Friday, March 23, 2007

Go Out On the Net

Wow! You’re really incredible. You logged onto the Internet and found an article about OutOnTheNet.com, the website created just for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. I think you’re psychic. Okay, I’m exaggerating just a bit. But cut me a little slack. I’m excited. Why? Well, OutOnTheNet.com is publishing a blizzard of new articles about things that are important to you: vacations, books, movies, investments, gay rights, sports and fitness, and technology.

Every week, we comb the Internet for information that’s vital to your lifestyle. We don’t literally use a comb, but you get the point. We find gay-friendly airlines, resorts and destinations, enabling you to take enjoyable vacations. Face it, everyone needs a vacation now and again. I know I do.

Rest assured that when you book your trip, OutOnTheNet.com can recommend the perfect books to bring. When you return from your fabulous vacation, check our website to find movies about heroic people just like you. As you know, every hero and heroine needs good investments. Thankfully, our news staff writes about socially responsible mutual funds that can fill your wallet without making you feel guilty. Who says you can’t have it all?

After you’ve spent time planning your retirement, check out our articles on gay rights. We can keep you informed about new laws affecting same-sex partners. With the right information, you can secure a happy future with someone special. That future might even include marriage.

You can’t have a good marriage unless you feel good. We can show you how to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape. Our articles cover everything from exercise to coming out.

At OutOnTheNet.com, we know you need more than just a good body to face the future. That’s why we write about the latest high-tech trends. Read our articles about online dating, blogs and online shopping.

I’m glad you mentioned shopping. Okay, you didn’t mention it, but we won’t hold that against you. We will, however, tell you about the great online shopping deals you can get when you join our free rewards program, OUTRewards, which enables you to earn points that you can redeem for purchases.

So, what are you waiting for? Go to OutOnTheNet.com. We’re waiting for you. Well, we’re not literally waiting. But we’ll be around.

Posted by outonthenet at 12:41 PM 0 comments

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'Ex-Gay' Movement Critic Wayne Besen Speaks

Source: Falls Church News-Press
Date: March 20, 2007

FALLS CHURCH, VA -- Fresh from a TV appearance on the popular Daily Show with John Stewart, author, columnist and activist Wayne Besen comes to the Washington, D.C., area this Sunday to speak on the subject of his important book, "Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Movement." The free event, sponsored by the
Falls Church News-Press, will be held Sunday, March 25, at 3:30 p.m. in the Falls Church Community Center, 223 N. Little Falls, Falls Church, VA.

Besen will also discuss the non-profit organization he heads, "Truth Wins Out," that "counters disinformation campaigns, debunks the ex-gay myth, and provides accurate information about the lives of gay and lesbian people."

Besen is one of the nation's foremost experts on the false and damaging claims and efforts of the religious right's "ex-gay" ministries. He has documented how they destroy lives and family unity by creating false expectations lead to anger, depression and hostility when they cannot be realized. He has spoken to over 100 universities, churches, business groups and community organizations on the topic.

A graduate of the University of Florida, he worked for the Human Rights Campaign and the Edelman Public Relations agency before launching his own non- profit and writing efforts. His weekly column, "Anything But Straight," appears weekly in the Falls Church News-Press.

Following Sunday's forum, he will appear as a special guest in Falls Church at a fundraiser to support the Falls Church School System's "Diversity Affirmation Education Fund," supported entirely by private contributions to bring anti-bullying and pro-diversity programs to the City's public schools.

CONTACT: Nicholas Benton of the Falls Church News-Press, 703-532-3267, nfbenton@fcnp.com

Posted by outonthenet at 8:02 AM 0 comments

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Thursday, March 22, 2007

Matthew Shepard Foundation Applauds Reintroduction of Federal Hate Crimes Legislation

Source: Matthew Shepard Foundation
Date: March 21, 2007

CASPER, WY -- The Matthew Shepard Foundation applauds last night's reintroduction of inclusive hate crimes legislation in the House of Representatives. Titled the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 (LLEHCPA), this bill is an appropriate and measured response to the unrelenting and under-addressed problem of violent hate crimes committed against individuals based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability.

The following statement can be attributed to Judy Shepard, Executive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and mother of Matthew Shepard:

''The reintroduction of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) in the House of Representatives last night marks a very important moment for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community. For far too long violence motivated by hatred against GLBT individuals has gone unrecognized by the Federal Government as well as many local agencies.

