by Mark GerardyBack on election day 2008, it was a great day - a Democrat president after an eight-year hiatus, a Democrat-majority in the House and Senate, many Democrat governors, almost everything was perfect - except California's anti-gay Proposition 8 narrowly passed.Wouldn't it be nice to be able to get everything that you want in one full-swoop?Some elections, it has been good just to get anything that you want. Any victory, anywhere. Rarely, if ever, does anyone get every single thing that they want, either for Christmas or on Election Day. It's life.Election Day 2010 probably will not be as good as 2008, and there will be fewer presents. I am fairly certain that despite my best efforts, unfortunately one of the Colorado Senate seats will go to openly-homophobic Republican Ken Buck. Between that and less Democrats in the Senate and House, things are not going to look very good f
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The Out4Immigration Blog: Dealing with Victories and Defeats
Posted by
uluckidog 570 days ago
(http://out4immigration.blogspot.com)
Uniting American Love - Gay City News
Posted by
uluckidog 570 days ago
(http://news.google.com)
“I don’t want to be an activist,” Josh Vandiver, a 29-year-old gay man explained.A Harvard graduate completing his Ph.D. at Princeton, with a focus on comparative ancient Greek and Renaissance political theory, Vandiver said, “I want to finish up my dissertation and become a professor… I’m a reclusive scholar. I like to be in the library all day.”Cristina Ojeda, a 24-year-old lesbian who came to the US from Mexico when she was 11 and became a citizen at the same time her father did, has more experience with LGBT causes. As an undergraduate at the University of California at Santa Cruz, she found herself amidst a politically charged student body. “It was natural to be involved,” she said.Still, when Ojeda, who grew up in California, moved to Buffalo to get a master’s in social work at SUNY, she found an apartment off campus in a low-income neighborhood where she felt uneasy leading a vis
HRC Ditches Illinois Sorta Gay Friendly Republican for Homo Loving Democrat
Posted by
igualdad 704 days ago
(http://www.queerty.com)
Not that Giannoulias doesn't deserve HRC's endorsement, or your vote. He sounds like he does!: "As the next senator from the great state of Illinois, I will lead the fight for equality — for marriage equality, for an end to DOMA, for employment non-discrimination, and for immigration reform that treats same-sex couples fairly."
If you can't count on the Human Rights Campaign to effectively lobby lawmakers to actually effect change, at the very least you can, say, use their Corporate Equality Index to decide whether your contribution to climate change should be backed by the gay-friendly Chevron or the gay-hating ExxonMobil. And then there's HRC's recommendations for who you should vote for, which, with Rep. Mark Kirk, it just proved you shouldn't really trust either.
If you can't count on the Human Rights Campaign to effectively lobby lawmakers to actually effect change, at the very least you can, say, use their Corporate Equality Index to decide whether your contribution to climate change should be backed by the gay-friendly Chevron or the gay-hating ExxonMobil. And then there's HRC's recommendations for who you should vote for, which, with Rep. Mark Kirk, it just proved you shouldn't really trust either.
Love Without Borders Or Papers
Posted by
ExileComingHome 704 days ago
(http://www.ipsnews.net)
NEW YORK, Apr 7, 2010 (IPS) - Tom is in love. It's an old story: he noticed an attractive stranger at a friend's party, and the attractive stranger noticed Tom. They began talking, then dating, and then they fell in love. For a while, they enjoyed a perfect romance.
Eventually, though, they had to face the fact that their future would be fraught with possibly insurmountable challenges. Their problem is not a previous relationship or children, not a chronic illness or a lie revealed. It's that Tom's partner is not a U.S. citizen, they are both men, and they are trying to make a life together in the United States, whose laws do not recognise their relationship.
Eventually, though, they had to face the fact that their future would be fraught with possibly insurmountable challenges. Their problem is not a previous relationship or children, not a chronic illness or a lie revealed. It's that Tom's partner is not a U.S. citizen, they are both men, and they are trying to make a life together in the United States, whose laws do not recognise their relationship.
US senator help Brazilian man reunite with his American husband
Posted by
USABound 704 days ago
(http://www.canadaeast.com)
A Brazilian man was reunited with his American husband this week after a U.S. senator pressed federal officials to temporarily allow the gay man back into the country on humanitarian grounds.
Nearly three years ago, the couple split when Oliveira was forced to return to Brazil after being denied permanent residency in the U.S. because the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriages.
The pair maintained contact through online video chats and sporadic visits during holidays.
The case gained international attention from gay rights and immigrant advocates who criticized U.S. officials for separating the couple even though they were legally married.
Nearly three years ago, the couple split when Oliveira was forced to return to Brazil after being denied permanent residency in the U.S. because the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriages.
The pair maintained contact through online video chats and sporadic visits during holidays.
The case gained international attention from gay rights and immigrant advocates who criticized U.S. officials for separating the couple even though they were legally married.
