Tag Archives: activism

It’s Time For LGBT+ & Allies To Get Serious and OFFICIALLY BOYCOTT FLORIDA

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THIS IS SERIOUS! – If you aren’t boycotting Florida you are only helping DeSantis.

It has been over one year since Florida Governor Ron Desantis and his GOP-controlled Government set the original “Don’t Say Gay” law into motion. In that one year, it has been expanded to the point that surpasses the damage done by Anita Bryant’s “Save Our Children Campaign” in the 1970s and is more in line with Vladimir Putin’s “LGBT propaganda laws” in Russia.

So two questions: Why is the LGBT+ community in Florida not fighting back? And why is there not a full-blown boycott of Florida by the LGBT+ community and our Allies? No companies have moved. No conventions were canceled. No pressure is put on the state whatsoever.

Excuses have run the gambit of “Oh it doesn’t affect me personally” (It does) and “Boycotts and protests don’t work.”(Some do.) to “What about all the LGBT businesses won’t they will be hurt?”(LGBT+ and Allies who live in Florida should only shop LGBT+ and Ally businesses and support them during a boycott.)

Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law has surpassed Anita Bryant’s heinous “Save our Children” campaign against us in the 1970s because those issues were electoral decisions. So we had the power to vote. But now Florida is under an anti-LGBT dictatorship and we have no other recourse at this point but to cut it off.  Cutting off money is the best card we hold in a very weak hand right now. And it must be played.

The LGBTQ+A community MUST stand up and fight within the state also. But protests have been few and blowback within the state minimal. Case in point. Over the year Wilton Manors in Fort Lauderdale which has the largest community in the state has had only one “High Heel” protest march and has caved to DeSantis and has signed onto mot allowing drag queens “not performing” at PRIDE.

That IS NOT PRIDE.

Even the state group Equality Florida and the Florida Immigrant Coalition made a call for action and a boycott over a month ago. It has largely been ignored.

“As an organization that has spent decades working to improve Florida’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to live work and visit, it is with great sadness that we must respond to those asking if it is safe to travel to Florida or remain in the state as the laws strip away basic rights and freedoms,” Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith said in a statement.

Florida makes over 40 billion dollars each year on tourism alone. Let’s take our LGBTQ+ and ally money away. Any loss to the state is a win for us.

So sorry Flori-gays. You have dropped the ball. You don’t seem to understand that your inaction and passiveness have paved the way and emboldened 16 other red states to establish “Don’t Say Gay” laws because there is no major pushback in Florida. The Human Rights Campaign won’t save you and they have once again proven their uselessness also.

It is time for the rest of us to take over and organized.

It’s time to get serious and fight back.

WE ARE OFFICIALLY CALLING FOR A LGBTQ+ and ALLY BOYCOTT OF FLORIDA TOURISM AND PRODUCTS.

Florida companies apart from Disney who now stand in solidarity (even though they helped start it all) need to stand up, events and conventions need to be canceled and we all need to fight back. Regardless if we live in the state or not.

In the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s some of us have fought till bloody. In Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the majority are sipping Bloody Marys at Sunday brunch doing nothing.

We have lost over 40 years of progress in Florida and it’s well past time we fight back.

To quote the unknown lesbian who was arrested at the Stonewall riots and when shoved into the paddy -wagon shouted: “Why don’t you guys do something?”

Please sign onto this Boycott of Florida and share it widely.

Thank you:

Will Kohler – Editor and Activist

Gay and LGBT Journalism Used To Be A Tool for Activism Before It Became Mainstream and Vapid.

Gay and LGBT Journalism Used To Be A Tool for Activism Before It Became Mainstream and Vapid.

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I mean really do we need articles about “Andy Cohen is living his best daddy life” or news, information, and guidance about the attacks on our community by the GOP and Red States? You decide.

A long time ago in a gay-laxy many decades away gay and LGBT journalism played a critical role in the struggle for our equal rights and acceptance in the United States, particularly in the 1970s and 80s. During this time, Gay and LGBT journalists and publications emerged as powerful tools for activism, community building, and advocacy.

The 1970s saw the birth of several groundbreaking gay publications, including The Advocate, Gay Community News (gone), and The Body Politic (gone). These publications provided a platform for people to share their stories and experiences, as well as to engage in political and social activism.

LGBT journalism has played a critical role in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance in the United States, particularly in the 1970s and 80s. During this time, LGBTQ+ journalists and publications emerged as powerful tools for activism, community building, and advocacy.

One of the key ways that LGBTQ+ journalism was used for activism during this period was through reporting on discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ people. For example, in the aftermath of the Stonewall riots in 1969, LGBTQ+ publications covered police violence against queer people and the subsequent protests and activism that emerged in response. Similarly, in the 1980s, as the AIDS epidemic swept through the LGBTQ+ community, publications such as The Advocate and Gay Community News were instrumental in raising awareness about the disease and advocating for better healthcare and support services for those affected.

