Christians for Same Sex Marriage

Cocktail Hour w/Jones & Hardy welcomes Charles Holt on Monday September 27th at 6:00PM

2010-09-24T04:21:00.000-07:00

Charles Holt is an actor, songwriter, inspirational speaker, producer, recording artist, entrepreneur, and author. He has starred in some of the most celebrated and spectacular productions in American theatre history including Smokey Joe’s Café, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Lion King. He adds guest starring television and film roles in Law & Order: Criminal Intent, All My Children, the award winning independent film, Anne B. Real, and the thought provoking comedy, Ed’s Trip. He received national acclaim and rave reviews for his 20-character portrayal in the one-man play Black Boy based on Richard Wright’s autobiographical landmark, as well as The Smoke King, a one-man play based on the life of civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois. After releasing Charles’ debut album project, I Am, Agape Media International is set to release Holt’s highly anticipated sophomore album project, “Rushing Over Me” in September 2010.The Voice That Matters, Charles’ landmark manuscript, will be published in 2011

Review of Bobby Hardy Amazing Grace

2010-09-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

In this age of auto tune, Pro Tools, mixes and remixes, sometimes you need to stop and listen to an old time gospel hymn, sung flatfooted and with minimal instrumentation, like it used to be.

This is what Bobby Hardy of Hollywood, California gives us. Accompanied by piano and synth-strings, the film, stage and television actor delivers the chestnut of all hymns with appropriate dignity.

Real Talk w/Bobby Hardy welcome's David Martinez of The David Martinez Band Wednesday September 8th at 7:00am www.blogtalkradio.com

2010-08-29T07:03:00.001-07:00

David Martinez, singer/songwriter, born and bred in Corpus Christi, Texas, will release his independent debut record this Summer. Music started at a young age for David, who was influenced by his father, a multi-instrumentalist. Influences at 4 years old, included Grand Funk Railroad, Kiss, Steve Miller Band, Led Zeppelin, and countless others.

At 15 years old, David's father purchased his first guitar and David immediately started learning chords and how to play to the likes of Zeppelin and Hendrix. Dave hooked up with friends from school and immediately started to song write. This is where a foundation was built and now results are starting to be seen.

In the summer of 2006, David hit the road with Jimmy Willden and Hope Cassity and toured the Western and Northern part of the US. This was an experience that was priceless and led to a meeting with one of David's main influences, Leroy. Leroy came out with his debut album in 2000 and was one of the few signed to Hollywood Records. Before that, Leroy fronted a band called HOG, which was part of the Geffen family.

After the tour ended, David returned and began working on songs he wanted to record and asked Leroy if he would produce. To his surprise, Leroy was ecstatic and excited to be working with someone he could mentor and take to the next level. Leroy has worked with the likes of Bob Cavallo Sr., Jack Joseph Puig, John Mayer, Steve Jordan, and Pino Palladino. In March of 2007, David flew to Los Angeles and recorded two songs at Leroy's Place in Hollywood, CA. One of the songs was "Can't Find You", which served as the catalyst to work on a record with Leroy and his great musician friends.

At the end of May, David jumped in his car, drove from Corpus Christi, Texas to Los Angeles, California, and made it in time to start recording June 1st. Leroy enlisted drummer Kane McGee of The Northstar Session, Cha Chi who is a percussionist in the L.A area, Adam MacDougall, keyboardist, who is a current member of The Black Crowe's and has played with Leroy, Nikka Costa, Macy Gray, and The Jayhawks. This was an experience beyond belief and Leroy pushed David to the limit and summoned the untapped talent within himself. Leroy also played lead guitar, percussion, slide guitar, mandolin, harmonica, backing vocals, and acoustic guitar.

Cocktail hour w/Jones & Hardy welcomes Friends of Distinction Mon 6pm PST www.blogtalkradio.com

2010-08-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Harry James Elston was born into a musical family in Dallas, Texas and grew up in San Diego, California.

In his mid teens Elston was part of a group called “Cel Foster and the Audios” which was chosen by the The Johnny Otis Rhythm & Blues Caravan in a talent search. (Otis produced Etta James’ first hit, “Roll With Me, Henry”, also known as “The Wallflower” and “Every Beat of My Heart”, first recorded by “The Royals” is his most famous composition which became a hit for Gladys Knight.)

In his mid twenties Elston worked as a limousine driver for “The Temptations” and in the early 60’s he LaMonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo together with Fritz Baskett, Rex Middleton, and Lawrence Summers formed the Hi Fi’s and went on tour with Ray Charles who produced the group’s single “Lonesome Mood”.

In the mid 60’s after leaving the Hi Fi’s, Elston and Floyd Butler joined with Jessica Cleaves and Barbara Jean Love, formed the legendary group “Friends of Distinction” a name which was suggested by Love.

In the late 60’s Hall of Fame football player Jim Brown, who became the groups manager, introduced them to RCA Records and in 1969 their first album, “Grazin”, was released.

The album included the song “Grazing in the Grass” which a top five on both Pop and Soul charts. The song was originally an instrumental composed by Philemon Hou, first recorded by the South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, produced by John Florez, arranged and conducted by Ray Cork Jr. Elston wrote lyrics for the song and sang lead on it. The single sold one million copies gaining the group their first gold record.

The other single was “Going in Circles.”, which earned the group their second gold record, which sold over one million copies and peaked at number five on the Top Ten pop and three on the R&B charts. “Going in Circles” was written by Jerry Peters and Anita Poree.

In 1970 the group recorded their third album, “Real Friends” on RCA Records with Charlene Gibson who replaced Barbara Jean Love. Jessica Cleaves left to join the R&B group Earth, Wind and Fire and later Parliament.

“Love or Let Me Be Lonely”, from the album, Real Friends, earned the group a second Top 10 pop hit, featuring Charlene as the lead. “I Need You” was also recorded by the group.

“The Friends were quite prolific from 1969-71, releasing 5 albums (a sixth appeared in 1973). They also released a number of great singles, including “Check It Out” (later remade by Tavares) and a terrific cover of Neil Sedaka’s “Time Waits for No One.” Their best cuts are excellently compiled in The Best of the Friends of Distinction, which was released in 1996.” Myspace.com/HarryElston

In 1975 the group separated and sadly, On April 29, 1990, Floyd Butler passed away.

Over the next 20 years the groups music was remade by the Gap Band, the late Luther Vandross, Paul Davis and Disney star Raven Simone.

Real talk with Bobby Hardy presents Curb Creatures September 1 at 7:00am

2010-08-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

Synopsis
Curb Creatures is the tragic story of a group of homeless people living in the streets of Hollywood in search of a dream and identity that was never found. Their path often next to an uncompassionate society is littered with addictions and mental illness that often turn the simplest tasks into arduous struggles. As they struggle to survive the harsh streets they call home, reality sinks in and slowly their twisted perception and denial begins to crumble giving way to the rude obscurity of the inhumane world they inhabit.

