Monday, September 29, 2008
Pride in the Park......October 4th!
From the GLBT Resource Center of Michiana:
http://www.glbtmichiana.org/events.htm
We're excited to finally announce the date for our upcoming Pride in the Park! Come on out to Potawatomi Park on Saturday, October 4th for a day full of friends, food and fun!
This is going to be a massive event with performances by Nervous but Excited and LVNMUZIQ. Bradley Bogaert, the outrageous host of Truman's Touch of Class Revue, will be hosting Gay Bingo with help from his lovely assistants, Miss Curvette Spells and Marleana Martease! Mary Lou Wallner whose story was featured in the award-winning documentary "For the Bible Tells Me So" will be speaking about her life and her contributions to the film. There will be dozens of vendor, business and organization booths and a plethora of information about what is available in our community! Of course there will be plenty of food, and in an effort to make this event family-friendly there will be kid's games running all day!
You don't want to miss this event! Mark your calendars now! October 4 at Potawatomi Park in South Bend, IN. The party starts at 1pm and after Pride in the Park, head over to the Grille at IU South Bend for a special screening of "For the Bible Tells Me So" and a question and answer session with Mary Lou Wallner!
Bring your friends, partners, spouses, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, strangers you meet on the street... Everyone is welcome at this event, gay, lesbian, bi, trans, straight allies... We want to see you all! It's been a long time since we've hosted a big event, so come on out, and see what's going on!
See you at the park!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The plank in one's eye
Forgive me for getting religious on you here, but I hate it when conservatives claim they have a monopoly on God. It's just not true. It is possible to be a liberal and a person of faith, too.
People are starving. Countries are at war. Genocide still happens. Our environment is in danger. Homelessness is increasing. Diseases are spreading. The gap between the richest and the poorest is expanding. Health care is beyond the reach of many. The list goes on and on, yet "evangelical christian" groups focus on abortion, pornography, and gays. It's baffling...
It bothers me a lot when the Religious Right claims God and Jesus as their own - as if no one else has faith or spirituality. It takes a lot of pride to make such a presumption. I'm especially irked by those who tell others to repent and seek salvation. Perhaps they should tend to their own souls first.
When I was growing up, we were taught that people would know we were Christian by how we lived. I believe this meant following Christ's teachings. The essence of these teachings is incorporated in Matthew's Gospel, particularly from the Sermon on the Mount :
"'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: '"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
"Do not judge, or you, too will be judged;"
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
"Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself."
"If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well."
And, of course, the Beatitudes:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 3)
Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land. (Verse 4)
Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Verse 5)
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. (Verse 6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Verse 7)
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. (Verse 8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Verse 9)
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 10)
Doesn't sound like the agenda of the Religious Right to me. In fact, when these groups actually hired advisors who advocated a social justice platform, those advisors were dismissed. I guess feeding the hungry just doesn't bring people out to vote like gay-bashing does.
Personally, I think there needs to be a new word in our vocabulary, for there are people who are "Christ-like," and then there are the "Christians." I know people from many religions - and some athiests, too - who are more "Christ-like" than many of the "Christians" we hear about today.
Now, I don't claim to be perfect, nor do I claim to be a most holy person. But, I am a work in progress and I am trying. I am living my faith to the best of my ability. I'm sure people on the Religious Right believe they are, too.
So why don't we all try to do better at living "Christ-like" lives according to His own words? We can help each other along the way without condemnation. We can make our world a better place if we solve so many of the REAL problems that affect people and our planet today.
Something tells me there would be more emphasis on the poor, hungry, meek, mourning, persecuted, and peacemakers if we focused on Christ's actual teachings rather than those of Jerry Fallwell, Pat Robertson, James Dobson and the like. Just a hunch...
People are starving. Countries are at war. Genocide still happens. Our environment is in danger. Homelessness is increasing. Diseases are spreading. The gap between the richest and the poorest is expanding. Health care is beyond the reach of many. The list goes on and on, yet "evangelical christian" groups focus on abortion, pornography, and gays. It's baffling...
