ENOUGH with the game of lies being played on the lgbt community

I. AM. FURIOUS.

Rather than go into detail about the one specific incident which set me off, allow me to post an excerpt from this wonderful piece from Five Thirty Eight. It gets to the center of my anger. The piece is called 'Religious Liberty' Has Replaced Gay Marriage in GOP Talking Points and it says that the GOP has, for the most part, given up on talking about gay marriage because much of their base isn't into that fight anymore. Instead, they are talking about "religious liberty":

Russell D. Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, a unit of the Southern Baptist Convention that advocates Christian values to government leaders, acknowledges that the conversation has shifted.

Whatever their definition of marriage, he says, Americans should be concerned by the Supreme Court’s decisions, “both in terms of the power of the government” and “the reasons given for the redefinition.”

“I think that’s where the conversation is now,” he went on. “What sort of justices and judges would a president appoint, and how would they be restricted by a constitution itself?”

The shift from talking directly about same-sex marriage to more glancing references is also reflected in the GOP debate rhetoric. Mentions of “religious,” “religious liberty” and “religious freedom” appeared more than ever in this year’s debates when referring to the rights of business owners to refuse services to gay customers. It’s code, Dennard says, for “gay marriage.”

 
Talking about "religious liberty" is rather easy. It elevates the false idea of a person from persecution because of their religious beliefs. It makes folks who discriminate in secular business dealings seem like they are being "persecuted" for their religious beliefs, when in reality they are only being asked to treat all customers - whose taxes help with the safety and upkeep of their businesses - fairly.

One would never know that the phrase "religious liberty"  is yet another clever shift of semantics in the 30 year plus war on lgbts propagated by the religious right.

In the 70s, they said the children must be protected from "recruitment" since gays supposedly can't reproduce.

In the 80s, they exploited the ignorance regarding the AIDS crisis to make lgbts seem like deserving pariahs.

In the 90s. it was all about keeping us from receiving unfair "special rights."

And in the early 2000's, it was all about "protecting marriage."

So now we are in the middle of yet another con job propagated by slick verbiage, straw man arguments, junk science, and anecdotal stories taken out of context - i.e. "religious liberty."

And just like every other example above before it, the "religious liberty" argument puts  the lgbt community on the defensive as if we are the bad guys trying to corrupt all that is good and pure. Part of the reason for this is that hardly anyone has pointed out how "religious liberty" is a new bit of paint on the same old engine of homophobia and fear. Oh sure, some of us gave Sam Smith hell for his inaccurate statement about openly gay men winning Oscars, but very few of us have bothered to demonstrate that same degree of outrage when it comes to the connection between  "religious liberty," "protecting marriage," "special rights," and all other cutesy phrases used over the years to bamboozle us into playing catch up while the religious right channels "The Passion of Joan of Arc."

That's why I'm mad. Again, never mind the specific incident because the generalities are more important. After over 30 years of being branded and having to fight tooth and nail for our dignity, the lgbt community finds itself in the same situation again.

"Religious liberty" is not about protecting religious people from persecution anymore than "protecting marriage" was about safeguarding matrimony. It's about what it has always been about - homophobia and keeping lgbts under heel.

We rip open a door closed to us, but allow the opposition to control how quickly we can come through to the other side with their clever organization and deceptive phrases. We find ourselves hustled into having to explain why we should have the same right to come through the door at the same speed in which heterosexuals do, even though we shouldn't have to.

They tried to keep penalize our private sexual behavior. We beat them in the courts.

They tried to keep us from adopting. We beat them again.

They tried to brand simple talk of our families into that of sexual education. Again we beat them.

They tried to keep us from marrying. After a long battle, we annihilated them.

They are trying to demonize our transgender brothers and sisters. It's happening slowly but with our track record, I expect a victory.  But the point is after so many victories, why are we having to explain our right to be treated like everyone else?

Maybe it's time for the other side to explain why they feel we shouldn't.


Photo of Angela Bassett taken from the 'Waiting to Exhale.'

'Ted Cruz creates a 'Council of Homophobia'' other Wed. midday news briefs

Ryan Anderson, a member of Cruz's 'Council of Homophobia'

Presidential Candidates Cruz and Rubio Continue to Court Anti-LGBT Groups - Rubio is as good as dust right now, but with Trump scaring so many Republicans, a lot of them are "settling" for Cruz. And IF that happens, Cruz has definite plans to create a "religious liberty advisory council" or as I call it, a "council of homophobia" featuring some of the worst of the worst amongst anti-lgbt activists. It's something we shouldn't take lightly. 

