Earlier, last week a lesbian couple in North Carolina were ushered out of a public mall when they were chastised for public displays of affection! Now- let's get one thing straight- it's not as if they were snogging each other senseless like half the teenagers I see everyday outside of the high school. They were "embracing" and "kissed each other on the cheek" and were asked to leave by a security guard who admitted that the circumstances would be different if the pair had been a heterosexual couple.
Well, Caitlin Breedlove, (one of the women in this duo and a co-director of the social justice group Southerners on New Ground, I might add) planned a protest this past Sunday at the shopping mall. The owner of the mall issued a formal apology to the women and released this very positive statement, which I personally hope becomes a standard which all public shopping centers across the country will strive to achieve:
We apologized that the women were offended, and we affirmed that Cameron Village and York Properties have no tolerance for discrimination of any kind and believe all people deserve the right to be treated fairly in their work, homes and daily lives.
I must say, I was surprised and delighted to see the owner take this so seriously. It made my day, actually. Just as I was happy to see Target issue their apology to the gay community, I am happy to see people taking responsibility for the intolerance that is perpetuated across the country, and actively taking a stand against it. Good work, Cameron Village Mall and good going on the community out there in N.C. - you made a difference.
-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"
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.
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"
It was announced just a few minutes ago that a federal judge in San Francisco decided today that gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry!! Prop 8 was struck down!
"U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker said Proposition 8, passed by voters in November 2008, violated the federal constitutional rights of gays and lesbians to marry the partners of their choice. His ruling is expected to be appealed to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and then up to the U.S. Supreme Court."
(From the Los Angeles Times)
As a Los Angeles native, I can say that I am finally glad to see my home state doing something right! This is a huge win for gay rights and I believe a true win for humanity. Love is love and how can anyone in their right mind argue with giving all people the right to express their love through marriage?!
Good going Judge Walker! Hard to believe this guy was appointed by Mr. G.W. Bush!
-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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
So, most of you have probably heard of the National Organization for Marriage and their crusade to keep marriage between and man and woman sacred... if you haven't check out this link. I assure you, it is quite disgusting.
You may have also heard of their Summer bus tour, which in their own words, is meant to "encourage supporters to stand up for marriage". I am a straight, married mother of one and I will NEVER "stand up for marriage" under NOM's policies and ideology. The "faith based" seminars and Republican backing aside, what they have been doing recently is less promotion of "traditional" marriage values and more promotion of how "disruptive" and "violent" counter protestors can be.
Recently, NOM released this video of marriage equality supporters "intimidating young children" and being unruly...
Jim Morrison once said "Whoever controls the media, controls the mind." Well, I certainly think that is true of the above video. It's clear things were edited and taken out of context to better serve their agenda... but what else is new? Speaking as a new mom, if I felt that people were "intimidating" my family or getting too close to my kids, you know what I would do? I would move and get my kids out of "harm's way".
Here's my response to the above video:
They look pretty peaceful to me....
NOM has also claimed to have had their bus tires slashed by marriage equality supporters... without any proof at all. I wouldn't be surprised if they vandalized their own bus just to propagate more hate towards the gay community.
“Let’s add it all up: NOM and its allies are making a last-ditch legal stand in Washington and Maine that they should be specially entitled to hide their political activities, and they’re saying that harassment and intimidation should provide them this cover. At the same time, Brian Brown schedules a series of virtually unattended weekday afternoon events hoping for counter-protests that they can then use as evidence of harassment and intimidation. Why else would NOM execute such half-hearted non-events and then completely subjugate its so-called ‘pro-marriage’ message in favor of devoting its energies almost exclusively to condemning lawful protesters?”
Well said Mr. Sainz, well said indeed. In fact, NOM's public statements on the bus tour have scarcely mentioned the content of the programs or the substance of its anti-LGBT message. Instead, they really do seem to be focusing attention on the decidedly larger counter-protests and calling their right to stand in opposition, "harassment".
And one other point... if NOM views itself as this benevolent organization that would never promote violence or intimidation to get their point across.... what is this?
I would think that proposing lynching as a way of "dealing with" this issue could be considered... oh , I don't know... a hate crime in the making?!
Shameful.
-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"
"This is sick, and it is therefore deviant. We do not want it."
