Out NY Candidate Targeted With Fake Ad & Suggestive Innuendo

Justin Carroll (image via Facebook)

Opponents of an openly gay candidate for Town Justice in upstate New York apparently tried to smear him with a fake campaign ad using a suggestive photo from more than a decade ago and included innuendo regarding his work with YMCA youth.

Complete with rainbow letters spelling 'Pride' at the top of the page, the text of the ad stresses Justin Carroll's sexuality, his husband, the possibility of being the first LGBTQ Town Justice in his town of Clinton, New York and more, according to Metro Weekly.

“Justin, a bankruptcy lawyer in NYC, recently relocated to Clinton with his husband Adam Lynch,” the flyer reads. “Among his accomplishments, Justin has been recognized as one of the country’s ‘Best LGBT Lawyers under 40.’ He sits on various boards and committees while working with youth at the YMCA.”

(click image to enlarge)

The text also mentions The Victory Fund, which helps openly LGBTQ candidates get elected to public office and has endorsed Carroll's candidacy. The ad underscores TVF's endorsement and Carroll’s sexual orientation: “Justin will be the first openly LGBTQ elected official for the Town of Clinton.”

The ad also used a photo of Carroll from 2005 when he was a 24-year-old 'cover boy' for Metro Weekly.

Carroll told Metro Weekly he learned of the flyer when it was forwarded to him after it was posted to the Facebook page of the Hudson Valley News.

The news outlet eventually posted a retraction after the editor realized the ad was submitted via a fake email address.

Justin Carroll, our candidate for Town of Clinton (NY) Justice, speaks out about a fake ad attacking his sexuality and @VictoryFund support: "Obviously when opponents don’t have things to talk about, they find things to manufacture," via @metroweekly.https://t.co/dkaoc9zyUN

— Victory Fund (@VictoryFund) August 15, 2019

“At first I thought the ad was just kind of laughable how amateurish it was, given the sophisticated nature of my campaign,” Carroll told Metro Weekly. “Second, it was disheartening, to think about that coming from this community where I’ve moved with my husband.”

“We’ve been living here for almost five years. It’s our full-time residence, it’s our only residence,” says Carroll. “We moved up here to raise a family. It reminds us of the places where we grew up, in Connecticut and Oregon. We’ve had the most wonderful interactions with our neighbors over the past five years and are familiar with all the local establishments."

The 37-year-old also noted that the ad seemed "to weaponize my coming out story and things that I’m proud of, but with these nefarious undertones of ‘these people are invading our town and maybe they shouldn’t be left around children.'"

“That’s a disgusting sentiment, and it has no place in our public discourse,” he says.

Alabama Senior Arrested For Threats Regarding Pride Flag At Hair Salon

James Willoughby Wood (mug shot)

An 83-year-old man in Alabama has been arrested and charged after leaving a threatening note on the door of a hair salon flying a rainbow flag.

AL.com reports that police identified James Willoughby Wood using surveillance footage which showed the senior leaving a note at the salon.

“This is not San Francisco or downtown Birmingham,” read the note in all caps. “This is Homewood which is a religious and family city. We suggest that you remove that flag before it is too late. We are concerned citizens. Good Bye.”

Before it is too late...

The owner of the salon, Issam Bajalia, found the note after returning from attending World Pride in New York City.

“We’re just very disappointed because our only crime (according to) this person is we have a rainbow flag in front of our building,” Bajalia told AL.com. “My thing is what is so offensive about a rainbow or a flag and how does this disrupt your religious journey?”

Due to the threatening nature of the note, an employee reported the message to the police.

Wood was picked out of a lineup and charged with misdemeanor harassment. His bond was set at $300.

NJ Mayor Calls LGBT Curriculum "An Affront To Almighty God"

Republican Mayor Alfonso Cirulli of Barnegat Township, New Jersey, is angry over a new law that will introduce LGBT curriculum to schools and has launched a campaign urging residents to join him in his outrage.

The legislation, Senate Bill 1569, was signed into law in January by Gov. Phil Murphy. The law requires middle and high schools to include lessons on the contributions of LGBT people as well as people with disabilities.

Cirulli, a former assistant principal, told a meeting of the Barnegat Township Committee, “The government has no right to teach our kids morality,” according to the Asbury Park Press.

The 60-year-old mayor, who wants the new law reversed, declared the LGBTQ movement is “an affront to Almighty God.”

Mayor Alfonso Cirulli (image via Barnegat Township website)

Cirulli’s position is that teaching teens about the achievements and contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people amounts to “indoctrination” and violates the religious rights of parents.

