Today's Out Spotlight staying with politics.
Today's Out Spotlight recognizes Stu Rasmussen. He is most likely the "first openly gender fluid, transgender-identified mayor of any American city according to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a group that works to help openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people win elected office. Stu Rasmussen was the elected this past 
Tuesday as the mayor of Silverton, 45 minutes outside of Portland Oregon.
Rasmussen is a 60-year-old native Silvertonian who’s been a small business owner for most of his adult life, and a public servant in his beloved hometown for going on twenty years. He served two consecutive terms as Silverton’s mayor, in 1988 and 1990, when he still dressed exclusively as a male. Tuesday he was elected as dressing exclusively as a female.
Having a self-described gender identity crisis in the mid-90’s, coupled with a series of crippling losses in Oregon state House and Senate races - including losing to the now-notorious anti-gay legislator Marylin Shannon in a 1996 race - forcing Rasmussen to withdraw from public service. He thought his career was over.
Rasmussen realized then that he could express his fluid gender identity with confidence and still be accepted in Silverton. He underwent reconstructive “top surgery” in 2000 on his chest, including breast implants. Rasmussen now says the surgery was transformational for him.
Rasmussen “got bit by the public service bug again” and ran for Silverton City Council in 2004. “And I got elected,” “Boobs and all. I tell people this country has a long and proud history of electing boobs to public office.”
Stu never sought this recognition out," said Stephen Marc Beaudoin a reporter for JustOut, a bimonthly publication for Portland's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. "He's interested in doing a great job for the community that he loves.
Describing his work as owner of the Palace Theatre, an old-school movie house and quasi performing arts center in downtown Silverton, Rasmussen says “ob
viously I’m in the entertainment business. I give people something to talk about, like, what sort of shoes is Stu wearing?”
Because Rasmussen's appearance was no secret, the campaign was dominated by policy issues. "I've blackmail-proofed myself," Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen has serious plans and policies in the works for his hometown once he’s inaugurated this January: studying and fixing a major dam in danger of disaster, transportation and downtown business district planning, sewer and water issues, addressing property taxes.
" The gender identity thing is just a total backseat thing." That comes across when Rasmussen speaks in his decidedly masculine voice."I am a dude," he said. "I am a heterosexual male who appears to be a female." His longtime live-in girlfriend, Victoria Sage, told The Oregonian newspaper that she and Rasmussen have been together for almost 35 years.
NorthWest Gender Alliance
The OMG Movie Club Poll is still open today. Give another vote for your favorite movie. Results Monday.
UPDATE 8:22 AM FIRST PRINCE OF PERSIA TRAILER ?!?!??
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Out Spotlight XXXXVIII
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43 comments:
Jake looks different, almost like a child.
uh, that does not look like Jake?!
Great about Rasmussen and how people in his small town accept him for what he does not how he looks. Interesting, he's heterosexual. I wonder what his gf calls herself. Penis and breasts, I could go for someone who has both. I'm bisexual and those are my favorite 2 [or is it 3!] things. I prefer someone prettier than Rasmussen, no offense. But for me it would be the best of both worlds.
PoP "trailer" - that is not Jake, just creative Prince of Persia and/or Jake fan.
That "trailer" was on youtube over a month ago and that's not Jake.
HAHA nice fake …
That wasn´t even Jake :D
Obvious reason is … Salahadin from Kingdom of Heaven is shown in it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oO6pCRe3pM
... and thank you for the music :)
I <3 sweet Antony ...
I thought I saw a couple scenes in the trailer that are Jake. The closeup on the hands and fingers in the sand (with the face in the background) look like Jake's. Some of the lokkalikes in trailer could be the part of the brother characters. The way PR goes nowdays I wouldn't be surprised if movie companies "leak" real/fake trailers online to create buzz.
I'd read about this mayor and wondered if we'd be reading about her today. It's interesting to see what steps forward get made while we get things like the vote on Prop. 8, not to mention the law banning adoptions in Arkansas by anyone other than married couples. I think part of it may be that in the case of the Mayor is that this someone the people have all known, although it probably helps that most parts of Oregon are liberal--don't know about this town.
Just to address a point raised in the previous thread, human rights shouldn't be left up to democracy, people are only all too willing to take away rights, or refuse to extend them to other people. And if we do have to have that kind of system, then it should not be the result of a straight majority vote. To me it is crazy that you can amend a constitution on a 51-49 vote, it should take 2/3 or 3/4 of the vote to make such drastic changes.