Biography
Writer, producer, director Carlos Manuel Aguilar's passion for non-fiction filmmaking is evident in Curb Creatures's intensity and energy. His experience in documentary filmmaking dates back twenty years. Later, he focused on biographical videos. Mr. Aguilar's earlier films used the Cinema Verite style to his best advantage creating intimate stories about unique people in living life fully in the Los Angeles area.

Blog Talk Radio presents Cocktail Hour with Jones & Hardy Monday's at 6:00pm

2010-08-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

Real talk w/Bobby Hardy August 18 at 7:00AM welcomes Actor Tony Jones & Michelle Armenta Working Wardrobes

2010-08-14T04:39:00.000-07:00

My special guest on August 18 will be Mr Tony Jones of My girl 1 & 2 with (Dan Akroyde and Jamie Lee Curtis). We will also welcome Michelle Armenta a spokeswoman for working wardrobes. .Michelle Armenta remembers the three female volunteers who came into the room at the start of a Career Success program at Phoenix House in Santa Ana. "I thought to myself, these women are just going to get torn up," she said with a laugh. "But I listened to what they had to say, and what they had to say changed my life."

After her first arrest in 2005 on drug-related charges, Armenta was facing jail time. She was sentenced to spend six months in jail and six months in rehab.

During her stay at Phoenix House, she went through Working Wardrobe's career program. She received a job lead from Working Wardrobes and landed work in customer service.

"Working Wardrobes helps you with the whole process, even the simplest things, like setting up an e-mail address and a resume," she said. "The program just makes people look at themselves differently."

She credits Karen Lawson, a consultant for Clover Brands Marketing and a Working Wardrobes volunteer, for coaching her toward success.

"I still call her all the time to talk or for advice – even for small things like if my shirt will look good with something. I think that's how you can tell how effective this program is and how strong the bonds are that it creates," said Armenta, 40.

In 2007, she went back to Working Wardrobes to volunteer as a success coach. She now works as a sales representative: "I'm so grateful to Working Wardrobes, and I'm so happy I was able to bring this program to other women."

Noel Stein Restaurantuer (Book)

2010-08-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

In a story embracing America's obsession with food and restaurants, Noel Stein recounts his days in the industry, beginning with his dishwashing stint at Brooklyn's legendary Garfield's Cafeteria. His charming, hilarious anecdotes include building Playboy Clubs worldwide and turning Manhattan's Bice into a multi-million dollar restaurant. Stein gives readers cogent, captivating insights into the restaurant world, offering tips and tales that will charm both passionate chefs and average diners alike.

Real Talk w/Bobby Hardy blogtalkradio.com/yasbow Wednesday's @ 7:00AM

2010-08-08T04:20:00.000-07:00

DRAKE LOPEZ

Real talk with Bobby Hardy is a show that deals with everyday life. Bobby is a published poet, Recording artist, stage and film actor (He was a quiet man with Christian Slater, Elisha Cuthberg and William H Masy & Smokey Joe's Cafe the 5th Avenue Seattle). Bobby will interview celebrities and many other interesting guest. The main topics will be, Music, karaoke, celebrity talk, bobby hardy hollywood, i'll take you there.

My First Guest: Mr. Drake Lopez

The first show is an introduction too Bobby Hardy, the singer, the actor and poet. Bobby will also welcome Drake Lopez to the show to discuss the recent news regarding Prop 8. Drake is a California native and resident graduating from USC where he studied Theatre to pursue his life-long dream of being a performer. As a performer for Disney Character's and Parade Departments, Universal Studios Entertainment Division, and dancer for local clubs. He's been able to fulfill his dues as an entertainer. Currently, he's gracing the local karaoke stages where he met me. performing as a flautist and Choir member at Hollywood Lutheran Church, he's able to reach out to his community as an activist since the onslaught of California's Proposition 8, volunteering for Vote For Equality where he diligently canvassed and phonebanked to reverse the effects of Prop. 8. And now is celebrating the victory!

California's Prop. 8 ban on same-sex marriage ruled unconstitutional

2010-08-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, a federal judge in San Francisco has ruled.

Proposition 8, passed by 52% of voters in November 2008, defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman. But after a non-jury trial earlier this year, Chief District Court Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that the initiative violated the equal-protection and due-process clauses of the 14 Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

After the court announced yesterday that it would issue its ruling today, both sides said they would appeal to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, also in San Francisco, depending on the outcome. Regardless of how the appeals court rules, the case will reach the U.S. Supreme Court next year or 2012.

Two gay men from Burbank and two lesbians from Berkeley challenged the law, which came in response to a May 2008 state Supreme Court that legalized same-sex marriage. In February 2004, San Francisco's new mayor, Gavin Newsom, approved same- sex marriages, and the city issued about 4,0000 marriage licenses before the state Supreme Court halted the weddings in March. Four months later the court voided all the licenses, prompting lawsuits from gay married couples.

The court set up a special site for the case.

Here's background on the battle over same-sex marriage in California.

Update at 4:58 p.m. ET: In his 136-page opinion, Walker ruled that Proposition 8 "both unconstitutionally burdens the exercise of the fundamental right to marry and creates an irrational classification on the basis of sexual orientation," and that the plaintiffs "seek to have the state recognize their committed relationships, and plaintiffs' relationships are consistent with the core of the history, tradition and practice of marriage in the United States."

Ultimately, Walker concluded, Prop. 8 "fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples. "

New Release (I'll take you there)

2010-07-20T13:17:00.001-07:00

Bobby Hardy has release a new single (I'll take you there)previouly recorded by the staple singers. This guy really has something special. Why are we just hearing from him? The voice is very rich and you really understand every word sung, unlike many other artist. This song is sure to be a hit!

Linda Hopkins: Deep in the night

2010-07-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Linda Hopkins was born to be an entertainer...she comes alive on stage, her smile and spirit infectious as she rouses her audience to join her onthis blues journey. She's simply sensational. It was great seeing you last night at the Spotlight Bar Hollywood for karaoke!

Linda Hopkins: Deep in the night!

Deep in the Night, features the soulful vocals of Jazz and Blues singer Linda Hopkins. Hopkins fell in love with Blues music after seeing Bessie Smith perform. She has starred in Broadway musicals such as Jazz Train, which celebrated the success of African-American music, Black and Blue, a tribute to Harlem s famed Cotton Club, and Inner City, for which she won a Tony Award. Hopkins also created two famous tribute musicals; Wild Women Blues was performed alongside Maxine Weldon & Mortonette Jackson as a tribute to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bessie Smith, and more famously her one-woman show, entitled Me and Bessie, which she created in honor of her idol Bessie Smith. The Ad Lib Series, now available on DVD for the first time, is a collection of 46 concert TV programs presenting the best Jazz, Pop and Blues artists showcasing their skills with a Jazz flair. Seen on TV internationally, Ad Lib (filmed in 1980) was the first musical television series recorded in Stereo. Each DVD features 2 episodes of the acclaimed Ad Lib Series. Also featuring special guests Jazz Pianist Paul Smith, longtime pianist & Musical Director for Ella Fitzgerald, & acclaimed & versatile Jazz saxophone innovator Eddie Harris, Linda Hopkins: Deep in the Night, is the definitive DVD of Hopkins legendary voice!