These are the words spoken by a Ugandan pastor at an anti-gay rally held recently in Kampala. Martin Ssempa, the pastor of the evangelical Makerere Community Church in Uganda, has become the leading anti-homosexuality organizer in Uganda. Not only does he preach that gay people are pedophiles but he vows to ensure that "sodomy and homosexuality never sees the light of legality in this land of the people of Africa"! Strong and spiteful words coming from a man of God, wouldn't you say? But the horror doesn't end there...
Kevin Odor, the senior pastor there, says Ssempa has been "misrepresented." He says "His heart is not to kill people. He is a pastor of the Gospel that believes in redemption and his heart is to redeem people." Oh really?
Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill — which criminalizes homosexual practice — is working its way through the legislature. This bill, if passed, imposes the death penalty for gay sex with a minor, or having sex with your gay partner if you are HIV-positive. Two consenting adults can get life in prison. A straight person who knows someone is gay, and doesn't report it, could get prison time as well. Sound familiar? **cough cough** WWII** cough**
Watch the video below for a taste of what this guy is all about... FYI... it gets graphic...Ssempa discusses "gay sex" with terms like "poo-poo" and "licking the anus like ice cream". Clearly, this man is insane.
Odor goes on to say that they just want to help the AIDS problem in Africa and " we found somebody who is making a difference, so we support him" Puh-lease! Gay people are not the sole cause of the AIDS epidemic in Africa... just as they are not the sole cause of it here in the States! To add insult to injury, Odor says his church has "a heart" for homosexuals. Canyon Ridge participates every year in the AIDS march.
"We love everybody, including people with AIDS. There are two things: how you got AIDS and that you have AIDS. That you have AIDS is a matter of compassion. The church should be compassionate for people with AIDS."
Hmmm... interesting distinction there Odor.
Well, I for one am disgusted by Ssempa and everything he stands for. And shame on Kevin Odor for supporting such an obviously one -sided view of the AIDS problem in Africa. I would like to quote here my favorite definition of what religion actually is:
something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience
To me, this is what religion is. Not some witch hunt, not some close minded perspective, and certainly not the persecution and unethical preaching against a group of people that Martin Ssempa has displayed of late.
-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"
- Gay people shouldn't have custody of children. - Issuing a marriage license or performing a marriage ceremony for a same-sex couple should be punishable by jail time. - 19th-century Texas statutes outlawing sex between men should be restored. - Homosexuality "tears at the fabric of society".
-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"
"We really couldn't ask for a better opportunity to really raise our kids together ... you don't really hear that in our gay community, especially with black men."
In a time where gay rights are at the forefront of the media and public awareness, and gay adoption is an issue under fire in many states across the country, I think it very encouraging an informative to come across a story like this one. The article goes on to discuss the difficulties many gay couples face when beginning the journey through child adoption. As most of you know, adoption laws are different in every state. While Florida is the only state which openly bans gays and lesbians from adopting, other states like Mississippi and Utah will allow homosexuals to adopt if they are single, but will not allow a same-sex couple to adopt. Backwards? You're telling me! But, unfortunately this is the reality. About 20 % of same-sex couples in the U.S. are raising children and I have to wonder if perhaps that number would be higher if it weren't so difficult for same-sex couples to adopt. I also wonder if the laws were more lax, would there be so many instances of foster children ending up in unfit homes? Of course, I'm referencing back to a previous post of mine which can be read here.
Keith says of the challenges of parenthood:
"For David and I to actually have that little Brady Bunch thing going and for it to actually work is a wonderful thing. We just wish we could really see more of that."
Me too, Keith!
As a mother myself, I found this article very interesting in that it could have just as easily been a straight couple discussing the challenges of raising a family and running a busy household. I only have one and I am constantly in motion! The one difference? If I want to expand my family, whether biologically or through adoption, it's no big deal. But for a gay couple, who are just as in love as my husband and I are, it can be an awful lot of hoop jumping. And that is just simply unconstitutional.
Here's what you can do to make a step toward positive change and help millions of children in the process:
-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"
Sweden's Minister of EU Affairs, Birgitta Ohlsson promised that she would challenge the conservatives in other parts of the continent and that she would continue her campaign for the rights of women and the civil rights for all members of her community. Recently, gay rights has been her focus and her first task was opening Baltic Pride in Lithuania after it had been under much scrutiny by conservatives and was nearly banned.
”I would like to urge all European politicians from left to right to get out of the closet. Do not hide behind the LGBT-activists and let them fight on their own"
This is the kind of blood we need pumping through our own government channels, if you ask me!
