Conversion Therapy

Upcoming - Heart of America Leather Contest

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

It looks like the leather community is finally on the rise again. The Heart of America Leather Contest is coming up this weekend, February 10-12, 2012. Check out the details at the website. This event is produced by Boy Elena, president of the KC Boys of Leather, and sponsored by Missy B's and DaddyHunt.

http://www.kcboysofleather.org/HOA.html

Mr. Missouri Leather - March 4-6, 2012

2012-02-09T23:56:00.000-08:00

The Mr. Missouri Leather Contest is coming up quickly. It will be held March 3-6, 2012, and all events will take place at JJ's Clubhouse. Check out the information, judges, and the entry form at the MML website, and I hope to see some of you there!

http://gatewaymc.org/mml.htm

BIGOT BROWNBACK BANS FLAGPOLES AS WEAPONS.

2011-08-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

REPOSTED FROM QUEERTY.COM -- While Kansas Governor Sam Brownback joined Texas Governor Rick Perry at the American Family Association’s prayer rally in Houston this weekend, the Kansas National Organization for Women and the Kansas Equality Coalition held a free speech rally on the the south steps of the Kansas state capitol building.

You see, even though Governor Brownback allowed the Knights of Columbus to march on the capitol with drawn swords on January 21st, he blocked the KEC from carrying flagpoles with the American, Kansas and rainbow flags onto capitol grounds on June 24th, saying that all flagpoles (including tiny flags on wooden sticks) are “dangerous weapons.” So to celebrate their first-amendment rights, KNOW and KEC returned with two huge flags (sans flagpoles) to combat Brownback’s denial of free-speech rights to his political dissenters.

A Catholic, Brownback opposes marriage equality, civil unions, gay adoption, adding sexual orientation and gender identity to federal hate-crime laws. (He also supports Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.) But he’s totally okay with hanging out at a prayer event with a Southern Poverty Law Center-certified hate group that thinks the Holocaust and Hurricane Katrina were caused by gays.

1973 GAY PRIDE ARSON -- NOT FORGOTTEN

2011-06-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

I pride myself on my knowledge of gay history, but I was unaware of this terrible incident until I saw an article on another gay website, QUEERTY.com. Judging from the comments in the comment section, I'm not alone in this ignorance. Indeed, it's rather boggling, even shameful, that we've apparently allowed ourselves to forget what happened on Sunday evening, June 24, 1973 at the Upstairs Lounge on the corner of Rue Chartres and Iberville in the "Gay Triangle" of Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

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In fact, with a total nod to QUEERTY's work on this story and acknowledging their copyright, I'm going to repost as much of it as I can here. These details must be preserved, these moments and other like them, never allowed to be forgotten.

================================================

June 24, 1973 marked a lively summer day at The UpStairs Lounge, a second floor gay bar in New Orleans’ Gay Triangle. The Lounge had just hosted its regular services for the gay-friendly Metropolitan Community Church, then the bar held a free beer and all you can eat special for 125 people in the afternoon. Now that evening had come, about 60 patrons enjoyed David Gary’s piano playing and discussed the bar’s upcoming MCC fundraiser to help the Crippled Children’s Hospital.

Then, at 7:56PM the bartender Buddy Rasmussen heard the downstairs buzzer and asked Luther Boggs to go check the door. Normally cabbies would ring the buzzer to tell people that they had arrived, but when Boggs went to answer the door, he found no cab driver. Instead he found the flames of a molotov cocktail engulfing the wooden staircase and climbing towards the bar.

Rasmussen led about twenty or thirty people out through an unmarked exit behind the bar where they emerged onto the roof and hopped from roof to roof until they found a way down.

But the thirty others remaining in the lounge ran confusedly to the barred windows where they tried to escape. One man managed to squeeze through the fourteen-inch gap between the bars and the sill—he jumped onto the street, his entire body in flames, and died there. The Reverend Bill Larson clung to the bars and slowly melted into the window frame where his charred body stayed visible for hours afterwards.

MCC assistant pastor George “Mitch” Mitchell escaped but when he realized that his boyfriend Louis Broussard was still in the bar, he went back to save him—workers would later find their charred bodies holding each other among the charred wreckage.

The fire only lasted 16-minutes. It killed 29 people and three more who later died from their burns, including Boggs the man who had answered the door. New Orleans had never seen a larger death toll by fire up to that time nor had the United States seen such a large mass murder of gays and lesbians. It remains the largest GL massacre ever to occur in our country—and now even as then, few people ever talk about it.

Initial newspaper reports left out any mention of homosexuality and delighted in grisly details about the fire workers “knee-deep in bodies” “stacked up like pancakes” and “literally cooked together.” One paper quoted a cab driver who said, “I hope the fire burned their dress off,” while radio talk show hosts joked, “What will they bury the ashes of queers in? Fruit jars.” National TV stations covered the fire for one night and then never mentioned it again.

Four of the victims’ bodies were never identified; some thought their families felt too embarrassed to come forward to claim them. Their remains now rest in a paupers graves. Of the city’s public officials not one made a public statement about the fire. Of the city’s numerous churches only one clergy member, Episcopalian Reverend William Richardson agreed to hold a memorial service at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

Sometime during the investigation, police picked up a gay hustler named Roger Nunez. Nunez had been tossed out of The Upstairs Lounge earlier that day for starting a fight with a fellow hustler. Rumors say that after being ejected from the bar, Nunez went to Walgreen’s, purchased some lighter fluid, doused the bar’s wooden stairs with it, and then set the bar aflame. The cops questioned him for arson but immediately Nunez went into convulsions. They took him to Charity hospital where he disappeared and never got picked up again, despite his repeatedly appearances in the French Quarter afterwards.

One year later, Nunez killed himself. Five days after, a friend told an investigator that Nunez had drunkly admitted on four occasions, that he had started the fire.

Even though a gay man may have started the blaze and killed those of his own kind, the city’s response further dishonored the victims by keeping them closeted and unacknowledged for fear of their sexual identity.

In 1998, New Orleans Councilman Troy Carter lead a jazz funeral to the site of the blaze where mourners laid a memorial plaque at the foot of the building and placed flowers commemorating each of the 32 dead. May God rest their souls.

Thanks to Jim Hlavac for the story idea. Story pieced together via The Daily Mush, Gay World, Out And About, David Mixner, Soul Force, NOLA.com, HuffPo, and Motherboard TV

========================================================

You can read the QUEERTY.com article at their site at http://www.queerty.com/not-to-ruin-your-pride-but-today-marks-the-deadliest-gay-massacre-in-us-history-20110624/, and there are some photos along with it. They are strong stuff. This story has bothered me since I read it yesterday.

