change.

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One of the things discussed was how the March will hopefully be the first step toward a larger goal of bridging the gap between the national LGBT organizations and grassroots community organizers and creating a national movement in all 435 congressional districts to demand of our elected representatives full equality under the law. In keeping with this goal, NEM has a potion of its website dedicated to organizing activists in every Congressional district and making LGBT equality something members of Congress cannot simply ignore. Check the website to see if a group has been established in your home district. If not, consider starting one yourself. Activism is a great way to work on a worthy cause and at the same time make friends and contacts.

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The NEM will also hopefully a mechanism to engage more gay affirming religious leaders and denominations in the issue of LGBT equality so that lawmakers come to realize that not all religious leaders are gay-hating bigots that predominate in the professional Christian set and "family values" organizations. In fact, here is a list of additional religious leaders who have endorsed the National Equality March:

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Rev. David Bahr, Park Hill Congregational Church UCC

Pamela Baldwin, Interfaith Alliance of Idaho

Nelson Bock, Interfaith Alliance of Colorado

Rabbi Stephen Booth-Nadav, Aytz Chayim/Tree of Life

Dr. Richard C. Bozian, TIA-Cincinnati-First Unitarian Church

Rev. Elizabeth Braddon, Stony Brook Community Church

Dr. Phil Campbell, Iliff School of Theology

Rev. Tom Capo, Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist

Carol Carlson, Social Justice Committee of First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati

Rev. Cynthia Cearley, Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church

Hospice Pastor Angela Cesa, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock

Rabbi Carl Choper, The Interfaith Alliance of Pennsylvania

Rev. Hal Chorpenning, Plymouth Congregational UCC

Rev. Samuel Chu, Interim Executive Director of California Faith for Equality

Dick Clark, St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church

Rev. Paul Collier, First Presbyterian Church

Rev. Greg Cummins, Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church

Douglas Cunningham, New Day United Methodist Church

Rabbi Mark Diamond, Exec. Vice President of the Southern California Board of Rabbis

Maureen Doherty, Episcopal Church

Anne Dunlap, Comunidad Liberacion/Liberation Community

Rabbi Denise Eger, President of Pacific Association of Reform Rabbis

Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson, President of Hebrew Union College

Rev. Eric Fjeldal, United Methodist Church

Rev. Vicki Flippin, Diamond Hill United Methodist Church, Cos Cob, Connecticut

Rabbi Steven A. Fox, Exec. Vice President of the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Paul Fraser, Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Rev. Dr. C. Weldon Gaddy, Interfaith Alliance

Gregory Garland, United Church of Christ

Dan Geslin, Sixth Avenue United Church of Christ

Mitchell Gold, Faith in America

Rev. Galen Guengerich, All Souls Unitarian Church

Elizabeth Gull, Universal Life Church

Susan Guy, Walnut Hills United Methodist Church

Rev. Debra W. Haffner, The Religious Institute

Edward Hawley, United Church of Christ

Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs, Chair of the Progressive Jewish Foundation

Ellen Johnson-Fay, Unitarian Universalist Association

Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, NYC

Noel Koestline, United Methodist Church

Rev. Eric Lee, President of the Los Angeles Southern Christian Leadership

Rev. Eun-sang Lee, First United Methodist Church, Salt Lake City

Rev. Mark J. Lukens, Bethany Congregational UCC/ LI Chapter of TIA

Whit Malone, Collegiate Presbyterian Church

Rev. Matthew J. Mardis-LeCroy, Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ

Sister Maureen McCormack, Interfaith Alliance of Colorado

Rev. Nancy Nelson, Metropolitan Community Churches

Richard S. Parker, United Methodist Church

Rev. Emily Peck-McClain, United Methodist Church

Rev. Troy Perry, Metropolitan Community Churches

Douglas Peters, United Methodist Church

Richard Pleva, Iowa Conference, United Church of Christ

Julia Rendon, Crossroads United Church of Christ

Bishop Eugene Robinson, Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire

Paul Rolig, Humanists of Idaho

Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center, Washington DC

Rev. Susan Russell, President of Integrity

Connie Ryan Terrell, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa

Walter Schenck, United Methodist Church, NY Annual Conference

Rev. Catherine Schuyler, Duluth Congregational Church

Rev. Jeremy Shaver, Interfaith Alliance of Colorado/Park Hill Congregational Church

Rev. Charles H. Straut, Jr., New York Annual Conference, United Methodist Church

Rev. Mark Stringer, First Unitarian Church of Des Moines

Nadine Swahnberg, UUA

Rev. Neil G. Thomas, Chair of California Faith for Equality

Kenneth Thurow, ELCA

Joel Warner, United Methodist Church

Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus, President of the Central Conference of American

RabbisDana Wimmer, United Methodist

Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President of the Union for Reform of Judaism

Ani Zonneveld, Co-founder and President of Muslims for Progressive Values

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As this list shows, the Christianists DO NOT speak for all people of faith - something that greatly needs to be brought to the attention of elected officials.

FREE Buses to the National Equality March!