Regarding Samuel L. Jackson, there were stories about his coming out No on Prop. 8. Not sure why they didn't id him in the ad--maybe a fear that using celebrities would backfire?
I but the questions marks in the post next to the trailer -because I after looking at it. I thought the same thing that the hands look like Jake and the walk does, but the it doesn't look like Jake in the face.
Ok what do you do when you plan lunch for 40 and 52 show up - just wing it and improvise. Always an adventure.
I saw the story this week, I knew it was for our Spotlight series.
I think the description of "openly gender fluid" is really is one of the best descriptions and Sam is one of the best examples of that. It's great that his family, friends, colleagues, and constituents embrace him for all that he is and not what he is not.
Wow, I am impressed by the "bigness" of the trailer. It is a huge looking epic. I can understand why Jake wanted it so badly since indeed it looks like it's right up there with all those "big" kinds of film. And what actor probably doesn't? At least if it's a good script and stretches their talent & skill. I hope it's a successful film for him. It really doesn't look like the type of film I go for, but I'm in the definite minority when it comes to movies. I like romcoms & dramas with happy endings, lol. I saw a few of the Star Wars, but that's the extent of my action film watching. I'm very excited about him headlining this film; hopefully the success of it will make everything he has gone through worth it.
It's been a long day already. Just got back not too long ago from a leaf-raking party. It's become kind of an annual thing. We started out helping out this friend of ours who we used to live nearby when we lived in Kansas City. She had had back surgery and wasn't going to be able to handle the physical stress of raking (and boy, she has a pretty big yard and lots of leaves). So we all went over & helped rake & bag. Now it's become kind of a fall tradition. But today, we went next door and helped a neighbor, one of the members of our gal posse. There were 6 of us and the owner made white chicken chili and we raked & bagged forever. With Abbdy (black mini. schnauzer), Sushi (Lali Apso or however you spell that), and Little Dog (her real name is Rigby but in the first 4-6 months of her life, she had no official name, just "little dog"). Little Dog is a West Highland, but she was the runt of the litter and her first year of life had several woes and so she's a tiny thing. Now as big as she'll ever be. Abbey's full name is Abbey Road and Little Dog's is Eleanor Rigby as their mama is a Beatles fanatic. It was a huge laughfest & well, if you can have any fun raking, I guess we had it.
I got to thinking as I saw Christmas lights already on one of the balconies in my complex last night, some of you's that live in the city, do you still decorate outside your abode? Put lights in your windows & I know you couldn't do the big blowups. Those are the big thing around here; those huge blowup inflatable things. Some people fill their yard with them almost to an obnoxious level, lol.
Guess what is coming to Starlight Theatre here next year? Starlight is the outdoor amphitheatre in Kansas City where they play musicals & concerts all summer long. Legally Blonde. My sister took great "pleasure" in telling me. She has season tickets with the owner of Little Dog & Abbey and they go to all the musicals every summer. I said Ugh, don't think I'll be taking that one in.
Raking leaves sounds like fun PG--the best part is diving into big piles of them. I did the next best thing and went to the park and walked through the leaves carpeting the lawn and pathways, it is really pretty this year. I don't recall seeing such brilliant colors in NYC in previous years.
Some people put up lights in their windows, or if they have them, on fire escapes and balconies in NYC. But it's not that many compared to what you see in other places.
You had 52 people for lunch Special? That is quite a crowd. I guess you'll be looking forward to getting some "rest" at work this week. ;)
Thanks for todays Spotlight Special. I had missed this story when it was on tv and wanted to know more about Mr. Rasmussen. I think its interesting too that he identifies as straight and that he and his wife have been together so long.
Great music today too by the way. Im going to vote for The Dying Gaul today just to add some spice to the mix : )
I honestly could watch either one.
Cooking and raking leafs sounds like fun - but exhuasting. I hope you both had success.
It has really been a brilliant fall this year here, too, Destiny. I think part of it has to do with us having a good amount of rain this summer.
There were bags & bags of leaves when we were done, Clarity. C's daughter in law took 9 bags alone in her car back to her house because I guess you're only allowed up to 15 bags to be picked up at your address.
How does one improvise, Special, without making a store run? Did you stand guard at the brownie platter and smack people's knuckles if they tried to take more than one, lol? only one per person You get creative, I guess. Seems like it's always better to run out of food, tho, than to have alot left over. All that's left to worry about is washing the dishes.