NEW YORK CITY POLICE FUCK UP!

2011-06-27T15:08:00.001-07:00

NYC POLICE RAID NEW YORK EAGLE BAR JUST MINUTES AFTER HISTORIC EQUALITY VOTE

Just minutes after the historic vote legalizing gay marriage in the state of New York, NYC police launched an operation that can only be viewed as an act of harrassment and intimidation against a major New York gay leather bar, the Eagle.

Police officers and agents from the New York Police Department and three other agencies, including the State Liquor Authority, arrived shortly after the state Senate's vote as patrons were celebrating the results of the hard-fought battle in Albany. Police reportedly turned off the bar’s lights. They then shined flashlights in patron’s faces and demanded that some of patrons empty their pockets.

According to police, the inspection was one of four previously planned operations carried out as part of a program called MARCH (multiagency response to community hot spots), but Manhattan borough president Scott M. Stringer said what went on at this particular bar on West 28th Street was akin to a raid.

Stringer acknowledged that such inspections weren’t unusual, but said “I think this one was ill-conceived and ill-timed given the circumstances surrounding the marriage equality celebration, on Pride week.”

The visit reportedly led to six violations being issued. One of the charges, unbelievably, was for "Unnecessary noise." What the fuck? It's a big bar, and bars play loud music, and crowds were celebrating both as part of the annual Gay Pride Weekend and as a result of the vote.

“I definitely lost money last night because they made patrons wait outside in a line down the block,” the bar’s owner, Robert Berk, 50, told The New York Times. “I don’t know how much I have to pay, but it’s enough to matter.”

Christopher J. Borras, 46, who was among those waiting to get in when the officers arrived, called the inspection “a blatant sign of intimidation and harassment. I mean, 42 years after the Stonewall riots and we still have to live in fear of the police disturbing our quiet enjoyment of life? I just don’t understand. We are very peaceful.”

Police defended the action, saying that it had been planned "for weeks," and that they couldn't be held responsible for the timing of the Albany vote. But one wonders exactly how dumb New York Police have to be to schedule such a raid on Gay Pride weekend and think that it wouldn't be interpreted as "harrassment and intimidation." Nor was the timing of the Albany vote any unforeseeable secret. It was clear through Thursday and Friday, indeed most of the week, that the vote would go down to the wire. Any intelligent administrator in the police department might have considered the bad-timing of the raid action, especially given the very minor nature of the charges used to justify it: checking ice machines for cleanliness, checking licenses of the bar's security personnel, and the ridiculous "unnecesssary noise."

Frankly, the police department should count themselves fortunate that they didn't have another "Stonewall Rebellion" on their hands. But then, I'm not sure the NY leather community has done itself any honor here, either.

NEW YORK PASSES MARRIAGE EQUALITY!!!

2011-06-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK PASSES MARRIAGE EQUALITY ON 33-29 VOTE1

What an amazing and historic night. The New York Senate, following the lead of the New York Assembly, has passed an historic marriage equality bill, extending the right to marry to GLBT New Yorkers. New York becomes the sixth and largest state in the union to recognize marriage or civil unions. After first passing a compromise bill specifically exempting churges and religious organizations from provisions of the marriage equality bill, four Republican senators joined twenty-nine democrats to pass the bill.

Large crowds and protesters on both sides of the issue had gathered in the halls of the Albany capitol. When the final vote was announced, supporters broke into loud cheers and chants of "USA! USA!"

(Photo by Spenser Platts)

Large crowds also gathered outside the Stonewall Bar in the West Village to await the outcome. This is Gay Pride Weekend in New York, and tomorrow is the NY Gay Pride Parade. The Empire State Building, which usually is lit with lavender lights during Pride Weekend, ignited tonight with this beautiful rainbow lighting.

Normally, I try to be in New York for the last week in June, flying out for Leather Pride, staying the week, and taking part the next weekend for Gay Pride. The parade is the best in the world. I decided to postpone my trip this time until later in the year, and boy, am I kicking myself for that decision.

To all my many New York friends and colleagues, and to all the hard-working activists, congratulations on this monumental victory. Hopefully, this moment in New York represents a tipping point.

GAY BOOKSTORES ARE IMPORTANT

2011-05-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

Last month brought the depressing news that San Francisco's long-established gay bookstore, A DIFFERENT LIGHT, located right in the heart of the Castro district, was closing its doors. A DIFFERENT LIGHT is just the latest in a long list of closings that include the OSCAR WILDE BOOKSTORE in New York's West Village and many others.

I said it before, and I'll keep saying it: the loss of these bookstores represents major damage to the Gay community. They are important, and they deserve our support.

An item that has just appeared on the Yaoi News website demonstrates exactly why gay bookstores are important and why we make a huge mistake by allowing them to fade. What is "Yaoi?" Simply, it's a Japanese term for "beautiful boys," and "Yaoi stories" are especially popular in manga form. Now, I'm not specifically interested in manga, but as literature, it has a huge audience.

But as of this past week, Amazon.com has removed scores of Yaoi titles from its Kindle platform and will no longer make them eligible. Here's part of the story from the Yaoi News website.

http://theyaoireview.com/2011/05/03/yaoi-news-kindle-bans-some-yaoi-titles/

"It appears the Amazon KINDLE has changed its Terms and Conditions to ban explicit images from being published on the KINDLE (See EDIT below for exact terminology). This issue started last month when Yaoi Press had a few of their titles, both manga and prose, pulled from the KINDLE with no explanation other than they were in direct violation of their Terms and Conditions. Yaoi Press's founder Yamila Abraham has stated they will now have to change their explicit images on their prose titles to more 'romantic' images that will be acceptable to KINDLE.

"Today Digital Manga has announced they too have had some of their 801 Media titles pulled, including Weekend Lovers and King of Debt. However, it appears this will also affect June Manga as KINDLE has rejected The Selfish Demon King and has banned The Color of Love. Unfortunately since these are manga and not prose like Yaoi Press's titles, there is no way to alter the images to meet KINDLE's Terms and Conditions.

"I took a peek at Libre's direct from Japan KINDLE releases but have not noticed any titles that are missing as of yet. That being said, I expect with some of the explicit Ayano Yamane and Youka Nitta titles they have that it is only a matter of time. My recommendation is to grab what you can get now before it is gone. The good thing with the KINDLE is that once you own it, it's yours to keep. You also do not need to own a KINDLE to read their titles. You can use any number of their software apps to read them including KINDLE Desktop for both the PC and Mac.

"I guess now we will just need to wait and see if Borders' KOBO or Barnes & Noble's NOOK will follow suit."