Boston Judge: Federal Ban gay marriage unconstitutional

2010-07-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

A Boston judge has fired the latest salvo in the battle for gay marriage, ruling Thursday that a federal ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional because it violates states' rights.

U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro ruled in favor of gay couples' right to marry, the AP reports, challenging the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) on the ground that it interferes with a state’s right to define marriage.

Same-sex unions have been legal in Massachusetts since 2004, but the state argued that DOMA discriminated against gay married couples by denying them access to the same benefits as heterosexual married couples.

Tauro agreed, ruling on two separate challenges to the law that the act forced Massachusetts to discriminate against its own citizens.

"The federal government, by enacting and enforcing DOMA, plainly encroaches upon the firmly entrenched province of the state, and in doing so, offends the Tenth Amendment," Tauro wrote in a ruling. "For that reason, the statute is invalid."

In a second case, filed by Gays & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Tauro ruled that DOMA also violates the Constitution's equal protection clause.

Advocacy groups embraced Tauro's ruling Thursday. "We've maintained from the very beginning that there was absolutely no basis for this law treating one class of married Massachusetts couples different from everybody else and the court has recognized that," said Gary Buseck, GLAD's legal director.

Supporters of same-sex marriage also took to Twitter to cheer on the ruling, posting tweets like "Yessssss!!!!!!!", "RIGHT ON!", and "Holiday, celebrate! So, U.S. Judge in Boston rules that a federal gay marriage ban is unconstitutional... Party in Boston!"

The Justice Department argued that the federal government has the right to set eligibility requirements for federal benefits such as Medicare - including requiring that those benefits only go to couples in marriages between a man and a woman, the AP reported.

The lawsuit challenges only the portion of the law that prevents the federal government from affording pension and other benefits to same-sex couples.

Congress put DOMA on the books in 1996 when it seemed that Hawaii was on the brink of legalizing gay marriage, and opponents feared that the movement would become a nationwide trend.

Beauty queen Carrie Prejean gets married!

2010-07-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

The former Miss California USA, 23, wed Oakland Raiders quarterback Kyle Boller, 28, Friday at The Grand Del Mar hotel in San Diego, her hometown.

The 25-minute ceremony was "beautiful," a witness tells E! News. "They had cocktails on the lawn right after. Everyone seemed really happy."

Prejean wore a gorgeous one-shoulder mermaid-style gown, according to E!, while Boller and his fellow

Carrie Prejean WedsUSMagazine, July 3, 2010
Related: News, Carrie Prejean
Controversial beauty queen Carrie Prejean has tied the knot.

The former Miss California USA, 23, wed Oakland Raiders quarterback Kyle Boller, 28, Friday at The Grand Del Mar hotel in San Diego, her hometown.

The 25-minute ceremony was "beautiful," a witness tells E! News. "They had cocktails on the lawn right after. Everyone seemed really happy."

Prejean wore a gorgeous one-shoulder mermaid-style gown, according to E!, while Boller and his fellow
groomsmen donned black tuxedos.

After bidding farewell to her six bridesmaids, she and Boller were whisked away in a white Rolls Royce Phantom, E! reports.

The two got engaged this past February.

Prejean made headlines last April when pageant judge Perez Hilton asked her if she supported gay marriage. "In my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman," she replied. "No offense to anybody there, but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be, between a man and a woman."
Her response outraged Hilton and others in the Miss California community. Hilton launched a crude attack against her. Organizer Keith Lewis even released a statement: "As co-director of the Miss California USA, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss California believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman."

Prejean only continued to irk her enemies when she began working for the National Organization for Marriage.

Scandal returned a short time later when semi-nude photos of her began hitting the web.

She almost lost her crown, but Donald Trump, who owns the Miss USA and Miss Universe organizations, allowed her to keep her title because he said "the pictures taken were fine."

On June 10, however, Prejean was fired for violating her contract and "unwillingness to make appearances on behalf" of the organization, according to pageant officials.

But in an in interview with Access Hollywood, Prejean claimed otherwise: "None of this would be happening right now if I just said, 'Yeah, gays should get married. You're right, Perez Hilton.'"

First runner-up Tami Farrell replaced her as Miss California USA

Karaoke The Spotlight Bar Hollywood CA

2010-07-02T03:03:00.000-07:00

Karaoke every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday night from 9pm to 1am, and man it is one of the best karaoke bars in Hollywood. The one and only Gay Bar in Hollywood Ca. Established in 1963 and still standing. The Spotlight Bar is owned and operated by the original owner Mr. Don Samuels. Since the beginning... Boys have been arriving in Tinsel Town. The Spotlight is Where they all wanna be. We get em all, The Straights, The Curious, The Bi's, The Queens, The Drag Queens, The Grand Queens, The Tattoo'd Rockers, The Mohawks, and yes, Show People

Cautiously Optimistic About Prop. 8 Challenge

2010-07-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

Gay-Rights Activists Cautiously Optimistic About Prop. 8 Challenge

There is palpable optimism among gay-rights groups that the latest Prop. 8 court challenge, brought by the legal odd couple of Ted Olson and David Boies, will mean an end to California's gay marriage ban, and in the best of cases, to all state-level marriage bans across the country.

But activists don't think it's a sure thing by any means, and they're not changing any of their plans because of it.

"You never really know with these things, and certainly we don't have a crystal ball, but the facts are on our side, and the law is on our side, and we're hopeful that the courts would see [our] side," said Micheal Cole, spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign, the long-standing DC-based juggernaut of gay-rights activism.

45 states currently have marriage bans, and there is a possibility that the challenge to California's Prop. 8 in federal court, with final arguments having been presented in district court and Judge Vaughn Walker deliberating on his decision, will do away with all of them. It will depend on whether the case makes it to the Supreme Court, and whether a broad ruling is issued.

The challenge rests in an invocation of the Constitution's equal-protection clause, which prevents laws from being applied discriminately. A ruling could validate or do away with Prop. 8 only, based on specifics in California, or it could validate or end all marriage bans if broad questions are asked by judges and justices, if broad arguments are made (Olson, for his part, is doing so), and if a broad opinion is issued.

There are many steps in the judicial process, so it's difficult to tell how long it will take. A two to three year timeline, from start to finish, is anticipated by the American Foundation for Equal Rights, the group that's running the court challenge on behalf of the plaintiffs, Burbank gay couple Paul Katami and Jeff Zarillo and Berkeley lesbian couple Kris Perry and Sandy Stier.

In light of that timeframe and uncertainty over how the case will turn out, gay-rights activists say the court case is not preempting their next goal for California: a ballot initiative in 2012.