Missouri Republicans Break Democrats’ 39-Hour Filibuster, Advancing Anti-Gay Bill - The filibuster is over, but NOT the battle.  

Federal Judge: No Marriage Equality In Puerto Rico - Well that sucks in a MAJOR way. 

 Texas Rep Still Thinks Gays Will Die Out If Put On A Desert Island - Louie Gohmert is a super moron.  

Rafael Cruz: Gay Marriage Will Destroy Society - Folks, if the thought of Ted Cruz as president doesn't scare you enough, imagine his father there also because you just KNOW he will take advantage . . .

This McDonalds commercial about coming out is EVERYTHING!

This McDonalds commercial from Taiwan featuring a young man coming out to his father nails it completely. In spite of nonsense thrown at lgbts, we are not freaks nor people embroiled in some ridiculous plot. We are just ordinary folks who, in the long run, would love the support of our family because coming out is no joke, so to speak:

This commercial is so good that naturally some folks in Taiwan are complaining about a supposed "sexual agenda."   It's always about sex with these anti-gay types. Geez!

'Missouri Democrats filibustering anti-lgbt amendment' & other Tue. midday news briefs

Missouri Democrats Wage Wendy Davis-Style Filibuster Against Anti-Gay Religious Amendment - These anti-lgbt "religious liberty" laws and amendments aren't being easy to pass as the religious right thought they would be. 

Boykin's Defense of 'Religious Freedom' Includes Violent Anti-Trans Rhetoric - You know they have to work a degree of transphobia in there.  

The caliber of homophobia in a Ted Cruz supporter - Reposting this from morning. The big joke of the 2016 presidential election may be that Republicans are fighting so hard against Donald Trump that they are hooking themselves on to an equal or bigger disaster with Ted Cruz. This post is a 2010 conversation I had with Gary Glenn, the present chair of Cruz's Michigan campaign when he defends his call to "outlaw" homosexuality. 

 Scott Walker’s Favorite Judge Was A Real Queer-Hatin’ Hoot In College - Food for thought about judges. And that apology ain't cutting it as far as I'm concerned. Girlfriend, I hope you know the entire score to "Hello Dolly."  

MISSISSIPPI: Ted Cruz Says He’s Too Sick To Attend Rally With Hate Group Crackpot Bryan Fischer - SPEAKING of Teddy, he averted one anti-gay crisis yesterday but being "too sick" to appear with Bryan Fischer at a rally.

The caliber of homophobia in a Ted Cruz supporter

It has been reported that Ted Cruz has made alliances with several religious right and anti-gay figures during his presidential campaign. The latest should be a real attention-getter:

From Right Wing Watch:

As we have noted before, people who hate gays sure do seem to love Ted Cruz, and that trend continues as his presidential campaign continues to rack up support and endorsements from a variety of extremist anti-gay activists. To this ever-growing list we can now add Michigan state lawmaker Gary Glenn, who has been tapped to serve as one of the campaign's state legislative co-chairs. Prior to winning his seat in the state legislature, Glenn served as president of the American Family Association of Michigan, the state arm of the anti-gay hate group the American Family Association, where he promoted a variety of anti-gay positions and even called for the criminalization of homosexuality:

 Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan, has added his voice to a growing chorus of American leaders calling for the re-criminalization of homosexuality in the U.S. In an e-mail to Michigan Messenger, here’s how Glenn responded when asked if he supported the criminalization move proposed by the Family Research Council’s Peter Sprigg’s comments last week on Hardball: “The short answer to your question is yes, we believe that states should be free to regulate and prohibit behavior that’s a violation of community standards and a proven threat to public health and safety — including, as most of the United States did throughout its history, homosexual behavior.”