This is not the first time Amazon.com has removed gay titles from its inventory. Last year, in what Amazon later called a "glitch," hundreds of gay books were removed from its list. A loud outcry resulted, and most of the titles were eventually restored. But now, Amazon.com is once again attempting to control what books the gay community can access. We're not talking about graphic pornography here. Manga has long ago moved into mainstream acceptability.

Too many times I've heard people claim that gay bookstores are no longer necessary, that we can walk into any Barnes & Noble or Borders and find gay books. That is only true in a very limited fashion. Yes, you can usually find a "gay section" in some back corner of one of the big box stores, but it seldom contains more than a handful of individual titles, and most of those from the larger, best-known publishers. At the Oscar Wilde Bookstore or at A Different Light a buyer could browse thoussands of different titles from major presses and from smaller publishers side by side, often along with magazines, pamplets, chapbooks, and much else. I have never seen an issue of THE JAMES WHITE REVIEW, one of the Gay community's most important publications, in a Barnes & Noble or Borders.

Maybe you'll save a dollar or two at Big Bookstores that can sometimes offer discounts on major titles. But what do you give up for that dollar? You risk losing important parts Gay culture. You risk losing potentially important gay writers. Literature frames and preserves our experiences, documents who we are and who we hope to be. You risk losing those publishers and presses that find, nurture, and showcase important gay artists and writers. If we surrender our culture into the hands of others, we risk losing our culture and our identity.

We see that at work as Amazon.com once again censors these "Beautiful Boy" titles.

Our gay bookstores are vanishing. Our gay literature will suffer for that. And we will be poorer.

MINNESOTA REPRESENTATIVE VS. ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

2011-05-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

Powerful, moving - Minnosota congressman speaks out against that state's proposed amendment to ban equal marriage rights.

Gay Bashing at El Paso, Texas Nightclub

2011-05-08T20:17:00.001-07:00

A 22 year-old man is listed in critical condition today, May 8 2011, after being beaten by a group of men with a baseball bat outside the Old Plantation, a popular El Paso nightclub. Media reports are light with details so far, but police said the man was waiting for a ride outside the Old Plantation Night Club, 301 S. Ochoa, when a verbal confrontation began between the victim and six other males. The verbal confrontation became physical and the six suspects allegedly began punching, kicking the victim. The group allegedly also used a bat to hit the victim. One of the victim's friends, a woman, tried to help and had her vehicle damaged as she tried to do so. A suspect struck her 2003 Jeep Liberty windshield with a bat to stop her from helping the victim. The suspects then fled the area in what appeared to be a van.

Martha Wash - New Single, "I Got You"

2011-04-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

Beautiful, beautiful song. Enjoy it now before the remix nazis get hold of it and smother it in dance floor percussions.

LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL & ANTI-GAY CONTROVERSY

2011-04-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

LIBERTY, MISSOURI -- A teenaged, bisexual boy was ordered to remove a teeshirt and sent home when he refused to comply. The teeshirt reads "Queer + Straight = EQUAL." Watch the video.

VIOLENCE AGAINST GAYS, Part Three

2011-03-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

TEEN BEATEN TO DEATH IN QUEENS HATE CRIME

An 18-year-old BOY died at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Monday after four Queens teenagers allegedly screaming anti-gay slurs and wielding a chrome bat and a cane beat him on a sidewalk in Woodhaven, according to the NYPD and other officials. Police said they are treating the death of Anthony Collao, 18, as a hate crime after he was allegedly chased down by four teens after leaving a birthday party on 90th Street in Woodhaven early Saturday morning.

The four teens, two from Flushing and two from Woodhaven, reportedly screamed anti-gay slurs at the party, which they crashed, according to a statement from Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) and a report from the Daily News. “Get the f--- out of the front, this is my hood,” one of the teens yelled at the party, according to the criminal complaint.

Published reports stated Collao was not gay but that the hosts of the party were.

Quinn, Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and a host of other community activists denounced the attack. “My council colleagues and I are saddened and disturbed by this outrageous attack,” Quinn said in a prepared statement. “We celebrate diversity in New York. We do not tolerate bias attacks in any neighborhood in Queens or anywhere else in our great city.”

Collao died after being taken off life support at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, according to the NYPD.

Flushing residents Nolis Ogando, 17, and Christopher Lozada, 17, and Woodhaven residents Luis Tabales, 15, and Alex Velez, 16, were charged with manslaughter, gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. The four were arraigned in Queens Monday night. Tabales was held on $200,000 bail, Lozada on $150,000 bail, and Velez and Ogando were each held on $100,000 bail, according to the DA.

Fresh Meadows attorney David Bart, who represented Velez and Lozada for the arraignment but is now only representing Velez, said his client plans to enter a not guilty plea. “Obviously I’m always willing to negotiate with the district attorney,” Bart said. Attorneys for the other defendants did not respond to phone calls for comment.

The DA noted a fifth individual was involved in the killing, and police said they are looking for him.

“I was truly saddened to hear about the fatal attack in my district over the weekend,” Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said in a statement. “My prayers go out to the young victim’s family and friends. Our streets will not be safe until the individuals who are responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice. Senseless acts of violence such as this will simply not be tolerated.”

Police did not elaborate on the gang charge but neighbors living near the site of the alleged attack said they heard it was part of an initiation rite for a gang from Flushing.

The killing has elicited strong responses from not only elected officials but community activists as well. Individuals at the Jackson Heights-based Queens Pride House, the borough’s only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community center, called for strong action in response to the alleged crime. “We at Queens Pride House are saddened by the tragic loss of life and sickened by the hate motivating this murder,” said interim Executive Director Peter Pavic.
Pauline Park, president of the board of directors, too expressed her concern. “In the last few years, there have been a number of hate crimes against LGBT people, including transgendered women of color,” Park said.

The four teenagers charged with the killing are due back in court on April 6.

UPDATE: A fifth suspect was arrested Tuesday night in the deadly beating of a Long Island teen in Woodhaven, police said.

Calvin Peitri, 17, of 91-10 77th St. in Woodhaven, was charged with manslaughter and gang assault as a hate crime stemming from an incident that occurred outside of a Woodhaven party, police said. However, they would not confirm a report that Peitri was found and arrested after he bragged about the beating on his Facebook page.

VIOLENCE AGAINST GAYS, Part Two

2011-03-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

BROOKLYN MAN SEVERELY BEATEN BY SIX TEEN THUGS

An openly gay Brooklyn man required ten hours of surgery and three metal plates in his face after a February 22nd anti-gay attack by a group of six teenagers. Via yesterday's Brooklyn Paper:

Barie Shortell, 29, was on N. Fourth Street on Feb. 22 at around 10:10 pm when he brushed past six teenagers wearing hooded sweatshirts. “Oh s–t, is that a guy or a girl?” one of the teens yelled. Shortell thought to himself that the slur was “juvenile,” but he crossed to Wythe Avenue just to be safe. But the group followed and shoved Shortell against a wall, fracturing his jaw, nose and eye sockets. He has no recollection of the attack.

