''Moonlight' makes Oscar history, part of huge crop of diverse nominees' & other Tue. midday news briefs

Not So White After All: Oscar Nominations End Diversity Drought With New Honorees - FINALLY! The 2017 Oscar nominations made history big time today. 'Moonlight' received eight nominations and became the first lgbt of color themed movies to be recognized, particularly with the nod for Best Picture. And it is a member of a triumvirate of African-American themed movies ('Fences', 'Hidden Figures') to receive the nomination for the big award (Best Picture). And that's just the beginning. Nominations in other categories (especially acting) were also historical in terms of diversity. 

Texas Supreme Court considers same-sex spousal benefits an open question - Texas is getting on my nerves. Get with the program, guys. Marriage equality is legal so stop with the nastiness about benefits. 

 Kim Davis’s Lawyer Makes Bizarre Claim About Orlando Victims And AIDS - Yes it was nasty. I swear . . .  

The religious right have been using 'alternative facts' against the lgbt community for years - I posted this last night and thanks to a wonderful bunch of folks who read and spread it, it has gone viral BIG TIME. But it needs to be said and repeated again. A visual on how the anti-lgbt religious right have been using "alternative facts" to harm our community LONG BEFORE Kellyanne Conway coined the term. 

 Nigeria’s anti-homosexuality laws block access to care - A reminder that our fight for equality and self-determination is global.

The religious right have been using 'alternative facts' against the lgbt community for years

The controversy over the use "alternative facts" is actually nothing new to the lgbt community. As the graphics and soundbites below will tell you, religious right and "traditional morality groups" (the Family Research Council, the American Family Association, the Liberty Counsel, the National Organization for Marriage, etc.) have been creating their own "alternative facts" over the years about the lgbt community. The goal has always been exploiting religious beliefs against homosexuality to paint us as immoral, God-hating, disease ridden public menaces.

And while these soundbites and graphics seem comical, they have been highly successful over the years. It's something to remember as we all engage further into the argument over "religious liberty." Truth be told, that particular argument is nothing different than what these groups have done to us. It still paints us as invading outsiders, but with a gentler tone.

Religious right "alternative facts" about the lgbt community over the years (click on graphic to make it larger):

 

 

 

'The drag queen who attended Trump's inauguration . . . ' & other Mon. midday news briefs

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Courtney Act attended Trump's inauguration.

A Drag Queen Went to Donald Trump’s Inauguration (Video) -  You simply have to see this! RuPaul’s Drag Race star Courtney Act attended Trump's inauguration and interviewed the folks there.

The faces of the Women’s March turn Washington from red to rainbow - Last weekend Women's March on Washington of course included the lgbt community in a large number.

 Iceman finally has his first gay kiss in X-Men – see the glorious full page illustration - Nice! 
 

Amid worry, gay conservatives see hope for LGBT rights in Trump - I'm afraid I got some bad news for SOME folks . ..  

Gay Buddhist monk is also a makeup artist who helps trans people look their best - I ADORE positive stories like this one.

Hate group leader spews 'alternative facts' about Christianity, Obama, & Trump

Trump aide Kellyanne Conway's unfortunate turn of the phrase "alternative facts" is an excellent segueway to this morning's post featuring Family Research Council president Tony Perkins and his "glorified gloating" about Trump's inauguration:

This is truly an exciting time as the oppressive anti-family, anti-faith policies of the outgoing administration will soon be history. There's no question that people not only hope again -- but genuinely believe that America can be great again. But the prospects of America's greatness cannot be separated from our goodness. Last night, I had the privilege of opening the official inaugural candlelight dinner with that message as I prayed for the president and vice-president. The event, which was held at Union Station, also included most of the president's staff and those nominated for cabinet posts. Quoting from Proverbs I reminded those gathered what one of the wisest kings wrote, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."
To be great, we must be good. And government can never make us good, only God, working in each of our hearts can accomplish such a task. That's why religious freedom is so intertwined with America's success. We must be free to pursue God and obey God. As Jesus said, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. We are grateful for the incoming president to restore America's religious freedom -- our ability to live our lives according to our faith.

I don't know which is more laughable - the lie that the Obama Administration was anti-family and anti-faith, or the fact that Tony Perkins is actually citing Biblical verses to justify the election of an odious bully who once bragged about sexually assaulting women.