It bothers me a lot when the Religious Right claims God and Jesus as their own - as if no one else has faith or spirituality. It takes a lot of pride to make such a presumption. I'm especially irked by those who tell others to repent and seek salvation. Perhaps they should tend to their own souls first.
When I was growing up, we were taught that people would know we were Christian by how we lived. I believe this meant following Christ's teachings. The essence of these teachings is incorporated in Matthew's Gospel, particularly from the Sermon on the Mount :
"'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: '"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
"Do not judge, or you, too will be judged;"
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
"Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself."
"If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well."
And, of course, the Beatitudes:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 3)
Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land. (Verse 4)
Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Verse 5)
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. (Verse 6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Verse 7)
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. (Verse 8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Verse 9)
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 10)
Doesn't sound like the agenda of the Religious Right to me. In fact, when these groups actually hired advisors who advocated a social justice platform, those advisors were dismissed. I guess feeding the hungry just doesn't bring people out to vote like gay-bashing does.
Personally, I think there needs to be a new word in our vocabulary, for there are people who are "Christ-like," and then there are the "Christians." I know people from many religions - and some athiests, too - who are more "Christ-like" than many of the "Christians" we hear about today.
Now, I don't claim to be perfect, nor do I claim to be a most holy person. But, I am a work in progress and I am trying. I am living my faith to the best of my ability. I'm sure people on the Religious Right believe they are, too.
So why don't we all try to do better at living "Christ-like" lives according to His own words? We can help each other along the way without condemnation. We can make our world a better place if we solve so many of the REAL problems that affect people and our planet today.
Something tells me there would be more emphasis on the poor, hungry, meek, mourning, persecuted, and peacemakers if we focused on Christ's actual teachings rather than those of Jerry Fallwell, Pat Robertson, James Dobson and the like. Just a hunch...
Friday, August 15, 2008
It's past time for South Bend to amend human rights law
VIEWPOINT (South Bend Tribune)
8/15/08
By DON WHEELER
In the summer of 2006 an amendment to South Bend's Human Rights Ordinance was introduced in the South Bend Common Council. The concept of the original HRO was to protect citizens from discrimination in housing, the workplace, etc., but a clear gap in that protection had been identified. It was pointed out that there was no protection for citizens on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity — real or perceived.
Like many people, I read about this with only passing interest. It seemed clear there was a problem, a clear solution had been proposed ... it seemed to be mostly just a housekeeping type of issue.
Imagine my astonishment when the amendment failed by one vote.
I had paid scant attention to the opposition's rhetoric. The claims were factually incorrect and the concerns seemed clearly based upon fear and dislike of people different than themselves. It seemed unnecessary to point out the irrationality.
I should have known better ... because these arguments have a familiar ring to them.
I grew up in Evanston, Ill., and in the late 1960s, it was a common practice that Realtors did not show homes in certain neighborhoods to people of color. By city ordinance (at any rate) this was not illegal. But it came to pass that many people in the community loathed the practice and dedicated themselves to ending it. My mother was one of those people.
She and I marched on several occasions, over many weeks, holding signs, chanting and singing for several miles each time. Each time we would rally at an African-American church at the beginning and another at the end. For a Caucasian boy approaching his teen years, it was quite an experience.
The rhetoric in opposition to our cause was typical of any case where certain people wish to retain institutionalized discrimination. Phrases like "we know what's best for these folks," and "it would be giving these folks special status, special rights" are merely code for a desire to dominate and oppress and — let's face it — they're inspired by hatred and fear.
So when I hear people say things such as, offering people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered equal protection under the law amounts to "special rights," I am not fooled. I've heard this stuff before.
And it's pretty frustrating that all that's asked for in the proposed amendment is a place to complain about ill treatment. That place doesn't even have to be created — the Human Rights Commission already exists.