After Prop. 8 passed in 2008, reinstating a gay-marriage ban in the Golden State, gay-rights activists were anxious to put a measure on the ballot in 2010 to legalize gay marriage again. A new class of upstart activists arose in reaction to Prop. 8, and they wanted to do something about it as soon as possible. More careful voices suggested waiting until 2012: a high-profile, statewide ballot campaign in California costs millions of dollars--due to the state's size and expensive radio and TV media markets (LA is one of the priciest in the country; San Francisco isn't cheap, either), campaigns cost more in California than in any other state--and in 2012, though some of the anti-Prop. 8 backlash will have simmered down, a more friendly electorate is likely to turn out for the presidential race. More young voters, liberal voters, marginal voters, more voters period--a better chance for gay marriage to win.

No ballot initiative has qualified for 2010, as some activists pressing that plan have backed off. But it appears there is no stopping a ballot initiative in 2012, no matter how close the trial is to being completed.

"If this case is decided on the strength of the arguments, our side wins, hands-down, all the way up to the US Supreme Court. However, we know that on our issues, a win can be tenuous and the legal process can take years," Marc Solomon, marriage director for Equality California, one of the state's most prominent membership groups for gay rights, wrote over e-mail. "So we are working extremely hard right now to change hearts and minds in the direction of fairness and equality to gain solid majority support for the freedom to marry in preparation for a 2012 ballot campaign."

Solomon's group has been in heavy contact with volunteers and canvassers in the last year, gearing up for the big fight in 2011 and 2012 that will focus on door-knocking, making inroads with communities and constituency groups, and probably a significant ad campaign, coordinated with the gamut of California gay-rights groups and executed with the advice (and money) of larger national groups like the Human Rights Campaign. By the time that campaign needs to start, the trial probably won't be close to completion.

The timeline and impact of the trial depend on a few factors. After Judge Walker issues his ruling, the case will be appealed (regardless of that ruling) to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. That process could happen faster than is typical, since the plaintiffs have filed an injunction asking the the enforcement of Prop. 8 to be halted immediately.

The Ninth Circuit could also determine whether the case affects all marriage bans, or just California's. If the Ninth Circuit strikes down Prop. 8 based on unique circumstances in California, the Supreme Court may not be interested in hearing it, according to Jennifer Pizer, lead counsel for gay-rights legal group Lambda Legal. If the Ninth Circuit issues a broad ruling, the Supreme Court's interest may go up correspondingly.

If the Supreme Court does hear the case, gay-rights supporters like Olson's chances arguing in front of the justices.

"The arguments that Ted Olson is making are not so different from the arguments that have been made in these cases over the years, and yet it has a different flavor when Ted Olson makes the argument," Pizer said. "The argument is not different, but the messenger is different, and I think more people, including more judges, may be able to hear the message and have it resonate when it's spoken by a self-avowed conservative."

New Release (Amazing Grace) Bobby Hardy

2010-06-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

The new single Amazing Grace by Bobby Hardy is now for sale on Itunes, Amazon, Emusic and many other music download sites. The single is for $0.99 a copy

The rendition of this song is so beautiful and fresh. Bobby's voice is so rick and smooth with a very noticeable anointing.

Eminem Supports Gay Marriage (NY TIMES)

2010-06-18T04:52:00.000-07:00

Eminem has 'come out' in support of gay marriage, according to an interview he gave to the NY Times.

Saying that "everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable," the iconic rapper changed the course of his own history, rife with attacks from many gay groups who declared he was a homophobe, based on the lyrics of some of his raps in his Marshall Mathers LP.

Mathers, 37, nominated for a Grammy award in 2001, was also vehemently protested against by gay groups for his "hateful" words.

Now, however, the aging and markedly mellower Em says "It's the new tolerant me!" as he declares gay marriage should be legal: "I think if two people love each other, than what the hell?"

Eminem has also previously admitted he turned to Sir Elton John for support when he wanted to overcome his addiction to painkillers.

He said: "I talk to Elton a lot. We became friends and I talk to him about things, career wise. And he had a substance abuse problem in the past. So when I first wanted to get sober, I called him and spoke to him about it because, he's somebody who's in the business and can identify and relate to the lifestyle.

"Me and him have had similar lives and stuff. So I reached out to him and told him, 'Look, I'm going through a problem and I need your advice.

Eminem's new album Recovery was recently leaked online, as the hard-core rapper's 7th album hit the internet just days ago.

Recovery, the followup album to Relapse, was set to be released on June 22, but somehow was "leaked" online early, much to the delight of his fans.

On it, Em collaborates with Pink and the newly red-haired Rihanna on one song each.

The iconic star has defended his decision to mix hip-hop with pop by recruiting Pink and Rihanna to record collaborations for his new album - insisting he felt both artists could "pull it off", according to a WENN report.

One of the songs from the new album, Not Afraid, was released as a music video on June 5. Unfortunately, the rest of the album links were removed from websites. Here is the "legal" clip - it's good, too!

Same Sex Marriage Fight!

2010-06-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

Same-sex marriage backers in California, anticipating a loss in court, are preparing to make their case at the ballot box in 2012.

In this file photo, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters in Palo Alto , Calif. Newsom, a Democrat, is running for Lt. governor of California in the 2010 race. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)"The right time is now," San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom told ABC News. "And if that means going back in 2012, I couldn't be more supportive."

"Wait almost always means never," he added, invoking Martin Luther King Jr.

California voters approved Proposition 8 in November, a change to the state constitution banning same-sex marriage. Although a decision has not yet been rendered in the legal challenge to Proposition 8, many gay marriage proponents in California expect the state Supreme Court to uphold the voter-approved ban on new gay marriages while leaving intact the gay marriages performed in 2008 when a decision of the state's High Court had temporarily legalized the practice.

The inclination on the part of Newsom, who is running for governor next year, to push for gay marriage in 2012 is in step with the thinking of Rick Jacobs, the chairman of the Courage Campaign, a liberal grassroots organization that is at the center of deciding when gay marriage advocates will launch their next campaign.

Secretary of State Clinton

2010-04-12T14:00:00.001-07:00

The White House says the answer is "no," despite all the chatter in Washington today.

"The president thinks Secretary Clinton is doing an excellent job as secretary of state and wants her to remain in that position," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said.

The comments come after Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, created a stir earlier today when he told NBC's "Today" show that he believed Clinton was among the possible candidates to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

"I even heard the name Hillary Clinton today," Hatch said. "That would be an interesting person in the mix."

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs further tamped down on the idea, saying this afternoon, "The president is going to keep her [Clinton] as his secretary of state."

Gibbs added that while the White House appreciated Hatch's addition to its list, he preferred to highlight something else the Utah Senator said this morning.

