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.

'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

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

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

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.

New Resource Connects LGBT Meetings & Events

Source: Community Marketing, Inc.
Date: March 21, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Gay & Lesbian Convention & Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) is a new professional networking and marketing program of Community Marketing, Inc., a pioneer in LGBT tourism marketing and consumer research since 1992. The new GLCVB program helps connect gay-welcoming destinations and services to LGBT meeting planners, tour operators and travel agents, the LGBT media, and consumers around the world.

GLCVB is positioned to become the "global crossroads" of LGBT meetings, conferences and events. Event details and contact information from nearly 100 LGBT meetings and events have already been compiled and distributed to partner destinations. This resource is updated monthly. In addition, market research, on-site education and marketing outreach services complete the GLCVB partner package.

"Together, GLCVB partners and LGBT meeting planners work to make sure that meeting destinations and services are genuinely gay-welcoming. Through our Best Practices (see below), research and training, GLCVB partners offer something unique," said David Paisley, Program Director for the GLCVB. "We encourage all LGBT meeting and event planners to use GLCVB resources to ensure the best possible experience, and best value, for your attendees."

All tourism, hospitality and meeting/event professionals may sign up for the mailing list for news and updates, from the glcvb.org website. The website also includes the GLCVB's best practices and information on how to become a GLCVB partner.

Community Marketing, Inc. is the San Francisco-based gay research, marketing and communications firm. CMI's clients include Las Vegas, Dallas, Philadelphia, Ft. Lauderdale, Canada, Switzerland, and many other global tourism, travel and hospitality leaders. Founded in 1992, CMI has earned its reputation as the global leader in gay tourism marketing. CMI conducts market research on gay and lesbian consumers, and offers strategic consulting to industry-leading clients. CMI also produces the "International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism," and the "Best Practices in Gay & Lesbian Tourism Workshop." CMI operates the "TAG Approved(R) Accommodations" program (www.tagapproved.com); and publishes the annual Gay & Lesbian Travel Industry Directory.

CONTACT: David Paisley, Program Director, Gay & Lesbian Convention &
Visitors Bureau, 415-437-3800, or david@communitymarketinginc.com

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Billie Jean King and RainbowVision Palm Springs Paint the Town Green

Source: RainbowVision Properties, Inc.
Date: March 19, 2007

Palm Springs, CA -- Exclusive: Sports legend and social pioneer Billie Jean King and RainbowVision Palm Springs (RVPS) have announced plans for a green community, fitness facility and exhibition tennis court to open in Palm Springs.

RVPS's green choices promote construction of healthier buildings both for the occupants and the environment. According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, construction of buildings consumes 40% of the world's total energy. Now with the dangers of global warming, 'Hybrid Living'-- the co-existence of activities and lifestyles, inseparably spooling together -- is of ultimate importance. In addition, Rastra(R), RVPS's building material of choice, is a fire and earthquake resistant, sound proof, lightweight material made up of 85% recycled materials that might have lain forever in landfills.

"Joy Silver and RainbowVision are the nation's first and leading developer of communities for the second 50 years for the LGBT population and their friends," states Ms. King, "and now they have gone 'green.' I'm pleased to work with Joy and everyone at RainbowVision Palm Springs to develop a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, and exhibition tennis court in the unique RainbowVision-designed green community planned for Palm Springs."

RainbowVision Palm Springs, to be located on 13 acres of mountain-view land at East Palm Canyon Drive and Gene Autry Trail, will open their first information booth at the 2007 Kraft Nabisco LPGA Championship March 29th through April 1, at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. Interviews, as well as Shake radio remotes, will take place at the booth where fully refundable reservation deposits will be accepted. In addition, RVPS representatives will attend the LLT production of the Dinah Faire Golf Tournament to be played at Woodhaven Country Club on Friday and are sponsoring the LLT produced concert on Saturday night.

"We like being the first to materialize this elegant green dream, a combination of space, lifestyle and landscape, and now we have the additional honor of Billie Jean's presence -- for who better represents 'first -- again' than Billie Jean King, both in her reign as a great tennis champion, and as a social activist," states Joy Silver, President and CEO of RainbowVision California. "We enjoy her Fitness Center & Spa at RainbowVision Santa Fe, and in addition to her fitness center in Palm Springs, Billie Jean has designed a special outdoor exhibition tennis court. We are going to have some serious fun with that!"

Other members of the Palm Springs Green Team include developer representatives, Desert Green Builders, and exclusive leasing agents, Classic Homes Inc., who can be reached at 877-795-7555, ext. 2. The press is cordially invited to call Elizabeth Baker for interviews with Joy Silver.

CONTACT: Elizabeth G. Baker, Director of Marketing & Communications of
RainbowVision Properties, Inc., 505-428-7791

Monday, March 19, 2007

New York Court Upholds Westchester County Executive Order

Source: Lambda Legal
Date: March 12, 2007

New York -- Lambda Legal announces today that the Supreme Court of New York, Westchester County has held that County Executive Spano is adhering to New York law in respecting out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples living in Westchester County.

Today’s decision follows a long history of settled law in New York, namely that our state respects marriages that are validly entered into in other jurisdictions,” said Alphonso David, Staff Attorney at Lambda Legal and lead attorney on this case. “Our clients can now have peace of mind that their marriage is respected in Westchester, consistent with New York law.”