And we don't have to guess whether there's ever cause to complain. The Chicago Tribune recently published two articles describing blatant job discrimination against transgendered people.
It recently came to light that a career justice department official was denied a position she was imminently qualified for, because the decision-makers thought she might be a lesbian. I have personally heard stories of employment and housing discrimination suffered by some of our GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered) citizens locally, as well.
I think, though, it's important to realize that this is not really about the GLBT community. What it is about is us as a community. We know that not all of our residents are protected equally. What matters is what we do about it. And, make no mistake, if we do nothing we are very much doing something. We are saying that in South Bend, Ind., if enough people are uncomfortable with some other people, it's OK to discriminate against those other people. We have the power to do that, and actually — as of now — we are doing that.
Well, I think we need to stop doing that and I hope you do, too. It's time for the South Bend Common Council to revisit this measure — and make it our law. It's time for citizens to make plain to their representatives as well, that it's time to do the responsible thing.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke many strong words, but the phrase I think of most often is: "There comes a time for all us, when silence is a betrayal."
Democracy is not a spectator sport.
Don Wheeler lives in South Bend.
8/15/08
By DON WHEELER
In the summer of 2006 an amendment to South Bend's Human Rights Ordinance was introduced in the South Bend Common Council. The concept of the original HRO was to protect citizens from discrimination in housing, the workplace, etc., but a clear gap in that protection had been identified. It was pointed out that there was no protection for citizens on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity — real or perceived.
Like many people, I read about this with only passing interest. It seemed clear there was a problem, a clear solution had been proposed ... it seemed to be mostly just a housekeeping type of issue.
Imagine my astonishment when the amendment failed by one vote.
I had paid scant attention to the opposition's rhetoric. The claims were factually incorrect and the concerns seemed clearly based upon fear and dislike of people different than themselves. It seemed unnecessary to point out the irrationality.
I should have known better ... because these arguments have a familiar ring to them.
I grew up in Evanston, Ill., and in the late 1960s, it was a common practice that Realtors did not show homes in certain neighborhoods to people of color. By city ordinance (at any rate) this was not illegal. But it came to pass that many people in the community loathed the practice and dedicated themselves to ending it. My mother was one of those people.
She and I marched on several occasions, over many weeks, holding signs, chanting and singing for several miles each time. Each time we would rally at an African-American church at the beginning and another at the end. For a Caucasian boy approaching his teen years, it was quite an experience.
The rhetoric in opposition to our cause was typical of any case where certain people wish to retain institutionalized discrimination. Phrases like "we know what's best for these folks," and "it would be giving these folks special status, special rights" are merely code for a desire to dominate and oppress and — let's face it — they're inspired by hatred and fear.
So when I hear people say things such as, offering people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered equal protection under the law amounts to "special rights," I am not fooled. I've heard this stuff before.
And it's pretty frustrating that all that's asked for in the proposed amendment is a place to complain about ill treatment. That place doesn't even have to be created — the Human Rights Commission already exists.
And we don't have to guess whether there's ever cause to complain. The Chicago Tribune recently published two articles describing blatant job discrimination against transgendered people.
It recently came to light that a career justice department official was denied a position she was imminently qualified for, because the decision-makers thought she might be a lesbian. I have personally heard stories of employment and housing discrimination suffered by some of our GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered) citizens locally, as well.
I think, though, it's important to realize that this is not really about the GLBT community. What it is about is us as a community. We know that not all of our residents are protected equally. What matters is what we do about it. And, make no mistake, if we do nothing we are very much doing something. We are saying that in South Bend, Ind., if enough people are uncomfortable with some other people, it's OK to discriminate against those other people. We have the power to do that, and actually — as of now — we are doing that.
Well, I think we need to stop doing that and I hope you do, too. It's time for the South Bend Common Council to revisit this measure — and make it our law. It's time for citizens to make plain to their representatives as well, that it's time to do the responsible thing.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke many strong words, but the phrase I think of most often is: "There comes a time for all us, when silence is a betrayal."