He also denounced the legalization of same-sex marriage as well.

The Park Press reports the mayor’s comments were met primarily with silence by those in attendance, although some citizens were quick to denounce his statements.

Peggy A. Houle, currently running for a three-year term on the Township Committee, told the mayor, “You are misusing and abusing your power.”

Briget Nunn, a town resident and mental health clinician who often works with LGBTQ youth, told the committee during the public comments period, "I understand that everyone is entitled to their belief and their religious ideas, … but what I have a problem with is when you bring them into a public forum.”

"As public officials … you have to be careful about what message you're sending to these kids I'm counseling, who are already in your schools feeling like they're isolated, alone and not getting the support they need,” she added. “The idea is to teach compassion, tolerance, and understanding.”

Radio station 1010 WINS reports resident Marianne Clemente told the mayor, “You think your speaking dais is a pulpit. You are not supposed to bring religion into this. At other times I have heard you mention Jesus in your speeches, and that is totally inappropriate. We have a separation of church and state. Damn it, adhere to it.”

Jon Oliveira, director of communications for pro-LGBTQ organization Garden State Equality, called Cirulli’s comments “deeply troubling.”

“You cannot opt-out of LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum just like you cannot opt-out of science or black history simply because of ill-informed or close-minded beliefs,” said Oliveira in an email. “LGBTQ history is a part of American history, and to hide or misrepresent who, how, and why we are here today means students would otherwise be learning fiction.”

It comes as no surprise that Cirulli's Facebook page is filled with a litany of pro-Trump, anti-Hillary Clinton propaganda.

One Million Moms Rants About Drag Queen Story Hour At Whole Foods

Bigoted anti-LGBTQ group One Million Moms (really just 94k) is throwing a new temper tantrum, this time aimed at Whole Foods Market for hosting a Drag Queen story hour.

In an email to their supporters, the group moans about the retailer who "once promoted organics and clean food" saying the upscale grocer is now "saturated in absolute filth, exploiting America’s children to be 'groomed' by drag queens."

Pointing to a Drag Queen story hour held in Atlanta, Georgia, One Million Moms calls the events an attempt to "indoctrinate children into transgenderism and homosexuality" and "to normalize the LGBTQ lifestyle."

The group is equally mad at Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for having the nerve to endorse the "disturbing" events.

OMM may try to paint a picture of "child exploitation," but the fact of the matter is the events have been hailed across the country for encouraging children to get more involved in reading.

The drag queen aspect works because children have no preconceived ideas about bigotry or judgement, and allow their imaginations to take flight during the story hours.

And when you think of it, where does OMM's get off trying to deny a child learning about being fabulous?

Personally, this just makes me want to go spend money at my nearest Whole Foods Market.

FYI - those so-called 'one million moms' have generated just barely 7,000 signatures on their sad little petition.

So, there you go...

Heavy Metal Band Defies Russia's Anti-LGBTQ Law With Onstage Lip Lock

Richard Kruspe and Paul Landers of Rammstein (photo: Jens Koch)

Two members of the German heavy metal band Rammstein shared an onstage kiss in defiance of Russia’s anti-LGBTQ policies during their concert at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow Tuesday night.

While performing their song “Aüslander," which means “foreigner” in German, guitarists Richard Kruspe and Paul Landers slowly walked towards each other. After briefly catching each other’s eyes, they leaned in for a quick kiss.

And the crowd goes wild!

The kiss took place just days after a prominent LGBTQ activist was found murdered in St. Petersburg.

The band posted a photo of the kiss by photographer Jens Koch on their Instagram account with the caption, “Russia, we love you.”

View this post on Instagram

Россия, мы любим тебя! Photos: @jenskochphoto

A post shared by Rammstein (@rammsteinofficial) on Jul 30, 2019 at 10:23am PDT

Since the band was formed in 1994, Rammstein has scored two Grammy nominations, six number-one albums on German and European music charts, and had dozens of Top Ten singles across Europe.

While the kiss itself was a quick peck, it's clear the bold moment was inspired by Russia’s 2013 ‘gay propaganda’ law which bans promoting “non-traditional sexual relationships” to young people.

The passage of the legislation has increased hostile pressures on LGBTQ people in Russia.

In 2017, the European Court of Human Rights ruled the law “had reinforced stigma and prejudice and encouraged homophobia.”

Foreigners found to have violated the law may be fined up to 5,000 rubles ($78) and deported, or detained for up to 15 days before being deported.

Rammstein is well-known not only for spectacular stage shows but also for standing up for LGBTQ rights while on tour.