LGBT+ journalists and publications also played a crucial role in advocating for legal and political change. In the early 1980s, for example, The Advocate published a series of articles exposing the discrimination faced by gay people in the military, which helped to build momentum for the eventual repeal of the military’s ban on openly LGBT+ service members in 2011.

In addition to reporting on news and events, LGBT publications also served as important forums for community building and activism. Many publications included personal ads and classifieds sections, which allowed people to connect with one another and build social networks. They also often featured editorial content on topics such as Gay+ history, culture, and politics, which helped to educate readers and build a sense of community and solidarity.

Many publications faced censorship, harassment, and even violence from those who opposed LGBT rights and visibility. For example, in 1977, the offices of The Gay Crusader, a publication based in San Francisco, were firebombed in what is widely believed to have been an anti-gay hate crime attack.

Despite these challenges, LGBT+ journalism remained a powerful tool for activism throughout the 1970s and 80s.

In the 90’s and afterwards many LGBT publications went “mainstream”. Gone are the personals, history pots, and any calls to activism.

In this current political climate we need LGBT+ publications to return to its roots. To inform, lead, and create a sense of community again.

Oh and by the way. NO ONE FUCKING CARES ABUT ANDY COHEN.

You can see some gay and LGBT vintage news magazines cover below.

Continue reading Gay and LGBT Journalism Used To Be A Tool for Activism Before It Became Mainstream and Vapid. →
Pride Organizers Are Cancelling Drag Queens Ahead of Festivals. Cowards.

COWARDS – Pride Organizers Are Cancelling Drag Queens Ahead of Festivals.

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PRIDE was born out of activism and to show everyone who we are. Excluding Drag Queens goes against everything PRIDE stands for.

Organizers of Pride festivals and parades in mostly conservative states where there’s been a broader push targeting LGBTQ+ rights have been under increasing pressure to censor or cancel their events.  They’re taking steps like editing acts and canceling drag shows in order to still hold their annual celebrations . But should they?

Most Pride organizations are busy “doing their homework” and investigating how legislation popping up around the country may impact their events, said Ron deHarte, co-president for the U.S. Association of Prides.  (Who knew?)

This year, the Pride Alliance of the Treasure Coast in Port St. Lucie, Florida has reacted to possible legislation, canceling a planned gay pride parade and restricting other events to people 21 years and older.

Meanwhile, organizers in the Nashville, Tennessee, suburb of Franklin, opted not to include drag performances in their Pride celebrations so they can work with local officials to get other events permitted.

But the question is should they change or cancel these PRIDES or should they stand up against these fascist rules and opinions and include drag queens and let the chips falls where they may.

The founders of Pride meant for the events to include everyone and take our power by showring everyone how proud we are to be where we are and how we will fight for our rights,

Rolling over and excluding drag queens does not do that.

PRIDE was born out of activism. Not by being lily-livered fraidy cats who have no clue what real activism is and are causing our past LGBT+ heroes to spin in their graves.

Gay History: The Life and Art of Keith Haring (May 4, 1958 – February 16, 1990)

Gay History: The Life and Art of Keith Haring (May 4, 1958 – February 16, 1990)

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Keith Haring (1958-1990) was a prominent gay American artist and social activist known for his vibrant and dynamic style of art. Haring’s artwork primarily focused on issues of social justice, AIDS awareness, and LGBT rights, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and activists around the world.

Haring was born on May 4, 1958, in Reading, Pennsylvania. As a child, he showed a talent for art and began drawing cartoons at an early age. Haring’s interest in art continued throughout his school years, and he went on to study at the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh.

After completing his studies moved to New York City in 1978, where he quickly became immersed in the city’s vibrant art scene. He began creating street art, drawing images on empty subway advertisement spaces using white chalk. These drawings quickly gained attention, and Haring became a well-known figure in the city’s street art scene.

Haring’s art was heavily influenced by the cultural and political climate of the 1980s. He was deeply involved in the AIDS activism movement and used his art to raise awareness about the disease. His artwork often featured bold, stylized figures, many of which were interlocked in various sexual positions. These images were meant to challenge societal norms and promote greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBT community.

Haring’s art was not limited to the street; he also created numerous murals, sculptures, and paintings. In 1986, he collaborated with the artist Jenny Holzer to create a large-scale mural in New York City’s Battery Park. The mural, entitled “Spectres of the State,” was a commentary on the political tensions of the time.