California Supreme Court! Upheld Prop 8

2009-05-27T06:31:00.000-07:00

What ever happened to equality. Any minority that walked against equal rights are hypocrites, because there was a time when Blacks couldn't marry anyone other than blacks. No one was allowed to mix races. Now we're being told that we can't marry the person we love and respect. I don't think this is showing real love, because the bible says to LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF! How can you say that the 18,000 same sex marriages that took place before the ban will stand, however, no other same sex marriages will be allowed in California. The California Supreme Court upheld the state's gay-marriage ban Tuesday but said the 18,000 same-sex weddings that took place before the prohibition passed are still valid — a ruling decried by gay-rights activists as a hollow victory. Demonstrators outside the court booed, wept and yelled, "Shame on you!" Activists said they would go back to the voters as early as next year in a bid to repeal the ban. In a 6-1 decision written by Chief Justice Ron George, the court rejected arguments that the ban approved by the voters last fall was such a fundamental change in the California Constitution that it first needed the Legislature's approval. "The voters have decided this issue and their views should be respected." As for the thousands of couples who tied the knot last year in the five months that gay marriage was legal in California, the court said it is well-established principle that an amendment is not retroactive unless it is clear that the voters intended it to be, and that was not the case with Proposition 8. Moreover, the court said it would be too disruptive to apply Proposition 8 retroactively and dissolve all gay marriages. Doing that would have the effect of "throwing property rights into disarray, destroying the legal interests and expectations of thousands of couples and their families, and potentially undermining the ability of citizens to plan their lives according to the law as it has been determined by this state's highest court," the ruling said. While gay rights advocates accused the court of failing to protect a minority group from the will of the majority, the justices said that the state's governing framework gives voters almost unfettered ability to change the California Constitution.
The decision set off an outcry among a sea of demonstrators who had gathered in front of the San Francisco courthouse, holding signs and waving rainbow flags. Many people also held hands in a chain around an intersection in an act of protest. More than 150 protesters who blocked a street were arrested, with citations for failure to obey a police officer and jaywalking.
About 80 protesters rallied outside the Los Angeles County clerk's office, where marriage licenses are issued. They waved rainbow flags and carried signs that read "Repeal Prop 8 in 2010." In San Francisco's Castro district, where many gay men and lesbians live, the large rainbow gay pride flag that flies in the neighborhood's Harvey Milk Plaza had been lowered to half-staff and a black stripe put on the top. "We're relieved our marriage was not invalidated, but this is a hollow victory because there are so many that are not allowed to marry those they love," said Amber Weiss, 32, who was in the crowd at City Hall, near the courthouse, with her partner, Sharon Papo. They were married on the first day gay marriage was legal last year, June 17. "I feel very uncomfortable being in a special class of citizens," Papo said. Jeanne Rizzo, 62, who was one of the plaintiffs along with her wife, Pali Cooper, said: "It's not about whether we get to stay married. Our fight is far from over. I have about 20 years left on this earth, and I'm going to continue to fight for equality every day." A small group of Proposition 8 supporters also gathered outside the court. "A lot of people just assume we're religious nuts. We're not. But we are Christians and we believe in the Bible," said George Popko, 22, a student at American River College in Sacramento, where the student government officially endorsed Proposition 8.
In the state capital, Republican state Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee of San Luis Obispo, the incoming minority leader, said the court's decision "reaffirmed the principle that the people's votes do matter." The state Supreme Court ruled 4-3 last May that it was unconstitutional to deny gay couples the right to wed. For a while, that put California — the nation's most populous state — back in its familiar position in the vanguard of social change; at the time, Massachusetts was the only other state to allow gay marriage. In November, Proposition 8 passed with 52 percent approval. As the fight went on in California, Iowa, Maine, Vermont and Connecticut legalized gay marriage, bringing to five the number of states that allow same-sex couples to wed. In California, gay rights activists argued that the ban was improperly put to the voters and amounted to a revision — which required legislative approval — not an amendment. But the justices disagreed. The court said that while the ban denies gay couples use of the term "marriage," it does not fundamentally disturb their basic right to "establish an officially recognized and protected family relationship with the person of one's choice and to raise children within the family." California still allows gay couples to form domestic partnerships. In their 136-page majority ruling, the justices said it not their job to address whether the ban is wise public policy, but to decide whether it is constitutionally valid, while "setting aside our own personal beliefs and values." Justice Carlos Moreno, who had been under consideration as President Barack Obama's nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, was the lone dissenter. He said denying same-sex couples the right to wed "strikes at the core of the promise of equality that underlies our California Constitution." He said it represents a "drastic and far-reaching change."
"Promising equal treatment to some is fundamentally different from promising equal treatment for all," Moreno said. "Promising treatment that is almost equal is fundamentally different from ensuring truly equal treatment." San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, whose office fought the ban, said: "Today's decision was a very disappointing decision. But I think we also know it could have been worse." Gay rights supporters could also appeal in the federal courts, arguing Proposition 8 violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution, experts said.

If we're gonna preach Love and Happiness for all, then why are we so quick to judge others that don't believe what we believe! Let's work on showing real love without judgement.

Prince and X-Mayor Marion Barry States gay Marriage is wrong!

2009-05-21T00:54:00.001-07:00

The laws in this United States of America make it very easy to get married and just as easy to get a divorce. All it takes is money. Rules? No one remembers their vows or could care less about them. If they don't feel they are benefiting from the marriage they just get out and start looking again. It's not about how much you can do for your spouse. It's about how much you can gain from it. There are hundreds of other reasons for divorce but the bottom line is Me Me Me. What can you do for ME? This tells me that marriage is only a contract between two people (the meeting of the minds).

Then a close friend of mine called upset because he read a story that Prince told the New Yorker that he disagreed with a liberal "Democrat" view of life, pointing to gay marriage as something condoned by the party that he disagreed with because it clashed with the teachings of the Bible."God came to Earth and saw people sticking it wherever and doing it with whomever or whatever, and he just cleared it all out," he said. "He was, like, 'Enough'."[In the USA] you've got the Republicans, basically they want to live according to [the Bible]. But there's the problem of interpretation, and you've got some churches, some people, basically doing things and saying it comes from here, but it doesn't."And then on the opposite end of the spectrum you've got blue, you've got the Democrats, and they're, like, 'You can do whatever you want.' Gay marriage, whatever. But neither of them is right. Then he had the nerves to say that he and his Jehovah's Witness friends get together and pray for the gays. Prince has lost a devout fan. I mean my friend has every CD, Poster and Movie that Prince has been involved in. Prince himself have been married 4 times and divorced. If gays are wrong, then why does he look like he's gay? not to mention how he dresses in his high heels and feminine clothes.Then we have the X-Addicted Mayor of Washington DC, Mayor Marion Barry that stated we must not allow gays to be married. He can't even be faithful to his wife or stick to his vows, yet he wants to judge others.
All I can say to PRINCE & X-Mayor Marion Barry, Judge not least ye be judged! Love thy neighbour as thyself! If you live in a glass house then don't throw stones!If you live in a glass house then don't throw stones.

