On Sunday (06-28-09) was the 36th Annual San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade.
The gay community gathered on a joyful march along Market Street in the spirit of its celebration theme: "In order to form a more perfect union…"
Mayor Gavin Newson e other local authorities participated on this event to show their support and commitment to preserve everyone's civil rights.
This event that usually attracts a joyful crowd this year seemed to have motivated everyone to come out. It felt like the rainbow was attracting everyone to show their support to marriage and family equality.
Prop. 8 gave the gay community a sense of union that is beyond the aspect of civil union. It made us realize that denying lawful recognition to longtime commitment among same gender couples affects the lives of their children as well.
The thought that children of same sex gender grew up by under the social stigma of their illegitimacy status, it's enough reason to recognize that Prop. 8 is extremely unfair!
Meanwhile, gays everywhere shall stand up and keep on shouting out loud: "homophobia got to go!"On Sunday (06-28-09) was the 36th Annual San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade.
The gay... more
The true story of a Cornish Liberal Democrat Member of British Parliament and Peter Midwood, a previously homeless 15yr old gay youth in Cornwall (UK)
May 13th 2009
The British National Daily Telegraph newspaper revealed British MPs EXPLOITING TAXPAYERS THROUGH MP's EXPENCE CLAIMS .
Daily Telegraph front page exposed how Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for St. Ives (in Cornwall, UK), claims £847 per month from UK taxpayers for mortgage interest payments for his luxury London riverside flat....yet in 2005 Andrew George would not assist a homeless 15yr old boy, a child who was living rough on the streets of Helston, Cornwall.
Peters parents abandoned him, moving 400 miles away to Hull.
Cornwall UK is recognised as the poorest economic region in the UK with the lowest rates of pay & high unemploymentyet Mr George would not assist a homeless 15yr old get an independent Ombudsman enquiry into institutional homophobia carried out by Cornwall Police & Cornwall Social Services in 2005/06/07 and still on going!
Mr Georges London luxury flat said primarily used by his daughter & insurance is in her nameyet Mr George MP ignored letters written by Peter begging Mr George to help him regarding abuse from Cornwalls homophobic authorities. Andrew Georges expense claims reveal how MPs are able to exploit the MP system to obtain properties from which their families benefit... yet Mr George would not assist Peter, but then Mr George had attended the same school at which young Peter was homophobically abused, so what do we expect?
Andrew George MP in 2006 using his privileged MPs 2nd home allowance, he claimed back £1,898 for furnishings which were I fact delivered to his other property in Cornwall....yet Mr George would not assist Peter and did nothing about social services refusal of statutory assistance to Peter
However, Andrew George MP, stayed in hotels London. Eventually buying a flat (then used by his daughter) and made a claim for £3,999 for furniture & soft fittings. The figure reduced by the Parliamentary fees officeyet Mr George would not assist Peter, who was sleeping on a sofa of a voluntary support team member. Mr George COMPLAINED bitterly and made a further additional claim for £538 for a futon....yet Mr George would not assist Peter. Turning his back on GLBT people abused & violated by embedded & vile Cornish Institutional homophobia at County Hall
In 2007-08 Andrew George MP billed the British taxpayer for a further £1,343.81 for household goods & redecorationyet Mr Andrew George Liberal Democrat MP WOULD not lift a finger to help Peter!
Andrew George MP has left an unapologetic internet whingeing response to the Daily Telegraph exposure of British MPs who exploit the MP expenses system
Peter Midwood, will be 20yrs old this year (2009). He will NEVER vote for Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George nor will the public who DID help young Peter
Not that Liberal Democrat Andrew George MP will give a toss probably to busy filling in his expense claim forms than help his Cornish constituents like young Peter
But this is what happens in the HOMOPHOBIC AUTHORITIES of CORNWALL (UK)
also visit the Freedom Of Information Act website "What do they know" and see the catalogue of questions regarding complaints against Cornwall police officers which remain un-investigated & covered up by the Independent Police Complaints Commission & equally corrupt & homophobic Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, under the questionable command of Chief Constable Steven Otterhttp://www.pinkpasty.blogspot.com
The true story of a Cornish Liberal Democrat... more
The Intercom Trust, a UK government funded charity & its supporters, have recently condemned the artwork of Henry Scott Tuke, a respected Cornwall artist, as being "paedophilia"
The Intercom Trust has decided to exclude the iconic homocentric artwork of Henry Scott Tuke from a Cornwall LGBT History project.
