Good News, Bad News: Boy Scouts Only Go Halfway and Half-Assed

So, the Boy Scouts of America [BSA], at their convention in Dallas this week, voted 61% to 38% to allow gay Scouts, but not to allow gay scout leaders. 

Yes, this means that young gay boys can ne scouts and rise through the ranks all the way to Eagle Scout, but if they want to be Scout leaders, well, they can't, because they're gay.

The BSA Statement:

"For 103 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been a part of the fabric of this nation, with a focus on working together to deliver the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.

"Based on growing input from within the Scouting family, the BSA leadership chose to conduct an additional review of the organization's long-standing membership policy and its impact on Scouting's mission. This review created an outpouring of feedback from the Scouting family and the American public, from both those who agree with the current policy and those who support a change.

"Today, following this review, the most comprehensive listening exercise in Scouting's history the approximate 1,400 voting members of the Boy Scouts of America's National Council approved a resolution to remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone.

….

"This policy change is effective Jan. 1, 2014, allowing the Boy Scouts of America the transition time needed to communicate and implement this policy to its approximately 116,000 Scouting units.

"The Boy Scouts of America will not sacrifice its mission, or the youth served by the movement, by allowing the organization to be consumed by a single, divisive, and unresolved societal issue. As the National Executive Committee just completed a lengthy review process, there are no plans for further review on this matter.

"While people have different opinions about this policy, we can all agree that kids are better off when they are in Scouting. Going forward, our Scouting family will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth in order to help them grow into good, strong citizens. America's youth need Scouting, and by focusing on the goals that unite us, we can continue to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve."

The responses:

GLAAD spokesperson, Rich Ferraro:

"Today's vote is a significant victory for gay youth across the nation and a clear indication that the Boy Scouts' ban on gay adult leaders will also inevitably end. The Boy Scouts of America heard from religious leaders, corporate sponsors and so many Scouting families who want an end to discrimination against gay people, and GLAAD will continue this work with those committed to equality in Scouting until gay parents and adults are able to participate."

Jennifer Tyrrell, who was kicked out as leader of her son's Cub Scout pack because she's gay:

"When I was kicked out of the Boy Scouts last April, I was devastated. Having to look my son, Cruz, in the eye and tell him that our family isn't good enough was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Today is truly a watershed moment for me, but even more so for the millions of kids across this country, who will now be allowed to serve in the Scouts without fear of rejection. I'm so proud of how far we've come, but until there's a place for everyone in Scouting, my work will continue."

Greg Bourke, who was ousted as Scoutmaster of his son's Boy Scouts troop because he is gay:

"This is an historic day in the 103-year history of the Boy Scouts of America -- the day it finally found its moral compass and started down the long trail to equality in Scouting. No longer will gay Boy Scouts have to hide their sexual orientation from fear of being criticized and ousted from the Boy Scout membership rolls. That is definite progress, but even with this approved membership change, gay adults like Jennifer Tyrrell and myself will continue to be banned from serving in the Scouts, even in units with our own children. There is no other word for that except 'discrimination.'"

Eric Andresen, who launched a petition to demand the change in BSA policy after his son, Ryan, was kicked out of the Scouts for being gay:

"We are relieved to hear that other Scouts will not have to suffer the rejection and expulsion that Ryan experienced, and we’re glad to see that the BSA is finally starting to see how harmful its discriminatory policies have been. Had this policy been in place just 8 months ago, Ryan would already be an Eagle Scout, and he could've avoided so much pain."

Pascal Tessier, whose Change.org petition received more than 128,000 signatures:

"Just a few hours ago, I was thinking that today could be my last day as a Boy Scout. Obviously, for gay Scouts like me, this vote is life-changing. Like my brother before me, I now have a chance to earn my Eagle award -- something that’s taken most of my life to achieve. Finally, Scouts are no longer forced to choose between upholding the Scout Oath and being open and honest about who they really are as a person."

Zach Wahls, Eagle Scout and Founder of Scouts for Equality, and son of two gay moms:

“Today’s vote ending discrimination of gay Scouts is truly a historic moment and demonstrates the Boy Scouts of America’s commitment to creating a more inclusive organization. Scouts for Equality is honored to be a part of the movement that has achieved a tremendous victory towards the fight for equality in America and we are proud to call ourselves Scouts. We look forward to the day where we can celebrate inclusion of all members and are committed to continuing our work until that occurs.”

My take?

This is all well and good, I guess, but isn't it a little separate but equal? I mean, the BSA will allow a young gay man to be a scout, and to achieve any level of scouting possible, but the minute that young man decides he wants to continue with the organization he will be told that his sexual orientation won't allow it.