Mayor Newsom Political Grand Marshall Long Beach Gay Pride Parade

2009-05-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Mayor Gavin Newsom the Political Grand Marshall of the Long Beach Gay Pride Parade in Long Beach California, and he is more than aware that the highly anticipated state Supreme Court decision on Proposition 8 will provide the backdrop for his Sunday appearance as political grand marshal in the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade. A ruling on the voter-approved gay marriage ban is expected by June 3, but the 2010 candidate for governor says that he has heard justices could decide as early as next week. He remains hopeful that the court will at least protect the 18,000 same-sex marriage licenses already issued, but he would like something stronger, namely seeing Proposition 8 meet the hard snap of a gavel. "This is, from my perspective, and good people can disagree, the greatest civil rights struggle, at least in my lifetime," Newsom, 41, says by phone from San Francisco. "I was born at the tail end of the last great civil rights struggle, and every day history is being made, and there are good days and bad days." The morning after Proposition 8 passed was one of those bad days for opponents in San Francisco. Indeed, Proposition 8 supporters used video clips of a Newsom speech saying same-sex marriage was going to happen "whether you like it or not" in endless commercials.
"I am certainly humbled by the outcome of Proposition 8," Newsom says. "I was very humbled by it, but I recognize the work we still have to do. I am more pragmatic about it. I am very optimistic, but there is a `hard-headedness' that Somehow, he adds, Proposition 8 unified opponents, who plan a measure seeking to undo it if the court upholds it. "People have coalesced in a rather extraordinary way," Newsom says. "I wonder where we all were before November of last year...when people woke and realized what happened, not just in this state but in this country." Sergio Macias, co-president of Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride, says the board asked Newsom to participate because of his commitment to equality. "We just want to recognize him for his support of diversity and inclusion, not to mention that validation he has brought to the community," Macias says. Though he never expected it to define his political career, Newsom found himself at the center of the cultural wars after he briefly legalized same-sex marriages in San Francisco in 2004. The state Supreme Court upheld existing law and annulled those marriages, but an appeal led to the eventual overturning of the same-sex marriage ban last year. Gay unions were legal until Prop. 8 passed in November. "People are still stunned that Iowa had moved forward while California had moved backward," Newsom says. Newsom says that if the initiative is upheld by the High Court it will reveal the flaw of allowing voters to amend the state Constitution with a simple majority. Though largely out of his purview as mayor, Newsom is also calling attention to the fact that the U.S. Census will not count same-sex couples in 2010. He hopes to persuade Congress or the president to find a way to count them.
His appearance along Ocean Boulevard is not his first in Long Beach. The Lambda Democratic Club gave him a human rights award in October at an event on the Queen Mary last year, and he came here on matters related to Proposition 8. "I saw how very strong the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community is in Long Beach and how many friends the community has outside of the LGBT community, meaning friends and supporters and people not afraid to stand with them on principle," he says. Newsom says he is following issues in the area, including efforts by U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer and others to save the Long Beach-built C-17 cargo plane. The campaign for governor - he is up against state Attorney Gen. Jerry Brown and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in the Democratic Primary - should bring him back. "This will be my first time participating in a Pride parade outside my city," Newsom says, "and I am looking forward to it and you'll be seeing a lot more of me down in Long Beach on every conceivable issue."

WHY IS CARRIE PREJEAN BETTER THAN VANESSA WILLIAMS

2009-05-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Why is Carrie Prejean better than Vanessa Williams? She's not!
I remember how pictures taken of Vanessa Williams some years before her crowning as Miss America caused a huge outrage when Bob Guccione published them in Penthouse magazine? When they got published, Ms. Williams responded that she was young, she needed the work, and she had no idea that these pictures would be used like this. Her protestations proved useless - the general feeling was that the Miss America who showed herself to be fit, talented, and poised at the pageant, suddenly was found to have had an insufficiently-squeaky-clean past to be the role model that Miss America was expected to be. So, now that we fast-forward some 25 years later, and we find that someone publishes topless photos of Ms. Prejean. Of course, Miss California doesn't do the same thing as Ms. Williams did. She announces that she had no pictures like that... then announced that, OK, there was one, but that was it... no, doggone it, there were only TWO... Stop picking on me! And the same people who decried Vanessa Williams' "poor judgment" over her photos are claiming that Ms. Prejean is being picked on because of her political leanings, as well as claiming, "and besides, the pictures WERE reasonably tasteful!"
Double standards have always irked me. Personally, I didn't care what Miss California said about gay marriage... and I still don't, for that matter. She has a right to her opinion. On the other hand, I'm underwhelmed by the "tastefulness" argument about the pictures that she said she never had taken. Had she been up front and said, "Yes, I did have these pictures taken," from the beginning, I'd have more sympathy for her.

But she didn't, and she went as far as to say it was a costume malfunction. Carrie said the photographer took the pictures without her permission. It was a windy day and he kept taking the pictures without her knowledge and didn't tell her he had them(the nude pics)." It was so windy her bra blew right off and she couldn't cover herself with her arms? Was she in a wind tunnel? As far as lame excuses go, that was was just craptastic. Pretty damn funny though.

2009-05-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this video of Bobby Hardy, He's one our biggest supporters. If not donating money or time, he's performing for our benefits. Again, thank you Bobby!

Click link below to view video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOlwNwHegAY

Miss California Carrie Prejean/Riding on the coat tail of the National Organization for Marriage

2009-04-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

We decide who's going to be a celebrity in America, and to push such a media hungry girl, who's got her own agenda, is unbelievable. I feel she's out to get her 15 minutes of fame no matter who she hurts. The reigning Miss California has gone to Washington to help launch a campaign opposing same-sex marriage. Carrie Prejean told NBC's "Today" show Thursday that she'll be working with the National Organization for Marriage to "protect traditional marriages." We see now that she's follower and not a leader, because she can't even stick to an issue that close to her heart or she would not have switched her stance. The 21-year-old says that marriage is "something that is very dear to my heart" and she's in Washington to help save it. What I would ask Carrie is does she have her own voice? Or is she just a puppet on a string. She says many people have thanked her for standing up for traditional marriage. Prejean was named the first runner-up to Miss North Carolina in the Miss USA pageant April 19. Her response to celebrity blogger Perez Hilton's question about legalizing same-sex marriage may have cost her the title, allegedly. Carrie Prejean, the Miss USA contestant from California who declared her opposition to same-sex marriage on the pageant stage, will star in a new $1.5 million ad campaign funded by the National Organization for Marriage Prejean appeared Thursday at a news conference in Washington to unveil the ad, called "No Offense." Prejean was roasted by same-sex marriage advocates after she stood up for what she called "opposite marriage" (marriage between a man and a woman) when responding to a question from celebrity blogger Perez Hilton during the pageant. But she's also become a fresh-faced standard-bearer for same-sex marriage opponents, who have rallied to her defense. "Marriage is good," Prejean said at the news conference. "There is something special about unions of husband and wife. Unless we bring men and women together, children will not have mothers and fathers." The National Organization for Marriage said in a press release. Carrie's riding on the coat-tail of the National organization for marriage, point blank.