The Washington Post notes that just last week, during a concert in Chorzów, Poland, the band waved rainbow Pride flags while crowd surfing in inflatable rafts.

View this post on Instagram

Wow this means a lot to me. My favorite band standing up for a equal rights in Poland this week. #LIFAD #lgbtqpoland #lgbti #rammstein 🏳️‍🌈❤️✌🏻

A post shared by JENS KOCH (@jenskochphoto) on Jul 26, 2019 at 5:43am PDT

Photographer Jens Koch snapped the moment and shared it to her Instagram with the caption, “Wow, this means a lot to me. My favorite band standing up for equal rights in Poland this week. #LIFAD#lgbtqpoland#lgbti#rammstein”

Here’s a video of the kiss that rocked Russia:

Florida: Hate Campaign Forces Cancellation Of 'Storybook Pride Prom' For Teens

The Willowbranch location of the Jacksonville Public Library in Florida had planned a Pride Month event for young people called 'The Storybook Pride Prom' this coming Friday.

The announcement for the prom at the Willowbranch Library for teens 14-18 read, “To celebrate National Pride Month, LGBTQ teens are invited to create their own 'happily ever after' at The Storybook Pride Prom! Come dressed inspired by your favorite book character — casual, formal, or in drag — whatever makes you feel great. Be you!”

Sounds like a wonderful event, no?

But virulently anti-LGBTQ activist Elizabeth Johnston mounted her broom and pushed a phone campaign that forced the Jacksonville Public Library to cancel the inclusive event due to threats of violence from homophobes.

“Express your disgust that this perversion is taking place in a taxpayer funded library!” Johnston wrote in a Facebook post.

After a deluge of phone calls and threats, Jacksonville Public Library wrote on its Facebook page that "the library is not confident that it will be 100% prepared to provide a safe, secure environment for customers, staff, volunteers, contractors, protestors and active supporters, and most of all for the teens themselves."

Anti-LGBTQ Pastor: Every Rainbow Flag In The Country Should Be Burned

E.W. Jackson

Right Wing Watch reports that anti-LGBTQ pastor and failed 2018 U.S. Senate candidate E.W. Jackson took to his radio program on Monday to rant about Pride Flags being flown and announced “we need to burn every rainbow flag in this nation.”

Incensed that U.S. embassies were displaying the rainbow flags in honor of Pride Month, Jackson compared the Pride flag to the Confederate flag.

“As far as I am concerned, the rainbow flag is no different than the Confederate flag. That’s right, I said it and I mean it. The rainbow flag is no different than the Confederate flag in that sense. It is a flag that represents the interests of a special group and their interests, not the interests of our country.”

Of course, it goes without saying that the Confederate flag was created to represent the South during the Civil War - a bloody conflict over slavery.

The rainbow flag is a symbol of pride raised in peace to represent a marginalized minority.

So, slavery on one hand, peace and pride on the other…

Jackson goes on to say that the only reason Pride flags are flown is because “these homosexual activists and radicals have so intimidated people throughout the culture, throughout the government, throughout the society that everybody thinks you’ve got to kowtow to them.”

Considering the LGBTQ population makes up about 4.5% of the U.S. population, according to a 2017 poll by Gallup, I’m not sure if we’ve really got folks “kowtowing” to us. If they were “kowtowing,” we’d have the Equality Act enacted by now.

Jackson continued with some general bashing of gays saying “it’s a lie” that folks can be attracted to people of the same sex.

He also declared that “We need to burn every rainbow flag in this nation.”

Hit play to hear the man lose his mind over a rainbow flag.



For those who may not know the good pastor, the list of outrageous statements he’s made against the LGBTQ community includes blaming the Charleston mass murders on LGBTQs and President Obama, saying Christians should be willing to die to stop marriage equality, and that Satan made Mayor Pete Buttigieg gay.

Botswana's High Court Strikes Down Anti-Homosexuality Laws

(image via Twitter/Keikantse E. Phele)

In a major victory for LGBTQ rights, Botswana's highest court has struck down the African nation's laws that made same-sex relations a criminal act.

The packed courtroom erupted in cheers as the unanimous ruling was announced.

"Human dignity is harmed when minority groups are marginalised,” said Justice Michael Leburu as he read the historic ruling. “Sexual orientation is not a fashion statement. It is an important attribute of one’s personality.”

"The state cannot be a sheriff in people’s bedrooms," he added.

Even though Botswana is considered one of the most stable and democratic countries in Africa, homosexuality has been illegal under the nation's penal code since 1965. Someone found guilty under the laws faced jail time of up to seven years.