I voted for Shelter, but I would've also liked to vote for the Dying Gaul. I voted for that one the last time. Both sound good, but so does a holiday movie. I've seen alot of Home for the Holidays; accidentally stumbled upon that one while dogsitting one day. I had been so surprised to see RDJ in that one.
You're so lucky, Destiny, as you get to see the big Christmas tree in front of the Rockefeller Center. That must be beautiful. Also all the store windows downtown. Getting very excited about Christmas already and Thanksgiving isn't even here yet. Love Christmas music. There's a radio station here in town & they are already playing Christmas music 24/7. There's 2 stations that do it and every year, they battle it out to see who can start playing it the earliest. I'm not ready to start listening to it, by no means yet, but I look forward to when I can. There's so much good Christmas music out there. I didn't know you all last Christmas and this holiday is going to be extra special this year because of this blog.
Hi Guys,
Just got in - I was away all day a holiday crafts festival - a really nice one. We do this every year, make a day of it.
Great Out Spotlight, as always. I'm liking this trend of electing people to political office who have the talent to get the job done. Stu has a great sense of humor too. :) I love Anthony and the Johnsons; an ethereal, angelic voice.
I just got a chance to watch the Prince of Persia trailer. I realize it isn't Jake, (a preliminary trailer?) but I liked it - I liked what they do with the sand, the colors, the mythological story look and feel of of it, sort of a fantasy/real mix, a believable, authentic ancientness and yet a modern videogame feel as well (at least from what I've seen of the game), and Dastan looked believable, and the action too.
PG, I like action movies; biopics, especially ones about musicians like Ray; social commentary "message" movies; animated films; spy & crime thrillers and mysteries; creative indie films; historical dramas; and romances like BBM and Australia that's coming out soon. And some of these movies overlap into several of the genres.
I'm not big on romcoms and comedies fan, but once in awhile, I do like a romcom (does Shakespeare in Love qualify?)and Four Weddings and A Funeral and Notting Hill, and I love quirky comedies like the Cohen Brothers' work like O Brother Where Art Thou? I made a list once of the romcoms and comedies I liked and it actually was kind of long, so who knows? ;)
That's quite a list of the types of movies I like, but I am a big movie buff. :)
Sorry, Shelter and/or The Dying Gaul for me as well. :)
Speaking from the heart here...
Sadden to the core, sickened and sadden at the hate displayed this past week. Arizona, Florida, Arkansas, and most specifically, California. What the bigots have done is invalidate my son, as a citizen, as an American, as a person.
But, the fight is not over. In fact, it's just really beginning. All over this nation, perhaps even in your city, there are protests being organized to publically speak out against the hate. There are on line petitions and letter writing campaigns that target specific companies and individuals who funded and worked against civil rights. There are blogs by the hundreds, thousands even, that are posting their outrage all over the internet. Average every day people who are willing to take a stand for what they believe in - equality for all.
This is a plea for help. This is a plea to all who frequent here, a place that celebrates diversity, a blog that strives to promote acceptance and tolerance for a same-sex couple who lack the self-respect to live openly. Please help with your participation and/or time for those people who do live an honest life.
This is a plea for all OMGers, regardless of geographic location, to add their voice to the song of hope. My son's future may depend upon it.
Sincerely,
Me
"So many people have volunteered to head up organizing in their city! As such, I have created a page filled with contact info for your local area. If there is not any contact info next to a city, it means that I do not have a volunteer point person for that area yet."
Join the Impact - Protest Prop 8 on November 15th!
Me, I totally am shocked with recent events as well - I'm planning to attend the protest on the 15th, and do whatever else I can. I hope that the amendment will be overturned. It's just wrong on so many levels - unconstitutional, religious organizations meddling where they shouldn't and clouding the issues. :*
I'm sure NETB can attest to and anyone else on OMG living in Massachusetts, all the fears, arguments and histrionics about what was going to happen if Massachusetts allowed same sex marriage - never did.
The sky didn't fall, the seas didn't rise, and the same sex couples did not make a mockery out of the institution of marriage.
You know what happened? In the beginning there was a big rush for couples to get married because they just got the right, and then it slowed down and was in keeping with the number of hetero couples getting married.
There have been courthouse weddings, family weddings, small weddings, big weddings, church weddings all kinds of weddings. I'm talking about all couples gay and straight. There's no difference - because they are all doing the same thing celebrating the love and commitment they have for each other.
