Meanwhile in San Francisco, Filipino Shirley Tan and her partner Jay Mercado, who have been fighting for equal immigration rights for LGBT families, sat and waved with their twin 12-year-old boys atop a convertible, as they led a contingent during the city’s Gay Pride parade.
Earlier this year, Tan faced deportation. She would have been torn away from Mercado, a U.S. green card holder and their twin boys, both American citizens. But after intense lobbying from immigrant rights groups, a private bill was introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein to keep Tan in the country until the end of 2010.
“It has been a rough year for us, but I am so overwhelmed with the support of people to keep my family together,” said Tan.Tan and Mercado’s dilemma illustrates the inequity between same-sex civil unions and the right to marry, and they are not alone. There are about 36,0
Search results for lesbian
Marriage rights top agenda for Gay Pride celebrations
Posted by
BinatUK 1058 days ago
(http://www.abs-cbnnews.com)
New Beginning Initiative Launches
Posted by
ATLdave 1060 days ago
(http://www.thetaskforce.org)
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and a collaboration of expert organizations today announced the New Beginning Initiative, designed to push for concrete federal administration policy and regulatory changes directly benefiting the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and eliminating discrimination from federal policies.
The initiative, which is an outcome of the National Policy Roundtable with organizations opting into the initiative, began more than a year ago in preparation of a more LGBT-favorable administration. The more than 80 initial policies identified and recommended for changes span the authority of the White House and more than 30 federal agencies. The recommendations focus on
The initiative, which is an outcome of the National Policy Roundtable with organizations opting into the initiative, began more than a year ago in preparation of a more LGBT-favorable administration. The more than 80 initial policies identified and recommended for changes span the authority of the White House and more than 30 federal agencies. The recommendations focus on
Nations Mayors Speak Up for Uniting American Families Act
Posted by
MikeLA 1065 days ago
(http://news.yahoo.com)
The U.S. Conference of Mayors passed a resolution supporting marriage equality today.Conference president and mayor of Seattle Greg Nickels said, "The nation's mayors are proud to take the lead in recognizing the importance of protecting all our citizens equally. It is now time for state legislatures and our federal government to enact the same protections for all our nation's citizens."
The resolution, titled Equality and Civil Rights for Gay and Lesbian Americans, also endorsed federal bills including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
The resolution, titled Equality and Civil Rights for Gay and Lesbian Americans, also endorsed federal bills including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
10 Questions for Blabbeando
Posted by
ATLdave 1065 days ago
(http://miapogeo.com)
5. You're a leader in the Latino LGBT community. What do you think is the single most important issue that affect gay and lesbian Latinos in the US?
Two issues: The economic downturn as well as immigration reform. They might not be seen as 'gay' issues, per se, but, as part of the larger Latino community, they impact LGBT Latinos as much as the rest.
Two issues: The economic downturn as well as immigration reform. They might not be seen as 'gay' issues, per se, but, as part of the larger Latino community, they impact LGBT Latinos as much as the rest.
Best LGBT Blogs (The Lesbian and Gay Foundation)
Posted by
BinatUK 1066 days ago
(http://www.lgf.org.uk)
This blog deals largely with American and Canadian immigration and centres around questions of keeping LGBT families and spouses together. The blog has been calling on users to lobby their Members of Congress to cosponsor The Reuniting Families Act - this landmark bill addressing many of the obstacles families face as they struggle to navigate the U.S. immigration system and stay together, it marks the first time gay families have been part of a larger immigration reform bill.
LGF online have scoured the internet to bring you the most informative, entertaining and inspiring blogs from around the world.
The blogs we've chosen cover diverse issues from all sides of the LGBT equation. There's blogs from gay parents, gay conservatives, gay activists, young people coming out, older people coming out, and gay asylum seekers to name but a few.
LGF online have scoured the internet to bring you the most informative, entertaining and inspiring blogs from around the world.
The blogs we've chosen cover diverse issues from all sides of the LGBT equation. There's blogs from gay parents, gay conservatives, gay activists, young people coming out, older people coming out, and gay asylum seekers to name but a few.
Catholic Bishops urge immigration reform for everyone except Gays
Posted by
ATLdave 1066 days ago
(http://www.topix.com)
One of the most vocal supporters of immigration reform has been the Catholic Church .
But earlier this month several Catholic Bishops said they will not support any immigration bill that includes protections for gay and lesbian couples… and Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, the chairman of the Catholic bishops’ Committee on Migration, wrote to Congress that the Uniting American Families Act designed to eliminate discrimination in immigration law against gay and lesbian couples, would “erode the institution of marriage and family,” by taking a position that is “contrary to the very nature of marriage which pre-dates the Church and the State” if passed….