Mother's Day Coming Soon! Remember Mom!

2009-04-30T00:45:00.000-07:00

This site is dedicated to news regarding Christians for same sex marriage. However, MOTHER'S DAY IS AROUND THE CORNER, so with that said, please remember your mother's on this very special day, it's because of her that you're here. Always show love and kindness, even if you get sour grapes all the time. Flowers, Wine, Candy and Dinner with Love!
Love rules all! Love your mother's.

10 Reasons Christians Should Support Same-Sex-Marriage

2009-04-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Because Christians realize that the Church has been discriminatory in the past and would seek amends for that
Because Christians support equal rights for all (indeed, all humans).
Because Christians have long benefited from the freedom of religion in this country, and would want to continue to respect that in the future.
Because modern Christians realize that marriage has nothing to do with procreation.
Because Christians should support marriage in all of its forms.
Because Christians realize that marriage has never been a static institution, and therefore there is no reason that it should be now.
Because Christians support the separation of Church and State.
Because Christians have long known that the Church should not determine legal policy.
Because Christians realize that to hold up marriage as for heterosexuals only is not only discriminatory, it also borders on idolatry.
Because Christians believe in the supremacy of God, not the supremacy of government.

Gay Marriage should not be a religious issue!

2009-04-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

We live in a society were judging others is very acceptable. However, the bible says judge not least ye be judged. Not to mention to love your brother the way you love yourself. With this said, would you deny yourself LOVE, HAPPINESS, PEACE OF MIND and SECURITY. The threat to marriage and family stability in society comes largely from divorce, 'porn' and promiscuity.

President Obama's affirmation of the rights of gay people in his election-night speech was, for many, a sign that the US was moving closer to fuller acceptance of the rights of same-sex couples. The day after, however, these hopes were dashed with the triumph of Proposition 8 in California, a victory made possible in part by money and activism from religious groups.
As of Spring 2009, the picture remains mixed. Iowa and Vermont have legalised gay marriage, though a bill to do the same in New York looks unlikely be voted through by the state senate. Each time legislators or courts make moves to extend full marriage rights to same-sex partners
they do so in the teeth of organised religious opposition.
In the UK, gay people have legal rights almost equivalent to straight couples in the form of civil unions, but marriage still eludes them.
Is there any religious reason why this state of affairs should continue? Should non-religious gay people buy in to what many see as a religious institution? Is gay marriage a religious issue?

How can you say that you're religious if you HATE!

What is Proposition 8?

2009-04-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

Proposition 8 was a California ballot proposition passed in the November 4, 2008, general election. It changed the state Constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to opposite-sex couples and eliminated same-sex couples' right to marry, thereby overriding portions of the ruling of In re Marriage Cases. The measure added a new section (7.5) to Article I, which reads: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." California's State Constitution put the measure into immediate effect on November 5, the day after the election. The proposition did not affect the existing domestic partnerships in California.
The campaigns for and against Proposition 8 raised $39.9 million and $43.3 million, respectively, becoming the highest-funded campaign on any state ballot that day and surpassing every campaign in the country in spending except the presidential contest. The proponents argued that exclusively heterosexual marriage was "an essential institution of society," that leaving the constitution unchanged would "result in public schools teaching our kids that gay marriage is okay," and that gays would "redefine marriage for everyone else." Opponents argued that "the freedom to marry is fundamental to our society," that the California constitution "should guarantee the same freedom and rights to everyone" and that the proposition "mandates one set of rules for gay and lesbian couples and another set for everyone else." They also argued that "equality under the law is a fundamental constitutional guarantee" (see Equal Protection Clause).
After the elections, demonstrations and protests occurred across the state and nation. Numerous lawsuits were filed with the California Supreme Court by same-sex couples and government entities, challenging the proposition's validity and effect on previously administered same-sex marriages. The court heard oral arguments on March 5, 2009 and is expected to reach a decision within 90 days of that date

42 Mayor of San Francisco for Governor Fund Raiser

2009-04-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

Gavin Newsom, 41, is the youngest San Francisco mayor in over a century. Newsom, the son of William and Tessa Newsom, grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. He attended Santa Clara University on a partial baseball scholarship, graduating in 1989 with a B.A. in political science.
After college, Newsom sold orthotics and worked as an assistant at a real estate firm. In 1991, Newsom recruited investors and founded PlumpJack, a wine shop, which he grew into a thriving enterprise of 15 businesses including wineries, restaurants, and hotels. In 1996, Newsom was appointed by San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown to the city’s parking and traffic commission. Soon he was elected president of the commission. In 1997, Brown appointed him to the city’s board of supervisors. Voters elected Newsom to the board in 1998 and re-elected him in 2000 and 2002. As a supervisor, Newsom focused on combating homelessness. His initiative, Care Not Cash, provided homeless individuals services instead of welfare. Although the city’s political establishment opposed Care Not Cash, the voters approved it in November, 2002. One year later, after a fiercely-contested race, Newsom was elected mayor. After only 36 days as mayor, Newsom gained worldwide attention when he granted marriage licenses to same-sex couples. This bold move set the tone for Newsom’s first term. Under his energetic leadership, the economy grew and jobs were created. The city became a center for biotech and clean tech. He initiated a plan to bring universal health care to all of the city’s uninsured residents. And Newsom aggressively pursued local solutions to global climate change. In 2007, Newsom was re-elected with over 73% of the vote. Since then he has built upon the successes of his first term, launching new environmental initiatives and a comprehensive strategy to transform one of the city’s most troubled neighborhoods into a life sciences, digital media, and clean tech center.
Newsom’s commitment to combating homelessness has never waned. As mayor, he has moved 7,000 homeless individuals off the street, and his volunteer initiative, Project Homeless Connect – now imitated in over 130 cities – has attracted over 20,000 San Franciscans who give their time to help the homeless. Newsom is married to Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

L.A. Grassroots Supporters and Young Professionals for Newsom

2009-04-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Please join the first Grassroots/Young Professionals fundraiser in Los Angeles with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom in support of his bid for Governor! Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
7:00pm, Boulevard 3, 6523 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028. Newsom could face 71-year-old Attorney General Jerry Brown and 64-year-old Lt. Gov. John Garamendi in next year's Democratic primary. Brown was governor from 1975 to 1983. Other Democrats mentioned as possible contenders include 56-year-old Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and 75-year-old U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein. However, we need to remember that Gavin Newsom has made some great changes in San Francisco and has great new ideas, not the old way. This is a politician that Loves people and will work hard for equality.

