Keeping The Fayth

Darabont Still Lives

2012-01-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Aint It Cool News: What Could Have Been: Frank Darabont Speaks About His Original Walking Dead Season 2 Opener!

Wow! I would have much rather watched Being Human's Sam Witwer do a Zombie Black Hawk Down more than anything seen on the ENTIRE last season of @The Walking Dead. It was like 2 episodes got stretched into a season! At least Daryl held it down ears wise. Fantastic news on Darabonts LA Noir show getting picked up by TNT tho!


Sam Witwer doing the dead sexy

Glad Being Human returns Jan 16th, 9/8c on SyFy!

Can I get a cancellation?

2012-01-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

From LA Times, "'2 Broke Girls' and one ugly clash with reporters"

When the subject kept returning to Han Lee, King grew increasingly contentious. "I like Han and the fact that he's an immigrant," King said, adding that he didn't find the character offensive. King added that because he is gay — and a comedy writer — it gave him permission to poke fun at other "outsiders."

I have many white gay friends who stand up for racial equality, most of them are younger than Michael Patrick King who seems to have maxed out his minority card. Kat Dennings is to gorgeous to be on such a racist show if you ask me. Her lips could save nations. At the very least her and Scarlet Johansson should go and make an action flick.

Best Reason to Buy Girl Scout Cookies EVER!

2012-01-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

From The HuffingtonPost.com's
Girl Scout Launches Cookie Boycott Campaign After Organization's Inclusion Of Transgender Child

She goes on to note, "I am asking you to take action with me and boycott Girl Scout Cookies." The video eventually concludes with a tagline for the Honest Girl Scouts site, which describes itself as a group "concerned with the alarming choices GSUSA has been making," and "advocating for a change back to simply building girls of good character."

2 of my sisters were pretty hardcore Girl Scouts so I kinda learned a lot about how they're not exactly gender normative or as heterosexist as I thought at first. My mom had tried to get me into it when I was kid but I was far more interested in the Boy Scouts so we couldn't come to any agreement.

Seems like genius marketing cause they should see a bump in sales this year! I cannot wait for my cookies!

http://www.girlscoutcookies.org/

Don't forget the Cookie Finder, only 1 week left till they're on sale again! http://www.girlscoutcookies.org

Call Your Senators, Help Stop LGBT Bullying NOW!

2012-01-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

Call Your Senators, Help Stop LGBT Bullying
from alfranken.com

Join us and help make our schools a safer place for LGBT students. Al's Student Non-Discrimination Act would ban discrimination and harassment in public schools based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and require schools to protect LGBT students when they are threatened.

Even if you live in Cali like me, call anyways they're collecting zip codes and noting that folks are calling. Let's save some lives!

Petition Union Scioto Local Schools To Stop Hate Crimes

2011-10-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sign the Petition:

Greetings,
I just signed the following petition addressed to: Union-Scioto Local Schools District Administration and School Board.

----------------
I would like you to take a closer look at your policies as they relate to hate crimes. Work with experts on creating safe schools for students no matter who they are. Everyone should have an opportunity to get educated without emotional or physical harm.

Union-Scioto Local Schools should protect kids and teens from assaults based on color, creed, religion, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identity.

This should never happen again on a Union-Scioto Local Schools campus: http://youtu.be/gPyyqISm8eg
It should never happen anywhere, please help me make that a reality.

http://www.change.org/petitions/union-scioto-district-superintendent-dont-tolerate-hate-crimes-at-union-scioto-local-schools-in-ohio

Bye Bye SideWiki!

2011-09-03T02:01:00.000-07:00

Official Google Blog: A fall spring-clean

Neil Gaiman makes statement against racebending

2011-04-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

Awhile back I was discussing Neil Gaiman's fantastic book, American Gods with someone.

...a scary, strange, and hallucinogenic road-trip story wrapped around a deep examination of the American spirit. - Amazon.com

During the conversation, I shuddered to think that AG's lead character, Shadow, might be played by a non-biracial character as in the book, Shadow's mom is African American and his dad is Caucasian.
So I posted a query of sorts on Neil Gaiman's Facebook:

Neil himself responded to my concern saying,

I don't know about Vin, but I've asked the people doing the AMERICAN GODS TV/movie project to be very aware of Shadow's race.

This is a win folks, and my many thanks to Neil Gaiman for publicly stating that he as a creator is aware of the importance of inclusivity.

I'd expect nothing less from the author of American Gods. If you haven't read it yet, you need to get reading today since it's been announced that HBO is in talks with Tom Hanks production Playtone to bring American Gods to tv sets everywhere!

When I returned to the original post on Neil Gaiman's FB, I was dissapointed to see fans dismissing biracial actors like Vin Diesel or the Rock in favor of White actors like Russel Crowe, Christian Bale, Joe Manganiello, Eric Bane and Viggo Mortensen. All of them fine White actors, White nonetheless.

Seems that our minds do re-create the realities of the world we live in, and as such any lack of cultural understanding come along for the ride. It's even more important than ever for creators such as Neil Gaiman to support, and even insist that characters keep their color!

"Racebending" (defined) is still too common; recently Asian American community leaders approached Warner Bros about White actors playing the lead role in AKIRA! Akira, originally a Japanese manga series originally serialized in the 1980's is set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo.

An OMG moment

“Actors like Robert Pattison and Andrew Garfield have the privilege of playing iconic white characters that Asian American actors would never be considered for...When white actors are also asked to play iconic Asian characters, Asian American actors lose their shot at starring in anything.” - Racebending.com co-founder Marissa Lee

As the plans for American Gods get finalized, I will continue hoping that biracial actors are considered for this amazing role. I'm not gonna lie, when Vin Diesel's phone number got leaked years ago, I did leave him a voice mail asking him to read American Gods! I do think he's one of the best fits, seeing as he's a huge fantasy geek with serious acting chops that some might dismiss in preference to traditional actor of color stereotypes such as the "noble negro" or the "angry black man" (See Morgan Freeman as God in Evan Almighty and/or Denzel Washington in John Q). Don't get me wrong, Samuel L. Jackson has done very well navigating the corridor between these types! Still, without characters like Shadow correctly cast, we're gonna be stuck on the plane with the motherfrakkin snakes k?

At least give these great biracial actors a ring!

Vin Diesel (discovered by Steven Spielberg)

(Pitch Black, Fast and Furious, Saving Private Ryan)

Wentworth Miller (The Human Stain, Prison Break, screenwriter on upcoming "Stoker")

Jason Momoa (HBO's Game of Thrones, upcoming 2011 Conan the Barbarian)

Boris Kodjoe (Undercovers, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Surrogates)

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (Walking Tall, The Other Guys, Faster)

Thanks to BlackFlix.com's List of Multiracial Celebrities: http://www.blackflix.com/articles/multiracial.html

CNN Covers "Flexisexuality" (link to video)

2011-04-01T16:26:00.001-07:00

Loved that fluidity was defended!

Check out the video!
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/showbiz/2011/03/31/sbt.celebs.flexisexuality.hln.html

Check out Showbiz Tonight for Faith on TV

2011-03-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

BiNet USA President Faith Cheltenham (me) will be on Headline News Channel (formerly CNN2) to discuss "flexisexuality" tonite at 11pm.

CHANNEL LISTING
Time Warner Cable Channel 447
DirecTV     Channel 204
Dish Network     Channel 202 (SD/HD)
Sirius     Channel 133
XM     Channel 123
Verizon FiOS     Channel 192
AT&T U-verse     Channel 203 (SD) 1203 (HD)

Guess Who?

2011-03-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

GUESS WHO was an adorable high school student in the Cali Valley?

UGLY BETTY / America Ferrera

America Ferrera can now be seen on The Good Wife as a love interest for everyone's favorite bisexual man, Alan Cumming (www.alancumming.com).

Cbs.com Twitter Photos from set of The Good Wife

Source: My camera phone and a friend's yearbook

Jennifer Lawrence Cast in The Hunger Games, whitewashing discussions continue

2011-03-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

"As long as they fit the [book's] physical description, nonwhite actors should at least get a chance," says Marissa Lee, co-founder of the web community Racebending.com, where fans have protested the "whitewashing" of Hollywood film adaptations like last year's The Last Airbender.

Fantastic as she was in Winter's Bone, Jennifer Lawrence still has Hunger Games fans concerned

Lee and others at her site worried that diversity would be ignored in the Hunger Games casting call early on. Back in November, they created a FAQ about race in the novels and wrote a letter to the brass at Lionsgate, the studio behind the film - Read all about it on Jezebel.com

GET TB: New True Blood Season 4 Trailer Out

2011-03-21T15:24:00.001-07:00

Bisexuality Visible!

2011-03-21T15:23:00.001-07:00

The San Francisco Human Rights Commission unanimously adopted a groundbreaking report examining the consequences of rendering bisexuals "invisible" at its meeting last week...

Recent studies have found that bisexuals are the largest population in the LGB community. According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2010, 3.1 percent of individuals self-identify as bisexual, compared to 2.5 percent as gay or lesbian. Yet, Ulrich pointed out bisexuals had poor health outcomes, lived in poverty, faced discrimination from both mainstream society and gay and lesbian, and weren't being served by queer organizations that have "B" in the name. Bisexuals "weren't considered at all" in funding for services or bisexual organizations or even mentioned in annual agency reports, she said.

Read all about it on the Bay Area Reporter! and download the full report today!

Many Congrats to Lindsasusan Ulrich for her hard work in preparing the report!

Lasso Me This: New Wonder Woman

2011-03-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

While it's shiny I'm just so happy Tara from Friday Nights Lights has a job, excellent actress and great smile to boot!

Read about David E. Kelly's new Wonder Woman reboot over at EW.com

Trouty Mouth Makes Good

2011-03-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Read all about it on JustJared!

Hey, that's me in the AIB "It Gets Better" Video

2010-12-29T18:16:00.000-08:00

Honored to take part and share my story. This one's for you Theo

Tranifesto takes on Ke$sha

2010-12-29T18:12:00.000-08:00

By Matt Kailey over at TRANIFESTO

And neither do any of the trans guys I know. In fact, for someone who tries soooo hard to be hip, you are making yourself less cool every day.
I first wrote about Ke$ha’s questionable notion of the transgender community when I was writing for Examiner.com.
At that time, in an interview with The Advocate, Ms. Dollar Sign claimed to be a “huge fan” of the “transgender community” (you’d have to be a pretty huge fan if you liked the whole community – there are a lot of us, and we’re all different from each other).
But her idea of our community turned out to be “men with these banging bodies, dancing in heels, singing, and having so much fun with so much make-up on.” Umm … so she really wasn’t talking about any of us, except possibly drag queens who also identify as transgender.
I don’t pay much attention to Ke$ha, so I generally have no idea what’s coming out of her mouth. But thanks to Monica Roberts at TransGriot, I have now discovered that her latest foray into trans offense is her new song “Grow a Pear,” which contains the striking, nuanced, and insightful lyric “I just can’t date a dude with a vag.”