But yesterday at the spring meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in San Antonio, Texas, the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Francis George, the President of the United States Conference of Catholi
But earlier this month several Catholic Bishops said they will not support any immigration bill that includes protections for gay and lesbian couples… and Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, the chairman of the Catholic bishops’ Committee on Migration, wrote to Congress that the Uniting American Families Act designed to eliminate discrimination in immigration law against gay and lesbian couples, would “erode the institution of marriage and family,” by taking a position that is “contrary to the very nature of marriage which pre-dates the Church and the State” if passed….
But yesterday at the spring meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in San Antonio, Texas, the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Francis George, the President of the United States Conference of Catholi
Will Obama Keep His Promises to the LGBT Community?
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1070 days ago
(http://lesbianlife.about.com)
At first I was trying to give President Obama some space. As other gay activists grew impatient about his non-action on issues like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" , Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and employment non-discrimination I wasn't too worried. After all, the President has some pretty big issues to deal with right now: the failing auto industry, health care reform, an economic crisis and two wars. Gay and lesbian issues can wait, right?
But as more time goes by, I'm starting to feel like a sucker. Remember the "Change we Can Believe In" signs? I did believe. I believed this one was going to be different from all those others. I heard him promise the gay community that he would repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and allow gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military. I heard him promise to repeal the DOMA. I heard him talk about enacting hate crime legislation and the pe
But as more time goes by, I'm starting to feel like a sucker. Remember the "Change we Can Believe In" signs? I did believe. I believed this one was going to be different from all those others. I heard him promise the gay community that he would repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and allow gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military. I heard him promise to repeal the DOMA. I heard him talk about enacting hate crime legislation and the pe
On Agenda Gays Ask But Obamas Not Telling (TIME)
Posted by
igualdad 1071 days ago
(http://www.time.com)
On January 9, the President-elect's spokesman Robert Gibbs gave a rare one-word answer. Asked if Barack Obama would "get rid" of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which prohibits gays from serving openly, Gibbs replied firmly, "Yes."
Ever since, the relationship between the President and his gay and lesbian supporters has only gotten more complicated. Soldiers continue to be discharged from the military for being openly gay, and activists have voiced increasing concern over the administration's lack of action on other key issues. "The particular and generalized concern is, What's the plan?" explained Robert Raben, a Democratic lobbyist for several gay and lesbian groups.
Ever since, the relationship between the President and his gay and lesbian supporters has only gotten more complicated. Soldiers continue to be discharged from the military for being openly gay, and activists have voiced increasing concern over the administration's lack of action on other key issues. "The particular and generalized concern is, What's the plan?" explained Robert Raben, a Democratic lobbyist for several gay and lesbian groups.
LGBT People Going to Be Left Out of Immigration Reform
Posted by
USAFrance 1071 days ago
(http://www.prospect.org)
A coalition of civil-liberties and LGBT-rights groups is rightfully outraged by Obama's reneging on his campaign promise to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and particularly by a Justice Department court brief arguing that the statute be upheld.
DOMA allows states and the federal government to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where it is legal and to deny same-sex couples civil-rights protections that married heterosexuals enjoy. As a candidate, Obama pledged to repeal DOMA. As he advocated for civil unions and equal federal protections for same-sex couples while on the campaign trail, he noted, "You don't poll whether people get treated equally or not. That is something that you do because it's right."
But it increasingly looks like Obama is feeling the pressure from religious leaders who claim to be advocating a "whole" agen
DOMA allows states and the federal government to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where it is legal and to deny same-sex couples civil-rights protections that married heterosexuals enjoy. As a candidate, Obama pledged to repeal DOMA. As he advocated for civil unions and equal federal protections for same-sex couples while on the campaign trail, he noted, "You don't poll whether people get treated equally or not. That is something that you do because it's right."
But it increasingly looks like Obama is feeling the pressure from religious leaders who claim to be advocating a "whole" agen
LGBT immigration reform tied to larger effort
Posted by
BinatUK 1071 days ago
(http://www.ebar.com)
The fate of the 36,000 binational gay and lesbian couples and their families who are separated or threatened by United States immigration law will likely be tied to broader immigration reform, the leading sponsors of both efforts said during a June 11 telephone news conference. "We are here to fix a broken immigration system," he said.
Same sex couples win change in US passport rules
Posted by
uluckidog 1072 days ago
(http://www.boston.com)
The Obama administration has changed course and will now allow same-sex couples to use their spouse’s surname when they apply for passports with the US State Department, a gay activist group said today in Boston.