Perkins's tone deaf kissing up is indicative of religious right and so-called white evangelical leaders like himself who have abandoned the tenets of Christianity in pursuit of political power.   Apparently they have taken to heart the idea put forth in the Old Testament about a "chosen people" (in this case it is them rather than the Israelites) and have ignored what Jesus said in the New Testament about loving thy neighbor and doing right by the poor (Perkins and company have either cheerleaded or ignored the possible elimination of Obamacare regardless of the fact that it would leave millions without any healthcare.)

For my money, however, it's ironic how Perkins takes on the visage of a saint when his past comments would disgrace devils:



To paraphrase an old saying - Mr. Perkin, DO NOT play the lgbt community cheap. We got you on tape and your paper trail is even longer.

'Ain't nobody scared of no #&@! Donald Trump!'

"Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war.". - Julius Caesar

In November of last year for whatever reason, America took a headfirst leap into a dark abyss. We elected a blundering, lying boob with more mouth than sense and more inane bravado than integrity.

The so-called upholders of virtue and morality let their masks slip as they abandoned the integrity they claimed to have in order to cheerlead his ascension. They fashioned a halo from his horns and ignored his tail and pitchfork. They ignored the fact that over 18 million people may lose their healthcare if he carried through with his plans and pushed aside whatever other calamities, lies, and all around disasters which may happen under his guard as they drooled over the prospect of making America a "Christian" nation. "Christian" by their interpretation, of course.

And they stand in front of a pack of pampered, trust fund holding, over privileged hordes eager to remake America in the images they have discussed and dreamed about while planning all sorts of chaos in their think tanks and foundations.

Meanwhile, us regular and common folks seem to be like naked villagers in the dead of winter, shivering from cold and fear while the wolves surround us. Particularly those of us who are lgbts. We wait in anticipation of the possible havoc to come as certain parties are eager to undo all of the progress we made over the last eight years.

We wait in anticipation, but not in fear. Some of us are scared and that's healthy. But I look at it this way. We fought hard for our progress and we are not going to hand it over. We fought hard for our healthcare and we won't be giving it up without a fight.

No one is scared of you, soon-to-be President Donald Trump. And no one is scared of those who are coming with you. We are going to fight your nonsense. We are going to take you to the limit in everything. And we are going to win.

So enjoy your inauguration day. Whatever fantasies you have in finally gaining power and respect are fulfilled. You got the prize. 

We have to deal with your mess for probably four years at the very least. But you also have to deal with us.  I would suggest that you stumble yourself into correct behavior. Accidentally do the right things if you must.

But if and when you step out of line, WE. WILL. CORRECT. YOU. You weren't elected king. You now work for us.

And as for your friends, particularly those attempting move the needle backwards on lgbt equality, DO NOT fool yourselves. You are still immoral liars masquerading as virtuous upholders of Christianity.

And lies told in the name of God are still lies. And you will never win.

'LGBT advocates plan push back against Trump Administration' & other Thur. midday news briefs

LGBT advocates plan to ‘defy’ Trump - Oh yeah. WHEN Trump doesn't do us right (because it's not an "if" but a "when"), the brother gonna be in trouble.   
 
Wow. Indiana Republican Actually Blocks Anti-Transgender Bill - This happened on the 16th, but it's still amazing particularly when one hears the reason. State Representative Cindy Kirchhofer said more focus was needed on state's opium and heroin epidemic, i.e. she felt there are more important and pressing things to focus on rather than discriminating against the transgender community. Yeah, I know. Common sense from Mike Pence's state. Wow!  

Oklahoma considers extreme pro-discrimination ‘religious liberty’ bill - Oh fun, fun, fun!

Jesse Lee Peterson: Obama Commuted Chelsea Manning’s Sentence Because He Has A ‘Weakness’ For Gay And Transgender People - Dear white gay folks. THIS is our real life "Uncle Ruckus." 

 11 Heartwarming And Hilarious Stories About LGBT Parents Coming Out To Their Kids - I once had a boyfriend with three daughters who probably knew before he even told them. Thank goodness they never called me "Uncle Alvin."

Obama proud of his LGBT legacy, credits the 'individual activists'

Yesterday in his final press conference as president, Obama said that he is proud of the legacy his Administration has in the cause of lgbt equality and credited individual activists for what they did to help move the needle forward.

That's right. Under Obama, we worked hard and gained a lot. And we will keep what we gained in spite of Trump and the ugly horde he brings with him. Don't waste time despairing. Now is the time to remember who we are and whose shoulders we are standing on.