Continue reading Gay History: The Life and Art of Keith Haring (May 4, 1958 – February 16, 1990) →
Gay History - April 17, 1965: Frank Kameny Leads The First Gay & Lesbian Protest At The White House

Gay History – April 17, 1965: Frank Kameny Leads The First Gay & Lesbian Protest At The White House

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On April 17th, 1965 Dr. Frank Kameny along with gay rights pioneer Jack Nichols, who co-founded the Mattachine Society of Washington, DC  bravely led the first “homosexual rights” protest at the White House at a time in history when being gay and lesbian was viewed as an abomination in this country.

The Mattachine Society fought for the equal treatment of gay employees in the federal government, the repeal of sodomy laws, and the removal of homosexuality as a mental disorder in the American Psychiatric Association’s manual of mental disorders..

Ten MSW members along with members of the Daughters of Bilitis picketed in front of the White House against Cuban and the US governments repression of homosexuals.

The group also included:  Gail Johnson,  Gene Kleeberg, Judith Kuch, Paul Kuntzler, Perrin Shaffer, Jon Swanson, Otto Ulrich, Lilli Vincenz (editor of MSW’s quarterly).

Of the protest, Jack Nichols wrote “Never before had gay people as an organized group paraded openly for our rights.”

Nichols recalls:

The picket took place during mid-afternoon. It was the Saturday before Easter, and tourists walked the downtown streets. Lige [Clarke], driving the convertible, took me to the White House curb and helped me unload signs. Then he drove off to work the afternoon shift at the Pentagon. Gail arrived at the site on the back seat of Ray’s motorcycle. It was agreed I should lead the picket line. The reason for this was that I was tall and an all-American sort. Also, I suppose, because I’d conceived the event. Frank Kameny marched behind me and Lilli Vincenz behind him ..

As we marched, I looked about at our well-dressed little band. Kameny had insisted that we seven men must wear suits and ties, and the women, dresses and heels. New Yorkers later complained that we Washingtonians looked like a convention of undertakers, but given the temper of the times, Kameny’s insistence was apropos. “If you’re asking for equal employment rights,” he intoned, “look employable!” In the staid nation’s capital, dressing for the occasion was, in spite of New York critics, proper.

We paraded in a small circle. Behind lampposts stood unknown persons photographing us. Were they government agents? Perrin and Otto wore sunglasses so absolute identification would be difficult should they fall prey to security investigations. We walked for an hour that passed, as I’d predicted, without incident. A few tourists gawked and there were one or two snickers, more from confusion than from prejudice.

We’d hoped for more publicity than we got. Only “The Afro-American “carried a small item about what we’d done. But we’d done it, and that was what mattered. We’d stood up against the power structure, putting our bodies on the line. Nothing had happened except that we’d been galvanized, and, to a certain extent, immunized against fear.”

The Mattachine Society protest was not welcomed by the even more conservative leaders of the gay movement who felt picketing would draw adverse publicity and even greater hostility. 

The Mattachine Society’s protest of the White House, along with the Stonewall Riots are among two of the most significant events in LGBT History. But sadly as we look at the pictures and read the slogans on the picket signs of our LGBT activist forefathers and we realize many of the slogans on these signs could still be carried in protests today almost 60 years later.

This is still our time.  This is still our fight.

Homophiles': The LGBTQ rights movement began long before Stonewall

Wilton Manors in Florida Sets Protest Against Anti-LGBT State Laws.

Wilton Manors in Florida Sets Protest Against Anti-LGBT State Laws.

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Well it took a couple of months but its nice to see some LGBT’s in Florida finally standing up against Florida’s heinous and oppressive anti-LGBT laws.

According to the 2010 Census, Wilton Manors is the country’s “Second Gayest City” – at least in terms of couples. It has about 140 per 1,000, putting it second only to Provincetown, Mass

Via ABC affiliate Local 10.com:

The LGBTQ community in Wilton Manors is preparing to march Sunday against new measures that Republicans in Florida are pushing forward. Christ Caputo, a Wilton Manors commissioner, said it’s time for the community to stand against “discriminatory” Florida bills Caputo said he is especially concerned about House Bill 1011 and Senate Bill 668, which set limits to flags at governmental agencies. “A new bill that came out, a House bill, essentially bans pride flags from flying in government property,” Caputo said. “Crazy enough, there was an amendment to it where it would have been OK to fly a Confederate flag but not to fly a Pride flag. I mean that’s unbelievable.”

The protest march “in heels” means no white plumber’s boots.

Gay History:  Peace and Gay Activist Carl Wittman Born (February 23, 1943 – January 22, 1986) 

Gay History:  Peace and Gay Activist Carl Wittman Born (February 23, 1943 – January 22, 1986) 

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Carl Whitman was an American activist who dedicated his life to promoting progressive political and social change. He is best known for his leadership in the anti-war movement of the 1960s and 1970s, as well as his contributions to the development of the New Left political movement.