Democracy is not a spectator sport.
Don Wheeler lives in South Bend.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Richard Cohen, "ex-gay therapist" on CNN
One of the presentations that Patrick Mangan ("No Special Rights"/"Citizens for Community Values) made in opposition to amending our Human Rights Ordinance to include sexual orientation and gender identity, was the showing of a DVD called "It's Not Gay". Richard Cohen is one of the so-called experts in "ex-gay therapy" and is featured in "It's Not Gay".
What Patrick Mangan failed to mention as he was using Cohen as one of his experts was that Cohen was permanently expelled from the American Counseling Association (ACA) for violations of six ethical codes. Although the specific violations were not specified, they corresponded to ACA codes of conduct toward clients, such as avoiding dual relationships or fostering dependent counseling ties.
One survivor of "ex-gay therapy" had this to say about Cohen's so-called therapy:
From from being an innocuous treatment, "ex-gay"therapy can, and does, cause great harm to many. Many survivors say they wasted years of their lives, spent thousands of dollars and suffered mental duress as a result of attempting sexual orientation conversion. Some victims even spoke of attempts at suicide.
What Patrick Mangan failed to mention as he was using Cohen as one of his experts was that Cohen was permanently expelled from the American Counseling Association (ACA) for violations of six ethical codes. Although the specific violations were not specified, they corresponded to ACA codes of conduct toward clients, such as avoiding dual relationships or fostering dependent counseling ties.
"Of particular note is that Cohen's violations are self-serving, as he is accused of violating standard ethics of protecting his client from dual relationships, marketing purposes and testimonials" - Joe Kort, psychotherapist and author of "10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do to Improve Their Lives."
One survivor of "ex-gay therapy" had this to say about Cohen's so-called therapy:
Cohen relies on a common reparative therapy theory: A child who doesn't form a healthy bond with his or her same-sex parent develops an "unhealthy" sexuality.
"Cohen's approach is to utilize 'holding therapy' as a way of repairing the bond and help a person transition from homosexuality to their 'inherent' heterosexuality."
"I found this basic concept to be very damaging to me," he said. "I was always 'sick' or 'broken' or in some other way inadequate as a human being. Because therapy always focused on my father and his supposed absence and bad parenting, my relationship with him suffered." - Rick, Fredonia, N.Y.,(last name be withheld)
From from being an innocuous treatment, "ex-gay"therapy can, and does, cause great harm to many. Many survivors say they wasted years of their lives, spent thousands of dollars and suffered mental duress as a result of attempting sexual orientation conversion. Some victims even spoke of attempts at suicide.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Testimony of a "former homosexual"
Our opposition has always maintained that no amendment to our Human Rights Ordinance was necessary because anti-gay harassment just doesn't happen.
Here's a clip from a man who claims to have been cured of his homosexuality, describing what his own experience was growing up gay. Interestingly, he refers to himself as a "victim".
I understand that our opposition to amending the HRO has a great deal of difficulty in accepting the fact that this type of harassment does indeed exist. I thought maybe it would be more acceptable coming from the mouth of one of their own.
Here's a clip from a man who claims to have been cured of his homosexuality, describing what his own experience was growing up gay. Interestingly, he refers to himself as a "victim".
I understand that our opposition to amending the HRO has a great deal of difficulty in accepting the fact that this type of harassment does indeed exist. I thought maybe it would be more acceptable coming from the mouth of one of their own.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Homosexuality and the Bible...an invitation to learn
Hello Friends,
Our class (offered yearly or whenever we think we need it again!) on
Homosexuality and the Bible is this month--July, starting the 9th and
continuing every Wednesday in July from 7-9.
We'll serve refreshments (snack type foods). It's informal; a
couple of nights we'll show films, other nights we'll talk about
scripture, including the "clobber scriptures" so often used against
us, and we always welcome questions and discussions.