You know there is one thing that change in Massachusetts - its that everyone has the opportunity to marry there is no discrimination based on who's standing in front of you when you say your vows.
^^You are so right, Spesh! The thing I worry about is without Federal protections, it's left up to the States, and nothing is standardized - gay marriage in full in Mass and CT - civil unions here, domestic partnerships there, and varying levels of rights, nothing standardized. It's not as easy to amend state constitutions here in Mass or some other states as it is in CA I don't think - but if it can happen in AZ, AR, and FL, and so disappointing that it happened in CA - it can happen anywhere. So it's a very important issue. :*
Now was that a real Prince of Persia trailah or did I fall for it? ;)
^^sorry, that should read "in other states, civil unions here, domestic partnerships there." I really cannot imagine the CA Supreme Court upholding that amendment. I'll be watching closely to see what happens, whether it qualifies as a constitutional "revision" or "amendment".
Me,
If I have an opportunity here in Kansas, I sure will. This subject is speaking out to me in a rather profound way.
Hey, one thing people can do and there's an article in it in today's Kansas City Star (Associated Press - by Brock Vergakis); (Just now getting to the paper and I didn't get far. I'm back on my laptop again). But there's an article called "Utah Faces Boycott Over Mormon Work Against Gay Unions" and it is about a financially heavy price Utah as a state could pay over the Mormons' stance on Prop. 8.
Bloggers, gay rights activists and others are seeking to punish the Mormon church for its aggressive promotion of California's ban on gay marriage. It could be a heavy price to pay. Tourism brings in $6 billion a year to Utah, with worldclass skiing, a spectacular redrock country and the film festival founded by Robert Redford (the Sundance), among other popular tourist draws.
The backlash against the church-and by extension Utah-has been immediate. Protests erupted outside Mormon temples, Facebook groups formed telling people to boycott Utah, and Web sites such as MormonsStoleOurRights.com began popping up, calling for an end to the church's tax-exempt status
Now I won't picket outside of any church or temple, but any other place, yeah. The article states that the Mormons account for about 62% of Utah residents as members. So while it seems like a small act, boycotting their tourism sites if taken upon by a large number of people, could have an impact. If there's one area that any citizen can make an imprint, it's in the pocketbook. No state or business likes the idea of being boycotted. Look at how Aruba panicked when they thought America was going to start boycotting their island over the Natalie Holloway disappearance. It's just another way to make one's voice heard in addition to attending rallies. Good for you, Destiny; you have a couple of great opportunities already there where you live & you are planning on participating.
It's great to see people inspired to act over something they believe in. It's great to see passion. Seems like something that's been missing in this country.
I don't know about the entire state of UT; I have no problem with holding the Mormon Church accountable, and calling them to task for spreading hate and clouding the issues with concerns about school cirricula and other misinformation, but that isn't the entire state of UT. I think that efforts are better spent focused on educating people about legalities and civil rights violations of anything less than full marriage, and making sure that a domino effect isn't felt in other states, when these groups become emboldened by seeing successful amendments passed in FL, AR and AZ. I'm not giving in on CA yet. I don't know if boycotting is the answer.
So, in other words, there are more states to worry about than just UT, and other "defense of marriage" groups besides the Mormon Church. Don't lose sight of the main issue, which is equality for all. We are better than that, we don't need to resort to punishing and hate. :(
I spent a lot of time in Salt Lake City when I was growing up, including some of grammar school, most of junior high and all of high school, so I have a good understanding of Utah and the Mormon Church. There really is an us vs. them mentality when it comes to Mormons and "gentiles" as they call non-Mormons. I always felt like an outsider living there, and always hung out with other "outsiders". Luckily I was always the kind of person that could mentally say "f**K you" rather than letting it affect my self-esteem. I sometimes wonder if that wasn't one of the reasons that finding myself attracted to women was never an issue I struggled with.
That being said, I'm not so sure about boycotting Utah either; a lot of the ski areas and Salt Lake City are more liberal than the rest of the state. The mayor of SLC in particular is a good guy, and believe it or not there are some gay politicians in the state legislature. I almost think flooding the state with gay people and trying to change the culture might work better. So all in all I have mixed feelings on the subject. But I'm all for boycotting the Church and any businesses they own and/or are closely associated with the church, such as Marriot Hotels.