Sir Elton John is a private collector of Henry Scott Tuke paintings. Last year Sir Elton generously loaned eleven of his Tuke paintings to the Royal Cornwall Museum for an exhibition specifically on Tuke.
With Intercom Trust supporters condeming the Art of Henry Scott Tuke as being 'paedophillia', Intercom Trust members MUST by logical proxy be condeming any like those in the list below, who exhibit, distribute, own or collect Tuke paintings as being harbourers of 'paedophillia'.
City Art Gallery, Leeds
The Tuke Collection
Royal Polytechnic Society
Falmouth Art Gallery
National Tate Gallery, London
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Roy Miles Gallery, London
Private Collection of George Bedlam
City of London, Guildhall Art Gallery
Dublin Municipal Gallery
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Collection of Percy Bigland
Pyms Gallery, London
Cornwall County Council
Private Collection of Sir Elton John
The Royal Academy of Art, London
Royal Institution of Cornwall
Scouting Association- Baden Powell House
Bury Art Museum, Lancashire
Sarema collection
TE Lawrence Trust
Whitford & Hugues Gallery, London
New South Wales Gallery, Australia
Bonhams Fine Art Auction
University College Famouth
Royal Cornwall Museum
Catherine Wallace
Emmanuel Copper
Joyce Youmans
Private Collection David Falconer
Matt & Andrej Komasky Gallery
The Intercom Trust is gaining quite a reputation for internalised homophobia & bullying, isolating & marginalising isolated LGBT persons who dare express a view different to their government funded dictate on lgbt matters.
The video below shows more Art the "Intercom Trust" will surely want banned or destroyed!
What is next for Intercom Trust...burning Oscar Wilde books...because he was a convicted criminal?The Intercom Trust, a UK government funded charity & its supporters, have recently... more
Michael Hall of a UK government funded charity (Intercom Trust) has attacked the Cornish historical, cultural artworks of artist Henry Scott Tuke as paedophilia.
Sir Elton John is a major private collector of Tuke paintings. Last year Sir Elton loaned the Royal Cornwall museum eleven of his Tuke paintings.
Quote from Intercom Trust minutes :-
1.2 Michael made it clear that Intercom could not support the use of the artworks of Henry Scott Tuke in this event or any future events. He made it clear that pederasty and paedophilia have no place in an LGBT History pride event: these are part of the history of abuse and exploitation.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Intercom Trust Charities Commission Complaint
An Exeter University Member has made an official complaint AGAINST the Intercom Trust ...and not before time.
In a nutshell, the “Intercom Trust” have basically condemned one of Cornwall’s most famous artists, Henry Scott Tuke, as being a paedophile…and in the process by proxy, effectively condemned Sir Elton John, (one of the biggest Art collectors of Henry Scott Tuke’s works) as having an interest in paedophilia???
Last year 2008, the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro, Cornwall, hosted the biggest collective exhibition of works by Henry Scott Tuke, featuring many of his male youth nudes. The Truro exhibition was a huge success and attended by thousands of people. The Falmouth Municipal Art gallery contains a huge number of Tuke’s male nude works in their collection. Tuke’s male nude paintings of youth can be found in the Royal Polytechnic Society collection, the Scouting Association HQ, Baden Powell House, The London Guildhall Art Gallery, The National Tate Gallery & Sir Elton John personally loaned numerous Tuke paintings from his own private collection to the Royal Cornwall Truro museum exhibition last year.