The LLEHCPA will provide local law enforcement with the added resources and support needed for investigating and prosecuting serious hate crimes that are not currently included in existing law. The investigation of Matthew's murder and the trial of his killers cost Albany County in Wyoming more than $150,000. This unplanned financial burden forced the Sheriff's Department to furlough five of its employees. If the LLEHCPA had been the law of the land in 1998, this reduction in vital staff could have been averted, while still ensuring that justice was served for my son.

As citizens of this great country, we have an opportunity right now to ensure that this vital piece of legislation is enacted. Since Matthew was killed in 1998 for being gay, almost 10,000 violent acts of hate against individuals based on their sexual orientation have been reported to the authorities. Whether it is for Matthew or for the victims of the thousands of other violent hate crimes that have taken place over the years, I urge the GLBT community and its allies to make the passage of this bill a top priority. Please contact your representative today to ask them to co-sponsor the LLEHCPA or thank them if they have already signed up. We all have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of millions, please act today.''

For information on how to contact your congressman and to see if they are already a co-sponsor of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 please visit: http://www.matthewshepard.org/.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year-old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to ''Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance'' through its varied education, outreach and advocacy programs. For more information, please visit http://www.matthewshepard.org/

CONTACT: Matthew Matassa, Communications Director, of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, 303-830-7400 ext. 14, 303-588-2872, Matassa@MatthewShepard.org

Posted by outonthenet at 6:04 AM 0 comments

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PFLAG Indianapolis Delivers Personal Message to Indiana Legislature

Source: PFLAG
Date: March 21, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS -- Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Indianapolis has delivered a thought-provoking collection of stories and photographs to the homes of every member of the Indiana Legislature on the eve of an important vote that would bar marriage equality.

The scrapbooks, entitled PFLAG: Living Our Values, were created by the Indianapolis-based chapter of PFLAG in response to the upcoming vote that would make marriages for same-sex couples impossible. Each scrapbook contains 18 touching stories along with photographs of gay couples, children, and family members. One parent of a gay child, Annette Gross of PFLAG Indianapolis says of the stories and the amendment, "Why can't people love who they want to love?"

In addition, each scrapbook comes with a personal introduction letter, encouraging members of the legislature to vote against banning marriage equality.

"I hope they read them. It brings a human element to something they've been debating academically," says Sarah Patterson, also a PFLAG Indianapolis member.

Patterson notes a trend that could prove damaging for Indiana that would be worsened by anti-gay legislation like this bill -- the "brain drain" of young gay people leaving the state for more gay-friendly regions.

PFLAG members are testifying this week before legislators, telling their stories as straight allies of GLBT family members and friends, and why Indiana should avoid banning marriage equality. "Many of our public leaders and legislators do not accept gay people ... and many who are accepting lack the political courage to take a stand for gay people and against discrimination," adds Steve Neff, a PFLAG father. "Do you ever hear an old politician or the family of a politician speaking with pride that they opposed civil rights or equal rights for women?"

The stories can be read at PFLAG Indianapolis' website (http://www.indypflag.org/)

About PFLAG
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is the nation's premier grassroots organization committed to the civil rights of gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) persons. Founded in 1973 by heterosexual mothers and fathers, PFLAG has 500 chapters and over 250,000 members and supporters throughout the United States.

CONTACT: Jean-Marie Navetta, 202-467-8180 X213, jnavetta@pflag.org or
Adam Ratliff, 202-467-8180 x212, aratliff@pflag.org, both of PFLAG

Posted by outonthenet at 5:57 AM 0 comments

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Wednesday, March 21, 2007

OutOnTheNet.com: The Original GLBT Expo

OutOnTheNet Presents The Original GLBT Expo:
Uniting the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Community

Saturday, March 24 - Sunday, March 25, 2007 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York


Now in its 14th year, The Original GLBT Expo promises to be better than ever, offering a unique blend of entertainment and business.

But it’s more than just an expo for businesses reaching out to GLBT consumers - it’s also the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the world with attendance records topping more than 20,000 each year and individuals traveling from all parts of the U.S. and abroad.

Become a member at the OutOnTheNet Booth (#113-123,324,314) so you can meet the staff and get registered for a chance to win some great prizes.

GBLT Expo Presenting Sponsor Photo
GBLT Expo Presenting Sponsor Footer

Book your flights now for the best rates and be sure to register to attend this must-see event. For information, check out www.originalglbtexpo.com.

Posted by outonthenet at 8:29 AM 0 comments

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