-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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
So- McDonald's has released a new ad in France which portrays the chain as "gay friendly". Take a look:
What do y'all think? I love the slogan at the end, "Come as you are" and I love that McDonald's, a major restaurant chain, is clearly showing solidarity with it's gay consumers. I also hope that this sort of message will make it's way to the States for broadcast. However, some people think the spot is a tad sombre.
We want to hear what YOU think! Love it or hate it, you cannot deny it's original.
-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"
Well, word came today that Tiwonge Chimbalanga and his partner Steven Monjeza are being spared the 14 year sentencing!
From CNN:
The president of Malawi has pardoned two gay men who were sentenced to 14 years in prison this month for gross indecency and unnatural acts, the country's solicitor general, Anthony Kamanga, said Saturday.
The president's choice to pardon these men came after the incident sparked International outrage across the globe. In the UK, which is Malawi’s largest donor, the sentence was condemned by Alan Duncan, the International Development Minister, as “both shocking and disturbing".
UN Secretary General , Ban Ki- moon had this to say:
“This outdated penal code should be reformed wherever it may exist. Any harassment or violation or discrimination against people based on sexual orientation is discriminatory. It’s against international human rights law.”
In an address to parliament, he called for changes to legislation on gay sex, which is illegal in Malawi and in another 37 out of 53 African nations.
So glad to see true justice prevail in this case. This is a big day for human rights and hopefully, this will serve as a powerful message to other countries to follow suit.
-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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
This is a "gross indecency" to human beings everywhere.
Tiwonge Chimbalanga, a 20-year-old hotel janitor, and his partner Steven Monjeza, 26, were arrested in December, the day after they celebrated their engagement with a party at the hotel where Chimbalanga worked.
Homosexuality is illegal in at least 37 countries in Africa, including Malawi. In Uganda right now as you read this, lawmakers are considering a bill that would sentence homosexuals to life in prison and sanction the death penalty for "repeat offenders."
It is archaic and disgusting that these law are even being considered.
“I love Steven so much. If people or the world cannot give me the chance and freedom to continue living with him as my lover, then I am better off to die here in prison. Freedom without him is useless and meaningless.”
Human rights advocacy groups across the world are shocked by this conviction. And Amnesty International is doing all they can to offer some solution. According to their website, the couple have 3 weeks to file an appeal.
We will call upon the Appeals Court to overturn their conviction and release them unconditionally.
In the meantime... here's what YOU can do.
CLICK HERE to get information about how you can urge the US Congress to take action on behalf of Steven and Tiwonge.
-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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
And if you're in Chicago tonight, head over to the DVD Release Party at Lincoln Hall w/ JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound w/ host Cameron Esposito! You can pick up a copy of the DVD for just $20!!
Also, as a bonus, the DVD included never-been-seen LGBTQ interviews! -FOOW CREW-
"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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, expressed on Wednesday that he feels it is archaic for the Roman Catholic Church to continue demanding celibacy form its priests. He also went on to voice his support of same sex marriage stating:
"We are made as we are. A young boy (or girl) does not ask if he or she will grow up gay or straight. Sexual orientation is given by God or by nature"
Gay marriage will, of course, still need to go through the proper legislative channels to be approved...but... I think THIS is great! Way to think progressively and most importantly... humanely.
-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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
Ah- prom... a night of dancing, cavorting with classmates, teen romance and flashy fashion... oh yeah... and did I mention bigotry?
You've probably heard all about Constance McMillen by now, but if you haven't - allow me to tell you her story. Constance lives in Mississippi and she, like every other girl in her class, had been looking forward to senior prom. 18 year old Constance was looking forward to donning a fabulous tux and bringing her girlfriend to the dance... *record scratch*
Back in December of 09, McMillen asked that the school board allow her to bring a same-sex date to her prom. In February, she asked AGAIN after a school memo was sent out, detailing date "restrictions". What did the school board do? They cancelled the prom rather than allowing ONE girl to bring the date of her choice. Constance fought back with the ACLU on her side and made headlines when a judge ruled that she was "allowed" to bring a girl as her date. However, the judge did not order the school to reinstate the prom because it was understood that McMillen would be invited to a prom which was being sponsored by parents of her Itawamba classmates.
Well... as if this story couldn't get anymore disgusting... it is now being reported that Constance McMillen, her date and a few other classmates, including two with learning disabilities, attended what they were told was a parent sponsored prom in Fulton, Mississippi while most of her other classmates from Itawamba Agricultural High School danced the night away at a separate prom that McMillen was not invited to.