Glenn made the statement  in 2010. I know this well because Glenn and I had a "discussion" on my blog - which he initiated - after I posted a story about his statement.  The following is a repost of that discussion and it should give you clue regarding the mentality of religious right supporters of Ted Cruz:

Study proves anti-gay laws have negative impact on businesses

One of my favorite sites, Unicorn Booty has posted some information regarding the negative effects of anti-gay laws on businesses and their employees. And it think it would do the community some good to drill this information constantly until we can repeat it by heart:

Right now, Georgia is eyeing two anti-LGBT “religious exemption” bills: the “Pastor Protection Act” ensuring that pastors won’t being sued for refusing to perform same-sex marriages, and the “First Amendment Defense Act” which would let religious nonprofits deny services to same-sex couples. In response, a group of more than 400 businesses calling themselves Georgia Prospers has come out against the bill reasoning it runs counter to Georgia’s friendly culture. But there’s another reason that people should oppose it: namely, such bills are financially harmful to everyone whether you’re a employed person, an LGBT-person or just an average citizen.

In January of 2016, The Center for Talent and Innovation — a project stemming from 80 global corporations and organizations representing nearly 6 million employees in 192 countries — published “Out in the World: Securing LGBT Rights in the Global Marketplace”, study of 1,964 LGBT professionals and 10,242 non-LGBT professionals in 10 countries around the world. The study revealed the negative impact that anti-LGBT laws can have on businesses, their employees and the world economy.

They also released an infographic about those harms, and also illustrated what businesses can do to help make countries more LGBT-friendly, benefitting employees and citizens both.

Here’s some of the study’s findings, as outlined in The Economist:

- One in five closeted LGBT employees said staying closeted at work “reduced their ambition and caused them to work less.

– Almost 30 percent of closeted employees said “hiding their identity kept them from speaking up or sharing innovative ideas at work.”

– Closeted employees are three times more likely to leave their companies in the next year, compared to their openly LGBT colleagues

– Forty-two percent of LGBT employees around the world reported that they had experienced discrimination in the last five years because of their identity.”

For more information, particularly the detailed infographic, see Unicorn Booty. 

'AL court twice smacked down by lgbt progress, equality' & other Mon. midday news briefs

Roy Moore can't stop the progress of lgbt equality

Supreme Court Slaps Down Anti-Gay Alabama Justices In Adoption Case - Alabama's anti-gay justices have to get over themselves for the second time in the face of progress. This time in an adoption case. 

Ala. Supreme Court dismisses petitions opposing same-sex marriage - This the first time and they WERE not happy about it, particularly Justice Roy Moore.

 S.D. anti-trans bill inspires mixed reaction at CPAC - The recent veto by South Dakota's governor of an anti-transgender bill did not provoke a uniformity of negative opinion at a recent Republican conference, CPAC. People tend to understand lgbt issues when they are personally involved. 

 Gay Fox News Contributor Guy Benson: Gay People Should Be More Tolerant of Discrimination - This article sticks in my craw and burns me for so many reasons. For one thing, the angle of these folks at CPAC is so full of crap. I will not tolerate the false right of someone to treat me like a second class citizen and I shouldn't. Secondly, while I have no problem with any coverage of Guy Benson, there are times when he invokes so much anger in me due to the fact that part of me thinks that he gets coverage because he is the typical twinkish looking, skinny gay white man who gets all sorts of coverage while the rest of us folks who don't fit the pattern get left out. Yes, he has a major role in conservative politics, but I know there are people of color out there who have leadership positions in organizations or are activists (HELLO!) who deserve as much or even more coverage and NOT just when the article talks about lgbts of coverage. African-American lgbt leaders and potential leaders have a say in the mainstream lgbt fight for equality. Don't mistake our desire to be heard as a way to box us up in a category. If you can focus (and in some cases) interview a skinny twinkish looking thing who is fighting against his community's own interest, you should invest as much energy in finding and focusing on lgbts of color who are fighting for our equality, and not just in an article talking about lgbts of color. Okay, enough of my rant.  I hope it made sense.

Anti-Gay Indiana Lawmakers Have Inspired Cities Across State to Add LGBT Protections - Classic case of when plans for evil backfire and create good.

  5 Gay And Lesbian Parenting Myths Debunked - MUCH NEEDED information.

Cruz to be joined at campaign rally by activist who blamed Holocaust on gays

After several primary wins, it would seem that Ted Cruz is emerging as at least a decent roadblock in Donald Trump's road to the White House.

Of course the media will probably focus on this and omit the fact that a "Cruz presidency" would be extremely disastrous for the lgbt community, Right Wing Watch illustrates why:

We have noted several times before that there seems to be no activist who is too extreme to be embraced by Ted Cruz's presidential campaign and that continues to be the case as today, the American Family Association's Bryan Fischer announced that he will be joining Cruz at a campaign rally in Mississippi on Monday. .