How can you be a gay scout and not be allowed to be a gay scout leader?

The BSA needs to be fully accepting and open and tolerant and stop this halfway, half-assed agenda.

via Towleroad

National Transgender Day of Remembrance

Lotsa folks don't "get" transgender. they don't know what it means, they think it means you're gay, but you wanna switch genders.
And I understand that. It's hard, I imagine, to grasp the idea that you are physically one gender, but emotionally feel the other, and don't feel whole, or don't feel yourself, your true self. Everyone wants to be themselves....everyone.
So, today is National Transgender Day of Remembrance. A day to remember those who have been lost to us forever as a result of violence against the transgendered community.
from the website:

The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved.Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender — that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant — each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people.We live in times more sensitive than ever to hatred based violence, especially since the events of September 11th. Yet even now, the deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. This trend shows no sign of abating.The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.

Do yourself a favor and find out what it means to be the T in LGBT.
Understand, be compassionate, be welcoming.
Realize that people may make mistakes in speaking of the Transgendered community, but recognize those mistakes, correct them and move on.
Kelly Osbourne recently gave an interview to Glamour UK, and came under fire for her use of the slur "tr*nny". Like me, Kelly had no idea that the word was seen as demeaning and hurtful. She reached out to GLAAD because she wanted to understand how she had offended some people and to apologize for her, well, ignorance. 
This is Kelly's apology [source]:

I'd first like to make it clear that no one asked me to write this.  After reaching out to GLAAD for advice and clarification, I thought it was imperative to explain and amend my wrong. I gained a lot of knowledge, and I now feel the urgency to speak out and teach others. As unfortunate as this incident was, I assure you it was taken out of context, but I cannot deny the words; they did come out of my mouth. As a lifelong LGBT ally and friend, I feel it is my duty to not only apologize for my wrong but to also correct it. The word “tr*nny” is a derogatory and hurtful word. I was completely ignorant to this and soon came to realize most of my peers and LGBT friends are too. This is a word I will no longer use or allow. It wasn't until I googled it after speaking with GLAAD that I found out just how unbelievably offensive it was.  When friends jokingly called me that in the past, I took it as a compliment or a joke, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Transgender people are some of the bravest people on Earth and among the LGBT community. I cannot imagine the courage it takes to live your life openly and honestly, reflecting who you truly are, or the hurt that comes from having to hide who you are because others may not support and accept you.  Due to the fact that it is Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, I would like to raise awareness to this injustice in society. It is a day to remember those who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence and speak out against the fact that transgender people face disproportionate amounts of discrimination and harassment every day. The lack of knowledge about transgender people contributes to the unparalleled number of violent acts against them every day. A part of me is happy I've made such an awful mistake because I can now use this as a platform to help speak out against the use of such hurtful and dehumanizing words. With your assistance and support, we can get this word out of television/media.  It is still being used today; I've seen it four times in the past week. My sincerest apologies to any ally or member of the LGBT community whom I have hurt or offended.  That kind of representation goes against everything I stand for and is the last thing I would ever want to do. I would also like to thank The Transadvocate for educating me and bringing this to my attention. Nobody can tell you whom to love or what gender to be.  That is your basic human right, and certainly nobody has the right to discriminate against you for who you truly are!

We could all learn a lot........ 

Go Purple Today

Today is Spirit Day, when millions of Americans wear don a purple shirt, or rock a pair of purple pants, or even slip into some purple under-things, as a sign of support for LGBTQ youth, and to speak out against bullying, which has taken lives and affects the lives of so many. 
Spirit Day began in 2010 when teenager Brittany McMillan, in response to the numbers of young people who had taken their own lives, decided to put her voice to good use.
Observed annually on October 20, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. Getting involved is easy--just "go purple" today.
Create a world in which LGBTQ teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are.


for more info, go to GLAAD

Go Purple Tomorrow

What is Spirit Day?

The idea behind Spirit Day, first created by teenager Brittany McMillan earlier this month, is a simple one, not dissimilar to the idea of "Spirit Week" held in many high schools, and can be summed up in three words: Everyone Rally Together.

Spirit Day honors the teenagers who had taken their own lives in recent weeks. But just as importantly, it's also a way to show the hundreds of thousands of LGBT youth who face the same pressures and bullying, that there is a vast community of people who support them.

Purple symbolizes 'spirit' on the rainbow flag, a symbol for LGBT Pride that was created by Gilbert Baker in 1978.