But, the Homophobic & anti-gay “Intercom Trust” based in Devon, run by Michael Hall, have attacked the Cornish Artist Tuke, one of the worlds most iconic of homocentric artists, in the minutes of their “Intercom Trust” meeting:- quote:
1.2 Michael (Hall) made it clear that Intercom could not support the use of the artworks of Henry Scott Tuke in this event or any future events. He made it clear that pederasty and paedophilia have no place in an LGBT History pride event: these are part of the history of abuse and exploitation.
The group agreed that the Tuke’s work was perceived as abusive and sexually exploitative of young people and was not an appropriate exhibition to include in a family event. The group agreed that the need to protect children and young people was imperative, and discussed the need for clear boundaries to be put in place. It was agreed that this was to include boundaries for its member’s behaviour.
This video of Tuke’s works has been viewed over 298,000+ on youtube
This conduct by Intercom is yet another example of internalised homophobia endorsed by Intercom Trust against gay people in Cornwall. Intercom, who previously have attacked & turned their back refusing assistance to a previously homeless gay youth in Cornwall. See a youths own video:-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr7eGX-Rux0
Knowing as I do some abuses carried out by “Intercom Trust” against gay & lesbian persons in Cornwall & Plymouth, I personally & others gay persons I am aware of , hope Intercom are finally stripped of charitable status by the Charities Commission and prevented from abusing more gay people by their misleading posing as a gay supportive organisation.
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, Cornwall Police Authority & the Independent Police Complaints Commission may well (and DO in my experience) turn a blind eye to the abuses, violations & intimidation as are carried out by Cornwall police officers AGAINST LGBT gay persons, but we DON'T!
The Intercom Trust, Cornwall Pride, Cornwall LGBT Pact exclude & ostracise those gay people who have been abused & violated by Cornwall police.
These so-called gay organisations might have wet their knickers in excitement, simpering & fawning because Cornwall police flew a multicoloured rag from a police station
...whilst in reality, Cornwall Police just keep on homophobically abusing gay people.
Four known gay male suicides in Cornwall, UK, the bodies keep piling up but do the authorities (or Cornwall gay community) even care???
Cornwall Police...They KILL gay people...don't they?Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, Cornwall Police Authority & the Independent Police... more
This video is also shown on Peter's own youtube channel and tells his touching story regarding the abusive attitudes of Cornwall's Authorities towards gay youth.
The real tragedy is the abusive victimisation carried out by Cornwall police officers has continued relentlessly...still to this day in 2008 against gay persons.
To locate a HOMOPHOBE in Cornwall one need look no further than a local police stationThis video is also shown on Peter's own youtube channel and tells his touching story... more
The true story of Institutional Homophobic youth abuse as carried out by Cornwall County Council & Devon & Cornwall Constabulary.
This story is just the tip of the iceberg of a catalogue of abusive practises & conduct carried out against gay people in Cornwall by the loathsome Cornwall police forceThe true story of Institutional Homophobic youth abuse as carried out by Cornwall... more
I believe that one day, Americans will see gay rights like they now see minority rights, women's rights, and the rights of the disabled.
Civil rights issues are supposed to be judged by the supreme court, not voters. Homosexuals are a minority. Arkansas voters did not vote on integration. Men didn't vote on women's suffrage.
Religious people can still have the sanctity of marriage in their church of choice. Gay people only want to be able to be recognized as married by the government so they can have the same legal benefits as straight couples.
Where is the sanctity of marriage in getting married by an Elvis impersonator in Vegas? The government recognizes that as a valid marriage.
