Long Time No See

You may have heard of the controversial and excessively popular New Birth Missionary Baptist Church which is run by Bishop Eddie Long... but if you haven't, allow me to fill you in on their "mission". The suburban Atlanta church is notoriously anti gay and boasts an "ex-gay" ministry. Their Bishop is also notoriously homophobic and a major star in the Evangelical world. In fact, Long's church is one of the largest in the country.

Well...Bishop Eddie Long has been slapped with two allegations that he used his spiritual position to coerce two different men into sexual relations with him. Is it bad to say I'm not at all surprised? Long, a married man, preaches constantly about the sanctity of the union between a man and a woman and has perpetuated more hate against the gay community than can be covered in one single blog post. He may have to eat his words now...

Anthony Flaag and Maurice Robinson have stepped forward to expose Long for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty. Both young men said Long "seduced" them with money, expensive gifts and even college tuition in one case in exchange for sexual favors.

Now.... I could care less what Long's true sexual preference is, but what disappoints me about this story is the fact that the massive counterattack has already begun. If he is in fact gay, why not use the fact that he also has his faith and a huge following to promote awareness and acceptance of homosexuality? Why deny who you are?


-Vignette-Noelle Lammott, Fish out of Water Blog Commentator -

"To find out more information about LGBTQ rights, gay marriage, religion and homosexuality, The Bible's stance on gay relationships or the politics around gay marriage please feel free to contact us or book a screening of FISH OUT OF WATER. Please note that a study guide can be downloaded from the "Book A Screening" page atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"

The Maine Event

Today, the Senate will vote on whether or not to debate the issue of "don't ask, don't tell". Moderate GOP Sen Susan Collins of Maine just said she would not lend her vote later today if Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid does not allow a full and open debate on amendments, including one she would oppose that would strike language from the bill that repeals the military's policy against homosexuals serving openly in the armed forces.

Collins admitted to feeling frustrated by the situation she finds herself in... yeah... so do we.

She says:

"It's not not fair. I am a strong supporter of repealing DADT. It's not fair to block out amendments from people who disagree with my position. For the life of me, I don't understand why the majority leader doesn't bring this to the floor and allow free and open debate from both sides. That would be fair."

Well, one thing's for sure... the pressure is on today, so everyone... keep those fingers crossed for equality.... and speaking of equality...

Lady Gaga lent her efforts to the cause in Collins' home state yesterday and I have to say her speech was quite stirring. She calls equality the "prime rib of America" and I tend to agree.

Check it out here:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/20/gaga.gays.military/index.html?hpt=C2

Let's all hope that our Senate can make us all proud to be Americans today and stand in support of repealing this highly unjust law. If Reid gets the votes, the Senate will likely have to put the bill aside during its pre-election recess and take it up again after November.

Here's what you can do: You can use Twitter hashtag #4the14k (“For the 14,000–a reference to the serivce members who have left the military under DADT) to follow along. And while you’re at it, give your senator a call at (202) 224-3121.

-Vignette-Noelle Lammott, Fish out of Water Blog Commentator -

"To find out more information about LGBTQ rights, gay marriage, religion and homosexuality, The Bible's stance on gay relationships or the politics around gay mariage please feel free to contact us or book a screening of FISH OUT OF WATER. Please note that a study guide can be downloaded from the "Book A Screening" page at www.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"