As one of the event's Facebook pages says: "This event is not a seminar nor is it a rally. There is NO meeting place. All you have to do is wear purple."

Wearing purple on October 20 is a simple way to show the world that you stand by these courageous young people and a simple way to stand UP to the bullies. Remember those lives we've tragically lost, and show your solidarity with those who are still fighting. 'Go Purple' today!

Go here: GLAAD

Did You Ever Know That You're My Hero?

Will Phillips' Acceptance Speech at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York.
An eleven-year-old is my hero. Go HERE and scroll down to see why.
It's a good thing.

Nice Mouth. You Eat With That Thing?

Y'all remember when Isaiah Washington, formerly of Grey's Anatomy, allegedly used the term 'faggot' when referring to T.R. Knight and Perez Hilton got his granny panties in a bunch and began posting ad nauseum that Washington be fired for using such a word?

Y'all remember? Good.

Because now Perez is in the hot seat for the exact same thing. He got into a verbal sparring match with will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. Things were said, voices raised, and I think Perez broke a nail. But, and this is the part that galls me, Perez called will.i.am a faggot.

Uh-huh.

Perez Hilton: And that is when I made the split-second decision - that I was gonna say what I thought was the worst possible thing that thug [will.i.am] would ever want to hear. As I was standing my ground - without being violent or physical which I would never do - I told him - and you know what? I don’t need to respect you and you’re a f**. You’re gay and stop being such a f***ot.

So, a gay man, who has spent the past month railing against Carrie Prejean for her opinion on gay marriage, decides to hurl an anti-gay epithet as a derogatory statement? How can we expect to move forward when we have asshats like Perez Hilton taking us down with his words.

GLAAD issued a statement today in response to Hilton’s video: These are vulgar anti-gay slurs that feed a climate of hatred and intolerance toward our community. For someone in our own community to use it to attack another person by saying that it is, quote, ‘The worst possible thing that thug would ever want to hear,’ is incredibly dangerous. It legitimizes use of a slur that is often linked to violence against our community. And it sends a message that it is OK to attempt to dehumanize people by exploiting anti-gay attitudes.
We have reached out to Hilton and asked him to apologize for promoting this anti-gay slur, and we would ask media outlets to avoid repetition of the slur in their coverage of this story.

I would ask that Perez Hilton just STFU.

You do not represent the gay community. You never did.

You are a hypocritical fame-whore.

UPDATE:

The Asshat Known As Perez, who says in a video he posted online that he would never use this situation for publicity or fame because he "doesn't need it" has responded to GLAAD by saying:

"I am saddened GLAAD chose to victimize me further by criticizing me for how I non-violently dealt with a very scary situation that, unfortunately, turned violent. While I doubt I will get an apology from GLAAD, nor do I expect one, I would just hope people know how difficult it is to intellectualize a situation and think rationally when a thug disguised as a musician is screaming at your face and intimidating you. I am just very fortunate and grateful that nothing more serious happened to me."

Pay attention--and don't go all Theresa on Real Housewives of New Jersey and toss a table at me--asshat. GLAAD is disgusted, as am I, that you chose to hurl an anti-gay epithet at someone, when you use your own blog to bash others who've done the same. They do not, did not, have not, condoned anyone hitting you.

Asshat.

Grow up. Take some responsibility and stop with the "Leave-Britney-Alone"-type video blogs.

You only make yourself look worse, if that's even a possibility.

I Love Carlos: A Desilu Production

Carlos likes Oprah, and every time he says it, I invariably say, Oprah! I. Hate. Her!

And then he says, No, oprah, like Mozart and Puccini.

And I say, Oooooooh! Opera! Never mind.

Carlos also says, when someone he knows is making a mountain out of a mole hill, She's like a storm in a glass of water.

That one took a while, until I realized he meant Tempest in a teapot.

Makes sense.

So, this morning we're talking about Adam Lambert's shocking announcement that he's a flaming homosexual, but that he wants to be a singer and not a civil rights activist. I was telling Carlos my theory that every gay person that comes out is a civil rights activist because they're giving gay a face--not to be confused with gay face, Ryan Seacrest. I think the more people that come out, the less afraid people will be; and the less afraid, the less intolerant.

So, I was ranting about coming out and civil rights and all that and Carlos says, Well, he doesn't have to work with GLAAD to be an activist, or even with UCLA--

Huh? What? Huh?

UCLA?

Yes, he sneers at me as those I'm a wacky redhead and he's a Cuban bandleader. You, know UCLA, the people, the lawyers--

You mean the ACLU?

Whatever.

Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucy!