Jun

2

TCM Presents, Screened Out: Gay Images in Film

Filed Under Arts, TV, Gay Film |  

In celebration of June’s Gay Pride month, Turner Classic Movies, (TCM) will be presenting a month-long festival focusing on the stereotypes and images of Gays and Lesbians as represented in classic Hollywood cinema.

Richard Barrios, author of  Screened Out: Playing Gay in Hollywood from Edison to Stonewall, will be co-hosting the program along with TCM host and film historian Robert Osborne.

The series which starts this coming Monday and airs every Monday and Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. ET, will show and discuss such classic movies as The Broadway Melody, The Maltese Falcon, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Designing Woman to name just a few. 

Check out the full details and schedule for Screened Out.

Jun

2

HRC Announces Expansion of Political Presence in New Hampshire

Filed Under Politics |  

Washington (From the HRC) — The Human Rights Campaign has announced plans to further expand its outreach in New Hampshire — the crucial, first battleground state in the 2008 presidential election.

The New Hampshire Democratic Party state convention scheduled for today, Saturday, June 2, will unofficially begin the intense national focus on New Hampshire’s unique “first-in-the-nation” primary status. 

The Human Rights Campaign will use this opportunity to have a major presence at the event to highlight the strategic vision the organization is developing for this critical election cycle.

“In the beginning of 2006, we took a leap of faith that has since created a seismic shift and replaced a state headed by politicians dedicated to going down a path of tired, worn-out divisive political discussions that pit neighbor against neighbor with leaders that are focused on continuing the values of fairness and equality inherent in the history of New Hampshire,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

“Because of the 2006 elections, this week Governor Lynch was able to sign a civil unions bill into law that recognizes the commitment of same-sex couples and creates an environment that welcomes presidential candidates into a refreshing discussion focused on moving our country closer to equality for all Americans.

As we look toward 2008, HRC remains dedicated to helping empower the fair-minded people of New Hampshire to not only change their state but impact the national conversation as well.”

HRC’s expansion of its reach in New Hampshire includes:

  • In June, HRC will initiate a statewide campaign to empower HRC members, supporters and allied communities to play a visible role in the New Hampshire presidential primary and ask questions of the candidates at scheduled campaign stops.
  • This summer, HRC will open an office in Concord or Manchester where a regional field organizer will spearhead HRC’s involvement in the New Hampshire presidential primary.
  • HRC will work closely with its New Hampshire members, supporters and allied communities to play a significant role in attending or hosting forums for the presidential candidates.
  • HRC will continue to mobilize its New Hampshire members, supporters, clergy and local leaders in a grassroots campaign to pass federal hate crimes legislation and put in place federal protections against workplace discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Jun

1

Task Force applauds New Hampshire Governor

Filed Under GLBT Equality, Gay Marriage |  

WASHINGTON, — New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch yesterday, signed into law a bill granting same-sex couples in civil unions all of the rights afforded to New Hampshire’s married couples under state law.

The legislation passed the state House on April 4 by a 243–129 vote and the state Senate on April 26 by a 14–10 vote.

With this new law, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2008, New Hampshire joins California, Connecticut, New Jersey, Oregon and Vermont in offering broad protections under state law to same-sex couples. (Connecticut, New Jersey and Vermont have civil union laws; California and Oregon have broad domestic partnership laws.)

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force,  applauds the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition, the governor and supportive legislators on this victory.

Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force said, “We applaud the New Hampshire Legislature and Governor Lynch for moving the Granite State on the road to complete equality.

We’ve said it before: what a difference elections make! Just five years ago, few would have believed that New Hampshire would enact a civil unions law, let alone by wide margins.”

“We also salute the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition and the many supportive lawmakers for making this day possible.”

“Next up? Marriage equality — no more, no less.”

Jun

1

Perfectmatch’s Response to the eHarmony Lawsuit

Filed Under Court Cases, Gay Dating |  

I got an interesting email today from a PR firm who happens to work for both eHarmony and Perfectmatch…

In response to the eHarmony lawsuit, Perfectmatch.com,  has issued the following statement from Duane Dahl, CEO:

“We are disappointed in eHarmony’s continued practice of discriminating against the gay community and other groups, for example those who have had multiple divorces.

Ultimately, however, we believe eHarmony will do whatever it wants, including discriminating against whomever it wants, but that consumers will be the ultimate judge as to whether institutional discrimination is smart business.

The alleged justification eHarmony puts forth for discriminating against same-sex relationships is hogwash. Science says that the gay and lesbian community basically wants the same thing heterosexuals want. We believe eHarmony should be more candid about its real reasons for discriminating and should stop hiding behind false ’science’.

As eHarmony’s chief competitor, Perfectmatch.com does not believe it is right or smart to discriminate against groups. We never have and never will judge our members. Our service is based on science and accommodates anyone that wishes to find a committed, long-lasting relationship - no matter their sexual preference.

Despite the progress made in mainstream media representations, Perfectmatch recognizes that the gay and lesbian community is still underserved as an audience.

We strive to fill that void by welcoming all singles seeking relationships to use our service - including individuals who are pursuing same-sex relationships. We believe that all people deserve the opportunity to find the person right for them.”

Interesting; I have no experience with their service but it does seem like an interesting type of long-term dating service.

Jun

1

Air Canada Dumps Gay Pride

Filed Under Pride Events |  

Looks like, the Vancouver Gay pride parade  is searching for sponsors and is in a financial bind this year.

I note that on the Vancouver Pride site that Vancity is a sponsor, however, Air Canada has dropped them, the Toronto pride fest, and the Montreal pride fest, as well as  a number of arts festivals.

Air Canada spokeswoman Angela Mah is apparently “disappointed” that the Vancouver Pride society has raised the matter in public. Yeah, I’ll just bet you are; Air Canada would have liked to keep that one quiet… :lol:

Link to: Vancouver Pride Society

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