Help with Medical Insurance Companies!

2010-12-29T18:08:00.000-08:00

Did you know if you're getting the run around with your health care provider there's a place that can help/appeal your plan's decisions?

Visit the Department of Managed Health Care for help!

http://www.hmohelp.ca.gov/dmhc_consumer/pc/pc_imr.aspx

MyLatinoVoice.com supports Alisa Valdes-Rodriquez in her fight to keep Dirty Girls Social Club colored and queered

2010-12-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

From Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez Challenges Adaptation of The Dirty Girls Social Club:
I have seen both excellent and mediocre adaptations of favorite novels to TV and film. It is in the nature of the business and I suppose both experience and sound legal advice have much to do with how projects evolve. "Trust" is clearly a bad word when it comes to preserving the rights to our work, perhaps a lesson for all of us. But from where we stand, this "Dirty Girls" adaptation appears to be an effort to use the brand name of a bestselling novel as cover for a completely different story. A such, Ms. Valdés has every right to be angry and we trust she will, indeed, have legal recourse. We support you, Alisa.

There is, however, a greater message here. As women, as Latinas, as Latinos, we must stop perpetuating stereotypes ourselves if we are to effect change (the producer and script writer of this TV production are both Latinas). The buck stops here, chicas. Mrs. Lopez, Ms. Leschin, how do you respond?

DADT REPEALED!

2010-12-29T17:49:00.001-08:00

DADT REPEALED!

Following the historic repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", Bi veteran leader Cliff Arnesen wrote an amazing letter you might be interested in reading. To learn more about the New England GLBT Vets Inc, please visit http://www.newengland-glbt-vets.org/

Don't forget to read Cliff Arnesen's personal history on the BiNet USA website too.

"As a bisexual in the military, there is no distinction in terms of
punishment, no refuge in being bisexual. You get the same consequences;
you don't get half a discharge."--Cliff Arnesen: Quote from Lesbian News, October 2001

I'm in the US Census LGBT Outreach Campaign Video!

2010-03-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Look it was pretty hot in Dallas ok? Interestingly enough when I was in that FX Networks reality show, Black. White. I got caught on camera hellsa ASHY. Obviously, I need someone devoted to my moisture. Hmm...take that as you may!

Racebending.com Facebook Group Removed: WHY?!

2010-03-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

FROM MARISSA MINNA LEE of racebending.com:
This morning, news reports started surfacing about M. Night meeting with fan groups, where he's saying there was no bias in the casting. People are believing him. The production flew out fans to meet M. Night on an all expenses paid trip to New York City. Later today, Facebook inexplicably took down the Racebending.com fan group, cutting off our access to 6,000 supporters.

COINCIDENCE? I THINK NOT!
Visit Racebending.com for the latest info.

VIDEO SERIES ON WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT!

WATCH MORE VIDEOS AND JOIN A COMMUNITY DEDICATED TO CHANGE AT racebending.com

Pics from Uganda Anti-Gay March!

2010-02-15T06:06:00.000-08:00

Today there is a pro killing gays march in Uganda. What's on your agenda for today? Support Rainbow Uganda's work by adding them as your friend on Facebook and sharing these photos from brave folks undercover on the ground!

Adam Shenkman - "Sarah Silverman's Trunk" MUSIC VIDEO

2010-02-09T02:55:00.001-08:00

facebook
Faith Cheltenham 2:55am Feb 9th	Adam Shenkman - "Sarah Silverman's Trunk" MUSIC VIDEO To thefayth._faith@blogger.com See if ya can tell who I am in this video..no, I'm not a dancer on the subway! Faith has shared a link to a video with you. To view the video or to reply to the message, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=2511376&k=YZD4ZYQQT55G6BBHYCYYT4PYRWEFX34MUT&oid=1132648176107
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Gender Justice LA presents "Love & Justice for All"

2010-02-09T02:52:00.000-08:00

facebook
Faith Cheltenham 2:52am Feb 9th	Gender Justice LA presents "Love & Justice for All" To thefayth._faith@blogger.com Go-go Dancers and a Kissing Booth at Jewel's Catch One, how could I not be there to support Gender Justice LA! Faith has shared a link to an event with you. To view the event or to reply to the message, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=2511376&k=YZD4ZYQQT55G6BBHYCYYT4PYRWEFX34CPT&oid=1241689034782
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Gay Vietnamese Alliance

2010-02-09T02:51:00.001-08:00

facebook
Faith Cheltenham 2:51am Feb 9th	Gay Vietnamese Alliance To thefayth._faith@blogger.com On Saturday, February 13, 2010, from 9:30 am to 10:30 a.m., the Partnership ofVietnamese Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Organizations will join forces to march in the Annual Westminster Tết Parade. Faith has shared a link with you. To view it or to reply to the message, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=2511376&k=YZD4ZYQQT55G6BBHYCYYT4PYRWEFX34B4Q&oid=1324268499564
	If you do not wish to receive this type of email from Facebook in the future, please click here to unsubscribe. Facebook's offices are located at 1601 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304.

And Another Thing...ah, the DNA of LIFE

2010-01-07T01:49:00.000-08:00

Old Poetry To End A Decade On: Dumped

2009-12-21T23:12:00.000-08:00

Funny how times change and it feels so good to never be the same. ~Faith

DUMPED
My dead relationship came back to life last night for the third or so time. It clawed through dirt, hoisted itself out, looked about then asked for directions to the nearest reservoir.

My dead relationship was thirsty see?

Limbs rotted, pale and dusky hued, lofty lights of all I Ever Wanted sheered bright thru
Unearthing doubts and dripping clods of fearful clout my dead relationship rose from the grave ready and able

It tried to approach about the nearest train timetable
It had me to see, discourse to commence
Intercourse to submit to, even though this time it "really, really wanted to"

We fell to our knees last night, begged to please and hoped to love me.
As I paused to admire the cold and beautifully bony façade I reconsidered death; indeed the last, Last breath.

It asks in the name of all it was: LOVE THE UNDEAD and come to bed, and come to bed.

But all I can think of? Cold and future nights out at sea, this poor dead body and me.

happiness is self-motivated too

2009-12-13T02:51:00.000-08:00

It felt powerful to speak, to agree with others that my life indeed had been a flaming horrible fucked up mess but I was better now, seemed stable and actually was. Enough to hold up a life, strong enough to carry a job; firm and rooted enough to want to. Still, wish I had said something louder and more often about my own dark times before I knew a person whose death was self motivated.

Kudos to whoever came up with that one, folks are like “We need a better name for suicide, how about self-motivated death?” What a good way to look committed in the end. To help us feel better perhaps, though as callous as it is to discuss a life lived and ended, suicide remains a self motivated act. It is a decision. Wrong or right, it's motivated by a self. Today, we had a good LA Bi Center event and took a moment to light some candles in front of a picture of T, a valued member who killed himself almost 2 weeks ago. Only a few weeks after we had planned today’s party with him taking the notes, even though he said he wouldn’t be making the event. T ‘s minutes usually got emailed after our meetings, and we forgot who was supposed to do what, or bring what and it was kind of funny because we'd been so focused on operating tactics and leadership, the seemingly "important" stuff. Then T was dead and there were no minutes, written or otherwise from him.

Today we planned a bit for the upcoming year, after taking a moment to pass around literature about mental health/suicide resources and share a bit. I felt a powerful grace being able to share the utter despair I had seen and blinked furious tears past. How come I forgot to talk more targeted and specific, how come I’ve not been writing the sad and only focusing on the funny, why did I not ever aim for both? Even the Wii agrees, my balance sucks. I wish I had said something more to the weird funny guy who always seemed out of place with the out of placers. The guy who brought me a bumper sticker, “Sorry I missed church I was practicing Witchcraft and becoming a Lesbian!” The guy whose stories I looked forward to, a person I hoped to get to know better. But not so much.

As we met and mixed this rainy afternoon, the candles burned the wax down. Then the candles lit afire and I smiled and giggled at the flames. Turns out you don’t toss water on a candle fire! After the smoke, coughing and giant ball of fire, we were exhilarated and so excited, TO BE ALIVE. And...I could swear I heard T’s lil belly laugh that was one part snarky and one part adorable. Candles out and his framed photo remained pristine, a snapshot in front of ancient ruins on a recent trip where he had told me...”I was so happy there, it changed my life and now I am so happy; I just want to be there all the time but I can't”. At the time I felt selfish for not wanting him to move, 'cause I thought he was really cool and quite frankly the most enjoyable member of the LA Bisexual community...so I just went, “Well, it's always nice to have a favorite place to visit right”? Unfortunately, you just can't visit suicide.

Packing?
National Hopeline Network (U.S.A.) - http://www.hopeline.com - 1-800-SUICIDE
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network – http://www.rainn.org - 1-800-656-HOPE
Source: To Write Love On Her Arms, http://www.twloha.com/

Celebrity Video | TMZ.com

2009-12-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

So Axl Rose, is still a hero of free speech to me. It's nice to see him out and about...exercising his rights/pushing the paps back.
Celebrity Video | TMZ.com

This post is brought to you by The Blues,

So now I wander through my daze And try to find my ways To the feelings that I felt I saved for you and no one else

And though as long as this road seems I know its called the street of dreams But thats not stardust on my feet it leaves a taste thats bittersweet thats called the blues - GNR

Jessica Simpson and Billy Corgan Are Taking It Slow - Couples, Billy Corgan, Jessica Simpson : People.com

2009-12-10T12:37:00.000-08:00

Jessica Simpson and Billy Corgan Are Taking It Slow - Couples, Billy Corgan, Jessica Simpson : People.com

UM
UM
UM
UM
WHAT?

This is cool tho, I bet Billy Corgan is much sweeter than any of the other folks she's dated. I hope it works!

A really positive LGBT story on ESPN?

2009-11-29T14:30:00.000-08:00

I think having Brendan as part of our program has been a blessing. We are much more aware of what you say and how we say it. I am guilty as anyone. We need to be reminded that respect is not a label, but something you earn by the way you live your life." -- Miami University hockey coach Enrico Blasi

"Imagine if I was in the opposite situation, with a family that wouldn't accept me, working for a sports team where I knew I couldn't come out because I'd be fired or ostracized. People in that situation deserve to know that they can feel safe, that sports isn't all homophobic and that there are plenty of people in sports who accept people for who they are." -- Brendan Burke

Read the whole thing, I found it encouraging and enlightening; too often we are silent and think without us all the battle will be won.

Why We Fight: Equality Across America For Everyone!

2009-10-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend, thousands of people will converge on the Nation's capital for the National March for Equality, an LGBT equality action led with the intent of training and educating activists to work in every city and state in our good nation.

They will be Bisexual, Gay, Transgender, Lesbian, Un-labeled and Straight. They will be people of color, women, men, non-gendered, older and young -- their only defining trait, a desire for equality and deserved respect. As a mass, we are individual no longer and basic freedoms to live, to love and to be married in the eyes of our state and country is a reason we must fight.

Free to be you and me, such a stunning and simple concept, yet for millennia human beings have fought for the right to turn from old ways and embrace the new ideals. The fight for sexual orientation is like the fight for women's rights and the fight for people of color to have the same access to schools and work. Each time a new battle emerges, and there are people ready to stand on a corner alone with their sign and to march, even in the smallest number as if to say I am here and I cannot wait for my rights to come to me. This weekend, take the time to embrace the new challenges facing humanity -- we will not be equal until there are no fights left!

P.S.
Be sure to cheer loudly for longtime Bisexual, People of Color and Social Justice activist, Penelope Williams who will speak as a representative of the Bisexual community and freedom itself!

Zombies 4 Healthcare Reform, Next Rally 08/29/09, Noon @ LA Federal Bldg

2009-08-23T23:06:00.001-07:00

My favorite moment was when you came over to our side near the ned, and walk up with your flesh rotting off, and you dropped character and start talking about your grandfather to the other side. LOL! They were Faith-bergasted! - Zombie 4 Healthcare Participant

We set out to make a small statement, on the stagnation that was becoming the national health care debate. We learned much more about ourselves, the opposition and skin itself. The next rally will be on August 29th, 2009 at the LA Federal Building in Westwood (Wilshire & Veteran) at 12 Noon.

Many thanks to Carsen of http://carsenshairandmakeup.blogspot.com/

Hottest Bisexual Ever: Amber Rose

2009-08-20T18:23:00.001-07:00

Tom Dekker from Sarah Connor Chronicles and the new Nightmare on Elm Street, Such A Nice Guy!

2009-08-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Walking by the best music shop in the world, Hollywood. Tall, lanky boy comes our wearing the best eff me boots I've seen since Comic Con. He smiles at his DVD at puts his RPatz like sunglasses on. We share a stop light as the walk continues and I grin at him, thinking, dude you are effin FINE. Then I blush because it's John Connor folks, and it's the young John Connor -- gawd, I'm turning into such a damn cougar in the making.

I ask for a photo and he agrees, takes a 2nd one just to make sure it's good. He says he's in the new Nightmare on Elm Street and Jackie Earl Haley is amazing, it's a must see. Nice guys in Hollywood, fo real.

P.S.
He's taller than me, perhaps just under 6 feet.

Read my article on HRC's website!

2009-08-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

In 2004, Diane Finnerty, co-director of the Raíces (Roots) project at the University of Iowa wrote an open letter beseeching her white Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender sisters and brothers to recognize the danger of being “enlisted knowingly or unknowingly in [a] racist agenda.” Finnerty advocated against making “statements that diminish the impact of racism” like “I’m surprised that you, as a person of color, wouldn’t understand this is a civil rights issue.” While marriage equality has become a dominating issue for LGBT Americans, according to the Human Rights Campaign’s new study, “At The Intersection: Race, Sexuality and Gender,” LGBT people of color still experience more discrimination due to race than because of sexual orientation. Shedding light on everyday experiences of LGBT people of color, “At the Intersection” exposes a collective truth outside of just anecdotal evidence while suggesting key talking points for discussing social justice across lines we have too long used to define.

- Read the rest on the Human Rights Campaign website, http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2009/08/equality-forward-faith-cheltenham/

YouTube - LGBT African Americans by Faith

2009-08-06T16:46:00.001-07:00

Hey what's up, Faith is on truthwinsout.org discussing being an LGBT African American.

Camera + Editing by Sean Hart (seanhart.com)

Soon Google WILL SAVE...your phone (and life)

2009-07-31T13:26:00.001-07:00

Google Voice’s Secret Weapon: Number Portability
by Michael Arrington on June 14, 2009
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/14/google-voices-secret-weapon-number-portability/

Google Voice, formerly GrandCentral, is a seriously heavyweight product. When it relaunched in March, just a couple of months ago, we gave Google Voice a glowing review.

Once you’ve jumped in head first to the product it will straighten out your phone life forever. You’ll never have to worry about figuring out which phone numbers to give to different people. Give them one number - your Google Voice number - and then use rules to determine where your calls go based on who’s calling and what you are doing...

YouTube - Marching in Leimert

2009-07-30T13:06:00.001-07:00

Check out me and other Black LGBT marching in Leimert Park back in Nov 2008 for marriage equality!

If Dustin Hoffman agrees to push his date, can we get Rachelle back in? Twilighters might be able to make that happen.

2009-07-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Summit Entertainment,
It's nearly unheard of to re-cast a role in the 3rd film, but to do so after Comic Con smacks of real hubris. Did you think fans might not be too upset, or that it's such a minor character it didn't really matter? Just to let you know, within hours of this news forces online began to mobilize.

What's intriguing is that it's not just Twi-fans that are hitting the roof but fans of films in general as well as women who have just about had it with the consistent marginalization in media. The Twilight Saga is one of the most female friendly properties released in recent times, yet this is the 2nd negative action Summit Entertainment has taken against women in the business. You're looking for different directors due to timing, fair enough. A cast member's schedule isn't workable with yours, fair enough. But it's all about how you handle your shit. Right now, your company is quickly gaining a brand of MORONIC. It's really unsettling and like the controversy over Avatar: The Last Airbender (racebending.com); I doubt this will blow over quickly.

Since we're here, consider changing up the marketing department as well? You under-promoted Push and targeted the tiny teen set, while over-promoting the lame as hell Sex Drive at Comic Con 2008. Push was wildly better and had so much potential for brand extension it's wasn't even funny. On the flip side you marketed Knowing as a horror film, when it really had a chance to be this generation's Close Encounters with the Third Kind.

Small production companies make it BIG because of their brand; eventually they become a haven for the artist or a well known refuge of excellent content. Your choices so far, are leading nowhere quickly. And it's a shame because there WAS quite the promise for awhile wasn't there?

I'm a LONG TIME Summit Believer (Twelfth Night, Breakfast of Champions, Lock, Stock, Memento, etc) who's hoping you just go ahead and back the F up on Victoria. Bow to fan pressure; everyone's going to love you for it! I saw Breakfast of Champions in the theater and frakkin loved it, shouldn't that count for something?

~Faith Cheltenham
West Hollywood, CA
thefayth.blogspot.com

Get TB: Eric is the hottest!

2009-07-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Oh True Blood, How Faith loves thee!
Alexander Skarsgård, aka the Robert Pattinson of True Blood, was quite the fan hit at San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend.

Dressed all in black, the Swedish hunk was seen mingling with fans in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego before making his way up to Float for the Wrath of Con party Friday night.

Instead of walking the red carpet, A.S. took the time to pose for pictures and sign autographs (but no biting) with eager True Blood addicts outside.

- Ted C., E! Online

Bisexuals Support the Rev Eric Lee in the face of DISMISSAL

2009-07-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

CROSS POSTED FROM BINETUSA.BLOGSPOT.COM, LABICENTER.ORG
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a civil rights group partly founded by Martin Luther King Jr., has threatened to fire the president of its Los Angeles chapter because he supports same-sex marriage..."I'm not going to let their inaction handcuff me from fighting for justice," Lee said. - LA TIMES

Unfortunately, a founder of SCLC was removed from office for being LGBT,
Bayard Rustin (see the terrific film on his life, Brother Outsider on LOGO or order it today at rustin.org)

Saddest thing? Even the folks over at jesus-is-sav(i)or.com know Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr. supported LGBT Civil Liberties.
So why is THE MESSAGE OF Love and Tolerance still missing from SCLC?

To deny even established leadership the opportunity to redefine injustice and intolerance indicates this group is erring on the wrong side of their OWN history, so please use your voice and speak up in favor of human rights!

Submit a letter of support for Rev. Eric Lee's involvement in marriage equality visbility on the SCLC website!
http://sclclosangeles.org/contact.htm

LABiCenter.org was recently invited to attend the launch of Rev. Lee's latest book at a Courage Campaign event. We are SOOOOO there!* As Bisexuals, we easily recognize when equality is ill-defined and not held to the same standard that LOVE should be; open, fair-minded and free.

*yes, this bi is in cali, can't ya tell ;)

My Boss is on the Tyra Show this Friday!

2009-07-13T19:04:00.001-07:00

tyrashow
Originally uploaded by _Faith

Savoy's gonna talk Lovesystems.com, be there or be square!

Iranian riot police tear gas 'Neda' mourners, vow to 'decisively' crush demonstrations

2009-06-22T17:56:00.001-07:00

Remember Neda, watch and share the video on Youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o21k4AI2KSE

Poor Cedric Diggory!

2009-06-17T12:24:00.001-07:00

2009-06-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

Advanced

Oh Heather Graham, We <3 We <3

2009-06-11T01:49:00.001-07:00

(Does Bradley Cooper look bored or embarrassed? Either way, cute, yes?)Uber cute, I can't wait to see this Hangover film, wish I hadn't taken in Up last weekend. Great visual art and thank goodness for the hilarious talking dogs...but The Hangover looks like a lot of fun and this shameless but hot photo is only further evidence.

Looking more and more like someone Killed Bill

2009-06-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

<3 BRANDI!

2009-06-08T14:08:00.001-07:00

At a recent Brandi Carlile concert in Santa Monica, CA, Brandi shared that she'd recorded a song with Elton John! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEW ALBUM!

Loving Emma Watson, All Grow'd Up

2009-06-08T14:01:00.001-07:00

Loving that Emma Watson worked with Lagerfeld on this, kinda wacky the white eyebrows but art be art. Check out emmawatsonofficial.com for one of the best celeb sites ever!

Faith Performing @ UCLA, 5/22/09 7-10pm

2009-05-17T15:31:00.001-07:00

Outloud is a celebration. An intoxicating night of antics and hijinks, boisterous humor, erotic turbulations, and nostalgic ramifications. We pay homage to those who fought for our rights through a collective expression of dissenting gender,sexualities and opinions!

Come explore the mind fuck, gender queer, ferocious attitude of the queer community.

Scheduled performances:
Drag Kings
Tahitian inspirations.
Queer minded films
Loquacious Speakers.
QueerLesque
Comical Divos
Interpretive dancers.
Live music
AND MUCH MORE!

AND FAITH IS MC!

DIRECTIONS

UCLA De Neve Auditorium
351 Charles E Young Dr W
Los Angeles, CA 90024.

Parking for De Neve Auditorium:
Go to the parking and information kiosk on Westwood Blvd, near its intersection with Strathmore Ave (near the Ackerman turnaround). Purchase a parking pass there. I think it's $9 for the whole day, so you can come in and out. You might be able to park by the hour, but I'm not sure. Tell the folks there you want to park in Lot DD (Dykstra/De Neve).
Drive up Strathmore, under the tunnel and away from the campus. Make a right at the first light (Charles E Young Dr W) and at the first light make a left. Drive past the building that says DE NEVE and the DD parking lot/structure will be on your right.

Directions to De Neve Auditorium:
Once you leave the parking lot, walk into the building that says DE NEVE across the top. There will be friendly people at the front desk to answer any questions you have. You'll see a flight of stairs in front of you. Walk up the stairs, and you'll be directly in front of DE NEVE AUDITORIUM.

LA Bi Center Kickoff Party, Smashing Success!

2009-05-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

<---Your co-hosts, Mike Szymanski and Faith Cheltenham

Thanks to everyone who attended the LA Bi Center Kickoff Party! Great times, good times! Among our attendees:
LA's Human Rights Campaign Steering Committee
Courage Campaign
LA Gay and Lesbian Center
Queer Lounge(as seen at Sundance Film Festival)
Bliss Warrior
AMBI Los Angeles.

Some photos are here, more coming soon!

RIP J.G. Ballard

2009-04-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

Empire of the Sun is my all-time favorite film. Saw it in the theaters when it came out and it kinda saved my life and led to my ambition as a writer. My childhood wasn't the best, but Ballard made me think I could process it and expand childhood tragedy beyond what happened to me. Anyways, RIP JG!

Black Panther Comic Signing Session!

2009-03-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

A Young Mr. President

2009-03-01T22:38:00.001-08:00

(thanks indifferenthues.livejournal.com)

Aww...

2009-02-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

Michael Stipe and Thomas Dozol's House!

2009-02-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

Get your Stipe fix over at http://www.theselby.com/12_10_08_michael_stipe_thomas/index.html

I cried, did you? Courage Campaign's Fidelity Video

2009-02-10T13:44:00.000-08:00

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

Host Your Own Miracle Fruit Party

2009-02-08T15:49:00.001-08:00

What's a miracle fruit? The West African berry known scientifically as "Synsepalum dulcificum" causes sour foods to taste sweet, or salty foods to taste tartly sweet. Miracle Fruit doesn't change a food's chemical makeup, just the perception of taste (Wikipedia). This odd little berry makes for a great hosting opportunity with little clean up and at an affordable cost.

5 tips to make your Miracle Fruit Party Miraculous!
1) Use Evite.com to send specialized invitations and include links to the New York Times Miracle Fruit story (NY Times) or to the store you're purchasing from (www.miraclefruitworld.com, www.miraclefruittab.com).

2) Ask that each guest bring an item to taste! With Evite.com all attendees can browse the offerings -- this way not everyone brings lemons, Tabasco sauce and olives!

3) Schedule your party during the after-lunch or after-dinner time of a weekend day, this way people don't fill their tum up with acidic or spicy foods! You can even include a note cautioning party goers to eat before they come as only "limited refreshments" will be available.

4) Order online and early! Fresh Miracle Fruit's availability depends on the season and once arrived has a short shelf life so plan your "flavor tripping" party accordingly.

5) Consider freeze-dried Miracle Fruit or even Miracle Fruit tablets, they're just as good as the berry and last longer in the freezer!

4 Find 'Em Online Beauty Products For Under $15

2009-02-08T15:47:00.000-08:00

Target.com Has Clairol's Perfect 10 Hair Color
With an easy to use comb applicator, Clairol's Perfect 10 Hair Color delivers 100% gray coverage for those pesky "resistant" hairs and who can resist a 10 min application time?!

A helpful tip: As the directions indicate, comb-as-you-squeeze the attached applicator bottle but for "trouble spots" squeeze gently just before applying to hair for highest saturation.

Never Miss a Sale at Sephora.com
This beauty superstore also has offline locations (find a store near you) with great deals. Don't forget to sign up for the Sephora.com mailing list so great deals and free shipping coupon codes come straight to you! Instead of shopping the beauty aisle with the kids and a full shopping cart, take a mom moment and go online. Your purchase and 3 free samples will arrive shortly! Try the Sephora brand for especially good bath and body deals.

Go Vegan with your Lipcolor, Mascara, or Foundation.
Ecco Bella, a pioneer in the creation of "luxurious natural beauty products and skin care" sells wonderful organic night creams, foundations, and all natural mascaras. A favorite of vegan celebs like Alicia Silverstone and Natalie Portman, Ecco Bella is must-have for sensitive skinners, vegan or not.

FLOWER POWER with Ecco Bella Flower Color Lipsticks which mix flower wax and bright, beautiful natural pigments for long lasting lip color.

Keep the Possibilities Endless!
Endless.com, the latest offering from Amazon.com offers an amazing selection of shoes but the FREE Overnight Shipping (w/ Free Return Shipping!) will keep this site in your top "bookmarks".

Shop by Size or Brand for quick access to the hottest looks, whether you're looking for "Sex and The City"-style Gladiator Sandals or a new pair of the most comfortable Keds.

Three Tech Tips That Can Keep Your Teen Safe Online

2009-02-08T15:34:00.000-08:00

RULES!
Work with your teen to schedule internet time, just like video game or phone call time; internet time can also be used as a reward for great behavior or good grades.
TRACK!
With so much adult content on the internet, prevent accidents by installing a "net nanny". Free (and easy to install) software, like K9 Web Protection makes keeping your kids safe but not "locked down" a breeze. When a site pops up that K9's not sure about, the screen will freeze until a parent enters a safety code. K9 will keep a list of all the sites approved or not, that way science class inquiries on breast cancer make it through along with chicken recipes -- you never know when your teen might surprise you with dinner!

ADD!
Become friends with your child...online! Join Facebook.com and add your teen as a friend; do the same with MyYearbook.com, Myspace.com or other social networks your teen has chosen to join. Recently, Myspace hit the news with their efforts to keep the under-18 crowd protected, and more parents are coming online too. Instead of tracking actions and new friends (30 year old guys in Minnesota add everyone!) use the status updates on Facebook to keep up with your lil wonder's latest trends. This way you'll know she liked "Slumdog Millionaire" before she even gets home.

Lest we forget...HEATHUS!

2009-01-23T18:54:00.000-08:00

(snagged from ONTD)
Still miss the man, still.

Dakota Fanning PLAYS EVIL!

2009-01-23T15:01:00.000-08:00

Dakota Fanning is sinking her teeth into a juicy new role: She’s the latest ’tween to jump on the “Twilight” bandwagon. The 14-year-old is in talks to play a pint-size vampire in “New Moon,” the second installment of the hit fantasy series, as the angelic-faced vampire Jane. Bet she took the role only to be closer to Robert Pattinson!
-NYDAILYNEWS.COM

Kiddies, this role is no joke, it's evil as hell and I can't wait for Dakota to crush skulls and lick blood offa breasts, wait did that happen in the Mormon's book? I guess it was just violence...

2009-01-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

BLACK LGBT MARCH IN HISTORIC MLK PARADE,
JAN 19th 2009!

Join The Jordan/Rustin Coalition, the National Black Justice
Coalition (NBJC) and Here To Stay at LA's Martin Luther King, Jr.
Kingdom Day Parade & Festival at Leimert Park Village on Monday
January 19th 2009

http://www.heretostaycoalition.org

The Martin Luther King Kingdom
Day Parade has been celebrated for the last 20 years and over a
million people take to the streets of Los Angeles to remember the
life and works of the great man.

The parade commences on Martin Luther King Blvd at Crenshaw and lasts
for two miles until Western. It includes more than 150 floats, 20
drill teams, ten dance groups, celebrities aplenty and the bombastic
tunes of a military marching band. Local vendors and restaurants
spill out onto the street in the carnival atmosphere.

LIVE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.'S DREAM: MARCH FOR YOUR RIGHTS!
PROP 8 IS NOT OVER!
END HOMOPHOBIA AND RACISM!

January 19th 2009 at 10:30am is the parade time. Come to the Parade
and March With Us or participate in "Keep The Dream Alive and Bring
Five To The Parade" by bringing 5 Friends to Celebrate and Cheer Us!
******************************
LGBT CHEERING STATIONS:
Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd/Arlington Ave. AND Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd/Crenshaw Blvd. Please come and cheer on your brothers and sisters marching in the parade.
************************
AFTER PARADE PARTY AT Lucy Florence Coffee House, located at 3351 West 43rd Street, Los Angeles,
CA 90008, (323) 293-1356.
************************
FACEBOOK GROUP!
For more info and the latest updates, please join the "We Have A Dream Too! Facebook
Group"
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40044397394

and also to PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ON to ALL your friends.

***MLK Day Sign-Making Party/Meeting***
Saturday, January 17, 2009
At 1:00pm
Location:
Jewel's Catch One
4067 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019

http://www.heretostaycoalition.org

Al Sharpton To The Rescue?

2009-01-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

This post has not been approved by Nick Fury!

Ripped from Pam's House Blend,

OMG. I usually don't agree with him on a host of issues, but what an epic serving of truth LGBT ally Al Sharpton placed on the table at the Human Rights Ecumenical Service held at Atlanta's Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he gave a keynote that smacked down the homobigoted, hypocritical slice of the religious community. It was no coincidence that the event was held to welcome the Alliance of Affirming Faith-Based Organizations.
Can you feel the burn?
"I am tired," he went on, "of seeing ministers who will preach homophobia by day, and then after they're preaching, when the lights are off they go cruising for trade...We know you're not preaching the Bible, because if you were preaching the Bible we would have heard from you. We would have heard from you when people were starving in California--when they deregulated the economy and crashed Wall Street you had nothing to say. When [accused Ponzi scammer] Madoff made off with the money, you had nothing to say. When Bush took us to war chasing weapons of mass destruction that weren't there you had nothing to say.
"But all of a sudden, when Proposition 8 came out, you had so much to say, but since you stepped in the rain, we gonna step in the rain with you."
And this...
"There is something immoral and sick about using all of that power to not end brutality and poverty, but to break into people's bedrooms and claim that God sent you. It amazes me when I looked at California and saw churches that had nothing to say about police brutality, nothing to say when a young black boy was shot while he was wearing police handcuffs, nothing to say when they overturned affirmative action, nothing to say when people were being [relegated] into poverty, yet they were organizing and mobilizing to stop consenting adults from choosing their life partners."

The Only "Speidi" Pic I've Ever Liked

2009-01-11T16:07:00.000-08:00

Oscar '09 -- The Watching

2009-01-02T02:42:00.000-08:00

1) Slumdog Millionaire (omg, love it, fun, epic, sad, amazing and brilliant direction from Boyle -- the best he's done. ever.)
2) Choke (If it weren't for the million sex scenes, this stunner with Angelica Huston would be on everyone's Oscar List, as usual Crewman Guy is being ROBBED)
3) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (my annual xmas day film, yay! v. good, people will be ripping off the visuals in that for years to come, 20st century steampunk meets anne rice's new orleans with ribbons of tim burton whimsy+BP=hotness.)
4) Milk (interesting new way to tell "the assassinated biopic", topical but acute; the film leads the way home)
5) Revolutionary Road (A movie that's not exactly what you think is at the beginning. Pitch perfect directing, Kate and Leo deliver and it feels embarrassing being privy but good that it's happening to them and not you; there's a chance to learn from emotional warfare. Watch For It: the scene where the "loon" stays out of focus ranting with Kate Winslet in focus)
6) The Duchess (First time I've adored Keira Knightly in years, Ralph Fiennes playing evil and a bit of girl on girl in petticoats, sweet bb jeez)
7) Cadillac Records (even if just on the strength of jeffrey wright as muddy waters )
8) Frost/Nixon (impeccable but a seemingly irrelevant re-telling with little oomph, "How Austin Powers Got Tricky Dick")

In the Queue,
Blindness, Body of Lies, Defiance, The Rocker, The Wrestler, Seven Pounds, Yes Man, Che Part One, Wendy and Lucy, The Wackness, Vicky Christina Barcelona, Hamlet 2

Found it hard to finish so far,
Gran Torino (Spike Lee dustup gives new meaning to Eastwood racist portrayal? Prolly not since he's cool as shit but I still haven't finished)
Ghost Town (I really liked Ghost Dad and I keep wishing I was watching that instead)
Burn After Reading (BP playing near retarded and Frances McDormand playing a nip/tuck patient?)

Feet don't even touch the ground!

2008-12-21T19:39:00.001-08:00

1219_matilda_ledger_splash
Originally uploaded by _Faith

Awww, lil Matilda Ledger, AWW!

Our Time Is Now: Black LGBT Protest In Our Community

2008-11-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

This Sunday morning I was proud to be part of history, when the African American LGBT community of Southern California joined forces to bear witness of their existence and need for justice.

We started out at The Fountain on the corner of Vernon and Crenshaw, where only a few years ago you wouldn't quite visit for a picnic. I grew up going to the mall in the area, changing buses and even walking the various stretches of Crenshaw. When I came out I did stop visiting as regularly, preferring to come only for the odd event or filming at Lucy Florence. When I want to kick it, I tend to gravitate more southbay or west hollywood -- places where you know you're safe if you mention gay things, where you could kiss a girl and get strange looks vs. getting it in the head with a bottle. Since I grew up in a conservative, country small town, I'm familiar with the anonymous bottle or rock that comes flying from who?
You get used to these things, or you only move within circles where they are not.

To freely rally and protest against H8 in spots I'd fear'd being out as a kid was beyond liberating AND only possible because we are now MORE than ever before. Determination in our steps and screams no longer strangled made our hearts soar. Hear the toddlers in strollers chanting along, "Eqwal Rights!" and see teens ignore the verbal attacks on their parents, brushing hate off with ingrained nonchalance. Are we real to you yet? Are we re-emerging as missing pieces a whole soul? YES, YES, YES!

Even when we wound down and the homophobes crawled out of their hate pits toward us

(almost see their shredded souls dragging behind?)
They cursed us and our kids, they called their "homies" and said people were coming for us. One attacked my shirt especially, how dare I be wearing a Che shirt to a gay rally. How dare we be here at that fountain, why not give our children a chance to live without sin?. All this they tossed at us, with a bottle in their hand. The police arrived and dragged the brothers to the ground, and all the queers bristled at the police while sighing just a bit in relief. As one organizer told me, I never want a Black man handcuffed because of me. And I could understand, I get followed and profiled like everyone else (certainly less so than the male identified). But how can they tell us they'll shoot us, how can they say guns are coming for the gays and get away? Cops drew down when they arrived and dudes became quite fucking contrite, "oh we didn't say anything. just free speech officer, are the handcuffs necessary?"

And I remembered our ancestors who walked before us for different and the same rights. Those who spewed vile hates were not the every day person, they were not the norm but their behavior reflected what society considered "acceptable". A country's heart changed when children were being attacked by dogs, when video and pictures of us fighting insurmountable odds in the south surfaced. Paradigm shifts, and what was inconceivable becomes reality -- with blood, tears, and protesting sweat. I'm young and proud to be an LGBT American, any one want to tell me different?

Check us out on the news tonite, Fox 11 at 10pm (Fox?! Tricia, I'm Faith.)

My video of Rev. Freda's Speech:

Sunday, Nov 23rd, 11am RALLY IN LEIMERT PARK!

2008-11-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 21, 2008

CONTACT:
Ron Buckmire
323-314-2949
buckmire@jordanrustincoalition.org

Official Statement by leading BLACK LGBT organization on this weekend's political action supporting the repeal of Proposition 8

LOS ANGELES, CA – Ron Buckmire, Board President of the Barbara Jordan/ Bayard Rustin Coalition, released the following statement regarding the Black GLBT March and Protest planned for Leimert Park on the morning of Sunday, November 23, 2008.

"African-American Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Americans have something unique to add to the multiple activities attempting to repeal Proposition 8. The Jordan/Rustin Coalition supports, endorses and will participate in any and all peaceful and lawful actions involving our own communities which support this goal. We are excited to announce our participation in the community grassroots organized rally for LGBT rights this Sunday at 11am in Leimert Park (corner of Vernon and Crenshaw).

"The event is organized by 'Love at Work – The Exchange' and Reverend Freda Lanoix. Starting at 11:30am on Sunday, Black LGBT people will march in solidarity in a predominantly African American neighborhood to peacefully protest the passage of Proposition 8. We call on all fair-minded Black people to join us!

"As we await the California Supreme Court's decision on the legal status of same-sex marriages entered into between June 17 and November 4, the Jordan/Rustin Coalition will continue to work in the many communities we are part of to engage in discussion about equal rights for all LGBT Californians. We encourage our many allies in the LGBT and African American communities to join us in grassroots activism in hopes of change."

###

ABOUT the Barbara Jordan / Bayard Rustin Coalition

The mission of the Barbara Jordan / Bayard Rustin Coalition (or Jordan Rustin Coalition) is to empower Black same-gender loving, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and families in Greater Los Angeles, to promote equal marriage rights and to advocate for fair treatment of everyone without regard to race, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

Ron Buckmire, Board President of the Jordan/Rustin Coalition is available for interviews by calling his cell phone, 323-314-2949 or email at buckmire@jordanrustincoalition.org

Girls Can Do Anything: Knuckleball Pitcher!

2008-11-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

Girls Can Do Anything: 5 year old BBall Genius

2008-11-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

So, now that I have been schooled in the art of the two-and-three-ball dribble by a 5-year-old, I feel like I need to work on my D, because I don't know when the next pre-school kid will come to the park, throw the rock in my face and say, "Let's do this." - Rob Benson, Yahoo Sports

My Article on Advocate.com

2008-11-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

Read my article on advocate.com! Was talking to my mom last night about LGBT everything, and the definition of marriage when she said, "You should tell The Advocate, YOU ARE THE ADVOCATE!" Ever since I was a kid I'm been running orgs and protesting inequality, from my middle school's Jungle Fever ball to minstrels popping up in high school wearing fake dreads and dark colored makeup. That was just growing up in San Luis Obispo, CA to some extent. And then when I came out, there were even more things to fight for. I believe we can move to closer to equality, just takes time and effort. Join us on Monday night at La Cienega and Centinela in Ladera Heights for the next People of Color in their own communities protesting H8!

Feel the impact this Saturday as well, LA City Hall @ 10am!

Repeal The Marriage Ban: Fight Continues

2008-11-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

Been a long ass week, full of protests. Last night I was driving over to C&B's for "Heroes" when I passed by a No on H8 rally in my Inglewood, CA neighborhood. The rainbow flag and rally sign were still in my backseat so I stopped and rallied for a few hours. Twas awesome to be out there with people of color, chanting, singing and demanding our rights.

On Saturday, the Silverlake protest went well, peaceful and tons of folks. Lots of chances to dispel the myth of black lgbt folks being forever invisible. I was so proud of the many POC queers out in full force, and uber proud of the mainstream lgbt love for us. Sure, there was a sign or two, "Gay is the new Black" being one of them, but the Black Revolutionary Committee made their own signs too: "Gay is not the new Black, Black Gay is!" UCLA's Queer Alliance, La Familia and BlaQue joined us and we're able to do a couple chants of our own, "Colored, Queer!" and "Si, Se Pueda"(Yes, We Can) which was cool. It's hard as hell to be out there sometimes, but we gotta do it. Most of the time when I'm marching in these things my signs are pointed in as well as out, because racism and ignorance within the mainstream LGBT community absolutely exists.

It's been an amazing wake up call for the larger LGBT movement when it comes to the Black community. I've been telling my non Black LGBT friends for years, don't get it twisted, just because someone likes you as their hair dresser or finger snaps along with you don't mean shit. After years of delivering homophobia workshops to the black community, protesting injustice from within and getting royally screwed by mainstream LGBT groups -- I kinda hung up my spurs and focused more efforts on my other margin, bisexuality. But hearing the words of that young woman in West Hollywood, "Is this a Latino or Gay Rights Rally?", boy it spurned me back into BlaQue action. I'm so sick and tired of being sick and tired though, aren't you?

People like Wilson Cruz keep me going. Actor extraordinare, you may remember him best from "My So Called Life", he's out in the streets at every protest flyering!

I've read Jasmyne Cannick's piece for the LA Times, and I had the opportunity to speak with her re: a bit of it and general protests. She feels like so many BlaQue folk, we need to focus on our own community issues. I can respect that, and lord knows Black folks are in need of activists who are dedicated to the issues that disproportionally affect us due to color. HOWEVER, I STRONGLY FEEL THERE NEEDS TO BE A BLACK LGBT VOICE WITHIN THE LARGER SAME SEX MARRIAGE BATTLE. And so I plan on continuing to speak. I will continue to form coalitions and take names, cells and emails from LGBT Black folks who are ready and willing to be out and proud for this 'cause. We must continue to get our faces in front of the leadership and the press, so we can show the world what the rainbow really looks like.

I got to talk a little bit about that on KPCC's Talk Radio, download the program here. If you're a member of the press looking to speak with LGBT African Americans who are actively part of the movement, contact thefayth@gmail.com! I've got several folks who're ready and willing to be heard, and who want to know more folks of the same ilk. We plan on having a kickback BBQ in the next month or two, hang out and organize and just be. Black, Queer, and still here.

La Lohan Bi, "Maybe"

2008-11-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

Asked if she considers herself bisexual, Lohan, 22, says, "Maybe. Yeah."

A lesbian? "No," Lohan says.

"I don't want to classify myself," she explains. "First of all, you never know what's going to happen — tomorrow, in a month, a year from now, five years from now.
- Us Mag

Bi's love Linds! I once saw Lindsey Lohan on the UCLA campus, she was being driven in from Hilgard and at the stop sign she tried to drink some water and instead the bottle splashed cold water all down her front. She laughed all the way down the hill and it was pretty much adorable. I liked her in Parent Trap, Freaky Friday and Mean Girls. I was super impressed with her dancing, singing and hosting skills at the VMA's awhile back. And then she slipped into the celeb downward spiral slip stream...once you get caught as a clickable, it's hard for the tabs to let you go. Been real encouraged by her pulling ass up by the bra straps all the while combating her fake ass dad, girl I can understand that!

Go Linds.

Lindsey and her old friend Courtney Semel, who now dates Tila Tequila. I think Semel has the cutest ears ever, lil elfin bits. Neways, back to other things.

Be COUNTED, Queers of Color (and Allies)

2008-11-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

Visit faithish.com for more info...

2008-11-06T19:33:00.000-08:00

I'm Black, bisexual, female and a scifi fan so everyone always says I win any token contest. Someone once told me, Wow it seems you have a lot to fight against, and I said, more to fight for.

I stayed out of the fight for the most part this time. Just moved back to LA, and after years of on campus and off LGBT activism I'd been focusing on increasing awareness of the bisexual politic. Most of the black lgbt activists I know were all over the Obama campaign, devoting their time and resources there. Only a few were contacted by EQCA, No on 8, and other marriage rights orgs. I even spoke with a black lesbian couple last night that felt unwelcome in EQCA headquarters. This was after the long rally ended and we'd heard ever so much about people of color fighting against civil rights for the LGBT community. Such arguments never sits right with me unless there's a wide representation of people of color around chiming in. As I listened to the speeches last night my passion grew, peaking during a LGBT Latino speech when one part of a White female couple behind me remarked, "Is this a Latino rally or Gay Rights?" She was obviously LGBT with rainbow accoutrement, holding on to her partner. And I turned back and said, "Haha, Racist". And she groaned and said, "Please not tonight, not tonight." And I said "There are people of color who are queer, and I was offended by your comment" before turning back to hear the rest. When it was all over, I went with the BlaQue couple who had felt unwelcome in No on 8 campaign headquarters to speak with Lorri Jean of the Gay and Lesbian Center. They shared with Lorri how they had felt and I told her, "Next time I will be on that stage with you. We need Black people up there saying the words too". I went off into the crowd collecting emails from all the BlaQues I saw and we plan on starting a political group with the very purpose of combating hatred of queers in the Black community and racism in the LGBT community. You can hear my thoughts on a bit of that this Saturday between Noon and 1pm on 89.3, KPCC as I did a little interview last night.

This conversation of Blacks in particular facing racism with the mainstream "gay" rights movement has been a discussion point for a long time and plenty of us were sick of being asked why we're shopping in the gay porn store or bookstore. Plenty of us were sick of being unsupported by mainstream orgs like GLAAD (when I was the subject of a debate on homophobia that happened to be featured on Oprah, GLAAD helped shove under rug...producer was getting an Image award the next week so...). Plenty of us were sick of fighting the fight within our churches and communities, with little to no LGBT org support. And I think a lot of us Black LGBT activists sat it out or worked only on the Obama campaign.

There were little to nada ads spent on the African American community by the No on 8 campaign, even with a known surge of first time liberal Black voters in CA, there wasn't much effort. That was a factor in this loss. Is it racist to say more Blacks are homophobic than Whites because of the Christian Industrial Complex as I like to call it? I used really battle that idea, saying proportionally homophobia is the same. However as education about LGBT civil rights grows in the mainstream, people of color organizations especially African Americans are being left behind. Extremely unfortunate as Blacks have the 2nd longest minority history in this country, and LGBT African Americans have been out and proud for more than a hundred years. Many non culturally identified LGBT folk read James Baldwin first, many queer women hold Alice Walker and other out Black women like Angela Davis close to their hearts. Before Lorri Jean and others went after people of color with abandon, I wanted her to recognize why POC LGBT don't show up all time. Lorri Jean said herself, "We have a lot of educating to do within our own community". Had that been a factor in the strategy, the percents indicate 8 would not have passed.

I grew up with a missionary mom in the Pentecostal Church of God In Christ, and part of my journey to self acceptance was a reconciliation of my faith with my sexual orientation. I did a lot of workshops over the years, but I feel slam poetry has more impact so I turned mine into a poem. It is specifically for the Black community, but feel free to share it with anyone you like.

ThisLoveHasAlwaysExisted

(originally written for the black community, from an African-american queer)

Once was a dude named Saul, in the Bible look him up under Paul. Raised Jew, he made it his business to pursue Christians right after Christ died and left for the sky, he even stood by and watched Stephen, the first "official" martyr die.

But one day on the way to Damascus came a light and the Lord, and he fell to his knees.

Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?!!!
I am not a threat to the Jews, I fulfill all you hold true.

And Saul was struck blind, yet Paul's sight was restored!

"... I have no command of the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy has been found trustworthy."

Jotted down by the apostle who wrote to Rome and told them to stop sleeping with their own sons, it's a favorite moment of mine, a time tested version of ultimate conversion, a point I hope will illuminate a true existence of love, finding a way to stop the hate.

For who can say that gay people today are not by the Lord's mercy, trustworthy?

Police profiling, infighting, lack of community kindness, straight people's license to kill, corporate ill will, crystal meth, a new black death…Many of us have LOVED without even picking up the phone to call home. We have wished we would be asked to tell and survived.

Now, before you get up from your seats and wander away, take a second to consider what change means today, we have internet, millions of books and time to look—seen past sinners become saints: divorcees, Joan of Arc, haters and interracial daters.
Didn't know that's an abomination to? According to the Bible only 7 or 8 exist...Interracial marriage was one tossed into the mix, women wearing gold jewelry or men's clothing, check. And now we come to… gay sex.

THAT sex is SO NASTY you say...funny, last time I checked isn't all sex that way? Wasn't your first time a mess of wetness, slapping sounds a mix of pleasure and pain? Isn't all sex the same? Love IS TOO and here we find the righteous and true course. When one loves but cannot say, hey that's my wife after 30 years and many tears... something's gone horribly wrong, hear?!!! To not be able to say goodbye before you die? To never feel safe and comfortable in school, to be a lil black boy who's breaking all the rules?

I'm telling you, you know who we are. You seen us as kids, see the parents desperately trying to put back the lid, boys a lil too "sweet" or girls too sour...now you see us behind makeup counters shouting "girl power", we're the women on softball teams with 10 up, the drag kings holding court, we've also got soldiers in every fort! Some of us even become actors, but please believe that being closeted and queer is totally a factor.

This Love exists.

The past knows this truth, who knows how well, as Brother Huey of the Black Panther Party so eloquently put it, "Quite the contrary, perhaps a homosexual could be the most, revolutionary". They are now never alone as they wait for you: Bayard Rustin who led the March for the Dream with Martin Luther King, Langston Hughes still perched on a crystal stair waiting for YOU to know what it's like to be really disappeared. James Baldwin, up in Giovanni's room listening to Billie sang bi blues...they turn to tell you this love has always existed.

All the way back to African times, where there were women warriors and boy wives before Christ came and was battered into our brains. Don't get me twisted, I'm not dissing Christ or saying we should give 'em up. I'm just wondering why no one is listening to the son of god crying out to us from our communion cup?

Love one another! Love one another! Love one another!
It's never been a riddle, ain't no missin jot or tittle.
He said, "I am the vine and you are the branches", so stop leaving your fruit on the tree!

So sad, that for some black folk an invisible closet has instead been key. And I'm finally here on the other side, finding it locked, kicking it down, and letting you have it; opening your ears to the tragic w\ word magic.

So speak to your pastors and wonder aloud…ask yourself what to do now. Do it before your son or daughter starts showing the trait and before "your best friend" asks for a date. We can all be delivered if you vote to turn the tide against hate, your voice has much weight so use it and tell others for we are your sons and mothers, brothers and daughters, baby's mamas, sisters, father's brothers, grandmothers, your baby boys and girls. We are the love that exists.

It was by the Lord's Mercy that I was found trustworthy...and hence suffered and suffered, like Paul I was once even beheaded and put back together…all because one day on the way to Damascus came a light and the Lord, and I fell to my knees. I am not a threat to you, I only fulfill all you hold true. I am the love that has always existed.

YAY OBAMA, And now for his funniest quote

2008-11-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

From Newsweek's Special Election Project,

-- The debates unnerved both candidates. When he was preparing for the Democratic primary debates, Obama was recorded saying, "I don't consider this to be a good format for me, which makes me more cautious. I often find myself trapped by the questions and thinking to myself, 'You know, this is a stupid question, but let me ... answer it.' So when Brian Williams is asking me about what's a personal thing that you've done [that's green], and I say, you know, 'Well, I planted a bunch of trees.' And he says, 'I'm talking about personal.' What I'm thinking in my head is, 'Well, the truth is, Brian, we can't solve global warming because I f---ing changed light bulbs in my house. It's because of something collective'."

Grey's Degays and Bisexuals Vanish in a Puff of Logic

2008-11-04T02:00:00.000-08:00

On ABC's Grey's Anatomy last week, Calliope Torres played by the amazing Sara Ramirez (above) had a bi moment. She had an awesome sexual experience with a woman, and hours later had an awesome sexual experience with a man. The 2nd awesome led to the heartfelt bi moment, oh me oh my I like both and that's weird (but ok).

At least that's what it seemed like. Perhaps I was being super generous in hoping so and biphobia lurks abouts after all. It seems half of the same sex pairing is getting the boot from the show, and GA show runner Shonda Rhimes is defending said boot with:

"Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian. Clearly it's not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show – Calliope Torres. Sara Ramirez is an incredible comedic and dramatic actress and we wanted to be able to play up her magic. Unfortunately, we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke's character would sustain in the long run. The impact of the Callie/Erica relationship will be felt and played out in a story for Callie. I believe it belittles the relationship to simply replace Erica with 'another lesbian.' If you'll remember, Cristina mourned the loss of Burke for a full season."-Response to Michael Ausiello, EW

ONTD! Oh, but you did. Now I'm wondering if Callie sleeping with a man and a woman in 1 day was just the first step in "her journey"...to lesbian. She liked it, and she "liked" it but she's a lesbian character? How much did you just diss the bi community?

Here's some pointers to avoid ending up on The Bi Bitch List:
1) Recognize real life bisexuals like Angelina Jolie exist. Women can love and be with men, women, then men, then women, then women, then men...you get the picture. Unsettling to est. heterosexist rhetoric AND true. You will meet, know, love and care for people who are emotionally and/or sexually attracted to both sexes. They are not anomalies.

Bisexual families look like this too.

2) Avoid the stereotypes. Yes, "both sides of the fence" jokes can be fun, but for those who have no fence it makes little sense and is an offensive ignorance. Many bisexuals are monogamous, partner up and have kids. Some are more free loving and do not. All are separated from lesbians and gays, since they are "bi" and do not see in mono. All are separated from straights in the very same way. So a bisexual is not a 1/2 gay, or 1/4 straight or some mathematical equation that adds up to 1.

Who Likes Fences Anyways?

3) Check in with bisexual resources and organizations from time to time. Every studio and network flack has the GLAAD bus on call, but bisexuals are plenty sick of being thrown under it. When Transgender characters are written into shows, writers and actors often talk about their learning experiences...'cause they actually met with Transgender folk -- not just their Gay and Lesbian support group.

http://www.biresource.net/

I hope film and tv writers keep trying to show the other sides of the rainbow. I've not counted them out just yet.

This A Perfect Moment

2008-10-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A PERFECT MOMENT
by Rob Brezsny

This is a perfect moment.
It's a perfect moment for many reasons,
but especially because you and I are waking up
from our sleepwalking, thumb-sucking, dumb-clucking collusion
with the masters of illusion and destruction.

Thanks to them,
from whom the painful blessings flow,
we are waking up.

Their wars and tortures,
their crimes against nature,
extinctions of species
and brand new diseases.

Their spying and lying
in the name of the father,
sterilizing seeds and
trademarking water.

Molestations of God,
celebrations of shame,
stealing our dreams and
changing our names.

Their cunning commercials
and blood-sucking hustles,
their endless rehearsals
for the end of the world.

Thanks to them,
from whom the awful teachings flow,
we are waking up.

*

Their painful blessings are cracking open
more and more gashes
in the shrunken and crippled mass hallucination
that is mistakenly called "reality."
And through the fractures,
ripe eternity is flooding in;
news of the soul's true home is pouring in;
our allies from the other side of the veil
are swarming in,
inspiring us to become smarter and wilder
and kinder and trickier.

We are waking up.

As heaven and earth come together,
as the dreamtime and daytime merge,
we register the shockingly exhilarating fact
that we are in charge
of creating a brand new world.
Not in some distant time or faraway place,
but right here and right now.

*

As we stand on this brink,
as we dance on this verge,
we can't let the ruling fools of the dying world
sustain their curses.
We have to rise up
and fight their insane logic;
defy, resist, and prevent their tragic magic;
erupt with our sacred rage and supercharge it.

But overthrowing the living dead is not enough.
Protesting the well-dressed monsters is not enough.
We can't afford to be consumed with our anger;
we can't be obsessed and possessed by their danger.
Our mysterious bodies crave delight and fertility.
Our boisterous imaginations demand fresh tastes of infinity.

In the new world we're gestating,
we need to be suffused
with lusty compassion and ecstatic duty,
ingenious love and insurrectionary beauty.
We've got to be teeming with radical curiosity and reverent pranks,
voracious listening and ferocious thanks.

*

So I'm curious, my fellow creators.
Since you and I are in charge of making a new world
-- not just breaking down the old world --
where do we begin?
What stories do we want at the heart of our experiments?
What questions will be our oracles?

Here's what I say:
In the New World we're creating,
We will ridicule the cult of doom and gloom.
We will embrace the cause of zoom and boom.
We will laugh at the stupidity of evil and hate;
we'll summon the brilliance to praise and create.

No matter how upside-down it all may appear,
we will have no fear
because we know this big secret:
Pronoia is real.
All of creation is conspiring to shower us with blessings.
Life is crazily in love with us --
brazenly and innocently in love with us.

The universe always gives us
exactly what we need,
exactly when we need it.

*

The winds and the tides are on our side,
forever and ever, amen.
The fire and the rain are scheming to steal our impossible pain.
The sun and the moon and the stars
remember our real names,
and our ancestors pray for us while we're dreaming.

We have guardian angels and thousands of teachers,
provocateurs with designs to unleash us,
helpers and saviors we can't even imagine,
brothers and sisters who want us to blossom.

Thanks to them,
from whom the blissful blessings flow,
we are waking up.

The roads they pave us,
the places they save us,
the tomatoes they grow us,
the rivers they flow us.

Their mysterious stories,
and morning glories,
their loaves and fishes,
granting our wishes.

The songs they sing us,
the gifts they bring us,
the secrets they show us,
above and below us.

Thanks to them,
from whom the blissful blessings flow,
we are waking up.

*

Postscript:

I'm allergic to dogma.
I thrive on the riddles.
Any idea I believe, I reserve the right to disbelieve as well.
But more than any other vision I've ever tested,
pronoia describes the way the world actually is.
It's wetter than water,
stronger than death,
and truer than the news.
It smells like cedar smoke in the autumn rain,
and if you close your eyes right now,
you can feel it shimmering
like the aurora borealis
in your organs and muscles.
Its song is your blood's song.

Some people argue that life is strife
and suffering is normal.
Others swear we're born sinful
and only heaven can provide us with the peace
that passes understanding.
But pronoia says that being alive
on the rough green and brown earth
is the highest honor and privilege.
It's an invitation to work wonders
and perform miracles
that aren't possible in any nirvana, promised land, or afterlife.

I'm not exaggerating or indulging in poetic metaphor
when I tell you that we are already living in paradise.
Visualize it if you dare.
The sweet stuff that quenches all of our longing
is not far away in some other time and place.
It's right here and right now.
Poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning knew the truth:
"Earth's crammed with heaven."

Be Presiden Palin

2008-10-28T13:02:00.001-07:00

YOU CAN PLAY THE GAME TODAY! BE PALIN AS PRESIDENT!

Then go donate to No on 8 in her name.

JHud Deaths, LGBT HATE Related?

2008-10-28T10:56:00.001-07:00

Interesting. Jennifer Hudson's sister wrote today on her Myspace regarding the tragic turn of events:

"When I started my MySpace all of the above was true, now because I chose to do what was natural to me and love someone, it cost me my beautiful family," she writes.

"It cost me my beautiful, loving, supporting mother Darnell, my true blue baby brother Jason - I love you baby – and last but not never least, my only son Julian, my innocent baby..."

"[Julian's] soul is at ease," Julia writes. "I take comfort in knowing that Julian is with my mother and my brother and most of all the Lord, and now he's my angel, he's protecting me."

If you recall, back in the day when Dreamgirls came out, Jennifer Hudson clarified her comments regarding queerness saying:

I have said again and again that it was the gay community that supported me long before and long after AMERICAN IDOL, and kept me working and motivated. It is the gay community that celebrated my voice and my size and my personality long before DREAMGIRLS. Yes, I was raised Baptist. Yes, I was taught that the Bible has certain views on homosexuality. The Bible also teaches us not to judge. It teaches us to love one another as God loves us all. I love my sister, my two best friends and my director dearly. They happen to be gay." - Gawker, 12/07/06

I thought it was a great response, and I was really glad to hear that she was bringing the love. I can't imagine the pain of losing the majority of your immediate family to domestically related gun violence. I hope peace and love will settle around the Hudsons carrying them through this tough time.

Rashawn Brazell

I still think it's important to point out that these murders could be LGBT HATE related. Such things happen in the LGBT community when folks come out and live as they love. It's a sad truth in the lives of the African American LGBT, where violence and homophobia often mix to disasterous results (Sakia Gunn, Rashawn Brazell). I would rather this was a sad horrible senseless random act of violence, but if it is related to LGBT HATE it needs to be news. It could help save a life.

Sakia Gunn Memorial

For resources if you're living with these troubles or in fear, please contact The Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN). When I was growing up in a abuse filled household, RAINN got me help and even helped me get declared independent so I got financial aid allowing me to attend UCLA.

1-800-656-HOPE
http://www.rainn.org/

Remember to vote No on 8.

Be the forest, Gisele!

2008-10-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

Gisele models for trees, the world sighs in relief.

"Roseanne" Celebrates 20 Years!

2008-10-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

''I was a huge John Goodman fan before the show. When they cast him, I was agog; I was thrilled. He is a delight. But ultimately you're winding up and she's the crack of the bat. Her perspective was the one I was so grateful to see on the show. She was the reason I went. That character. People would say, 'So you're writing on Roseanne?' I was 24 at the time. 'Do you write Darlene's lines?' I said, 'Yes, I write Darlene's lines, I leave a space, then I write a rebuttal.' They assumed I wrote the young person.'' - Joss Whedon on writing for Roseanne

Lisa and Mandy are Against Prop 8

2008-10-17T23:15:00.001-07:00

Lisa and Mandy are Against Prop 8
Originally uploaded by _Faith

My Very Good Friends Lisa and Mandy celebrate their 7th year anniversary today. They actually need a new toaster, but instead I've decided to post this beautiful ad they created. Their wedding was one of the best I've ever been to. All the grandparents, parents, step parents, cousins, family and friends were there and it was a celebration of love and the wonderful life these two women have built for themselves. MAZAL TOV!

Go visit Lisa over at obscanity.com!

The Bi Is Back!