 . . . As we explained in a post that we wrote last year, Fischer is one of the Religious Right's most radical activists and regularly displays stunning levels of bigotry against gays, Muslims and anyone who doesn't share his extremist views: Back in 2009, Bryan Fischer was an obscure state-level Religious Right activist with a history of getting fired for his radical views. From his position as head of the Idaho Values Alliance, Fischer was mostly known for launching boycotts against Hallmark stores for offering cards for gay weddings and celebrating a fatal plane crash as God's payback for abortion. Fischer's radicalism and bigotry were obvious even back then, but that didn't stop the American Family Association from wooing Fischer away from Idaho with an offer to serve as the organization's "director of issues analysis" and host a daily radio program down in Tupelo, Mississippi. Within months of his arrival at AFA, Fischer was already using his national platform to spread his unmitigated bigotry, starting with his demand that all Muslims be banned from serving in the U.S. military, a position that he continues to steadfastly promote to this day. Within a year, Fischer was using his position at AFA to declare that homosexuality should be illegal and that gays should be treated like criminals and banned from serving in public office. While Fischer was advocating for the deportation of all Muslims and an end to the building of mosques in America, the AFA continued to provide him a platform, just as it did when he began calling for whales and bears to be put to death for biblical infractions and blaming the Holocaust on gays.

Believe it or not, compared to other things Fischer has said about lgbts and Muslims, the statements above can be considered mild.  Go to Right Wing Watch to get the full list of Fischer's statements. 

'GA Gov makes biblical argument AGAINST 'religious freedom' bill & other Fri. midday news briefs

Gov. Deal

Georgia’s GOP governor uses New Testament to reject anti-LGBT ‘religious freedom’ bill - It's not just that Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal is standing against the anti-lgbt "religious freedom" that's going to send the religious right into orbit. It's that he uses the Bible as justification. Well played.

Hundreds Of Companies Join Forces Against Anti-LGBT Bill In Georgia - And this is why. There are times in which I am grateful for the "money talks, bull$#@! runs a marathon" attitude to life.  

Caitlyn Jenner Wants To Be A Trans Ambassador For Ted Cruz - Oh girl, no. Just NO. 

 North Carolina lawmakers want to spend $42k/day to repeal Charlotte nondiscrimination ordinance - It would be just cheaper and better to leave it as is. 

 Fox News Actually Just Asked 'Do Gay Marriage Dissenters Have Rights?' Here's Ted Cruz's Answer - Speaking of my last post regarding the ridiculous question a Fox News asked about marriage equality at last night's GOP debate, here is how the candidates answered. And it's just as bad.

The absolutely DUMB question asked about gay marriage at last night's GOP debate

Baier

Questions like the following at last night's GOP debate are the reason why I DO NOT watch Fox News

Transcript:

BRET BAIER (MODERATOR): Gentlemen, the next series of questions will be on social issues. Governor Kasich, the last debate, you were asked a question about religious liberty, and a hypothetical situation where a same sex couple approaches a cupcake maker to do their wedding. Here's what you said.

 [CLIP BEGINS] GOV. JOHN KASICH (R-OH): If you're in the business of selling things, if you're not going to sell to somebody you don't agree with, today I'm not going to sell to somebody who's gay, and tomorrow maybe I won't sell to somebody who's divorced.

 [CLIP ENDS] BAIER: Governor, some faith leaders got nervous about that answer. Do gay marriage dissenters have rights?

That's not even a question. It's more like an anti-gay talking point disguised as a question. Of course those who do not agree with marriage equality have rights. That goes without saying.

The proper phrasing should have been how do you strike a balance between religious beliefs and the possibility of discrimination in a secular society.

What does Brett Baier get paid for, anyway.

Never mind. I think I've seen what Baier gets paid for and its certainly NOT objectivity.

Hat tip to Media Matters 

'Tenn legislators advised to ditch anti-transgender bill' & other Thur. midday news briefs

Advocacy groups urge Tennessee House subcommittee to ditch bill targeting the dignity and rights of transgender students - As a dragon was slayed in South Dakota, another one springs up in Tennessee. 