For readers in the New York City Area, Broadway Impact sent me a message indicating that due to the receipt of some sponsors, the organization will be providing FREE round trip bus tickets for those wishing to attend the National Equality March in Washington, D.C., on October 11, 2009. Broadway Impact is a community of actors, directors, stage managers, fans and producers, united by the simple belief that anyone who wants to should be able to get married. The group was co-founded by Gavin Creel, one of the lead actors in the Broadway musical Hair. Here are some highlights on the bus tickets:

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We are VERY excited to announce that we are organizing FREE buses to the National Equality March in Washington D.C on October 11th! Thanks to the incredible Broadway Community including our sponsors, Sutton Foster, Audra McDonald, Producer David Stone, The Broadway Cast of Memphis, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Broadway.com, and Co-Founder of Broadway Impact, Gavin Creel for leading the way in this movement.

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The special roundtrip bus tickets can be picked up in person at Vlada Lounge (331 West 51st Street) every night through October 7th from 6pm to Midnight. Instructions on how to reserve tickets online as well as ways to "Sponsor an Equality Bus" are available, along with additional information, at www.broadwayimpact.com.

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The National Equality March will take place on Oct. 11th on the National Mall in Washington D.C. and is demanding equal protection for LGBT citizens in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. We hope to see you all on the bus!

Broadway Impact's New Ad Supporting the National Equality March

A national effort is truly needed to secure federal legislation protecting LGBT Americans from discrimination (which is based on religion ultimately). One's rights as an American citizen should not be dependent upon which state in which one happens to reside. The current second class status of LGBT Americans in most states makes a mockery of the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution .

More Big Name Endorsers for the National Equality March

Towleroad has a new post concerning the growing support for the National Equality March from members of the entertainment industry and some religious leaders. I hope the excitement about the march will grow and that people will make an effort to be in Washington on October 10-11, 2009, to help draw attention to the plight of LGBT Americans who continue to be treated equally under the U.S. Constitution and who are routinely discriminated against based on religious grounds - discrimination that has no place under the civil laws. Here are highlights from Towleroad:

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The National Equality March seeks equal protection in all matters governed by law in all 50 states. Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen praised the entertainment industry for coming forward in support of the March, "We are thrilled to have this impressive, ever-growing group of extraordinarily talented entertainment industry luminaries from stage, screen, television and the arts endorsing the march. As the demand for full LGBT Federal rights grows in all corners of the country, adding the support of these wonderful LGBT and straight friends of ours will continue to broaden the impact of what is being planned for October 11th in our nation's Capitol."

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Here are the new endorsers of the March:
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ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY ENDORSEMENTS
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Calpernia Addams, author, actor and musician
Jane Anderson, Emmy Award-winning screenwriter, playwright and director
Paris Barclay, Emmy Award-winning director
Annette Bening, Oscar-nominated actor
Greg Berlanti, writer, producer and director
David Dean Bottrell, screenwriter
The Rev. Canon Malcolm Boyd, author and Episcopal priest
Victor Bumbalo, actor and playwright
Ilene Chaiken, creator, writer, and executive producer, “The L Word”
Wilson Cruz, actor
Dana Delaney, Emmy Award-winning actor
Ronald Dennis, actor, dancer, and singer
Melissa Etheridge, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and musician
Joely Fisher, actor
Carrie Fisher, actor, screenwriter and novelist
James Franco, Golden Globe Award-winning actor
David Marshall Grant, Tony Award-nominated actor
Ellen Greene, Tony Award-nominated actor
Trebor Healy, poet and novelist
Helen Hunt, Academy Award-winning actor
Dave Koz, Grammy Award-nominated musician
Susan Krebs, jazz vocalist
Swoosie Kurtz, Emmy Award-winning actor
Chad Lowe, Emmy Award-winning actor
Camryn Manheim, Golden Globe Award and Emmy Award-nominated actor
Ewan McGregor, Golden Globe Award-nominated actor
Sir Ian McKellen, Tony Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor
Julianne Moore, Academy Award and Golden Globe Award-nominated actor
Max Mutchnick, Emmy Award-winning producer
Kathy Najimy, actor
Ken Page, actor and cabaret singer
Peter Paige, actor, “Queer as Folk”
Pauley Perrette, actor and civil rights activist
Felice Picano, PEN Award-winning writer
David Hyde Pierce, Emmy Award and Tony Award-winning actor
David O. Russell, director
Meg Ryan, actor
Eduardo Santiago, author
Mark Thompson, author and gay activist
Marisa Tomei, Academy Award-winning actor
Liz Torres, Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award-nominated actor
Gus Van Sant, Academy Award-nominated director, “Milk”
Ann Walker, actor
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FAITH LEADERS
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Rev. Samuel Chu, Interim Executive Director of California Faith for Equality
Rabbi Mark Diamond, Exec. Vice President of the Southern California Board of Rabbis
Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus, President of the Central Conference of American Rabbis
Rabbi Denise Eger, President of Pacific Association of Former Rabbis
Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson, President of Hebrew Union College
Rabbi Steven A. Fox, Exec. Vice President of the Central Conference of American Rabbis
Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs, Chair of the Progressive Jewish Foundation
Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Simchat Torah,
NYCBishop Eugene Robinson, Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire
Rev. Susan Russell, President of Integrity
Rev. Neil G. Thomas, Chair of California Faith for Equality and Sr. Pastor MCC
Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President of the Union for Reform of Judaism