Wittman was also gay.

In the mid-1960s, Whitman became involved in the anti-war movement, which was gaining momentum as the United States became increasingly involved in the conflict in Vietnam. He helped organize protests and sit-ins, and he was arrested several times for his activism. He also wrote and spoke out against the war, arguing that it was a costly and unjustifiable waste of human life.

Wittman was a member of the national council of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and later an activist for LGBT rights. He co-authored “An Interracial Movement of the Poor?” (1963)  with Tom Hayden and wrote “A Gay Manifesto” (1970)

In 1971, Wittman moved to Wolf Creek, OR, with his then-partner, Stevens McClave. Two years later, he began a long-term relationship with a fellow war resister Allan Troxler. In the early 1980s, Wittman created the North Carolina Lesbian and Gay Health Project (LGHP) with David Jolly, Timmer McBride, and Aida Wakil to address the health needs of sexual minorities in that state.

Wittman declined hospital treatment for AIDS and committed suicide by drug overdose at home in North Carolina.

Although he passed away in 1981 at the young age of 38, Whitman’s legacy continues to inspire activists and social justice advocates today. His commitment to fighting for a more just and equitable society serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

This Is MY PRIDE STORY To Tell

This Is MY PRIDE STORY To Tell

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As many of you know I have undergone multiple surgeries on my legs over the past 2 years. Yesterday was another surgery. But this one went slightly differently.

While I was in pre-op awaiting surgery and giving my medical history to an older female nurse at a hospital in Kentucky . I am and have always been open about being gay and my activism for full rights. The nurse took a beat. She looked me straight in the eye and took my hand , squeezed it and said “Thank you for fighting so long and so hard” and because of that her daughter, a lesbian just got married.

WOW. I was totally gutted. She gave me more respect, gratitude, and love in that minute than I have ever felt by the younger LGBTQ community at large.

LGBT Activists Arrested in Warsaw, Poland for Hanging Rainbow Flags Off Statues and "Offending Religious Feelings"

LGBT Activists Arrested in Warsaw, Poland for Hanging Rainbow Flags Off Statues and “Offending Religious Feelings”

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Three LGBT activists have been arrested in Warsaw, Poland for hanging rainbow PRIDE flags off statues in Warsaw earlier this week.

The activists who were protesting the anti-LGBT policies of President Andrzej Duda hung the flags off statues of Christ at the Basilica of the Holy Cross , the astronomer Copernicus and the famous Warsaw mermaid statue. Polish police charged them with desecrating monuments and “offending religious feelings”.

Prosecutors must now decide whether to bring the case to court.

During last month’s election campaign, President Duda — an ally of the ruling conservative Law and Justice party — said the promotion of LGBT rights was an ideology more harmful than communism. He was re-elected as Poland’s president for a second five-year term, winning 51% of the vote in a tight battle with Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski a staunch defender of LGBT rights.

During the swearing in of President Andrzej Duda’s swearing-in female Polish MPs wore the rainbow colors of the LGBT PRIDE flag and rainbow face masks in protest.

At his swearing-in, Duda vowed to maintain openness to all groups and political parties, while also stressing the need to protect the family in Polish society.

Left wing parliamentarians dressed in the colours of the rainbow pose in front of the Polish Parliament (Sejm)
American Airlines and Others Companies Under Fire For Donating to Anti-LGBT Republicans

American Airlines and Others Companies Under Fire For Donating to Anti-LGBT Republicans

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A new social media campaign called Zero for Zeros is taking on the hypocrisy of American Airlines, Google, Facebook and other companies whose PACs have donated to anti-gay Republican lawmakers .

Take for example Republican Senator Ted Cruz who has received campaign contributions in the amounts of $18,500 from Google, $16,000 from American Airlines, $15,000 from Microsoft and $2,000 from Amazon since 2012, according to Federal Election Commission records.

“These companies are some of the most well-known companies throughout the world and they support LGBT equality in many ways,” Lane Hudson, Zero for Zeros campaign manager, said in a statement. “Their political contributions to the most anti-gay members of Congress do not reflect the values they have expressed to their employees and the public.”

All five of the companies mentioned above have received a score of 100 on the useless 2019 Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index, which rates workplaces on LGBT equality. The Zero for Zeros campaign argues that given their high scores and apparent sensitivity to such issues, they should stop donating to lawmakers who don’t strongly support LGBT rights.

Anti-gay GOP Reps. Bill Flores, Pete Olson, Randy Weber, Brian Babin and racist extremist Louie Gohmert. have also received donations from PACs for American, AT&T, Microsoft, Amazon or other major employers.

Gohmert, the worst of the bunch has received $10,500 from American Airlines, $32,000 from AT&T, $7,000 from Microsoft and $4,000 from UPS since 2005.