Well, there's no question the Mormon Church has been terrible on this issue and something should be done about it. Boycotting them and their associated businesses I'm for as well. They have been very organized about the way they have approached this, and well funded. But not have it affect those that don't share their views. There's a list of traditional defenders of marriage (I hate those terms!) as long as your arm, including the Catholic Church, Focus on Familes, and other insidiously named groups.
I hear you, 2 cents. I don't think, though, that boycotting represents hate. Not at all. I looked at it as a business measure and just an additional way of expressing an opinion, not the only way. Believe me, as a Christian, I'm not a supporter of any kind of hate towards people or any religious groups.
I know my brother got all up in arms about Wal Mart's stance in regards to something that affected him as a teacher. He boycotted Wal Mart as a consumer (he's passionate that way; there's a ton of restaurants, etc. that he no longer patronizes if they screw him around more than a couple times, lol). Not that just him has any kind of impact, though. But it stands for something for him personally.
Oh, not Marriott hotels, Destiny! Those are my favorite. I love Marriotts.
Well, I'm going to beg off the subject now before I get in over my head & say something stupid. I will support a stance against the results of the Prop. 8 if ever I can. This won't be the end of it, either. There will be other opportunities. All I can do is just handle myself & how I feel now.
Don't worry - you've done nothing of the sort. Me on the other hand? I've said more stupid things than I can count, and show no signs of stopping! Oh well. Good night! I've boycotted things left and right as well. Good night, PG! ;)
One more thing - I don't think boycotting itself represents hate, I'm getting a retaliatory feel from the response, and I just feel that a calmer, rational approach is needed. Boycotting on an individual level is great; I've done it myself many times for other causes I believe in. I'm very careful about where my money goes, I'd be very upset if it inadvertently went to support something I don't believe in. I just wouldn't want it to affect those who don't share the views of the hate groups. I don't call them Christians. Nite! :*
^^Sorry, not your response PG; some of the intial responses after Prop 8 passed. I like the idea of calling their tax-exempt status as a church into question tho, bringing their political activities out into the light. As they say, that's how they got Al Capone - through the IRS! lol Things that focus directly on them and their associated businesses. Anyway, I mean it this time - good nite all! :*
I definitely support boycotting, I don't want to give my money to companies, etc. that want to take away my rights or engage in other behavior I don't approve of. I just want to be sure the one's being boycotted are the right targets.
Nite, 2 cents. Very enlightening & interesting conversation today. It's nice to have a cause/ a passion about something that has gotten one riled up about, I think. On the WGN news tonight @ 9 o'clock, they had as one of their lead stories film of a demonstration parade taking place in San Diego. I think that's great.
Nite, Destiny, to you as well. Have a great Monday.
I am off to bed as well. Have been reading alot of LJ this weekend and right now I'm trying to tear myself away from a story that has a ton of chapters and I'm only on Chapt. 50 or so. Lol! Giminy's and it's a real cliffhanger. I can't tear myself away. As soon as it's resolved, gonna tear myself away from this computer.
m, have you ever read "I'll Be Seeing You"? That's what I'm reading. Wow, it's got a ton of chapters. But it's good.
sorry, but now holding responsible the mormons, do you seriously beleive people voted Yes on 8 because a mormon told them so? who gives a hoot about the mormons? Who would listen to them? On the other hand right wing church goers making it a "protect our family values' and 'defend our right to voice our religious beliefs' are perhaps the first to blame. I think at this point spending effort and money raising consciousness, educating would be best.
Religious organizations that supported Proposition 8 include:
The Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a group of Evangelical Christians led by Jim Garlow and Miles McPherson, American Family Association, Focus on the Family and the National Organization for Marriage.
Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, California's largest, also endorsed the measure.
The Bishops of the California Catholic Conference released a statement supporting the proposition.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) publicly supported the proposition and encouraged their membership to donate money and volunteer time. The First Presidency of the church announced its support for Proposition 8 in a letter read in every congregation. Latter-day Saints provided a significant source for financial donations in support of the proposition, both inside and outside the State of California. About 45% of out-of-state contributions to ProtectMarriage.com came from Utah, over three times more than any other state.
The Grossmont Union High School District in San Diego County, California publicly voted on a resolution endorsing Proposition 8.
The Governing Board voted 4-0 to endorse the amendment of the California State Constitution.
The Asian Heritage Coalition held a rally in support of Proposition 8in downtown San Diego on October 19, 2008.