More than half of the countries in Africa have some form of anti-homosexuality laws in place.

Today's news stands in sharp contrast to last month's disappointing ruling in Kenya where that country's high court found its anti-homosexuality laws were not unconstitutional.

Scenes of joy as decriminalization Of homosexuality made official in Botswana #repeal164 pic.twitter.com/pBch7o6kdh

— Ryan Brown (@ryanlenorabrown) June 11, 2019

History made in Botswana
Human rights for all. pic.twitter.com/Jlv7KisZYq

— Keikantse E. Phele (@ke_phele) June 11, 2019

It couldnot have been a better day. What a day... We are all basking in the glory of human rights for all.@legabiboadvo@leshielovesong @ratanangMosweu pic.twitter.com/oGoO6uGDnw

— Keikantse E. Phele (@ke_phele) June 11, 2019

#Repeal164 #Botswana@Follow_SALC @hrw @InfoDignity @CHR_HumanRights pic.twitter.com/fUBF2aXomg

— Keikantse E. Phele (@ke_phele) June 11, 2019

Audio: Lawmaker Laughs About Legislation To Execute Gays

Florida state Rep. Mike Hill (R) with Donald Trump (L)

A Florida lawmaker is being called unfit for office after a recording revealed him joking about executing gay Floridians.

An op-ed in the Pensacola News Journal shares an audio clip of Florida Rep. Mike Hill in a recent meeting with a group called Women for Responsible Legislation.

In the recording, a citizen comments, “In 1 Corinthians, it says that a man who has an affair with another man will be put to death.”

Hill can be heard responding, “It says that in the Old Testament, too.”

Another attendee inquires, “Can you introduce legislation?”

Laughter is heard in the background as Hill joins in the chuckles before saying, “I wonder how that would go over?”

It probably won't surprise you to know that Hill's Twitter account describes the 60-year-old as "Pro Life! Pro Guns! Pro Jesus!"

Andy Marlette, who penned the op-ed, writes that with that comment, “Hill proved why he is both an unfit legislator and an unfit Christian.”

Remember folks, this is the same state that lived through 49 people shot to death and 53 more injured at a gay bar, Pulse Nightclub, in June 2016.

Hill went on to share in the same meeting that he believes being gay is “a behavior, and it’s a choice” and that LGBTQ people don’t need legal protections.

In a longer audio clip obtained by The New Civil Rights Movement, Hill can be heard saying, “You can say, ‘But I was born that way.’ OK, well, fine, but nobody’s forcing you to engage in that relationship, even if you were born that way.”

In his essay, Marlette wonders why Hill, who clearly considers himself a Christian, didn’t just say, “No sir, stop right there, that’s wrong, that’s not what Jesus would do.”

But, he didn’t.

The op-ed calls for the Florida House to weigh in as well as Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson.

“It’s not enough to groan, roll our eyes and privately lament Mike Hill,” writes Marlette. “When public officials espouse cruel and immoral ideas, we are morally obligated to shout them down in the public square.”

As news of the recording has gone public, State Rep. Carlos Gulliermo Smith, who is the first openly gay Latino legislator in the state, has called on Hill to either apologize or resign.

I’m shocked & disgusted to discover a colleague who I’ve worked closely with would joke about punishing me by death for being gay. As a survivor of anti-gay hate violence, I know the consequences of homophobia are real. @MikeHillfl should apologize to LGBTQ Floridians or RESIGN. https://t.co/BqMoxLc6Vo

— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) May 31, 2019

Bigotry like this is the reason LGBTQ Floridians need protection from discrimination in state law. Homophobic and transphobic individuals can also happen to be employers, landlords, and business owners who may engage in legal discrimination. It still happens in 2019 people!!!!

— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) May 31, 2019

To add insult to injury, I joined forces with @MikeHillfl last year to protect greyhound racing dogs. Apparently, he thinks DOGS deserve protection, but not LGBTQ people. Those are his priorities. How insulting.... https://t.co/zw0ISCwWCB

— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) May 31, 2019

(source: Pensacola News Journal)

Kenya: High Court Rules Anti-Gay Laws Not Discriminatory

Flag of Kenya

Kenya’s High Court has upheld the African country’s laws which criminalize homosexual behavior.

LGBTQ activists had argued the laws are discriminatory, lead to increased harassment of the LGBTQ community, and serve to discourage people from seeking HIV testing or treatment.

The plaintiffs involved in the case also said the laws violate the Kenyan Constitution which reads the “state shall not discriminate directly or indirectly against any person on any ground,” including sex.