A Kentucky Lawmaker’s Hilariously Stupid Attack On Marriage Equality - It won't work but this LEGISLATOR represents why we can't let our guard down in preserving our right to marry.

 Texas Political Hopeful Claims Obama Was A 'Male Prostitute' - And she may win. Lawd hammercy! 

This Photo Of Two Dads Meeting Their Baby Is Being Used In An Anti-Gay Campaign - WOW! And I thought the anti-gay industry in American played dirty. They apparently need to sit down and take notes . . .

 Ted Cruz: Gay Marriage Will Pull Christian Broadcasters Off The Air - I don't remember seeing that on the agenda at the last meeting of the "Gay Mafia." Does anyone have a copy of the minutes?


 Finally, a VERY TIMELY plug for my 2013 online booklet, How They See Us: Unmasking the Religious Right War on Gay America. This is a big danger if we see a GOP Administration take over the White House, be it Trump or anyone else. First of all, get out and vote to keep this from happening. But right now, get the information about who is spreading anti-lgbt propaganda and the lies and contradictions which no one - including the mainstream press and members of our own media - are not aggressively pursuing. The link in the tweet takes you right to How They See Us and it's free to read, download, and share. ESPECIALLY share:

What the #lgbt community can expect from a #GOP presidential administration - https://t.co/ekhANAN85Q #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/PpWpLH24jk

— Holy Bullies (@holybullies) February 26, 2016

Anti-lgbt activist furious over veto of South Dakota anti-transgender bill

Linda Harvey not happy with veto.

South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard's recent veto of an awful bill which would have harmed transgender schoolchildren is getting plaudits in many circles.

That is except for the circles involving the anti-gay right. On the American Family Assocation's fake news site, One News Now, he is being called spineless in a ridiculous article which cites no legal or medical experts, but arch-doyenne of anti-lgbt hysteria, Linda Harvey.

Harvey, who leads the SPLC-designated hate group Mission America, was practically apoplectic with Daugaard:

"I cannot be more concerned about the spineless lack of courage [and wisdom] that so many leaders are showing ... in standing up for children . . .because this will definitely take many children into a place that is dark."

Of course Harvey omits that Gov. Daugaard decided to veto the bill after talking to transgender South Dakota residents, including children.

Harvey who, amongst other things, one time claimed that lgbts do not exist and another, advised parents not to let their children be taken care of by gay medical professionals, also said:

"People in the pews are looking for leadership," she tells OneNewsNow. "They're looking for guidance, they're looking for the pastors to back them up as they teach their own children and make these stands in their own lives in the workplace [and] in schools.

"And if the pastors teach nothing and remain silent – or worse, they teach ... what are essentially erroneous homosexual-agenda talking points – people are misled greatly. And that's really a large reason our culture is where it is now: in the embrace of homosexuality."

The best and most comical part of Harvey's vent is at the end of the article:

 Harvey believes some pastors seem to appear apologetic because they have been persuaded that homosexuals are the victims and the Christians are the aggressors. She argues that a clear and balanced biblical approach to homosexuality and other cultural issues is what needs to be taught in churches.

I trust Harvey to give a "balanced"approach to homosexuality with as much enthusiasm as I would trust David Duke to give a "balanced" approach to black history.

'Defeat of South Dakota anti-transgender bill proves visibility matters' & other Wed. midday news briefs

South Dakota Gov. Daugaard

Aside from yesterday's Super Tuesday wildness, the huge story was the South Dakota governor's veto of an ugly bill targeting transgender children. The bill, passed by the state legislature, would had the definite potential of restricting bathroom access to transgender students. The veto came as a huge surprise and the story developing is that it came about because Gov. Dennis Daugaard met with a group of transgender students who explained to him how the bill would negatively effect them.

It's an old story which should be repeated whose lesson should always be taken to heart. We must be public, take a stand, demand respect from our legislators and the most of all, the right to tell our stories. A group not silenced cannot be defined by its enemies:

South Dakota Governor Vetoes Restriction on Transgender Bathroom Access

South Dakota governor vetoes transgender bathroom bill, saying it 'invites conflict and litigation'

In other news:

'Groundbreaking' Discrimination Lawsuits Brought On Behalf Of Gay Workers - This is happening under the radar but the potential of a victory for us is enormous. 

Senate guts RFRA bill; future of controversial measure in doubt - And it looks like West Virginia's anti-gay "religious freedom" bill just hit a hard brick wall.