Source: Wikipedia
Checking in late today. Glad to see the reaction to 8 is building momentum. I guess better late than never. And yes, the Yes on 8 campaign was largely funded by the Mormon church. I did not realize they had an interest in the Marriott. That's where I ususally stay on business trips. Is that accurate as I've never heard that before? An economic boycott would be very effective right now - business is down as it is, so a bigger drop off would be felt even more.
Yes, other groups opposed gay marriage, and as pointed out in the previous day's post, a lot of black and asian voters voted Yes on Propl. 8. But the Mormons were the ones that poured money into this, which allowed them to run a lot of ads and help fund the Yes on Campaign 8. I know money and opposition to gay marriage came from other religious groups, but because it was smaller in scale I don't think it would have been enough to turn things. The Mormons decided to wage a war against gay marriage, and they deserve to be punished for it. They were also a big factor in Arizona. I've read comments from voters living in Mesa who complained that their polling place was a Mormon ward house, and that the grounds were full of signs regarding the Arizona proposition. Also, a few years back when Alaska had a similar proposition on the ballot, the Mormon church gave $500,000 of the $600,000 that was raised by the groups opposing gay marriage. Read the stories and comments on Americablog.
If an organization is going to in effect order their members to do all they can to take away the rights of another group, then they have to live with the consequences, be it boycotts, bad pr or being called bigots.
M, I don't think the Marriot is owned by the church, but it's founder was a Mormon who was very active in this church, and I believe his family still has a sizeable interest in the company.
I am disheartened to hear Rick Warren supported Prop. 8. I loved his book, The Purpose Driven Life. This is where I change my views and take the other fork in the road. And it's not a "bad" thing that we disagree. Christians don't agree on everything; heck, when some subjects come up, hair bristles up on the back of necks just like anywhere else. It's okay to disagree and it's not a line drawn in the sand or life & death.
I grew up Catholic and my folks are still staunch Catholics. But my mom saw BBM and she had such sympathy for Jack & Ennis because they were so anguished in their love for each other and their situation. So people's beliefs & stances can change. It takes time and single steps, one by one.
That movie had an instant impact on me and I saw it have an impact on my mom, because I never would've thought my mom would be moved that way. It had a power and the ones who refused to see it or still refuse to see it probably would be ones instantly moved by it.
And on that note, I have to say that I find it so ironic now that Jake didn't say something about voting against Prop. 8. He not only starred in BBM, but he repeatedly said in so many interviews after filming that he so admired the love between the two characters and it didn't matter that they were two men. And now? He can't even be papped in the company of any male. Like he's been warned or is afraid. Don't know what happened, but it's so obvious. The whole thing is ironic in that his behavior has become like the character, Ennis's , instead of the character that he played. And all of his words seem forgotten.
Thanks everyone for your info/comments on Prop 8. Im sorry to say I was one of the ones that was completely uninformed on this subject and did not do nearly enough to educate myself. It looks like they will have some sort of gathering here in ATL. I will make a point of staying on top of it and letting my voice be heard this time. Im alittle disappointed in myself. Thanks again.
Don't blame yourself, Clarity, I think we all can learn more. I don't think the NO supporters got on board early enough; I don't think anyone expected it to pass. I'm very disappointed with the celebrity world, gay celebs speaking out, and people like Madonna, who didn't say anything even at her concert - a few words said in support would have been encouraging, if nothing else.
I posted the Rogue's Gallery list; I was curious as to who took an active stance for Prop 8, however slight. I don't know that it is a comprehensive list. I think a lot of people spoke with their votes, such as the African American and Latino communities, and didn't formally organize anything. It was by no means in order of who did the most to promote Prop 8; if that were the case, the LDS church would have been No. 1. I think they also influenced other groups by spreading misinformation about what it could "lead to" and so-called "scare" tactics about teaching sexuality in schools, which I don't think is true (even if it were, I see nothing wrong with that personally). I feel they have gone way over and above the limits of a church's involvement in political issues, and should be looked into. Couldn't hurt, and might prohibit them from doing this sort of thing in the future. I have no problem with boycotts and sending a message, as long as it targets the correct groups and doesn't hurt us in the process.
I keep reading people comparing them with the Humane Society and Prop 2; the Humane Society is a non-profit organization but it is not a religious group/church and is subject to different tax rules than a relgious group. I'm not against religion, not at all, and not blaming any one religion, just what certain members do.
There are loving, compassionate and caring people of all faiths and political leanings who think Prop 8 is wrong. I'm very proud of Gov. Schwartzenegger lately. :)
Blogger on a trip to London - Jake mention.
London, Laptops and Love
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