The three-judge panel, however, ruled the British colonial-era laws are not discriminatory and told the packed courtroom of activists in Nairobi the petitioners had failed to provide “credible evidence” that the laws infringed their rights, reports Quartz.com.

The three laws in question, Sections 162 (a) and (c), 163 and 165 of the nation’s penal code, make it a felony to have “carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature” or to commit “gross indecency.” The punishment for these crimes range from five to twenty-one years in prison.

The “carnal knowledge” offense is generally used to relate to oral and anal intercourse. While the law could apply to people of any gender, it’s primarily used to persecute gay men.

The “gross indecency” section pertains specifically to sexual acts between men.

Kenya's High Court upheld a law that criminalizes gay sex and punishes it with up to 14 years in jail. It is one of 40+ countries that inherited British colonial anti-gay laws. pic.twitter.com/CO9Bf6MwPr

— AJ+ (@ajplus) May 24, 2019

Of the more than 70 countries that outlaw homosexuality, nearly half are located in Africa.

A report in 2014 found the government of Kenya prosecuted 595 cases of homosexualitybetween 2010 and 2014.

A report from the Kenyan government shows 534 people were arrested for same-sex relationships between 2013 and 2017.

Today’s ruling comes as other countries, like Indiaand Trinidad and Tobago, have recently decriminalized homosexuality.

Texas Lawmakers Approve 'License To Discriminate' Against LGBTQs

The Texas legislature revived anti-LGBTQ House Bill 3172 as Senate Bill 1978, and the legislation has now passed in both chambers.

SB 1978 seeks to protect businesses and individuals from being penalized by city or government officials if they donate to, or are affiliated with, religious organizations that are known to discriminate against LGBTQ people.

It was dubbed the #SaveChickFilA bill after the San Antonio City Council voted to block inclusion of the fast-food restaurant at the San Antonio airport due to a history of anti-LGBTQ donations.

After members of the House LGBTQ caucus successfully killed the bill in that chamber, Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) filed an amended version in the state Senate.

Hughes contends the bill doesn’t contain “an ounce of discrimination.”

But state Rep. Celia Israel (D-Austin) said on the floor of the House, “It’s been cloaked religious freedom, but the genesis, the nexus of this bill, is in hatred.”

State Rep. Mary Gonzalez (D-Clint), who chairs the House LGBTQ Caucus, said the bill “perpetuates the rhetoric that leads to discrimination, to hate and ultimately bullying that leads to the consequence of people dying.”

The legislation was quickly passed in the Senate and sent to the House where the Austin Chronicle reports the bill was approved today by a vote of 79-64.

An amendment added to the bill in the House requires one more vote by the Senate, where it’s expected to pass.

Then the legislation heads to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott, who has signaled he plans on signing the bill into law.

So. What are the odds I’ll sign the Chick-fil-A bill?

I’ll let you know after dinner.

⁦@ChickfilA⁩ #txlege pic.twitter.com/xKS3vDV4gS

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 21, 2019

Texas Republicans Revive Anti-LGBTQ 'Chick-Fil-A' Bill

Last week, I reported that the anti-LGBTQ “Save Chick-fil-A” bill in Texas, House Bill 3172, had been successfully torpedoed by out state Rep. Julie Johnson.

The legislation, authored and sponsored by GOP state Rep. Matt Krause, would have banned cities and other governmental entities from taking “adverse action” against anyone for their “membership in, affiliation with, or contribution, donation or other support” to a religious organization.

It became known as the “Save Chick-fil-A” bill as supporters felt it would have helped avoid the recent boycott and eventual elimination of the fast-food chain from San Antonio’s airport. The fast-food restaurant has years of history of making donations to anti-LGBTQ organizations that advocate against LGBTQ rights.

The Dallas Voice had labeled the legislation one of the “most extreme anti-LGBT bills this session.”

Well, now the bill is back thanks to some last minute maneuvers in the state Senate, according to The Dallas News.

Senate Bill 1978, the companion bill to HB 3172, was filed by state Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola).

Addressing the Senate Affairs Committee, Hughes told a practically empty room on Monday that, “The bill as filed ensures religious beliefs are protected from discrimination.”

Hughes emphasized that the bill was about “those uniquely American rights,” freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

The room was nearly empty because the GOP-led Senate waived rules just minutes before so that the bill could be heard in committee without giving public notice.

Last week, when HB 3172 came up for debate, dozens showed up to denounce the legislation.

But with no one to debate the bill, the committee advanced the legislation to the full Senate. SB 1978 is on today’s intent calendar.

