Category: Uncategorized

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Washington National Cathedral to host same-sex weddings

Same-sex weddings may be held at Washington National Cathedral effective immediately, according to an announcement from its dean, The Very Rev. Gary Hall:

Even though it is known that the Episcopal Church, a small but prominent part of American Christianity, has been supportive of equality for gay men and lesbians, “it’s something for us to say we are going to do this in this very visible space where we pray for the president and where we bury leaders,” said the Rev. Gary Hall, who became dean of Washington National Cathedral in the fall. “This national spiritual space is now a place where [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] people can come and get married.”

As attention, political capital and lobbying dollars have been focused on fights over civil marriage, organized religion has been slow to embrace rights for same-sex couples. The vast majority of houses of worship don’t host blessings or weddings for people of the same gender. The Episcopal Church, with 2 million members, has been something of an exception, with leadership supporting the ordination of gay clergy and blessings for same-sex couples even as dozens of parishes broke with the denomination over the issue.

The Episcopal Diocese of Washington includes the city and its suburbs in Maryland.

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Founder of PFLAG, Jeanne Manford, passes away at the age of 92

The founder of PFLAG, Jeanne Manford, passes away at the age of 92:

Today the world has lost a pioneer: Jeanne Manford, the founder of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and the Mother of the Straight Ally movement.

Jeanne was one of the fiercest fighters in the battle for acceptance and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. It is truly humbling to imagine in 1972 – just 40 years ago – a simple schoolteacher started this movement of family and ally support, without benefit of any of the technology that today makes a grassroots movement so easy to organize. No Internet. No cellphones. Just a deep love for her son and a sign reading “Parents of Gays: Unite in Support for Our Children.”

This simple and powerful message of love and acceptance from one person resonated so strongly it was heard by millions of people worldwide and led to the founding of PFLAG, an organization with more than 350 chapters across the U.S. and 200,000 members and supporters, and the creation of similar organizations across the globe.

Wrote Liz Owen on the occasion of Manford’s 91st birthday last year:

Being gay was a crime, over half of the U.S. population deemed homosexuality morally wrong, vicious attacks on gay people were commonplace, and the idea of equality for gays and lesbians was a radical notion. But this didn’t stop Bronx, New York schoolteacher Jeanne Manford from ensuring that her gay son, Morty, received the same treatment as her straight daughter, Suzanne.

Following a brutal attack on his life at a rally, Manford stood alongside her son in a protest through the streets of Manhattan, carrying a sign that read “Parents of Gays: Unite in Support for Our Children.” Begged by observers to speak to other parents, she started support groups teaching parents to accept and support their LGBT loved ones and become, like her, brave advocates for equality. As demand steadily increased, Manford founded PFLAG, a national organization with a mission of support, education, and advocacy.

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Bette Midler back on Broadway – first time in 30 years

Bette Midler returning to Broadway in John Logan’s new play, I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers:

“Appearing on Broadway for the first time in 30 years, Tony and Grammy Award-winning superstar Bette Midler will play the legendary Hollywood agent Sue Mengers (1932-2011) in the new, one-character play.”

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National Stonewall Democrats going “on hiatus”

The National Stonewall Democrats, a grassroots network connecting LGBT Democratic activists, is “on hiatus” according to its Executive Director Jerame Davis.

The Dallas Voice reports:

The organization suspended operations on Jan. 1 but plans a relaunch for 2014.

“A lot of decisions are being made,” Davis told the Voice. “It’s likely our office will be closed for most of this year.”

Davis continues to work as an unpaid volunteer and will use the current office in Washington, D.C., at least through the end of the month. Local and state chapters will continue to operate normally.

The organization recently reported a possible $30,000 deficit.

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Illinois: Marriage equality bills headed to both chambers of state legislature

Today begins the new session for the Illinois legislature and marriage equality bills are set to be introduced in both chambers. Via press release from Equality Illinois:

On the first day of the new legislative session, sponsors Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago) say they will work to pass the legislation, known as the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, shortly after members of the 98th General Assembly are sworn in.

“Last week, the Senate Executive Committee made history by approving same-sex marriage and gave our efforts incredible momentum,” Senator Steans said. “With the full support of Senate President John Cullerton, I am confident legislators will grant all Illinois couples the freedom to marry this year.”

“We are one step closer to equality in the Land of Lincoln,” added Representative Harris. “The bills we filed today will treat all couples equally under the law. We are going full steam ahead on this.” Illinois Unites for Marriage — a coalition led by Equality Illinois, Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Illinois — is continuing its statewide campaign in support of the bill, marshaling support and urging allies to step up contacts with their legislators.

The language in the new bill is identical the one that passed in an Illinois Senate committee last week.

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New York City: “Broadway Week” Jan 22 – Feb 7

Since this is historically a slow period for theater in New York City, Broadway is again celebrating their 2-for-1 “Broadway Week,” (which isn’t really one week but two).

You can now order tickets in advance at this link for almost 20 shows on Broadway. Many are long running hits, so if you haven’t made the time to go see WICKED, CHICAGO, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, MARY POPPINS, JERSEY BOYS or many others – now would be a fiscally sound time to do so 🙂

And if you HAVE seen all these fab shows, there’s “Off-Broadway Week” running Jan 28-Feb 10. Over 30 shows are participating in that promotion and you can check out those at this link.

Go see theater in New York City! Off or on Broadway, it’s fab!

(via JMG)

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Former congresswoman Gabby Giffords works for responsible gun solutions

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly have launched a new group and website to battle the gun lobby. Surely if anyone can speak to gun violence, it would be Gabby Giffords.

From Americans For Responsible Solutions:

Dear fellow American, Two years ago, a mentally ill young man shot me in the head, killed six of my constituents, and wounded 12 others. Since that terrible day, America has seen 11 more mass shootings – but no response from Congress to prevent gun violence. After the massacre of 20 children and six of their teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary though, it’s clear: This time must be different. Americans for Responsible Solutions will encourage elected officials to stand up for solutions to prevent gun violence and protect responsible gun ownership by communicating directly with the constituents that elect them. Join us today, and tell your elected leaders that Americans are demanding responsible solutions to reduce gun violence.

The Giffords say that they both own guns and support the Second Amendment. They clearly state what they are looking for are RESPONSIBLE solutions to gun violence in America.