“I feel pretty confident they perceived me as a gay man and attacked me, but I can’t understand why they did what they did,” said Shortell. “I looked horrible. Blood was everywhere.”

At the insistence of the NYC Anti-Violence Project, the police have classified the attack as a hate crime, although no suspects have been apprehended. Today the AVP issued a press release denouncing the recent spate of hate crimes in NYC, which have taken lives in Staten Island and Queens this month.

The AVP points out a coming fundraiser for the above victim, who has no medical insurance. "The Barie Response is organizing a benefit for Barie to assist him in paying his medical bills. The benefit will be at on Wednesday March 23, from 7PM to 10PM at Blackout Bar, 916 Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. While AVP is not sponsoring the benefit, we will be present to provide safety and outreach information." You can donate directly via the above link.

VIOLENCE AGAINST GAYS, Part One

2011-03-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

KILLER STONES 70-YEAR OLD GAY MAN TO DEATH "JUST LIKE THE BIBLE SAYS."

KILLER CONFESSES: I Stoned That Homo To Death Just Like The Bible Says I Should

A Pennsylvania man is under arrest after confessing to beating an elderly man to death with a stone, just like the Bible instructs should be done with homosexuals.
A 28-year-old Upper Darby man has been charged with murder after telling police that he stoned a 70-year-old man to death when the man made homosexual advances toward him, authorities say.

John Joe Thomas, 28, of Sunshine Road in Upper Darby, spent almost every day with 70-year-old Murray Seidman at Seidman’s Lansdowne home, police say. Days before Seidman’s body was found on Jan. 12, Thomas allegedly beat Seidman to death with a sock full of rocks. Thomas told authorities that he read in the Old Testament that homosexuals should be stoned to death. When Seidman allegedly made homosexual advances toward him over a period of time, Thomas said he received a message in his prayers that he must end Seidman’s life, according to court documents.

Police say that Thomas struck Seidman in the head about 10 times with the sock of rocks. Thomas left Seidman dead in his apartment, and then threw his bloody clothing and the bloody sock in a dumpster, according to authorities.

The killer was the sole executor of the victim's will and returned to to the scene of the murder several days later claiming to have discovered the body.

EQUALITY KANSAS CALLS FOR PROTEST

2011-03-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

EQUALITY KANSAS HAS ISSUED A FORMAL STATE AND CALL FOR PROTEST in response to actions taken in the Kansas State Legislature to re-criminalize homosexuality in that state. The organization is calling for a protest march on Thursday, March 17.

[ Posted Tuesday Mar 8 2011, 9:19 am by Thomas Witt ]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Jon Powell, Chapter Chair
Kansas Equality Coalition, Hutchinson Area Chapter
916-761-8984
Powell462@gmail.com

Thomas Witt, State Chair
Kansas Equality Coalition
316-683-1706
chair@kansasequalitycoalition.org

STATE REPRESENTATIVES CALL FOR CONTINUED CRIMINALIZATION OF GAY AND LESBIAN KANSANS

Topeka, Kans, March 8, 2011 -

State Representatives Jan Pauls (D, Hutchinson), and Lance Kinzer (R, Olathe) said yesterday that being gay or lesbian should remain a crime in Kansas. Pauls made, with Kinzer’s support, the successful motion in the Kansas Legislature’s Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee to keep the criminalization of gay and lesbian relationships on the books. Their action removed key language from HB2321, proposed by the Kansas Judicial Council, which would have resolved inconsistencies in Kansas criminal code, as well as remove unconstitutional laws.

“Jan Pauls was trusted to be a judge before becoming a state representative, and should know better than to support unconstitutional laws, breaking her oath to defend the Constitution,” said Jon Powell, Chair of the Hutchinson Area chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition. “We are fed up with her obvious support of harassment of gays and lesbians. We will not be bullied.”

Although one remains on Kansas’ books, all state laws criminalizing gay and lesbian relationships were struck down by the United States Supreme Court in 2003. Writing for the majority in the case of Lawrence v. Texas, Justice Anthony Kennedy said “if protected conduct is made criminal and the law which does so remains unexamined for its substantive validity, its stigma might remain even if it were not enforceable as drawn for equal protection reasons. When homosexual conduct is made criminal by the law of the State, that declaration in and of itself is an invitation to subject homosexual persons to discrimination both in the public and in the private spheres.”

Disregarding the US Supreme Court, the President of the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association, John Wheeler, said in 2008 that “even to this day, homosexuality is a crime in Kansas." His warning, made to a group of adult college students and caught on video, raised questions about the ability of gay and lesbian Kansans to live free from arrest, and to receive fair trials in our courts.

“Representatives Pauls’ endorsement of an unconstitutional statute that’s used to threaten and discriminate against law-abiding Kansas citizens is an outrage,” said Thomas Witt, state Chairman for the Kansas Equality Coalition. “She took an oath as both judge and state representative to uphold the Constitution. We insist that Representative Kinzer and she be immediately removed as Chair and Ranking Minority from the House Judiciary Committee. Legislators who willfully ignore the Constitution should never be in positions of leadership and responsibility.”

The Hutchinson Chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition is organizing a peaceful demonstration to raise awareness of Representative Pauls’ actions, to take place Thursday, March 17, in downtown Hutchinson. The demonstration will begin at 6pm, and will take place at the intersections of Main and Avenues A and B.

WRITE A NOTE TO JAN PAULS

2011-03-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Here's an email address for Kansas State Representative Jan Pauls, who successfully sponsored an effort to keep unconstitutional laws criminalizing gay sex on the Kansas books.

Write her a note at

janpauls@ sbcglobal.net

or

janice.pauls@house.ks.gov

Let her know how you feel about her bigotry. If you live in Kansas, challenge her to arrest you.

I'll post a personal email address for Lance Kinzer as soon as I can get it, but I suspect that his office address will be

lance.kinzer@house.ks.gov

KANSAS LAWMAKERS - CRIMINALIZE HOMOS!

2011-03-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

KANSAS: Lawmakers Call For Continued Criminalization Of LGBT Residents

How long are we going to put up with this shit? Fred Phelps is enough embarrassment for Kansas. Now we have Jan Pauls and Lance Kinzer making fools of the state.

Even though in 2003 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all anti-sodomy laws in its landmark Lawrence vs. Texas ruling, two state legislators in Kansas are fighting to keep their now unconstitutional laws on the books. The Kansas Equality Coalition reports.

State Representatives Jan Pauls (D, Hutchinson), and Lance Kinzer (R, Olathe) said yesterday that being gay or lesbian should remain a crime in Kansas. Pauls made, with Kinzer’s support, the successful motion in the Kansas Legislature’s Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee to keep the criminalization of gay and lesbian relationships on the books. Their action removed key language from HB2321, proposed by the Kansas Judicial Council, which would have resolved inconsistencies in Kansas criminal code, as well as remove unconstitutional laws.

“Jan Pauls was trusted to be a judge before becoming a state representative, and should know better than to support unconstitutional laws, breaking her oath to defend the Constitution,” said Jon Powell, Chair of the Hutchinson Area chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition. “We are fed up with her obvious support of harassment of gays and lesbians. We will not be bullied.”

Equality-minded Kansans are encourage to join a March 17th demonstration calling for Rep. Paul's removal as chairwoman of the Kansas House Judiciary Committee. Well and good. Paul and Kinzer, as well as the rest of the complicit committee members who supported them, deserve to be protested. But come on, Equality Kansas! On St. Patrick's Day? Even if anyone shows up for your march, what kind of media attention do you think you'll get? Think. And reschedule. It's called "strategy."

"My Immortal" - Evanescence

2010-12-22T03:36:00.001-08:00

A LITTLE RESPECT - New Erasure Remix

2010-12-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

A new remix of Erasure's classic "A Little Respect," featuring the youth chorus of the Hetrick-Martin Institute. It's terrifice!

GAYS & LESBIANS MOST LIKELY TO SUFFER HATE CRIMES

2010-11-22T23:12:00.000-08:00

From LGBTQNation, comes this fascinating ... and troubling ... report.

Report: gays, lesbians more likely to be victims of violent hate crime than any other minority.

Gays and lesbians are far more likely to be victims of a violent hate crime than any other minority group in the United States, according to a new analysis of federal hate crime statistics released Monday by Southern Poverty Law Center.

The SPLC’s Intelligence Report, released today to coincide with the scheduled release of the FBI’s hate crime statistics for 2009, provides analysis of 14 years of hate crime data found that homosexuals, or those perceived to be gay, are more than twice as likely to be attacked in a violent hate crime as Jews or blacks; more than four times as likely as Muslims; and 14 times as likely as Latinos.

The findings are based on FBI hate crime statistics from 1995 to 2008, the period for which there is complete data. The basic pattern also holds true in individual years.

The report also explores how the hard-core anti-gay movement in America is becoming more extreme in the face of gay rights advances.

“As Americans become more accepting of homosexuals, the most extreme elements of the anti-gay movement are digging in their heels and continuing to defame gays and lesbians with falsehoods that grow more incendiary by the day,” said Mark Potok, editor of SLPC’s Intelligence Report.

“The leaders of this movement may deny it, but it seems clear that their demonization of homosexuals plays a role in fomenting the violence, hatred and bullying we’re seeing,” Potok said.

Eighteen anti-gay groups are profiled in the Winter 2010 issue, which also contains an article debunking 10 key claims spread by the anti-gay movement to demonize homosexuals. These claims – ranging from the myth that homosexuals don’t live nearly as long as heterosexuals to the utterly bizarre claim that gays helped orchestrate the Holocaust – are examined in detail.

The Intelligence Report also profiles 18 anti-gay groups whose influence reaches far beyond what their size would suggest, because the “facts” they disseminate about homosexuality are often amplified by certain politicians, other groups and even news organizations, according to the SPLC.

Among the list of 18, the SPLC specifically lists 13 “hate groups” based on their propagation of known falsehoods; the list includes:

Abiding Truth Ministries — its founder, Scott Lively, is responsible for a book, widely cited by gay-bashers, accusing homosexuals of running the Nazi Party.

American Family Association — specializes in “combating the homosexual agenda.” Bryan Fischer, the group’s director of analysis for government and policy, has proposed criminalizing homosexual behavior and has advocated forcing gays into “reparative” therapy.

Americans for Truth About Homosexuality — compares the alleged dangers of homosexuality to those of “smoking, alcohol and drug abuse.” Its website carries essays describing homosexuality as a “lethal behavior addiction,” a “dangerous” practice that is “neither normal nor benign.”

Family Research Council — headed by former Louisiana State Rep. Tony Perkins, the FRC has been a font of anti-gay propaganda throughout its history. Earlier this year, board member Peter Sprigg said he believes that “gay behavior” should be criminalized, and that allowing gays to serve openly in the military would lead to an increase in gay-on-straight sexual assaults.

Faithful Word Baptist Church — its leader, Steven Anderson, said “The biggest hypocrite in the world is the person who believes in the death penalty for murderers but not for homosexuals.” He has described gays as “sodomites” who “recruit through rape” and “recruit through molestation.”

The remaining 8 groups on the hate list: American Vision, the Chalcedon Foundation, the Dove World Outreach Center, the Family Research Institute, Heterosexuals Organized for a Moral Environment, the Illinois Family Institute, MassResistance, and the Traditional Values Coalition.

The remaining 5 groups make up the balance of the 18 anti-gay organizations identified by the SPLC: the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission, Concerned Women for America, Coral Ridge Ministries, Liberty Counsel, and the National Organization for Marriage.

SPLC’s report also includes an article debunking 10 key claims spread by the anti-gay movement to demonize homosexuals.

The complete SPLC Intelligence Report is here — it’s a fascinating read.

'LOVER" -- Tom Goss

2010-11-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

Very moving new song by Tom Goss, inspired by the DADT controversy.

LEATHER ARCHIVES - VISITING SCHOLAR PROGRAM

2010-11-21T03:18:00.000-08:00

Leather Archives & Museum Press Release

Leather Archives & Museum announces 2011 - 2012 Visiting Scholar Program

November 20th, 2010

Chicago, IL - The Leather Archives & Museum [LA&M] announces the 2011 - 2012 Visiting Scholar Program at the Leather Archives & Museum for the Fall 2011 or Spring 2012 academic terms. A stipend of $1,000 to $1,500 will be awarded to one recipient scholar to conduct research using the collections of the LA&M. The amount of the award will be dependent on the scope of the proposed project. A $500 travel allowance and up to four weeknight accommodations will also be provided to the recipient.

The award is available to three types of scholars:

1) Scholars with academic appointments

2) Graduate students pursing an MFA or PhD

3) Independent scholars with an established research agenda

The LA&M is seeking projects that may enhance the institution's mission to disseminate information to the public about the history of the leather / fetish / BDSM community and its culture. Toward that end, we are particularly interested in proposals that may provide materials for display in its galleries, as a traveling exhibit or as an online exhibition.

For more information and to apply:

Applications for the program must be postmarked by March 15th, 2011. For information on how to apply, please visit the program's website.

About Leather Archives & Museum
The Leather Archives & Museum is a library, museum and archives pertaining to leather and alternative sexual communities. The geographic collection scope is worldwide and includes all sexual orientations and genders. The library collection contains books, magazines, scholarly publications, films and electronic resources related to the subject matter. The museum collection contains original erotic art and artifacts from alternative sex organizations and individuals. The archival collection contains unpublished papers and records from notable activists, artists, businesses and organizations related to the subject matter. For more information about the LA&M, please visit http://www.leatherarchives.org.

Leather Archives & Museum
Rick Storer
Executive Director
773.761.9200

Thirteen Protest DADT at WHITE HOUSE FENCE

2010-11-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

Thirteen protestors, members of GetEQUAL, chained themselves to the White House Fence on Tuesday, November 16, 2010.

STOP THE BULLYING, pt. 2 - From the Mouth of a Child

2010-11-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

Listen to this appeal from a fourteen-year old boy to his school board. Gay youth are coming out earlier and earlier, and they need our support and protection. They need us to listen and stand up for them.

No H8 -- Stop the Bullying Video

2010-11-11T23:43:00.000-08:00

This very powerful anti-bullying message comes from the No H8 campaign and features numerous celebrities, including Cindy McCain.

"Modern Tribalism" at the Leather Archives

2010-11-11T20:23:00.001-08:00

Leather Archives & Museum Press Release

Leather Archives & Museum announces Fakir Musafar celebration
Fakir as The Perfect Gentleman, 1959

November 10th, 2010

The Leather Archives & Museum announced today that it will host a celebration of Fakir Musafar on June 24th, 2011 at its 6418 N. Greenview Avenue location in Chicago. The event will celebrate Fakir's fifty year's research and exploration of primitive body decoration and rituals and the addition of the Fakir Musafar collection to the museum. An exhibition of this collection will coincide with the event.

Fakir, the Father of the Modern Primitive Movement, has contributed to spirituality, body modification and SM culture through books, photography, films, lecture and performance. He has appeared on NBC's Faith Daniels Show, CBS's People Are Talking, CNN's Earth Matters and the Discovery Channel (Beyond Bizarre). He has also appeared in documentaries for The Learning Channel, TBS, FX, and the 2001 film "Modern Tribalism". For more information about Fakir Musufar, visit http://fakir.org.

This event is made possible by a generous grant from The Cumulus Fund.

About Leather Archives & Museum
The Leather Archives & Museum is a library, museum and archives pertaining to leather and alternative sexual communities. The geographic collection scope is worldwide and includes all sexual orientations and genders. The library collection contains books, magazines, scholarly publications, films and electronic resources related to the subject matter. The museum collection contains original erotic art and artifacts from alternative sex organizations and individuals. The archival collection contains unpublished papers and records from notable activists, artists, businesses and organizations related to the subject matter. For more information about the LA&M, please visit http://www.leatherarchives.org.

Leather Archives & Museum
Rick Storer
Executive Director
773.761.9200

Vote Tuesday - Vote Democratic!

2010-11-01T00:09:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to say something about this for weeks, but haven't found the right words. People talk about an "enthusiasm gap," and much of the gay community is angry at Obama for moving so slowly on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and on the repeal of DOMA. A lot of gay people are talking about sitting this mid-term election out. You must not do that!

Progress on some key issues has not happened as fast as we'd all hoped. But there has been genuine progress. And none of that progress, not one piece of it, would have come with a Republican administration. And if Republicans take either the House or the Senate because we sat the elecction out, any further progress on gay rights will come to a screeching halt. Please go vote. Vote with your rights in mind, and vote with your families in mind.

I can't say it well enough. Instead, listen to these words from John Berry, who is the highest ranking gay man in the Obama administration. An administration that has appointed over 150 gay and lesbian people, more than any other president in history, to high positions on his team.

"In under two years, President Obama and his record number of LGBT appointees have accomplished so much for LGBT Americans. His and Congress’s historic achievement of securing health care reform finally cements the most important protections for those in our community who need them most – especially those living with HIV and AIDS.

"Hospital visitation rights for all Americans, expanded benefits for the same-sex domestic partners of Federal workers, enactment of the hate crimes law, increased coverage for those living with HIV/AIDS, Federal support for LGBT community-based organizations, anti-bullying programs enacted in schools, support for our aging LGBT population, and so much more. These are real, concrete achievements that are saving and improving the lives of countless LGBT Americans right now.

"I realize that this subtle – but dramatic – change is hard to appreciate when full equality is in sight. It’s understandable. I’m not taking my eyes off the goal or asking you to. Indeed, the President is the first to say that change hasn’t come fast enough. But he has called on all of us to charge full speed ahead. The Tree of Liberty grows only by adding rings. From the Revolution to the Civil War, to women’s suffrage, the Civil Rights Movement, and onward, our entire nation has been enriched by every added ring. Now is our time to complete our ring."

"All Administration officials, me included, are accountable to that goal; to the principles upon which our Republic was founded – liberty and justice for all. We will not rest until discriminatory laws like Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act are ended once and for all. And because no one should be denied a job because of discrimination, a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act must be enacted as well.

"So hold us to account. Let us know when we’re right, be the wind in our sails when our momentum flags, and pull us back to the path when we go astray. But whatever you do, don’t turn away. Don’t give up. Don’t relent." - Office of Personnel Management director John Berry, the highest-ranking openly gay Obama appointee, in a coming issue of Philadelphia Gay News.

IT WILL GET BETTER - Chris Salvatore

2010-10-18T00:13:00.000-07:00

KNOCK-OUT SONG WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY CHRIS SALVATORE FOR THE "IT GETS BETTER" PROJECT.

"Somebody to Love Me" Mark Ronson & Boy George

2010-10-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

This third single from Mark Ronson's new album, "Record Collections," features 80s legend Boy George. It's a knock-out song.

Mark Ronson - Somebody To Love (Official Video)
Uploaded by PayeTaChatte. - See the latest featured music videos.

Atlanta Eage Raid - Police Broke Law!

2010-09-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

Police Broke Law in Atl. Gay Bar Raid
Advocate.com Editors

The Atlanta Citizen Review Board determined that 24 police officers acted improperly when they raided the Eagle gay bar last year, but it opted not to take disciplinary action because it could only impose a three-day suspension on officers.

According to WABE, the board considered the two issues of false imprisonment and abusive language regarding the raid last September.