I believe that one day, Americans will see gay rights like they now see minority... more
the question is when will we learn? the struggles of being different or not what the controled right expects is long and hard. Its been in play since the native americans, slavery, civil rights, womens rights and ultimately gay rights. lets just clarify that "marriage" has NOTHING to do with religion. It is simply a statue of government to allow rights to committed people that are not available to singles. Case in point.. Aithiests can marry, and a man and a woman can go to city hall , get a licence, and actually be married by a judge. Yes, there is no mass, no clergy! so to wrap marriage around any part of religion is so wrong. Also, to claim marriage between a man and a women protect the integrity of the family is absurd because i know several "straight couples" that do not and will not have children.. should their marriage and rights be taken away. Bottom line is gay relationships are here and are strong and will not go away with or without marriage and its only a matter of time before we get the same rights as other couples which is ultimately what we continue to fight for. You dont have to support gay rights and marriage but why on earth do you feel the need to oppose it so defiantly?the question is when will we learn? the struggles of being different or not what the... more
Grey’s Anatomy star T.R. Knight donated $50,000 to 'No on 8' to fight Proposition 8, which would outlaw same-sex marriage in the state.
The donation comes one day after Equality California called for an emergency LGBT media briefing and reported that contrary to published reports, Yes on 8 is ahead in the polls.
Knight’s donation comes after Ohio entrepreneur Jonathan Lewis issued a challenge of sorts to Los Angeles's entertainment industry -- raise $500,000 for No on Prop. 8, and he and his family will match the contributions dollar for dollar.Grey’s Anatomy star T.R. Knight donated $50,000 to 'No on 8' to fight Proposition 8,... more
A just-released poll conducted by Lake Research Partners shows the yes side leading by four percentage points. Currently, 47% of voters support the banning of gay marriage in California, while 43% would vote against a ban, according to the poll.
During an "Emergency LGBT Media Briefing," Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California and a member of the No on 8 executive committee, stated: "We are going to lose this ... if we don’t raise the money we need to compete on the airwaves."
The poll showed a major shift from recent polling results that claimed opponents of the ban, Proposition 8, had a five-point advantage among voters. The reason for the shift, Kors explained, is simple: Yes on 8 is raising more money, and its most recent ad campaign has been highly effective.
Though Lake Research Partners' Celinda Lake said studies show the No on 8 ad campaign has proved to be effective with voters, Kors said the additional money raised by Yes on 8 has allowed ban supporters to get their message out to a wider audience.
On the conference call, Smith and Kors put it a little more plainly -- No on 8 needs to raise at least $10 million in the next 28 days. That money, they say, will be used to directly combat the Yes on 8 ad campaign's strategic advantages. Smith stressed that No on 8 is having great success reaching young voters through grassroots and Internet viral marketing campaigns, but that more money is needed to compete with television advertising.A just-released poll conducted by Lake Research Partners shows the yes side leading by... more
A judge in Montana granted a woman joint custody of two children she and her former lesbian partner adopted when they were a couple. Michelle Kulstad sought joint custody of her 8-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter after she and former partner Barbara Maniaci split up in 2006 after a 10-year relationship.
Maniaci, who is now married to a man, says she and her husband should raise the children as they see fit because Kulstad was neither an adoptive parent nor a biological relative. She was represented by an attorney from the conservative Alliance Defense Fund.
"To discriminate further against Ms. Kulstad because of her sexual preference in this day and age is no different than telling a person to go to the back of the bus because of her skin color," district judge Ed McLean wrote.
"By acknowledging Kulstad as a parent, the court today recognized that it would be both cruel and against established Montana law for her children to be denied the parental love and support Kulstad has shown them since they entered her home," Kulstad’s attorney Susan Ridgeway said in a press release.A judge in Montana granted a woman joint custody of two children she and her former... more
Google has taken a stand against Proposition 8, an anti-gay marriage measure on the November ballot in California.
Google's co-founder Sergey Brin released a statement, saying that "while there are many objections to this proposition – further government encroachment on personal lives, ambiguously written text – it is the chilling and discriminatory effect of the proposition on many of our employees that brings Google to publicly oppose Proposition 8. While we respect the strongly-held beliefs that people have on both sides of this argument, we see this fundamentally as an issue of equality. We hope that California voters will vote no on Proposition 8 – we should not eliminate anyone's fundamental rights, whatever their sexuality, to marry the person they love. Because our company has a great diversity of people and opinions – Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals, all religions and no religion, straight and gay – we do not generally take a position on issues outside of our field, especially not social issues."Google has taken a stand against Proposition 8, an anti-gay marriage measure on the... more
An Australian Anti-Discrimination Tribunal has found a notoriously homophobic gun lobbyist guilty of 'inciting hatred against homosexuals' with his car bumper sticker.
