Word of the Gay: "Heterosexual Privilege"

"Heterosexual Privilege: The societal assumption and norm that all people are heterosexual. The basic civil rights and social privileges that a heterosexual person automatically receives, that are systematically denied to gay, lesbian, or bisexual persons, simply because of their sexual orientation." (H/T)

Rally for South Carolina Gay-Straight Alliance

According to Gay Charleston:

"There will be a rally at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Dutch Fork Elementary School in Irmo, to show support for Irmo High School’s Gay Straight Alliance. The rally will be outside the district school board meeting.

Irmo Principal Eddie Walker announced last week that he would be resigning at the end of the next school year because the district is allowing the GSA to form. District officials have said their hands are tied because of equal access requirements.

Gay advocates are calling for Walker to leave now, suggesting that his continued administration at the school after such a high-profile proclamation that he can’t support the club could incite the type of dangerous environment that GSAs are looking to stop."

Dutch Fork Elementary School
7900 Broad River Rd
Irmo, SC 29063

ACTION: Contact Congress this Memorial Day!

This Memorial Day contact your representatives and senators urging for a repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy which bars gays/lesbians from serving openly in the military.

Organizations working for a repeal of "DADT" and serving LGBT servicemembers and veterans:

*Service Members Legal Defense Network
*American Veterans for Equal Rights
*HRC's "Legacy of Service"
*The Gay Military Times

Word of the Gay: "Lambda"

Originally a Greek letter chosen to represent a campaign for gay liberation that has gone onto become an international symbol of gay/lesbian rights. The lambda represents energy in physics and is also symbolic of the power and energy of the gay rights movement. Others suggest the symbol is reflectant of the fact that Queer people operate on a different "wavelength". It is now seen as a symbol of unity and pride, and frequently used in Queer Theory and academic circles.

Equality Maine Needs Our Help!

Action Alert from Equality Maine:

"On Tuesday, June 10th, primary voters will be asked to sign a petition supporting a referendum that would strip basic protections from LGBT Mainers and their families.

Voters have every right to sign that petition. But we want them to know what they're really signing: a measure that would

* Erase all the non-discrimination protections we've fought so hard to win
* End funding for school civil rights teams, which have played a vital role in combating harassment of all kinds
* Prohibit unmarried couples from jointly adopting, a move that would threaten the best interest of children

We also want to offer a better choice for fair-minded Mainers to sign: a statement of support for equality for all people in this state.

Help EqualityMaine build a presence at hundreds of polling places around Maine. Volunteer with us on June 10th.

Because if enough voters sign that petition, we'll face another anti-equality referendum battle in November 2009.

Every hour you can give on primary day will make a difference. Email our field organizer, Matt Moonen, at mmoonen@equalitymaine.org by May 30 to sign up. He'll get back to you with more information about volunteer training and scheduling."

Shameless Self Promotion Sunday

I got this idea by reading the Feminist blog Feministe and figured it might be fun to try it out here.

Please share any Queer or Queer related topics you have blogged about or found of interest during the week.

"Why Homosexuality Should be Banned!"

This is a clever video mocking arguments against homosexuality. Please watch it and get a good laugh but also share it with your friends. It makes a great point as to how ridiculous our opposition is.

Take Action: Voice Support for California Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is taking feedback on the "hot button" issue of the California Supreme Court Ruling favoring same-sex marriage.

It's a simple, easy automated call, you don't need to speak to anyone.

To vote in support of the Supreme Court's decision on LGBT marriage:

1. Call the Governor at 1-916-445-2841
2. Press 1, 5, 1, 1

Email form:
http://gov.ca.gov/interact#email(Click email tab and select "Supreme Court decision on Same Sex Marriage". On the next screen you must click PRO).

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

The Rainbow is not Shining in Alabama

According to Sweet Homo Alabama:

"Birmingham, Ala. Mayor Larry Langford has denied a request by the board of Central Alabama Pride to issue a city wide proclamation marking the city’s annual gay pride celebration.
Organizers of the event sent an Email to the mayor’s office requesting the proclamation and received a reply on Wednesday. The response from the mayor is as follows:

“I have received your request for a proclamation celebrating Gay Pride Week. While I do not personally ascribe to any form of discrimination, I believe it is not the role of local governments to condone, endorse or support the personal lifestyle choices of its citizens.”

The proclamation has usually been issued by the mayor’s office each year to be printed in the guide handed out to pride participants."

Feel free to call or mail the mayor with your thoughts on his refusal to issue a proclamation, allow banners on city property, or grant the parade permit...

Birmingham City Hall
710 20th Street North
Birmingham, Alabama 35203-2216

Phone: 205-254-2277 FAX: 205-254-2926

Tell Wal-Mart to Add Gender Identity/Expression to its Non-Discrimination Policy

According to Pam's Houseblend:

The board of Wal-Mart is urging stockholders to vote against the upcoming proposal number 4 which would add gender identity/expression to the companies non-discrimination policy. The board insists Wal-Mart is a leader when it comes to diversity and see no need to implement a change in current policy.

Take action by contacting Wal-Mart to add protections for gender variant people.

Contact Form: http://walmartstores.com/contactus/feedback.aspx

Phone: (1-800-WALMART)

Address:
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Attn: Customer Service
702 S.W. 8th Street
Bentonville, AR 72716