 Cruz announces anti-LGBT ‘religious liberty’ council - The Legion of Homophobia has returned. 

Christian leader: Trump reveals that progressives were right about evangelicals all along - Truer words were never spoken . . .

Video - 12 Openly Gay Oscar Winners

Unlike some folks, I feel there are more important things to be angry about other than Sam Smith's verbal gaffes at the recent Oscar ceremony, such as the fact that he is only 23 and NOW owns an Oscar. On the contrary, his comments provide an excellent excuse to remind folks about openly gay Oscar winners, like on the following video courtesy of Buzzfeed:

SCOTUS again kicks fraudulent 'ex-gay' therapy to the curb

The religious right isn't happy with the Supreme Court today. According to the Human Rights Campaign:

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court again refused to hear a challenge to New Jersey’s law protecting LGBTQ youth from the fraudulent and dangerous practice of so-called “conversion therapy.” Republican Governor Chris Christie signed this important legislation into law in August of 2013. The Court’s action leaves in place the decision of the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upholding the law’s constitutionality. Last May, the Supreme Court declined to review a separate challenge to the same law, and in June of 2014, the Court refused to hear similar challenges to California’s law protecting youth from “conversion therapy.” California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon and the District of Columbia have all passed laws protecting LGBTQ minors from  “conversion therapy,” and more than 20 states have introduced similar legislation this year. Following an executive action from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, New York is also adopting regulations to protect youth from “conversion therapy.”

 . . . “Conversion therapy,” sometimes referred to as “sexual orientation change efforts” or “reparative therapy,” are practices that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. These practices are based on the false premise that being LGBTQ is a mental illness that needs to be cured, a theory that has been rejected by every major medical and mental health organization for decades. There is no credible evidence that “conversion therapy” can change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. To the contrary, research has clearly shown that these practices pose devastating health risks for LGBTQ young people. Use of these dangerous practices lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, homelessness, and even suicidal behavior, which is why they are universally criticized by the American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and American Medical Association.

Naturally, members of the religious right have tried to spin this defeat into a bad one for families instead of a defeat of homophobia. American Family Association's One News Now posted an "article" containing only one person quoted, Liberty Counsel head Matt Staver.

'Anti-gay religious liberty bills have huge weakness' & other Tue. midday news briefs

Nathan Deal, David Ralston form an alliance over ‘religious liberty’ bill - Georgia's governor is getting spooked about the state's anti-gay religious liberty bill. 

The growing corporate backlash to Georgia’s ‘religious liberty’ bill - And this is why. The anti-gay right have not created an effective way to combat corporate backlashes to these bills. It's their weakness. 

 Italian court recognises same sex adoption - Good for Italy!!  

When Kids Say They’re Trans, They’re Better Off If Their Parents Listen - Same song, just different group. When lgbt children in general get support from their parents, it does them a WORLD of good.  

Franklin Graham Boycotts Girl Scouts Cookies As Part Of Anti-LGBT Crusade - Picking on the Girl Scouts. Oh how Christian of you, Frankie.  

School Finally Asks Anti-Gay Students to Stop Wearing Anti-Gay Badges, 'For Now' - BEFORE the religious right and supporters start crying about a violation of the First Amendment, you should know that this situation ceased to become a First Amendment issue when students began using these badges to specifically harass lgbt students. No First Amendment right for that.

15 African-American bisexuals changing the world

Travon Free

As we wind down February and Black History Month, let's not forget a group of the lgbt community who really don't get as much attention as they deserve.

From Unicorn Booty:

Faith Cheltenham

The list of famous African-Americans who are believed to have been bisexual include Malcolm X, Jean-Michel Basquiat, James Baldwin, Josephine Baker, and “Empress of the Blues” Bessie Smith.

A number of notable African-Americans still living have alluded to their bisexuality though they don’t publicly embrace the bisexual label. For example novelist Alice Walker, who is quoted as saying, “I’m curious. I’m open to the spirit of a person whether that’s a man or a woman or whoever, that’s not what’s important to me. What’s important is the spirit.” 

Rapper Frank Ocean in 2012 posted the emotionally revealing story of the loving relationship he’d had with a man, and later responded in an interview to the question, “So do you consider yourself bisexual?” in part with, “…just take what I give you. You ain’t got to pry beyond that. I’m giving you what I feel like you can feel. The other shit, you can’t feel. You can’t feel a box. You can’t feel a label.”