“The first involved charges of false imprisonment. The board found officers had no legal right to search, detain, and run criminal database checks on the 60+ patrons, because none were suspected of any crime.

“The second issue, abusive language, wasn't so easy. Although both CRB investigators and the board agreed officers likely used abusive and homophobic language, they couldn't identify responsible officers. The board, unwillingly, agreed not to sustain those charges.”

The board tabled disciplinary action because members wanted tougher penalties than the maximum three-day suspension, according to WABE.

The Atlanta police department has yet to release the results of its internal investigation into the raid, while a federal lawsuit proceeds.

You Say You Like 'Em Young?

2010-08-17T15:22:00.001-07:00

Very funny - but very true!

NOM'S HATE POLUTES MY STATE!

2010-08-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

The National Organization for Marriage brought their hate tour to St. Louis yesterday.

LEATHER ARCHIVES - PRESIDENT'S AWARD

2010-08-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

Leather Archives & Museum 2010 President's Award Recipients Announced

August 5, 2010

The recipients of the 2010 Leather Archives & Museum President's Award were announced today.

Sir Top and slave bonnie

Sir Top and slave bonnie, residing in South Florida, held the titles of SouthEast regional Master and slave 2007. They produce the event Beyond Leather in Fort Lauderdale, Florida each April. Through their titles, events and extensive teaching engagements, Sir Top and slave bonnie have raised awareness and funding for the Leather Archives & Museum and now are working closely with the Women's Leather History Project on their new project titled, "Women's International Leather Legacy" contest to be held in June at The Women's International Leatherfest.

They most recently completed the adoption of the women's bathroom at the museum. They are also Directors of MAsT (Masters And slaves Together) South Florida and owners of the Florida LeatherSIR / Leatherboy, Community Bootblack and the International Pony Play Championships hosted by Beyond Leather.

The award was presented to Sir Top and slave bonnie during Beyond Leather 2010, held April 23rd through 25th, 2010.

Bruce H.

Bruce is a founding member of the Portland Leather Alliance and, over the years has held many posts in that organization including Member-at-Large, Vice-President, Membership Director, KinkFest Director and three terms as President. He has helped to organize or run most of the
Portland Leather Alliances' events at one time or another over the years. Throughout the years
Bruce has been an energetic supporter of the Leather Archives & Museum and its goals and ideals. He recently began the process of adopting the Organizational and Presidential Papers
collection at the Museum.

The award was presented to Bruce at a ceremony held in Portland, OR on June 2nd, 2010.

About the Award

The Leather Archives & Museum President's Award is presented annually to individuals or organizations who have supported the mission of the Leather Archives in significant ways. Previous recipients are:

2005 - Roger Klorese
2006 - Dennis McMahon and Robert Miller
2007 - Mary Elizabeth Boyd / Eric Lawrence
2008 - Howard Zusel
2009 - International Ms. Leather, Inc.

About Leather Archives & Museum
The Leather Archives & Museum is a library, museum and archives pertaining to leather and alternative sexual communities. The geographic collection scope is worldwide and includes all sexual orientations and genders. The library collection contains books, magazines, scholarly publications, films and electronic resources related to the subject matter. The museum collection contains original erotic art and artifacts from alternative sex organizations and individuals. The archival collection contains unpublished papers and records from notable activists, artists, businesses and organizations related to the subject matter. For more information about the LA&M, please visit http://www.leatherarchives.org.

Leather Archives & Museum
Rick Storer
Executive Director
773.761.9200

Proposition 8 Trial Result

2010-08-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

ARGENTINA -- FOR GAY MARRIAGE!

2010-07-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

It's a good day for human rights and marriage equality. By a six-vote margin, Argentina has become the first South American country to legalize same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, here at home in the Disctrict of Columbia, the DC Court of Appeals has upheld that city's Human Rights Act and denied an effort to place a repeal measure on that city's next ballot after same-sex marriage became legal this past March. Go, Argentina! Go, Washington, DC. Watch the video below for a street crowd's reaction to the Argentina announcement, which came roughly at 4:30 a.m.

Katie Melua - "The Flood"

2010-07-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

I seem to be in a musical mood lately, and I'm finding a lot of stuff I like. I'd never heard of Katie Melua until I saw this video on joemygod.com. I'm sharing it here and looking forward to downloading it later. You can find the unmixed version on Youtube.com

And if anyone can tell me why about a quarter of my video posts get cut off on the right side, I'd appreciate the advice!

Broken people get recycled

And I hope that I will

Sometimes we're thrown off our pathways

What I thought was my way home

Wasn't the place I know.

No, I'm not afraid of changing,

I'm certain nothing's certain

What we own becomes our prison

My possessions will be gone

Back to where they came from

Blame

No one is to blame

As natural as the rain that falls

Here comes the Flood again

2010-07-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

I'm not a huge fan of Lady Gaga, and this is not one of her videos. While I appreciate her showmanship, mostly, I find her music vapid, to say the least. On the other hand, I have to say that she's inspired some of the funniest musical spoofs I've seen, and this one, by drag performer Sherry Vines, may be the very best. It's not just a spoof- it's a spoof with a message! Enjoy!

CLAW ANNOUNCES LOGO CONTEST

2010-07-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

CLAW - Announces Logo Design Contest

Calling all artistic brothers and sisters: your submission wanted!

CLAW is seeking the artwork we'll use on the CLAW 10 t-shirts, posters, advertising and more. They will choose one iconic leather image to represent CLAW 10. The winning artist will receive two weekend passes, the bragging rights and will enjoy having their image reproduced hundreds of thousands of times around the world. The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 23, 2010 with the winning design announced by July 31, 2010.

For more information about this contest, please see the CLAW Logo Contest Page

Past CLAW art:

Forward

IML RAISES $60,000 FOR LEATHER MUSEUM

2010-06-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

(Photo by BullManX)

International Mr. Leather raises over $60,000 for Leather Archives & Museum

CHICAGO, IL - June 23, 2010 - The Leather Archives & Museum announces that International Mr. Leather raised over $60,000 during the Memorial Day 2010 event. Support was raised through donations made at the IML Leather Market, a Roast of IML 2009 Jeffrey Payne held at the museum, silent auctions, a raffle, a membership drive and museum store sales.

Executive Director Rick Storer said "International Mr. Leather is a major fundraising vehicle for the museum, with a total budget of approximately $250,000 nearly 25% of our support comes from this weekend." In addition to fundraising events, approximately 300 people toured the museum during the weekend and thousands saw the temporary exhibition mounted in the IML Leather Market.