The Dallas News says Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, issued a statement via a spokesperson defending the last minute waiving of the Senate rules.

Sherry Sylvester, Patrick’s spokesperson, said it's not uncommon to suspend the rules to speed up bills this late in the session.

Sylvester also went to lengths to say the language in SB 1978 is the same as matches the HB 3172, and that bill received “several hours” of debate last week.

"This is not a new bill,” she said, adding, “It's passage will strengthen our protections for religious liberty -- a priority for the Lt. Governor.”

Kathy Miller, the president of Texas Freedom Network, issued a statement calling the tactic a ‘ghost hearing.’

“It’s appalling to hold a ghost hearing and then take a snap vote that leaves virtually no chance for anyone to tell senators how such a sweeping discrimination bill would affect individuals and families across the state,” said Miller.

“The lieutenant governor is so desperate to pass a bill that shields discrimination against LGBT Texans that he no longer even pretends to care what anybody else thinks about it,” she added. “But ramming this bill through doesn’t change the fact that the majority of Texans oppose laws that allow the use of religion to hurt people simply because of who they are or whom they love.”

A poll by Public Religion Research Institute in March 2019 found that 54% of Texas oppose allowing businesses to refuse products or services to LGBTQ people due to religious beliefs. Thirty-nine percent say they favor the idea.

Texas Legislature: Last Minute Maneuver Kills Anti-LGBTQ Bill

Thanks to Texas state Rep. Julie Johnson, a bill that could have legalized LGBTQ discrimination in the Lone Star state has been effectively killed just hours before a crucial deadline.

House Bill 3172, authored and sponsored by GOP state Rep. Matt Krause, a Fort Worth area lawmaker, would have banned the government from taking “adverse action” against anyone for their "membership in, affiliation with, or contribution, donation or other support" to a religious organization.

It became known as the “Save Chick-fil-A” bill as supporters felt it would have helped avoid the recent boycott and eventual elimination of the fast-food chain from San Antonio’s airport. Chick-fil-A has a years-long history of making donations to anti-LGBTQ organizations that advocate against LGBTQ rights.

The Dallas Voice had labeled the legislation one of the “most extreme anti-LGBT bills this session.”

Johnson, a freshman lawmaker and member of the newly-formed LGBTQ Caucus, told Dallas Newsshe and her colleagues realized the bill was coming up on a midnight deadline Thursday. The caucus members strategized on the best ways to kill the homophobic legislation.

First, they offered a point of order saying amendments to the bill had improperly expanded the legislation’s scope. That attempt proved unsuccessful.

Then, Johnson offered another point of order arguing the analysis of the bill’s impact was inaccurate. The House parliamentarians accepted that argument as valid.

Johnson said afterwards that it was “an honor to be fighting this fight” and to be able to shut down “a very hurtful piece of legislation.”

Krause continued to defend his bill saying the bill wasn’t homophobic, merely a protection for Texans who exercise their “sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction, including beliefs or convictions regarding marriage.”

Dallas News reports that when the bill was pronounced dead, lawmakers stood and cheered while somewhere on the House floor someone played a recording of “Taps.”

While the deadline to approve House bills has come and gone, there is still a possibility Krause’s objectives could be met. House lawmakers still have Senate bills to debate, and in that process, could attempt to amend one of those bills with similar language to House Bill 3172.

(Source: Dallas News)

'Slate Of Hate' Anti-LGBTQ Legislation Moves Along In Tennessee

Several anti-LGBTQ bills have been working their way through the Tennessee state legislature that have come to be known as the ‘slate of hate.’

Pop star Taylor Swift brought the national spotlight to the issue when she donated $113,000 to the Tennessee Equality Project in early April.

Here’s an update on some of the bills that would negatively affect LGBTQ Tennesseans.

HB 1151puts transgender and non-binary people at increased risk of harassment by adding public restrooms, changing rooms and locker rooms to the state’s indecent exposure laws.

In its original form, the bill had specific anti-trans language saying there would be no exception for folks with a diagnosis of “gender dysphoria, gender confusion, or similar conditions.” While explicit anti-trans language has been removed, LGBTQ advocates worry the law will still be used to arrest trans people.

The legislation has passed in the state Senate and House, and heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Another anti-trans bill, HB 1274, has passed in the state House and the Senate is expected to take it up soon.

The legislation would push school districts to keep trans students from using the bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The legislation also requires the state Attorney General to defend discriminatory anti-transgender laws.

The sponsor of HB 836 has pulled his own bill from consideration even though the legislation had passed in the state House already.