There's a lot of negativity out there, but we focus on the God of
love we have come to know, who welcomes us all!
You'd be welcomed if you're interested, or, if you know folks who
would find this helpful, we hope you'll pass this along to them.
Thanks so much!
Martha Carroll
Minister
The Bible and Homosexuality
A four week journey examing faith and sexual orientation
Southside Christian Church
1329 E Jackson Rd
South Bend
July 9: Your relationship with the Bible: Scriptural translation
and context
July 16: Screening of "In-Laws & Outlaws"
July 23: The Bible and the word of God: Biblical sexual ethics
July 30: Screening of "For the Bible Tells Me So"
Events begin at 7 p.m.; attend any or all classes.
For information or directions, call: 291.1156
email ssccdocsb@juno. com
We're located south of the by-pass and just south of Erskine Plaza
(formerly Scottsdale Mall). Go under the by pass, and turn left at
the first stop light. (Jackson Middle School is on the corner
there). Drive PAST the Southside Baptist Church. You'll see us just
past Farington Apts., on the left/north side of the street. Our
wooden sign out front reads Southside Christian Church, and has a red
chalice (our logo) included.
Our class (offered yearly or whenever we think we need it again!) on
Homosexuality and the Bible is this month--July, starting the 9th and
continuing every Wednesday in July from 7-9.
We'll serve refreshments (snack type foods). It's informal; a
couple of nights we'll show films, other nights we'll talk about
scripture, including the "clobber scriptures" so often used against
us, and we always welcome questions and discussions.
There's a lot of negativity out there, but we focus on the God of
love we have come to know, who welcomes us all!
You'd be welcomed if you're interested, or, if you know folks who
would find this helpful, we hope you'll pass this along to them.
Thanks so much!
Martha Carroll
Minister
The Bible and Homosexuality
A four week journey examing faith and sexual orientation
Southside Christian Church
1329 E Jackson Rd
South Bend
July 9: Your relationship with the Bible: Scriptural translation
and context
July 16: Screening of "In-Laws & Outlaws"
July 23: The Bible and the word of God: Biblical sexual ethics
July 30: Screening of "For the Bible Tells Me So"
Events begin at 7 p.m.; attend any or all classes.
For information or directions, call: 291.1156
email ssccdocsb@juno. com
We're located south of the by-pass and just south of Erskine Plaza
(formerly Scottsdale Mall). Go under the by pass, and turn left at
the first stop light. (Jackson Middle School is on the corner
there). Drive PAST the Southside Baptist Church. You'll see us just
past Farington Apts., on the left/north side of the street. Our
wooden sign out front reads Southside Christian Church, and has a red
chalice (our logo) included.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
A sad example of why The Day of Silence is still necessary
As a follow up to our story on the attempted intimidation of (former) SB School Superintendent, Dr. Zimmerman, by Patrick Mangan (No Special Rights/CCV IN), we would like to point out why the Day of Silence is still necessary. Mr. Mangan believes that the greatest threat of violence against gays comes from other gays. Interestingly, the teen girl who was a victim was beaten simply for advocating for gay rights.
Hat tip to Indiana Equality for reporting on this.
From the Grand Rapids Press:
I'd like to think that this is an isolated incident but you really have no idea how many straight people have expressed fear of supporting SBE because they fear possible repercussions.
The irony here is that we are often asked by straight people to protect them if they come out to support us. The fear and intimidation that people like Patrick Mangan use is a powerful tool and they make full use of it as often as they can.
Hat tip to Indiana Equality for reporting on this.
From the Grand Rapids Press:
The cases will be handled in Allegan County Juvenile Court, where a hearing date will be set, he said. Each girl will face one count of aggravated assault, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in a juvenile detention center and a $1,000 fine.
Because the two alleged attackers are younger than 18, the FBI did not investigate potential hate crime violations.