California’s Senate Judiciary committee may soon be holding an official hearing on AJR 15, a resolution if approved would confirm California’s support of the passing of a United States Congressional bill The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA-HR.1024 & S 424).
Authored by Assembly Member Kevin de Leon, CA-45, AJR 15 declares California’s disapproval of current US Immigration laws which forbids Same-Sex bi-national couples the opportunity from being able to sponsor their partners for immigration purposes.
Authored by Assembly Member Kevin de Leon, CA-45, AJR 15 declares California’s disapproval of current US Immigration laws which forbids Same-Sex bi-national couples the opportunity from being able to sponsor their partners for immigration purposes.
Love across oceans US government is still a sinking ship
Posted by
USABound 704 days ago
(http://www.feministing.com)
When I wrote a review of Elizabeth Gilbert's new book, Committed, last week, I failed to mention one of my favorite parts of the book. She wholeheartedly challenges the American government's continued discrimination against same-sex couples in immigration situations.
There was nothing ambiguous, however, about the situation that a dear friend of mine recently faced when she and her non-American partner had to figure out how the hell to be together despite a federal government that refuses to recognize their love and commitment. After many costly and painful twists and turns, they're now relying on an education visa. Incidentally, many international couples (heterosexual included) must rely on these visas in order to be together, as they can be far less costly than hiring a lawyer and going through marriage proceedings.
In any case, I wanted to shine a spotlight
There was nothing ambiguous, however, about the situation that a dear friend of mine recently faced when she and her non-American partner had to figure out how the hell to be together despite a federal government that refuses to recognize their love and commitment. After many costly and painful twists and turns, they're now relying on an education visa. Incidentally, many international couples (heterosexual included) must rely on these visas in order to be together, as they can be far less costly than hiring a lawyer and going through marriage proceedings.
In any case, I wanted to shine a spotlight
We must be vigilant on immigration reform
Posted by
USAFrance 704 days ago
(http://www.washingtonblade.com)
The Uniting American Families Act, which seeks to end inequalities in current U.S. immigration laws that leave lesbian and gay Americans unable to sponsor a partner or spouse for residency, is particularly important to bi-national families and their supporters. So when Immigration Equality held a conference call last Friday to share the latest developments on efforts to pass the bill, it drew a crowd.
But Julie Kruse, Immigration Equality’s policy director, confirmed things aren’t looking good for the bill. Due to the current political climate in which incumbents fear retaliation from their constituents, and the fact that Congress’ working days are numbered, no movement on immigration legislation is expected until after November. It’s more likely that financial regulation and climate change will be tackled in the months ahead.
Kruse said in an e-mail, though, s
But Julie Kruse, Immigration Equality’s policy director, confirmed things aren’t looking good for the bill. Due to the current political climate in which incumbents fear retaliation from their constituents, and the fact that Congress’ working days are numbered, no movement on immigration legislation is expected until after November. It’s more likely that financial regulation and climate change will be tackled in the months ahead.
Kruse said in an e-mail, though, s
Next week the D.C. Council will discuss a resolution showing support of the Uniting American Families Act pending in Congress.
Councilman At-Large David Catania authored the resolution last week, and the other 12 members of the council co-introduced it.
U.S. immigration law does not allow same-sex citizens and permanent residents to sponsor foreign-born partners for immigration benefits.
The UAFA, introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and in the Senate by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., would "amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents and to penalize immigration fraud in connec
Councilman At-Large David Catania authored the resolution last week, and the other 12 members of the council co-introduced it.
U.S. immigration law does not allow same-sex citizens and permanent residents to sponsor foreign-born partners for immigration benefits.
The UAFA, introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and in the Senate by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., would "amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents and to penalize immigration fraud in connec
Obama and LGBT Rights
Posted by
UnitedByLove 704 days ago
(http://www.huffingtonpost.com)
For supporters of LGBT rights, the election of President Obama represented an apparent historical turning point for sexual minorities in our country. As a presidential candidate, Obama had said all of the rights things: he criticized the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy (DADT); he called for the enactment of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would protect employees against sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination; and called for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
But now that almost a third of Obama's first term has gone by, there is growing despair among many of his LGBT supporters over how little the administration has accomplished on gay rights. We have been here before. Eighteen years ago many gay rights advocates celebrated the election of President Clinton, the first presidential candidate to reach out to the LGBT c
But now that almost a third of Obama's first term has gone by, there is growing despair among many of his LGBT supporters over how little the administration has accomplished on gay rights. We have been here before. Eighteen years ago many gay rights advocates celebrated the election of President Clinton, the first presidential candidate to reach out to the LGBT c
Proclamation Acknowledges 2 Dads Yet Exacerbates Discrimination
Posted by
Fight4theRight 704 days ago
(http://www.pinkbananaworld.com)
President Obama must pursue the repeal of DOMA as an absolute priority and even so UAFA; the Uniting American families Act, also a priority above Immigration Reform, ahead of ENDA. The President has it in his power to insist that Speaker Pelosi bring at least UAFA legislation to a Vote before the election in November.