The sticker, which reads "Gay Rights? Under God's law the only rights gays have is the right to die", caused several local lesbians to take outspoken right-winger Ron Owen to court.
Two were awarded AUS$5,000 and a third awarded $2,500 in damages.
The tribunal also demanded a written apology from Owen. "Ron Owen is entitled to be a homophobe and he is entitled to publicly express his homophobic views," said tribunal member Darryl Rangiah. "That much is required in a society that values freedom of thought and expression. However, there are limits."An Australian Anti-Discrimination Tribunal has found a notoriously homophobic gun... more
The Commercial Closet Association has issued a letter to several major advertising firms stating that advertisements should be more tolerant and less homophobic.
The letter asked readers to "reexamine any lingering conventional wisdom that LGBT stereotypes, homophobia, and transphobia are considered successful approaches to selling products by actually testing it with general audiences."
Commercial Closet executive director Michael Wilke said ads from Nike, Heinz, and Snickers have been called offensive by many, but the response to customers' complaints have been quicker. "More often than in the past, advertisers are taking [insensitive ads] down quickly when they realize they're not being well-received -- and not usually with an actual apology, just acknowledging things are not going well," he said in the article.
The letter by Wilke was also signed by New York City Council speaker Christine Quinn and American Association of Advertising Agencies CEO Nancy Hill.The Commercial Closet Association has issued a letter to several major advertising... more
A committee room in New Zealand's Parliament has been dedicated to the country's LGBT history.
Select committee room 11 - now dubbed 'the Rainbow room', will stand as a testament to the struggles queer people have faced in New Zealand, and the struggles they continue to face today. It joins already existent Pacific, Maori, Asian, and suffrage rooms.
Speaker of the House Margaret Wilson, who officiated the launch, described the dedication as an important new date in the chronology of queer history in New Zealand. "It is a milestone in a long journey to full citizenship for gay, lesbian, and transgender New Zealanders," Wilson said. "Our parliament is a house of representatives, and it gives me great pleasure to know that in 2008 it is increasingly reflective of our diverse population."A committee room in New Zealand's Parliament has been dedicated to the country's LGBT... more
Brad Pitt announced that he is donating $100,000 to fight Proposition 8, the November ballot initiative that could ban same-sex marriage in California. Pitt's contribution is the largest anti-Prop. 8 donation donated by a celebrity.
"Because no one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it; because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn't harm another; and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8," the actor said in a statement.
Political strategist Chad Griffin told the Times that he hopes Pitt's donation spurs more celebrity donors. Recent weeks have been marred by reports the Yes on 8 campaign has seen a huge influx of cash support from wealthy evangelical donors. According to reports, the bulk of the donations have come from outside California.Brad Pitt announced that he is donating $100,000 to fight Proposition 8, the November... more
A strongly worded opinion from the Kentucky court of appeals has barred judges from granting same-sex partners the right to adopt children as stepparents.
The 3-0 ruling decreed that stepparent adoptions are permitted only when the second parent is legally married to the biological mother or father of the child. Since same-sex couples are not allowed to marry in Kentucky, the court of appeals said a family court judge and lawyers for a lesbian couple had ignored that law in allowing a stepparent adoption for a member of that couple in 2005.
"It is not this or any court's role to judge whether the legislature's prohibition of same-sex marriage ... is morally defensible or socially enlightened," Judge Glenn Acree of Lexington wrote, according to the Courier-Journal. "Nor is it this or any court's role ... to craft any means by which the legal consequences of such a prohibition may be negated or avoided." A strongly worded opinion from the Kentucky court of appeals has barred judges from... more