The freshmen girls, who can be seen repeatedly punching the 14-year-old victim in a clip recorded on another student's digital camera Tuesday, said they did not agree with her advocacy for gay rights, police said.
I'd like to think that this is an isolated incident but you really have no idea how many straight people have expressed fear of supporting SBE because they fear possible repercussions.
The irony here is that we are often asked by straight people to protect them if they come out to support us. The fear and intimidation that people like Patrick Mangan use is a powerful tool and they make full use of it as often as they can.
Do as I say, not as I do....
Seems James Dobson of Focus on the Family is irked at Barak Obama. No surprise there. What's the problem this time? Obama gave a speech in June, 2006 to a liberal Christian group (yes, they do exist) in which he stated:
"Which passages of scripture should guide our public policy? Should we go with Leviticus, which suggests slavery is OK and that eating shellfish is an abomination? Or we could go with Deuteronomy, which suggests stoning your child if he strays from the faith? Or should we just stick to the Sermon on the Mount?"
On Tuesday, Dobson responded to these 2 year old comments. According to CNN, Dobson said Obama should not be referencing antiquated dietary codes and passages from the Old Testament that are no longer relevant to the teachings of the New Testament.
"I think he's deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own world view, his own confused theology," Dobson said, adding that Obama is "dragging biblical understanding through the gutter."
But wait, aren't some of these passages the exact same ones that Focus on the Family and other evangelical groups cite to condemn homosexuals? You betcha.
Seems what's good for the goose isn't necessarily good for the gander.
(To read the entire article, "Evangilist accuses Obama of 'distorting' Bible," see: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/24/evangelical.vote/index.html)
"Which passages of scripture should guide our public policy? Should we go with Leviticus, which suggests slavery is OK and that eating shellfish is an abomination? Or we could go with Deuteronomy, which suggests stoning your child if he strays from the faith? Or should we just stick to the Sermon on the Mount?"
On Tuesday, Dobson responded to these 2 year old comments. According to CNN, Dobson said Obama should not be referencing antiquated dietary codes and passages from the Old Testament that are no longer relevant to the teachings of the New Testament.
"I think he's deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own world view, his own confused theology," Dobson said, adding that Obama is "dragging biblical understanding through the gutter."
But wait, aren't some of these passages the exact same ones that Focus on the Family and other evangelical groups cite to condemn homosexuals? You betcha.
Seems what's good for the goose isn't necessarily good for the gander.
(To read the entire article, "Evangilist accuses Obama of 'distorting' Bible," see: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/24/evangelical.vote/index.html)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Gay brain, straight brain?
In opposing civil rights for GLBT individuals, anti-gay activists make a point of stressing their belief that homosexuality is a choice. Most gays, on the other hand, have an innate sense that they were born with a same-sex attraction. Scientists have differing opinions on this nature versus nurture argument, just as they do over the origin of most human characteristics.
An article in this week's Time magazine entitled "What the Gay Brain looks like" once again tips the scale in favor of homosexuality being a biological, not chosen, orientation.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1815538,00.html?cnn=yes
It seems that researchers studying brain scans of gay and straight men and women have found quite a few differences that lead them to believe that "gay" brains differ in many ways from "straight" brains. This specific study is based upon comparisons of the size of the two halves of the brain in different people. Obviously, the structure of one's brain is not a chosen attribute.
I find it quite interesting that the most vehement anti-gay activists who insist gays choose their orientation, when confronted, are hard-pressed to reveal when or why they "chose" to be straight. As more and more studies conclude that being gay is, in fact biological, and not a choice, these same anti-gay activists will have to find another tool in their bag of ignorance, fear, and bigotry to wield against GLBT persons, if they are to succeed in denying gays basic human rights.
Until that time comes, one thing I will take great comfort in is the thought that I am much better off with the size of my brain, than the size of theirs'.
