The Civil Rights Test of Our Generation

by Rep. Joe Sestak, Fmr. 3-Star Admiral | Huffington Post

When we think of the civil rights movement, we tend to think of grainy footage of marches and speeches, Selma, Ala., and the National Mall.

But our generation, too, is a part of that movement and has a critical role to play. It has been a long journey for our country, but we are now close to finally realizing our founders’ vision of a society where all are created equal and endowed with the same inalienable rights.

It’s time to end the discrimination based on sexual identity or orientation that is the only form of institutionalized discrimination still permitted in our society. That is why I am working to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and am committed to equal rights for all Americans.

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Watch: Jon Stewart on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

more about “John Stewart on DADT“, posted with vodpod

Watch President Barack Obama’s Remarks at the HRC National Dinner Live Saturday Evening

Tune in tomorrow at approximately 7:55 p.m. eastern time to watch President Obama’s remarks at the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner. The event will be covered by C-Span and be broadcast live and streamed online.

For more information click here.

Mother Bears Scars Of Grief in Limelight She Never Wanted

by Petula Dvorak | Washington Post

She makes herself do it.

Judy Shepard doesn’t enjoy talking in front of people, living a public life, giving speeches.

“Speech class was my worst nightmare,” she said.

If only that were still true.

Eleven years ago, on Oct. 12, 1998, Shepard’s first-born son, Matt — “not Matthew, he was Matt” — was beaten to death in Laramie, Wyo.

“This is my survival; this is how I deal with losing Matt,” she told students this week at South Lakes High School in Reston.

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Maine Attorney General: I Am Appalled at the Yes on 1 Ads

Even before penning her official response [to questions regarding claims made by the Yes on 1 ads], State Attorney General Janet Mills said today, she’s aware of the [Yes on 1] ads, and pretty sure she knows what her answer will be.

“I’m appalled at those ads as well. I have no reason to believe that a vote on Question One allowing the law to stand would dictate any change in the curriculum in Maine schools.”

U.S. Immigration Law: Tearing Apart Life, Love & Home

by Steve Ralls | Huffington Post

On Sunday, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans – and their allies – will travel from nearly every corner of the country to converge on Capitol Hill and call on lawmakers to support full equality for the LGBT community. The event, named the National Equality March, comes on the heels of growing calls for the federal government to pick up the pace on civil rights legislation, such as recognition for LGBT couples, repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and finally passing an inclusive employment non-discrimination act. Organizers say they are expecting tens of thousands – if not hundreds of thousands – of participants for the event.

Steve and Joe, however, will be notably absent.

The couple, who recently married in Connecticut and bought a home in Washington, D.C., will not be in the capital on Sunday. Instead, they will be packing Joe’s belongings. Under federal law, Steve and Joe are no longer allowed to live together in the country they call home.

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GLBT History Month: Magnus Hirschfeld

Pioneering sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld devoted his life to the scientific validation and political liberation of homosexuals. He helped lay the groundwork for the modern GLBT civil rights movement.

To find out more about GLBT History Month and watch a tribute to Magnus Hirschfeld and other GLBT icons, please visit www.glbthistorymonth.com.

CNN’s Anderson Cooper: Report Card on President Obama and Gay Rights

Anderson Cooper reports on President Obama’s record on gay rights. Featured guests include Cleve Jones and Pam Spaulding.

Governor To Veto Out-of-State Same Sex Couples

by George Simpson of Equality California |  California Progress Report

The heat is still on here in California. At Equality California, we’re waiting for Governor Schwarzenegger to sign our bills the legislature just passed. We have one in particular that I’m worried about.

Anti-LGBT organizations like Ron Prentice’s ProtectMarriage.com are trying to convince Schwarzenegger to veto SB 54, the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act (Leno, D-San Francisco). SB 54 clarifies that couples married out-of-state pre-Prop 8 are regarded by the state as married. It also clarifies that couples married out-of-state post-Prop 8 get all the rights of marriage without the label of “marriage” (the most we can do because of the California Supreme Court’s ruling).

It’s on the Governor’s desk right now, and he could sign or veto it at any moment. We are trying to get the word out now for Californians to call the governor at 916-445-2841 and ask him to support this bill, so these couples can be sure where they stand. Supporters of SB 54 can also call one of the governor’s district offices.

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A Step in Faith

By Brent Childers | Newsweek

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans are a diverse, extraordinary, resilient, and passionate group of forgiving men and women. I wouldn’t be standing beside them demanding full and equal treatment under the law and speaking out against the harm caused by religion-based bigotry at the National Equality March in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 11 if I thought they were not created in God’s image the same as myself, same as my family, as we all are—we are all God’s children.

And I know better than anyone, since six years ago I was one of those bigots. At that time it would have seemed abominable to even consider attending a “gay-rights” event. To me, these would have been the people tearing apart the very seams of our culture and our country.

Today, it is a natural expression of who I am. Some might call that a miracle.

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