The bill would allow state contractors who receive taxpayer funds for providing adoption and foster care services to refuse to place children with LGBT parents if the agency’s religious beliefs didn’t approve.

By spiking the bill, the legislation will now be shelved until the next legislative session.

And the so-called “Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act,” has also, thankfully, stalled.

The bill aimed to void recognition of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefellruling on same-sex marriage based on the premise that Tennessee has its own constitutional amendment banning marriage equality.

Many major companies like Hilton, IKEA North America Services, LLC, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Lyft, Marriott International, MassMutual, Nike, Inc. Replacements, Ltd., Salesforce, Unilever and Warby Parker have signed a letter opposingthe 'slate of hate.'

Major corporations signed an open letter opposing Tennessee's anti-LGBTQ “State of Hate," including:
🏳️‍🌈@HiltonHotels
🏳️‍🌈@IKEAUSA
🏳️‍🌈@IHGCorporate
🏳️‍🌈@lyft
🏳️‍🌈@MarriottPOV
🏳️‍🌈@massmutual
🏳️‍🌈@Nike
🏳️‍🌈@replacementsltd
🏳️‍🌈@salesforce
🏳️‍🌈@Unilever
🏳️‍🌈@WarbyParker#TNLeg https://t.co/o1x0mLzNcA

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) April 24, 2019

Additionally, the Tennessee Titans have also come out against the anti-LGBTQ bills saying:

The Tennessee Titans oppose discrimination in any form. We are long-standing supporters of Tennessee Thrives. Discriminatory legislation hurts all of us.

It also impacts our ability to secure events like the 2019 NFL Draft, major conventions, major athletic contests and other events that benefit our local and state economy.

It also weakens our ability to recruit new business and industry to Nashville and to Tennessee. We would encourage our elected officials to keep us on a path that protects all our citizens, our growth and our economy.

During this past weekend's NFL draft, the Tennessee Titans took a stand against LGBTQ discrimination in their state. The team spoke out against the oncoming "Slate of Hate," a set of anti-LGBTQ bills that is making its way through Tennessee legislature.https://t.co/0Eb90qkqRX

— Believe Out Loud (@BelieveOutLoud) April 29, 2019

"This Is All Science" - Doctor In Kuwait Invents Suppository That Cures Being Gay

Dr. Mariam Al-Sohel

An anti-LGBTQ researcher in Kuwait, Dr. Mariam Al-Sohel, has announced to the world that she has invented a ‘cure’ for homosexuality.

“I discovered therapeutic suppositories that curb the sexual urges of boys of the third gender as well as the fourth gender, which is butch lesbians,” she explained on Scope TV, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.

The problem, she discovered, is those folks “have excessive sexual urges.”

I've never seen that as a 'problem,' but whatever...

“By the way, this is all science, so there is nothing to be ashamed of," said the academic.

Well then, if its science...

According to Al-Sohel, “The sexual urge develops when a person is sexually attacked, and afterward it persists because there is an anal worm that feeds on semen.”

Ah - that’s the answer!

Kuwaiti Academic Dr. Mariam Al-Sohel Invents Anal Suppositories That "Cure" Homosexuality Based on Islamic "Prophetic Medicine" pic.twitter.com/xPmO8kw9di

— MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) April 23, 2019

She goes on to explain that her cure, based on “prophetic medicine,” comes in the form of a suppository and “cures those urges by exterminating the worm that feeds on the semen.”

Kind of like Alien?

The secret behind Al-Sohel’s ’science’ is that “bitter foods increase masculinity.” That said, it turns out the ingredients for her cure “are the same for both sexes.”

Not sure how that plays out as a ‘cure’ for her so-called ’fourth gender butch lesbians,’ but she made them different colors anyway.

Pretty!

I'm joking here only because it’s completely laughable that someone thinks any of this nonsense is real.

What’s not laughable is how LGBTQ people are treated in Kuwait.

Homosexuality is a criminal offense under the country’s ‘debauchery’ laws, as is cross-dressing. Being openly gay in Kuwait means possible prison sentences - long ones.

In fact, Kuwait is so anti-LGBTQ, Jerusalem Post reports that the National Cinema Company banned a ‘gay’ scene from the Disney film, Beauty and the Beast.

(Source: Jerusalem Post)

Wyoming School Bans, Then Un-Bans, Rainbow Flags

McCormick Junior High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Earlier this month,  I reported on an incident at McCormick Junior High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where homophobic and racist flyers appeared in the hallways of the school.

Students discovered flyers which read, “It’s great to be straight. It’s not OK to be gay. Black lives matter only because if it weren’t for them who would pick our cotton.”