McMillen had this to say in response to the fake prom fiasco:
"Two students with learning difficulties were among the seven people at the country club event. They had the time of their lives. That's the one good thing that come out of this, [these kids] didn't have to worry about people making fun of them [at their prom]."
-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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
While this topic has been used before by the likes of radio personality Thom Hartmann and others to support the notion that homosexuality occurs "naturally", I have never read an account of homosexual animals quite like this one!
One example they offer is the work of biologist Lindsay C. Young, who studies albatrosses at the Kaena Point colony, which is a breeding ground for the famously monogamous birds. She discovered over a period of time that "one third of the pairs at Kaena Point actually consisted of two female birds, not one male and one female" , also citing that some of these birds had been a couple for "4,8 or even 19 years"!
"A discovery like Young’s can disorient a wildlife biologist in the most thrilling way — if he or she takes it seriously, which has traditionally not been the case. Various forms of same-sex sexual activity have been recorded in more than 450 different species of animals by now, from flamingos to bison to beetles to guppies to warthogs."
The article goes on to say that while study into this phenomenon has been sporadic and met with some resistance in the scientific community, more biologists are "looking objectively at same-sex sexuality in animals- approaching it as a real science". It would be nice to see human sexuality approached with such enthusiasm and open-mindedness.
However, like every insightful study that is done with the hopes of proving through science that homosexuality is not an abnormality or a "choice", there is always backlash. While some use examples of homosexuality in nature as a platform for equality, there are many who consider this "an effort to humanize animals or devolve humans to the level of animals".
"Many pointed out that animals also rape or eat their young; was America going to tolerate that too, just because it’s natural?"
Puh-lease! That's like the old notion that all gay men are pedophiles or that all lesbians are.... I don't know...a cat loving people... well, that last one may be true. ;)
The article covers every speculation from an evolutionary advantage to pure and simple attraction. Definitely a must read for anyone even remotely interested in the subject. Whether or not you feel it is research that will help further the rights of gays and lesbians, you cannot deny the impact this research will have in the long run on how we experience our evolving world as a whole.
-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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
Lt. Dan Choi stood next to Kathy Griffin and stated:
“Hello. My name is Lt. Dan Choi. I am being discharged from the US Army because I am gay and dared to say it out loud. Today, I am here on a mission with Capt. Jim Pietrangelo, and we are asking you all to join us. We’re calling you to action because we are at a turning point — a moment in time where talk is no longer enough, and action is required.
Equality is not going to happen by itself.
You have been told that the President has a plan. But Congressman Barney Frank confirmed to us this week that the President still is not fully committed to repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell this year. And if we don’t seize this moment it may not happen for a very long time. Some may tell you that I am one of the lucky ones. I have been welcomed back by my unit with open arms. And it would be easy for me to stay quiet and hope that change will happen. But what I was taught at West Point and learned in war is — hope is not a strategy. As officers, James and I both find it a dereliction of our moral duty to remain silent while thousands of our brothers and sister are not allowed to serve openly and honestly. Capt. Pietrangelo was honorably discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in 2004 and I will be subject to the same shortly. As officers we are here today fighting for those in the ranks, and we need our Commander in Chief to do the same.
Our fight is not here at Freedom Plaza, it is at the White House. We are walking to the White House right now to send the President a message. So…take out your cell phones and your cameras. Document this moment. Join us as together — we make history."
Directly after this awesome call to arms, Choi and several other supporters handcuffed themselves to a fence outside of the White House!!! Robin McGeehee, cofounder of GetEqual.org and co-organizer of the gay march on Washington last fall, organized this protest today. She along with Choi have been arrested.
What a powerful speech and an even more powerful demonstration. Not since the Vietnam war have the American people showed such commitment to a cause! I am impressed by Choi's composure and conviction during this trying time in human rights. He really couldn't have said it better... let's make some history!! (And let's hope Obama can make some more as well)
-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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
Fish Out of Water fans unite!! Fish Out of Water is hitting the road this July on a tour we're calling The Great American Outing! The tour is a three-week, 14 city road trip aimed at eradicating misconceptions about the Bible’s stance on homosexuality by offering free screenings of Fish Out of Water
As most of you know, Fish out of Water was crafted to be a toolbox to help the LGBTQ community and our allies combat Bible-based discrimination. Whether someone is gay or straight, religious or nonreligious, very few people are able to articulate what the Bible really says about homosexuality. Fish out of Water is a useful, entertaining tool that helps people breach the conversation of the Bible, in an inclusive, non-hostile, accessible way.