A gay married couple, Al and Keith Toney, joined the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders in challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which was passed during the Clinton administration, in federal court in Boston.
One issue the couple and GLAD raised was the State Department’s refusal to allow Keith Toney -- his name before marriage was Keith Fitzpatrick -- to seek a new passport under his spouse’s surname.
In a letter dated June 15, the US Justice Department notified GLAD and the Toneys that the prohibition has been stricken from federal rules. Keith Toney was invited to apply for a new passport and was also told the normal fees will be waived. He will file
A gay married couple, Al and Keith Toney, joined the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders in challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which was passed during the Clinton administration, in federal court in Boston.
One issue the couple and GLAD raised was the State Department’s refusal to allow Keith Toney -- his name before marriage was Keith Fitzpatrick -- to seek a new passport under his spouse’s surname.
In a letter dated June 15, the US Justice Department notified GLAD and the Toneys that the prohibition has been stricken from federal rules. Keith Toney was invited to apply for a new passport and was also told the normal fees will be waived. He will file
DOMA Lawsuit Wins First Victory
Posted by
uluckidog 1072 days ago
(http://www.advocate.com)
A plaintiff in a lawsuit against the federal Defense of Marriage Act will be allowed to get a U.S. passport using his married name, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders announced on Wednesday. The victory is the result of a recent change in State Department policy for the issuance of passports to people who change their name after marrying someone of the same sex.
GLAD filed its lawsuit, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, in March to challenge section 3 of DOMA on behalf of six married same-sex couples and three men whose same-sex spouses have died. Section 3 of the law concerns federal recognition of same-sex marriages. In addition to the passport issue, other plaintiffs’ claims in the lawsuit involve taxation, Social Security, and federal employees’ benefits.
GLAD filed its lawsuit, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, in March to challenge section 3 of DOMA on behalf of six married same-sex couples and three men whose same-sex spouses have died. Section 3 of the law concerns federal recognition of same-sex marriages. In addition to the passport issue, other plaintiffs’ claims in the lawsuit involve taxation, Social Security, and federal employees’ benefits.
The Spark that Ignites a Gay Backlash (EDGE Boston)
Posted by
BinatUK 1072 days ago
(http://www.edgeboston.com)
"DOMA is not a 'neutral' policy to the thousands of bi-national same-sex couples who have to choose between family and country because they are considered strangers under our immigration laws," Solmonese continued. "It is not a 'neutral' policy toward ...
President Obama had appeared to be a candidate concerned with equality before the law for America’s gay and lesbians and their families. Even though he did not support marriage equality, Obama spoke of wishing to repeal discriminatory laws such as the 1996 "Defense of Marriage" Act, which does nothing to support marriage except for deny federal recognition of married same-sex couples.
Because of DOMA, same-sex couples wed in the six states where marriage equality is currently legal cannot access any of the federal rights, protections, obligations, and benefits of marriage. Nor will the U.S. Census count gay a
President Obama had appeared to be a candidate concerned with equality before the law for America’s gay and lesbians and their families. Even though he did not support marriage equality, Obama spoke of wishing to repeal discriminatory laws such as the 1996 "Defense of Marriage" Act, which does nothing to support marriage except for deny federal recognition of married same-sex couples.
Because of DOMA, same-sex couples wed in the six states where marriage equality is currently legal cannot access any of the federal rights, protections, obligations, and benefits of marriage. Nor will the U.S. Census count gay a
Political IQ (Gay and Lesbian Times)
Posted by
igualdad 1073 days ago
(http://www.gaylesbiantimes.com)
The California Supreme Court decision upholding Proposition 8 is the best thing to happen to the GLBT movement in years – and no, I’m not joking...
Once dominated by such groups as the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the GLBT movement is beginning to dance to the will of online activists. The netroots are as agile and responsive as HRC and NGLTF are clumsy and ...
Once dominated by such groups as the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the GLBT movement is beginning to dance to the will of online activists. The netroots are as agile and responsive as HRC and NGLTF are clumsy and ...
Nations Mayors Speak Up for Equality
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 1073 days ago
(http://www.advocate.com)
The nation’s mayors are proud to take the lead in recognizing the importance of protecting all our citizens equally. It is now time for state legislatures and our federal government to enact the same protections for all our nation’s citizens.”
The resolution, titled Equality and Civil Rights for Gay and Lesbian Americans, also endorsed federal bills including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
The resolution, titled Equality and Civil Rights for Gay and Lesbian Americans, also endorsed federal bills including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
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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.