“Join the kkk,” concluded the message, which appeared to be signed by “the confederate kid club.” 

After Kaycee Cook, a substitute teacher and co-sponsor of the school’s gay/straight alliance, reported the flyers she was later notified that she’d been fired by Principal Jeff Conine.

Since then, Laramie County School District 1 Superintendent Boyd Brown announced that he had identified at least one student believed to be responsible for creating the racist and anti-gay flyers, and that Cook was likely to be reinstated at the school.

But wait - there’s more!

Last Wednesday, 20-25 students who are members of the GSA were called out of class to a meeting with three faculty members who told them they could no longer post any rainbow flags, wear any rainbow clothing or anything LGBTQ-related.

According to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Ashlynn Kercher, an 8th grade member of the GSA, said, “They told us it was a school distraction and ‘You don’t want to make other people feel like you felt when you saw the posters.’”

The students were reportedly told that if they break the ‘no rainbow/LGBTQ paraphernalia’ rule they will be written up on dress code infractions, and possibly suspended.

Principal Conine told the Tribune Eagle he didn’t know anything about the meeting taking place and that he had not decided to ban anything.

But Ashlynn’s mother, Abby Kercher, spoke to the district’s Title IX coordinator, John Below, who reportedly told her he and the principal had decided to ban the flags and clothing.

On Thursday, the School District issued a statementwhich read, in part:

“Because of the provocative use of flags, especially under the current controversy at the local junior high, the District will not allow the display of confederate flags on District property or at District events. Further, the District will review potential policies or regulations regarding the disruptive use of flags and symbols within the District.”

You’ll note the statement does not say the district is banning rainbow flags.

Superintendent Brown clarified the next day that rainbow flags were not being banned“as long as students do not use them to incite other students.”

(Source: Wyoming Tribune Eagle)

Lizzo On A Mission: "Putting Big, Black, Femme, LGBTQ+ Bodies On Stages And Telling Our Stories"

Lizzo (L) and 

With all the fun going on at Coachella this year - Ariana Grande reuniting *NSYNC, public sex on a Ferris wheel, former GOP Congressman Aaron Schock getting handsy with a guy- some have wondered why LGBTQ folks spend their money or take part in a festival whose owner, Philip Anchutz, makes sizable donations to anti-LGBTQ organizations.

A fan of Lizzo’s posed that very question on her Instagram, and the diva came back with the best answer.

User jacobthebeau asked, “I’m so confused why so many people are supporting this event that supports anti-lgbt organizations?!”

And Lizzo responded writing, “Because Jacob, whether we like it or not most major organizations are run by bigoted millionaires that donate to bigoted organizations.”

That said, Lizzo isn’t daunted by standing up to ‘bigoted millionaires.’ She knows what her job is, and it’s not to stand by and watch bad things happen.

“I realize my activism is to disrupt those spaces and spread my message to thousands of ppl,” said the 30-year-old rapper. “Y’all may not agree w it and that’s ok. But know that I’m doing what I gotta do to make sure my big black ass voice is heard.”

“Can’t wait to dismantle the hate that funds this country,” she added. “But until then, imma be putting big, black, femme, lgbtq+ bodies on stages and telling our stories.”

Here's the full post with Lizzo's exchange with fans in the comments:

View this post on Instagram

REMEMBER THIS???? WHO READY FOR WEEKEND 2 OF #ASSCHELLA

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating) on Apr 16, 2019 at 10:27am PDT

And that’s exactly what our girl is doing.

Lizzo snuggled with her own body image issues at a young age. So today, she advocates for body positivity and self-love, making diversity the focus of her music.

Her songs have addressed body image, ("Juice"), sexuality ("Boys"), and race ("My Skin"). Her back-up dancers, known as the Big Grrrls, are all plus-size dancers.

And - she loves herself some fierce drag queens.

For instance, check out Lizzo’s latest music video, “Juice,” where she not only brings her own big and beautiful self to the small screen, but she’s got some friends from RPDR with her.

The former Drag Race guest judge is joined by Mariah Balenciaga, Morgan McMichaels, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, A’keria C. Davenport, Detox, Asia O’Hara, Soju, Sonique and Mayhem Miller all lip-syncing to the body positive bop.

Miss Lizzo is everywhere these days because her new album, Cuz I Love You, drops on Friday, April 19.

In addition to Coachella, Lizzo has a 25-date tour plus appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, covers on New York Magazine and Allure, and a feature spread in Playboy.

You can follow the rising superstar on Instagram here.