Oprah supports gays receiving equal treatment

2009-04-28T01:24:00.000-07:00

We all love Oprah, and thank her for raising the consciousness of people all around the world, not just about gay people receiving equal treatment, but encouraging people to live their best life. You can't live your best life without equal treatment. Winfrey's own sexual orientation would be called into question. As evidence of the very homophobia Winfrey was attempting to battle, there was tabloid speculation that her unflagging support of gay and lesbian people was motivated by a more personal agenda. Months after appearing on Ellen, Winfrey issued a press release, stating:
“Since my appearance on the Ellen show, there have been rumors circulating that I'm gay. I've addressed this on my show, but the rumor mill still churns...The latest development in the rumor saga is that I'm supposed to be doing a coming-out interview with a major news magazine. I'm not… As I've said, I appeared on Ellen's show because I wanted to support her in her desire to free herself--and I thought it was a really good script. I am not in the closet. I am not coming out of the closet. I am not gay."

Elect Gavin Newsom to Governor

2009-04-28T00:06:00.000-07:00

Aiming to stake his claim to the tech-savvy young voters who helped elect President Obama, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, 41, took to the new media to formally announce he's running for governor - by directly addressing hundreds of thousands of supporters simultaneously via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. "We can't afford to keep returning to the same old tired ideas and expect a different result," the Democrat told supporters in his three-minute YouTube announcement, part of the unprecedented "virtual fly-around" campaign announcement done entirely in the new media. The gubernatorial candidate's announcement video, which premiered on his Web page, GavinNewsom.com, utilizes three languages - English, Spanish and Mandarin - as well as images of solar technology, schools and health care facilities. It argued that Newsom - now in his second term as the city's mayor - has created jobs, helped San Francisco establish a rainy day reserve and budgetary "sound fiscal policy," and has tackled the challenge of providing universal health care to the uninsured. In his announcement, Newsom says his record on issues like environmental and green technology issues, health care and government spending "isn't conservative or progressive. It's just plain smart for everyone."
His advisers hope the unusual new media-based campaign rollout reaches an estimated half-million computer users in the first 24 hours - which would underscore what Newsom has called a "2.0 campaign" for the 2010 Democratic nomination. A key target will be the "millennial" voters, those technology-bred Californians born between 1982 and 2003 - part of the largest and most diverse generation in history - who helped boost Obama to the presidency, his advisers said.

His actions as mayor to facilitate same-sex marriage in San Francisco have become the focus of years of legal wrangling - and his statements that gay marriage, "like it or not," would be the law of the land were used to good effect in ads that supported Proposition 8, which outlawed same-sex marriage and was approved by voters in November 2008. The city's sanctuary city policy - which has been widely criticized by Republicans.

Legal Issues & Same Sex Marriage in the USA

2009-04-27T23:29:00.000-07:00

The legal issues surrounding same-sex marriage in the United States are complicated by the nation's federal system of government. Traditionally, the federal government did not attempt to establish its own definition of marriage; any marriage recognized by a state was recognized by the federal government, even if that marriage was not recognized by one or more other states (as was the case with interracial marriage before 1967 due to anti-miscegenation laws). With the passage of the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, however, a marriage was explicitly defined as a union of one man and one woman for the purposes of federal law. Thus, no act or agency of the federal government currently recognizes same-sex marriage. However there are 3 states that Same Sex Marraige is legal, and they are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont on September 1, 2009.

Celebrity support for No on 8

2009-04-27T23:12:00.000-07:00

The entertainment industry is obviously an important donor base. “It’s an industry that’s often stood up against discrimination. This particular initiative writes discrimination into the constitution. I think it’s something most fair-minded people, celebrities or otherwise, are outraged about.” Leading the Hollywood outreach is Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen, who wed art consultant Gabriel Catone in a ceremony officiated by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in June. The “American Beauty” and “Pushing Daisies” producer dug deep into his contacts. The media reports that Spielberg & Capshaw donated $100.000 dollars.

The biggest boon for the “No on 8” campaign came when Hollywood decided to have a party. The movement held its first star-studded no-press-allowed fundraiser at supermarket mogul Ron Burkle’s Beverly Hills estate. Melissa Etheridge and Mary J. Blige performed at the sold-out event, which required a minimum donation of $1,000. The bash, which was attended by such celebs as Barbara Streiesand, David Hyde Pierce and Rob Reiner, raised over $4 million for the campaign, according to Lorri L. Jean, CEO of the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center. That money will be used to purchase air time for campaign ads. Just to steal a couple of words from Martin Luther King, I have a dream that one day everyone will be treated equally. With that said, Come people and lets love others the way we love ourselves. Because you would not deny yourself. Much Love to the Universe.

Iowa Same Sex Marriage Legal

2009-04-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Gay and lesbian couples flocked to county buildings throughout Iowa April 3 to marry legally for the first time in the wake of the state supreme court’s landmark same-sex marriage decision. The first lesbian couple in Des Moines exchanged their vows outside the Polk County Administration building before a swarm of friends, family and news crews. Shelley Wolfe and Melisa Keeton were the first couple to receive their license in Polk County, shortly after 8 a.m. on April 3. They hurried three blocks to the courthouse, trailed by reporters, and persuaded a district judge to waive the usual three-day waiting period. Gay marriage opponents presented county recorders with petitions urging them not to issue licenses, in the wake of the court decision that ignited a political firestorm. The ruling made Iowa the first Midwestern state and the third nationwide to allow same-sex couples to wed. Protesters showed up in several counties. Prominent anti-gay-marriage activist Chuck Hurley was at the Polk County building but says his group plans no dramatic protests. He says the reason more Iowans who oppose gay marriage aren't making a stand this morning is because they're "probably raising children, going to work,

Miss California Carrie Prejean

2009-04-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

Miss California Carrie Prejean has stirred up a hornet's nest of controversy with her remarks about gay marriage on the Miss USA beauty pageant last week. On the show, judge Perez Hilton, an openly gay blogger, asked whether she believes in gay marriage. Miss California replied, "We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

I believe that we all have an opinion, and don't believe that she lost her crown just because of her statement "that marriage should be between a man and a woman". Perez Hilton was not the only judge on the show. So regardless of his comments I don't buy it. Just face the fact that the winner was better and deserved to win.

Same Sex Marriage for all People!

2009-04-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

Same-sex marriage and gay marriage are terms for a legally or socially recognized marriage between two people of the same sex. The first country to allow same-sex couples to enter into legally recognized marriage was the Netherlands, effective in 2001. Since then, six other countries and five U.S. states have followed suit, though California later revoked the right and has it under judicial review. Proponents of same-sex marriage regard it as a human right to be able to enter into marriage regardless of sexual orientation. Those who oppose same-sex marriage often base their opposition on the perceived societal impact of same-sex marriage, concerns about indirect consequences of same-sex marriage, parenting concerns, tradition, or religious grounds. Same-sex couples can be civilly united, but not married, in 16 countries and specific jurisdictions within 5 others. Additionally, Israel and France, along with the state of New York, recognize legal same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions but do not perform their own. Political and legal debate continues in over two dozen other countries and multiple U.S. states.