Orlando Jordan

Activist Dr. Ibrahim Farajajé has identified as bisexual at times but according to a LGBT Religious Archives Network’s bio, he “prefers no label other than that he’s a ‘full human being’ that embraces all.”

Alternately, in a New York Times Magazine article, Lee Daniels — the producer of the film Monster’s Ball and the director of Precious — is quoted as saying, “I’d prefer to be bisexual, but I don’t think any woman is going to accept me being with a man. I had to choose. And I did. But there’s a deep connection with me and women.” 

Unicorn Booty has a list of 15 notable African-American bisexuals. Check it out.

'Seattle anti-transgender protest backfires big time' & other Mon midday news briefs

Sam Smith wins Oscar, makes error in speech, lgbts declare war.

Editor's note - Lighten up on Sam Smith. So he made a serious faux pas in lgbt history when accepting his Oscar. The criticism he is receiving from some seems to be from that same mindset that says when a celebrity comes out, he or she is automatically a perfect spokesperson for lgbt equality. By that same note, not every lgbt celebrity know their gay history. Perhaps if we spent more time educating our folks on the entirety of lgbt history instead of being catty when someone gets something wrong

No, Transgender Protections Do Not Justify Men In Women’s Restrooms. A State Agency Just Said So. - Chronicle of an anti-transgender protest which backfired big time. 

 Meet The People Fighting Homophobia And Transphobia In Africa - The bravest of them all are those who fight for what's right even though it may cost them their lives. THESE brothers and sisters in Africa are amongst those people.  

Sam Smith's vague, inaccurate Oscars acceptance speech was a missed opportunity - Sam Smith wins an Oscar, makes a serious error, isn't eloquent or doesn't mention some folks specifically, and the community gets bitchy. See my comment above. I don't blame Smith, but the vicious infatuation with celebrity which grips my fellow lgbts.  

Trump Once Again Embraces Anti-Gay, Anti-Catholic Pastor Robert Jeffress - Lie down with dogs . . . never mind. I won't insult dogs.  

Va. Senate approves religious freedom bill - Siiiigh. Indiana learned, Georgia is learning. Virginia gon' learn.

How black gays react to seeing 'no blacks' on dating apps

I'm not a Grindr person. I really am not familiar with it. However, this video below is on point. Now when some guys have "no blacks" on their profile, be it Grindr or any other place, I can understand it. I've heard the "it's just a preference" argument backwards and forwards.

Of course,as this video demonstrates, there are also other unsavory mindsets going on behind that "preference."

'Survey refutes lie about African-American 'homophobia'' & other Fri midday news briefs

New Survey Debunks The Myth Of Black Homophobia - This needs to be shouted from the rooftops. The false notion that African-Americans are more likely to be homophobic serves to cripple our overall struggle for equality and comradeship because it accentuates the inaccuracy that the lgbt identity is solely a recently created Caucasian construct. The truth is that the lgbt community is a worldwide multi-racial group of people of all ages, social stratas who have been present in all eras of history. Our struggle for equality and dignity did not start at Stonewall or America itself. We have a rich history across so many parameters of the human existence from the beginning of time. 

No, LGBT People Aren't Exempt from Donald Trump's Blatant Bigotry - Wonderful! I WAS beginning to feel left out.  (that, of course, was sarcasm)

Washington State Anti-LGBT Group Launches Campaign To Repeal Non-Discrimination Protections - And I hope I don't have to tell you what group they are targeting. Okay, I will. Our transgender brothers and sisters.  

Walid Shoebat Continues To Attack Anti-Gay Activists Who Criticized His Son's Extremist Anti-Gay Views - Generally when anti-lgbt activists feud with each other, I enjoy shining the light on it. But this is just damn disgusting. Read if you want.  

Religious Freedom Bills Surge After Last Year’s Same-Sex Marriage Ruling - Gird your loins, brothers and sisters. But don't get discouraged. Equality is worth fighting for and you really didn't think those who oppose us wouldn't put up a fight, did you? Snatch your earrings off, wrap up your hair, put the vaseline on your faces, take off your good shoes, and prepare to fight (not with violence, of course. I am speaking symbolically). We are going to win. The first rule though is not to give in to discouragement or fear.