If Fish out of Water has helped to educate, inspire or heal you, we ask you to make it possible for our film to reach others. Please visit our Great American Outing website and consider donating to our efforts. In order to make this tour a possibility, we need to raise $10,000 per city.
Any amount will help us! $25 will help us pay for gas. $100 will provide one lunch for our entire crew! $1000 will provide lodging for our entire crew for one night.
If you'd like to sponsor an entire city for $10,000. If you or your organization acts as city sponsor, your name will be attached to that city on our website, on our van and in all press releases.
Please help us turn our movie into a movement.
Our best,
The Great American Outing Team
Ky Dickens (Tour Creator)
Elizabeth Chase (Tour Producer)
Kate Baldridge (Tour Producer)
Kristen Kaza (Publicity)
"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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
Our friends at Foundation Content, who cut the trailer for FOOW, created a PSA for F.A.I.R. in support of abolishing Prop 8 called "Every Heart Matters". (In case you haven't heard of them, F.A.I.R. is a group that was formed to fight for marriage equality in California.)
Well, their PSA has been selected as one of three finalists by the E-Hero Awards selection committee for the 2010 Human Rights Campaign Gala in Los Angeles! The Gala is being held on March 13th at the Hyatt Century Plaza Hotel and will feature U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer. Portia DeRossi will be presented with the HRC Visibility Award and Kathy Griffin will be receiving the Ally for Equality Award.
The PSA uses the Shepard Fairey "Love Unites" ) poster image for which they secured the rights to use (FYI - he also designed the Obama HOPE poster). Foundation's crew traveled to San Francisco and Los Angeles to work with real families and couples to shoot candid moments of them in their homes or playing with their children. The footage was edited by Tom Pastorelle and cut together with graphic images and additional photography shot on the Foundation stage.
Foundation's L.A. Producer, Stacy Paris says, "We are so proud to have been given the opportunity to contribute to the cause and thrilled that our piece has been selected for this prestigious event."
Marriage Equality is not just a California issue, but an issue the whole country is facing. And every heart SHOULD matter.
-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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
Last week two French Canadian broadcasters for the Winter Olympics criticized American figure skater Johnny Weir, saying his costumes and "body language" set a "bad example" for male skaters. See what they said below:
"This may not be politically correct, but do you think he lost points due to his costume and his body language?" "They'll think all the boys who skate will end up like him. It sets a bad example." "We should make him pass a gender test at this point.”
The announcers then compared Weir to female South African runner Caster Semenya, who was forced to take a gender test after there was speculation that she might be a man. One of them even suggested that Weir should be competing against women. In fact, all across the world, it seems Johnny Weir has been hit hard with a myriad of homophobic slurs and derogatory statements! Dallas radio personality for KRLD-FM, Gregg Henson referred to Weir as a "queen" not too long ago, also saying "It's your choice to live that lifestyle"! Australia's Channel Nine is also under fire for homophobic remarks made while broadcasting - even going as far as to say "They don't leave anything in the locker room with these blokes, do they?" and referring to some of his costumes as "a bit of Brokeback"!
As you can imagine, these comments have made their way around the internet and a lot of people are very offended and calling these people homophobic and sexist. A Quebec gay rights group promptly filed a complaint against the two French Canadian broadcasters, who later issued an apology.
Guess who is the one person keeping their cool in the midst of all this hate?
Johnny Weir.
Weir, who was interviewed in lieu of the commentators' jabs, was poised and positive as he held his head high and said, very plainly:
“I want that to be public because I don’t want more boys and girls to have have their whole lives questioned for no reason other than to make people watch a program. I hope more kids can grow up the same way I did, and can feel the freedom to be themselves and express themselves. There’s a whole generation of people who aren’t defined by their sex or their race, or who they sleep with. You know what your values are and what you believe in, and I think that’s the most important thing."
Check out the rest of the interview below:
Well played, Johnny.
And to the two broadcaster bigots, I have one thing to say; let’s see YOU guys do a triple axle followed by a triple lutz... and then maybe we’ll listen to your homophobic slurs.
-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 atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
Looks like the gay-bashing beauty queen, Lauren Ashley, was at it again in this latest interview with NBC...
Honestly- there's not much to say with regard to this that I've not already said. But I just couldn't resist posting this clip so we could all appreciate Miss Ashley's staggering intellect and theological savvy.
-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"
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