2008-10-17T03:17:00.000-07:00

I asked a question, in desperation. Like sand skipping unnaturally back into the sea, bisexuality is disappearing. A famous celeb declares love for a woman, as she has for men before and a biological reality isn't even broached. Tila Tequila cements bisexuality as a culture, as a way of living and not a life. Words Matter and I'm screaming them from the proverbial rooftops.

I'm really thankful Ted C. of E! Online posted my question in the first place and sparked up a conversation, kicking some folks into gear within our own bisexual community. To me that is the work of an ally. An ally is not necessarily me, they don't always say it the way I would want but they help get us closer. Use the chance to educate and invigorate! Sure, we attack ourselves and allies before rushing out the door in the right way, but eventually righteous fire finds it's true mark. Perhaps some saw the poll as a last straw, but I think that's an unconscious way to look at it. The poll represents reality, what are you doing to change someone's mind about that if you disagree? Folks, including Ted C. I might add, worked years to help change opinion on same sex marriage and the need for visibility (have you forgotten Toothy Tile?)

Bisexuals have to and are doing the same, and we must keep trying.

In response to the poll, and with great love I sent this to Ted:

Sorry that my half hearted attempt to question the lack of "bisexual option" for La Lohan turned some bisexuals on the wrong way.
"or as "out & proud" Sheela Lambert notes ". . . there is one for haters and two for heteroflexible girls. I dont want to sign up as either an experimenter or dating a girl until I meet the right guy. I have been out as bi for over 30 years and have dated both guys, women and transgender people" - Bialogue

So how about it Ted, feel like adding a button? There's No and Maybe, but no definitive Yes is there? Remember we're not exactly a highway from one orientation to the next, but more of a welcome mat of goodness. Step gently?

He replied in the affirmative, respectfully and warmly so. Folks out there may not know E!, may not have spent the years chilling with Talk Soup, adoring Anna Nicole, or incorporating a good amount of TEDSPEAK into their vocabulary. Personally, I'm proud that Ted is one of my biggest influences as a writer, all that casual wit and sarcastic sweetness in a shiny hunk of a package to boot. He's like the Douglas Adams of Gossip and lucky for US, he came out years and years ago. He got married and has held the queer flag in high profile for plenty a day. I think that should count for a damn lot.

Me, myself, I consider myself a bisexual activist -- I reclaim the word, and see myself as two and whole at the same time. STILL I'VE NEVER BEEN ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO ENTER A CHURCH THAT DON'T LIKE QUEERS, HAVE YOU?

This is some horrid stuff, cants believe it would happen in October of 2008. Wait, I can.

From Lauren Parke*,

The Director of Safety from Palm Beach Atlantic University read a statement as we gathered outside the school's chapel on Monday, October 13, 2008. "You are unwanted guests." Fully aware that handcuffs were waiting, six of us then stepped forward, persisting in our intention to attend the morning service there. Arris and Lindsay, two students whom we'd spoken with extensively the day before, had been so certain we would be allowed in that they even promised to sit with us. Tears streamed down their faces as the police slipped zip-ties around our wrists and loaded us into their van. Our fellow Riders held hands and tried to hold back their own tears as they sung, "Just As I Am."

What are you doing today? When's the last time you made a stand? Sent an email, took action, let someone know how you feel and/or made a ruckus?

Do Something. Today. Stand for bisexuality, for same sex marriage, for Obama, and healing the world as we recognize all of the diversity still striving within.

*(disclosure:Best almost-a-date I ever had)

Vote! On Bisexuality!

2008-10-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

So...now E! has a poll on bisexuality, please go vote! I'd feel a lot better about stirring the pot if 20% of respondents hadn't said "Not a chance, it's a stop on the way to homoville"...

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/the_awful_truth/b63567_polling_all_body_parts.html

Bi Now, Gay Later?

Do you think true bisexuality actually exists?

Not a chance, it's a stop on the way to homoville.
Sure, I'm a little Anne Heche. I've experimented with both sexes.
Angelina Jolie dabbled with a woman and found her way to Brad Pitt. Works for me.

Bisexuals Make Ted's Mailbag: Lindsey Lohan

2008-10-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

WooT! My letter re: LaLohan's potential bisexuality made it onto E!'s Awful Truth!

Thanks Ted for including a link to the Words Matter piece by LindaSusan!

VOTE NO ON 8!

Brad Pitt Homes Survive Hurricane, Celebrates with Hugs from Fam

2008-10-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

FROM ONTD BY WAY OF JUSTJARED
BOLD BY Hot143chocolate
As mentioned earlier last week, there was good news from of the Make It Right NOLA camp that Brad Pitt’s green home development project in Lower 9th Ward had successfully beaten back Hurricane Gustav. At that time, the organizers had only heard via people on the scene and had not yet taken an in-depth look at any possible damage. Now, one week later, the results are highly encouraging.

According to the site, the homes — which are designed to withstand a minimum of 130mph winds — suffered little to no damage. Most interesting, none of the designs were boarded up to protect against debris or glass blow-out. From the site,

“In the construction of the first houses, we are evaluating two window protection technologies, impact resistant glass and “hurricane fabric” to protect windows and doors. The use of these technologies negates the need to board up doors and windows. We hope this will reduce the preparation time needed to prepare for a storm, in addition to protecting the contents of the houses, so that residents have more time to evacuate for future storm events.”

Very cool. To protect against any potential looting, the organization also hired a private security company to patrol the six homes under construction. Apparently, that security will remain “until the homes are occupied as part of our commitment to the families who own them.”

No updates yet on how all those pink fabric homes faired. I imagine those were removed ahead of the storm.

Check out the official Make It Right site for more information — or to help donate to this fantastic cause. Currently, of the 150 homes expected to be built, 10 are slated to be finished by the end of this year.

Go See The Changeling!

2008-10-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

It's so lovely to see Angelina Jolie back and looking beyond beautiful for a mother of 6.

Sarah Palin, No.

2008-10-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sarah Palin is a sharply dressed moron. OK, a compassionate moron. For the first time a Red candidate has indicated the need for fair rights and responsibilities for the LGBT community. I'll give her a single kudo for that, it's a big deal for her to think compassionately of those who "choose" different. Still her intellect, experience and the hot load of shit she's shilling for should be questioned.

In fact Norad agrees...

Whenever Russia near US airspace, Sarah Palin's phone does not ring, despite her claims.

NORAD has slammed GOP VP Candidate Sarah Palin's claim to CBS' Katie Couric that she has command authority over US space guardians.

Spokesman for the North American Aerospace Defense Command, Air Force Maj. Allen Herritage told the NY Daily News. "She doesn't have any role in that process."

"The authority to launch and respond to a Russian incursion lies with the Alaska NORAD Region commander" solely.

Moscow's bombers have skirted Alaskan airspace 20 times but have not violated it during Palin's tenure.

And when interceptors scramble from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Sarah Palin is not speed-dialed.

"The commander does not call the governor," Major Herritage clarified.

Debra Winger and Nicole Kidman are gorgeous!

2008-10-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

Debra Winger returns in the highly hyped Rachel Gets Married starring Anne Hathaway.
Read about her new book and feisty return in the LA Times.

Nicole Kidman rocks the cover of Elle, hella fierce!

THANK YOU FOR SHOWING THE BEAUTY OF AGING, WE WANT MORE!

The Many Faces of Obama

2008-10-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

2 photos caught my eye this week Obama wise.

First, this atrocity.

Second, this sweet photo of Obama buying roses for his wedding anniversary.

Everlast is Back!

2008-10-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

I consider Everlast to be one of the most underrated lyricist and musicmaker of all time. He may break out again with his Johnny Cash cover. Oh Sweetness!

Simpson Convicted

2008-10-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

Not gonna lie, this photo is better than the tears of Paris.

A couple of years ago, Simpson's youngest daughter rolled up to my dad's house to fight some of my sister's friends. She was 20 and out of high school, the kids were 16 or so. I called her ridiculous, but I felt really bad for her tragic tale of wrong place, wrong conception.

John Barrowman is my hero, basically

2008-10-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

John Barrowman is my hero! Great article over at the Daily Mail (wonders never cease!) on the Torchwood star.

Fav bit:

'Actually, they couldn't have been better about it. They had a pretty good idea that I was gay, of course. Parents so often do. But I do remember my dad saying to me at the time, "Your mother and I don't discuss what happens in the bedroom with you, so why should you with us?"'
Most touchingly, his parents - deeply Christian churchgoers - publicly defended him against their gay-hating friends, even choosing to leave their church because of its inherently homophobic approach.
'My mother stood up in church once when someone said that all gays should be put on an island and left there. "How dare you," she said. "That is my son you are talking about." My parents walked out. They lost friends. I admire them so much for taking that stand. I never had a problem with being gay, but their acceptance made it so much easier.'

Plus he's got a great music video! Who knew?

Jack + Karen = LOVE IT

2008-10-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Reports are surfacing that Jack + Karen are getting a Will & Grace spinoff. OH ME OH MY OH AWESOME!

Have I ever shared that story about the first time I visited Numbers in Weho? Me and my friend, theMVP decided to see if it was as smarmy as folks said. It was. As we drifted past the young guys dining with old guys we happened across Leslie Jordan and a young guy who said: "...well, I know I'm only 18 but I have to make money somehow."

Dear Leslie left that alone as we saw the kid an hour or so later in his platforms sitting dejectedly on the corner of San Vicente and Santa Monica. This in turn reminds me of the time, me and theMVP were venturing into Hollywood for some party or another. On a Sunset Blvd. corner sat a boy at a bus stop. Clean looking fellow, simply dressed and wearing a handmade sign. At first I thought it was one of those "disabled vet with 3 disabled kids on wheels begging for change" signs. It wasn't. The block printed sign said very clearly, "RENT ME". We burst into laughter and decided to go back and ask how much, as a lark of course ;)

Less than 3 mins later we're on the same corner, and "RENT ME" is gone...

Brandy's Looking Good

2008-10-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of interviewing Brandy last year at a charity event in NYC. She was gorgeous, happy, and really kind. I know she's been through hell 'cause of her car accident and I hope her new album is full of sad ballads geared towards making others feel better.
(Photo from www.jonnyalisblog.com/)

The Hills Are A'Lying

2008-10-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hmm, Lauren Conrad posts to her official blog and The Hills drama runs the gossip mill this weekend? Are ratings down again?

"Today you are the reason people are saying mean things about me. You asked me if I did this and I told you I didn't." - LC's Myspace

Admittedly, I don't watch The Hills. I like to ruminate on their place in pop culture and see the cast as a great gauge of MTV's infection of the mainstream.