Mr. President – The bi-national couples, despite poor leadership and wild goose chases, want UAFA as a stand alone Bill- we are not willing to wait for Immigration reform, the latter still unavailable in Bill form. Frameworks do not cut it for us as we wait in fear, detention, exile, suicidal, desperate, lonely!
Mr. President – The bi-national couples, despite poor leadership and wild goose chases, want UAFA as a stand alone Bill- we are not willing to wait for Immigration reform, the latter still unavailable in Bill form. Frameworks do not cut it for us as we wait in fear, detention, exile, suicidal, desperate, lonely!
Fools all of you who were willing to take this ridiculous ride imposed by Immigration Equality. It did nothing more than derogate from the momentum for UAFA, poised by the Senate Judiciary committee hearing for UAFA supported by the impetus of the moving advocacy of Shirley Tan. We wanted our EQUALITY BILL – a remedial Bill, one that righted a wrong, not one that asked for something new. ...
What damn idiot thought it a plan to attach UAFA to amnesty and Biometrics? The lobby of Schumer by Immigration Equality and all the rest of us idiots puppets to the lockstep delusions of three incompetent decision makers puporting to represent an entire community in its decision making without so much ads a vote. ... Senators we do not all agree with the Immigration Equality Lobby – THEY DO NOT represent us or what many of us want. ... Immigration Equality LOBBY NOW for UAFA as a
What damn idiot thought it a plan to attach UAFA to amnesty and Biometrics? The lobby of Schumer by Immigration Equality and all the rest of us idiots puppets to the lockstep delusions of three incompetent decision makers puporting to represent an entire community in its decision making without so much ads a vote. ... Senators we do not all agree with the Immigration Equality Lobby – THEY DO NOT represent us or what many of us want. ... Immigration Equality LOBBY NOW for UAFA as a
Potential split in immigration coalition
Posted by
USABound 704 days ago
(http://www.congress.org)
The debate over whether same-sex couples should be included in the immigration overhaul is resurfacing, threatening to break the fragile coalition supporting it.
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) is holding a press conference Monday to announce that he wants to extend family immigration benefits to binational gay couples. The representative leading the charge on immigration had not included that community in his original proposal unveiled last year. ...
"This proposal threatens to undermine the opportunity to bring together the Congress and the American people around a common solution to the important challenge of immigration reform," the group said in a statement.
The gay rights issue could also alienate Evangelical leaders who could sway moderate Democrats and Republicans to support immigration.
Liberal factions in the coalition argue tha
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) is holding a press conference Monday to announce that he wants to extend family immigration benefits to binational gay couples. The representative leading the charge on immigration had not included that community in his original proposal unveiled last year. ...
"This proposal threatens to undermine the opportunity to bring together the Congress and the American people around a common solution to the important challenge of immigration reform," the group said in a statement.
The gay rights issue could also alienate Evangelical leaders who could sway moderate Democrats and Republicans to support immigration.
Liberal factions in the coalition argue tha
Our earlier reports came to fruition when today the Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Association of Evangelicals, urged through a press call for support of comprehensive immigration reform and specifically for the exclusion of same-sex partners from immigration reform, thereby insisting on the status quo for gay and lesbian couples – exile, detention, hiding and no visas or sponsorship for same-sex couples in loving committed relationships.
However Immigration equality thinks this is no big deal and assert that the gay community has the upper hand on this one.
Today Steve Ralls, the spokesperson for Immigration Equality, speaking again to Kerry Eleveld at to the Advocate – said the breadth of support that has developed for folding gay families into the bill puts conservatives at a disadvantage. The combination of all those things
However Immigration equality thinks this is no big deal and assert that the gay community has the upper hand on this one.
Today Steve Ralls, the spokesperson for Immigration Equality, speaking again to Kerry Eleveld at to the Advocate – said the breadth of support that has developed for folding gay families into the bill puts conservatives at a disadvantage. The combination of all those things
The press has made much of how evangelicals -- remember, those people who only care about abortion and same sex marriage! -- are embracing a bigger agenda and breaking ranks with Republicans by endorsing comprehensive immigration reform.
But as I reported on Monday, that support comes with a caveat: no equality for gay and lesbian couples.
Now religious groups who support LGBT equality have pushed back, issuing a statement through the group Immigration Equality Action Fund condemning evangelical efforts to exclude the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) from a comprehensive reform package.
But as I reported on Monday, that support comes with a caveat: no equality for gay and lesbian couples.
Now religious groups who support LGBT equality have pushed back, issuing a statement through the group Immigration Equality Action Fund condemning evangelical efforts to exclude the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) from a comprehensive reform package.
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Promoting public awareness of the need for fairness in immigration policy particularly as it relates to the rights of same-sex bi-national couples in the United States who seek equal immigration rights; Providing information regarding political issues relating to gay immigration equality issues, rights and policy.