On June 6, 2006, Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano issued Executive Order No. 3, which provides that “every department, board, agency, and commission of the County of Westchester under my jurisdiction (shall) recognize same sex marriages lawfully entered into outside the State of New York in the same manner as they currently recognize opposite sex marriages” with regard to extending benefits and rights to those couples.

In 2004, then-New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer issued an opinion confirming that New York’s marriage recognition rule applies to marriages between same-sex spouses that are lawfully entered into in other jurisdictions. Since that time, a number of New York municipalities, including New York City, Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, Nyack, Rochester, and Brighton, as well as Westchester County, have similarly publicly confirmed that, consistent with the marriage recognition rule, these municipal governments will respect marriages of same-sex couples validly performed outside the State.

On August 23, 2006, three purported Westchester County residents sued Spano, claiming that he did not have the right to issue his executive order. On November 30, 2006, Lambda Legal intervened in the case on behalf of Westchester County couple Michael Sabatino and Robert Voorheis, who married in Canada where same-sex couples may legally wed.

Today’s decision takes away any doubt that we are who we have always said we are: a married couple,” said Sabatino. “It’s so freeing to have our relationship honored for what it is in the community where we live and make our life together as a married couple.”

Public and private employers across New York are respecting marriages of same-sex couples in the state, as are numerous corporations that conduct business in New York. Lambda Legal worked with John Galanti to obtain spousal health insurance coverage for his spouse, John Hotchkiss, from Galanti’s employer the Town of Chili. Further, insurance companies such as CIGNA, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Insurance Company and Health Economics Group, have confirmed that they will respect marriages between same-sex couples for purposes of spousal health and dental coverage.

Lambda Legal has been a leader in the fight for respecting same-sex relationships in New York. In June of 2004, for example, Lambda Legal convinced automobile insurance providers in New York including Geico, State Farm, Allstate, and now many others including Traveler’s Insurance, to confirm that same-sex couples who are validly married will receive family coverage and premium rates, if requested, on the same marital basis that apply to other married policyholders. Lambda Legal also sought marriage for same-sex couples in New York in its historic lawsuit, Hernandez v. Robles.

Judge Joan B. Lefkowitz entered her decision in Godfrey et al v. Spano earlier today.

Alphonso David is Lambda Legal’s lead attorney on Godfrey et al v. Spano with Lambda Legal Senior Counsel Susan L. Sommer. Jeffrey S. Trachtman and Norman C. Simon of the New York City law firm Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP are co-counsel on the case.

# # #

Mark Roy: 212-809-8585 ext. 267; mroy@lambdalegal.org.

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

Retired Military Officers 'Come Out' and Demand Apology

Source: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
Date: March 16, 2007

WASHINGTON -- A group of seven high- ranking military veterans today responded to recent remarks by General Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who earlier this week called lesbian, gay and bisexual service members "immoral" and re-iterated his support for the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. The officers, who are all lesbian or gay, called on Congress to repeal the law, and demanded that General Pace apologize for his remarks.

COL Stewart Bornhoft, USA (Ret.); CAPT Joan E. Darrah, USN (Ret.); CAPT Robert D. Dockendorff, USNR (Ret.); Chaplain (COL) Paul W. Dodd, USA (Ret.); CAPT Sandra Geiselman, USNR (Ret.); COL E. A. Leonard, USA (Ret.); and CAPT Robert Michael Rankin, USN (Ret.) issued their statement on Friday morning.

"Our community has a long history of serving our country in the armed forces," the group said. "Today, there are more than 65,000 lesbian and gay troops on duty. Another one million gay and lesbian veterans, including the seven of us, have served in our fighting forces. General Pace's remarks dishonor that service, as does the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law. General Pace must offer an immediate and unqualified apology for his remarks and Congress must take action to repeal the ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans who want to serve our country."

The highly-decorated officers each served more than 20 years, and several considerably longer. They have earned scores of awards, honors and commendations during their careers. Four served in the Vietnam War. They have served as company commanders, helicopter pilots, medical officers, commanding officers, psychologists, chaplains, combat engineers, platoon leaders, infantry officers, supply corps officers and intelligence officers.

"Does General Pace believe we are immoral, or that our service was unacceptable?" the group asked. "Does he appreciate the sacrifice and dedication of every patriot in our armed forces, regardless of their sexual orientation? As military leaders, we never discounted the enormous contribution that every service member brought to our armed forces. General Pace should do no less, and owes an apology to our men and women on the frontlines and their families."

"Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is enormously proud of these stellar officers," said C. Dixon Osburn, the group's executive director. "These seven, who stand on behalf of one million gay veterans now living in the United States, are irrefutable proof that lesbian and gay patriots have made valuable contributions to our fighting forces. They have commanded companies, advised government leaders, fought on the ground and directed troops from the air. It was their outstanding performance and dedication to our country, not their sexual orientation, that made all the difference."

For more information on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and biographies of the officers, please visit http://www.sldn.org/.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is a national, non-profit legal services, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and related forms of intolerance. For more information, visit http://www.sldn.org/.

CONTACT: Steve Ralls of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network,
202-328-3244, ext. 116, sralls@sldn.org