An article in this week's Time magazine entitled "What the Gay Brain looks like" once again tips the scale in favor of homosexuality being a biological, not chosen, orientation.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1815538,00.html?cnn=yes
It seems that researchers studying brain scans of gay and straight men and women have found quite a few differences that lead them to believe that "gay" brains differ in many ways from "straight" brains. This specific study is based upon comparisons of the size of the two halves of the brain in different people. Obviously, the structure of one's brain is not a chosen attribute.
I find it quite interesting that the most vehement anti-gay activists who insist gays choose their orientation, when confronted, are hard-pressed to reveal when or why they "chose" to be straight. As more and more studies conclude that being gay is, in fact biological, and not a choice, these same anti-gay activists will have to find another tool in their bag of ignorance, fear, and bigotry to wield against GLBT persons, if they are to succeed in denying gays basic human rights.
Until that time comes, one thing I will take great comfort in is the thought that I am much better off with the size of my brain, than the size of theirs'.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Good work, if you can get it
How many of you know that Mr. Mangan's job is to uphold his view of morality? I mean, he apparently gets paid day in and day out, to judge people according to his view of what is right or wrong.
Mr. Mangan's current battle is in New Buffalo, opposing a "gentleman's club." Now, I'm not saying that a "gentleman's club" is necessarily good or bad, right or wrong. I'm just incredulous that this man travels around espousing his moral views for a living. Good work, if you can get it.
According to the South Bend Tribune, he is also collecting petitions. The thing is, he doesn't care where the petitions are from: "Mangan urged anyone at the meeting, no matter what their ZIP code, to fill out a petition as a statement to elected officials." (SBT 6/16/08)
This "take any signature you can get" tactic does not accurately express the views of the local population. It is the same tactic he and his "No Special Rights" group employed in South Bend in an effort to defeat the amendment to the Human Rights Ordinance. Mangan's group partnered with state and national groups to flood the Common Council with emails against the proposed change - this despite research by Indiana University that 79% of Hoosiers favor equal rights for gays.
I applaud those members of the South Bend Common Council who paid attention to the origin of their emails and letters. Sure, some council members used email statistics as an excuse for their "no" votes. But really, for all of their efforts, I don't think Mr. Mangan's group had any influence on the Council members' opinions. Minds were made up early and prejudices were revealed.
So, if someone like Mr. Sergio wants to pay Mr. Mangan to traverse Michiana spouting off like a geyser, I suppose he has a right to spend his money that way. Maybe they believe they are earning brownie points in heaven? As for me, I'm going to keep my day job.
Who, then, is the professional activist with an almighty agenda?
Mr. Mangan's current battle is in New Buffalo, opposing a "gentleman's club." Now, I'm not saying that a "gentleman's club" is necessarily good or bad, right or wrong. I'm just incredulous that this man travels around espousing his moral views for a living. Good work, if you can get it.
According to the South Bend Tribune, he is also collecting petitions. The thing is, he doesn't care where the petitions are from: "Mangan urged anyone at the meeting, no matter what their ZIP code, to fill out a petition as a statement to elected officials." (SBT 6/16/08)
This "take any signature you can get" tactic does not accurately express the views of the local population. It is the same tactic he and his "No Special Rights" group employed in South Bend in an effort to defeat the amendment to the Human Rights Ordinance. Mangan's group partnered with state and national groups to flood the Common Council with emails against the proposed change - this despite research by Indiana University that 79% of Hoosiers favor equal rights for gays.
I applaud those members of the South Bend Common Council who paid attention to the origin of their emails and letters. Sure, some council members used email statistics as an excuse for their "no" votes. But really, for all of their efforts, I don't think Mr. Mangan's group had any influence on the Council members' opinions. Minds were made up early and prejudices were revealed.
So, if someone like Mr. Sergio wants to pay Mr. Mangan to traverse Michiana spouting off like a geyser, I suppose he has a right to spend his money that way. Maybe they believe they are earning brownie points in heaven? As for me, I'm going to keep my day job.
Who, then, is the professional activist with an almighty agenda?
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