About Leather Archives & Museum
The Leather Archives & Museum is a library, museum and archives pertaining to leather and alternative sexual communities. The geographic collection scope is worldwide and includes all sexual orientations and genders. The library collection contains books, magazines, scholarly publications, films and electronic resources related to the subject matter. The museum collection contains original erotic art and artifacts from alternative sex organizations and individuals. The archival collection contains unpublished papers and records from notable activists, artists, businesses and organizations related to the subject matter. For more information about the LA&M, please visit http://www.leatherarchives.org.

LEATHER ARCHIVE HOSTS AMERICAN BROTHERHOOD WEEKEND!

2010-06-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Leather Archives Proud Host And Sponsor of American Brotherhood Weekend 2010

The Leather Archives & Museum is pleased to welcome the contestants, judges, organizers and participants of the American Brotherhood Weekend, which takes place in Chicago July 16-18, 2010.

The final portion of the contest, including the announcement of the winner, will take place in the Etienne Auditorium on Sunday, July 18. For more information, visit the ABW website at:

http://www.americanbrotherhood.com/ABW/Home.html

CHUCK RENSLOW, IML FOUNDER, ESTABLISHES NEW FOUNDATION

2010-06-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

Leather Archives & Museum News Release

International Mr. Leather set to transfer to the Renslow Charitable Foundation benefiting the Leather Archives

CHICAGO -Chuck Renslow, founder of International Mr. Leather and the Leather Archives & Museum, announced plans to donate or give International Mr. Leather, Inc. to the Renslow Charitable Foundation with the Leather Archives & Museum as the sole beneficiary at the 32nd annual IML contest on May 30, 2010.

Renslow cited the creation of the foundation as a way for International Mr. Leather to benefit the international kink and fetish community directly. "I am pleased to announce that all profits from the annual IML contest will flow back to the leather tribe through the LA&M -- the only organization that preserves, displays and celebrates the history of IML, the leather tribe, and the expanding international kink and fetish community."

The Trustees of the Renslow Charitable Foundation will operate the International Mr. Leather Weekend and ensure that all proceeds benefit the LA&M when Renslow retires as IML Executive Producer.

Rick Storer, LA&M Executive Director was overjoyed but not surprised by the announcement. "All of us in the LA&M family are grateful for the continued support and leadership of our founder, Chuck Renslow. Once again, Chuck is setting a stellar example of how each of us can generously support and serve the community that makes our lifestyle real, fun and possible."

About Leather Archives & Museum
The Leather Archives & Museum is a library, museum and archives pertaining to leather and alternative sexual communities. The geographic collection scope is worldwide and includes all sexual orientations and genders. The library collection contains books, magazines, scholarly publications, films and electronic resources related to the subject matter. The museum collection contains original erotic art and artifacts from alternative sex organizations and individuals. The archival collection contains unpublished papers and records from notable activists, artists, businesses and organizations related to the subject matter. For more information about the LA&M, please visit http://www.leatherarchives.org.

About International Mr. Leather, Inc.

The world's leathermen come together to compete for the title of International Mr. Leather each Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago. About 400 gay men gathered in Chicago in 1979 for the first International Mr. Leather contest. Today, the event has grown to be an annual tradition for thousands in the kink and fetish community - drawing contestants and attendees from around the globe. Once an event for "hardcore" leathermen, IML has expanded in recent years to include a more diverse crowd - including women, transgender persons and anyone else curious about leather. For more information about IML, please visit http://www.imrl.com

Leather Archives & Museum
Rick Storer
Executive Director
773.761.9200

TYLER McCORMICK - NEW MR. INTERNATIONAL LEATHER!

2010-06-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

Tyler McCormick won the title of Mr. International Leather 2010 on Sunday night, May 3ist at the world's largest annual gathering of leathermen and kink-folk.

McCormick, a disabled female-to-male transexual and previous Mr. Rio Grande from New Mexico, won out of a field of fifty competitors. The win marked several "firsts," as discussed by the winner himself in the video.

Congratulations to Tyler McCormick, as well as to Lance Holman (1st runner up) and Jack Duke (2nd runner up) for a great job!

WHO THE FUCK IS THIS OLD TROLL?

2010-05-22T01:51:00.000-07:00

Take one look at that red dress and hat and ask yourself - who's the real queer around here?

Archbishop Andrus Pujats, head of the Catholic church in some tiny spitwad dingleberry Balkan country or another, recently delivered yet another bigoted Catholic screed to some traditional family group. I couldnt resist paraphrasing it.

"We must assert that religion is an acquired vice that can be likened to addiction to drugs, alcoholism, tobacco smoking, etc., so that those who practice it cannot be treated as a 'minority.' We must say that religion can no longer be tolerated in the public sphere so that this disorder is not turned into an instrument of oppression for the detriment of all society. If someone has inclinations to vice, vice must be reined in and treated, and religion is vice. It cannot be respected or protected any longer by erroneously invoking notions of "religious freedom." Religion is not an orientation, nor an inherent trait; it is a lifestyle choice, and it is a perversion."

PIONEERS ANNIVERSARY A SUCCESS!

2010-05-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

On Friday evening, April 30th, I had the pleasure to attend, along with my partner, the 35th anniversary celebration of Kansas City's oldest leather club, the KC Pioneers. The event took place in the second floor bar of Missy B's, one of the largest and most popular of Kansas City's gay establishments. Missy B's is owned by Mike Burns, a longtime member and supporter of the KCPioneers.

Mike Burns (right) with Ron Davis (left)

It was great to visit with good friends and also with members of the community we don't see as often anymore, but who turned out for the special celebration. Jan and Mike welcomed us warmly right away. I always enjoy talking with Jan, a terrific photographer and community documentarian whose work often appears in Kansas City gay magazines.

Jan (on right) Joey (on left)

Two huge tables were set up in the middle of the dance floor, and a remarkable quantity of food, all of it made by the Pioneers' members, was set out. A separate table with cakes and other desserts was set up at the end of the dance floor. Ron and I filled our plates and joined good friends Joey Kraley and Dan McMurtry at a corner table to catch up and share news over bites and drinks.

Ron, Dan, Russ, Joey

Two leatherboys from the Texas Lone Stars were also present. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to speak with them. The publisher of KC Exposures attended, as well. But best of all an old friend from the past, a nurse named Nancy, attended. Some years ago, during the height of the cowboy dance craze, Nancy was my favorite dance partner. Later, during a medical crisis, she was also briefly my nurse. I had not seen her in ten years. I spotted her first and snapped two photos before she turned around to see where the flash was coming from. Then she stared for a moment before her eyes widened. It was great to catch up and learn that she's doing well. As with everybody, ten years is a long time, and much has changed in our lives.

Nancy and friend

And that thought perhaps was foremost in my mind throughout the evening. There were friends and Pioneers' members not present. Some of passed on. Others have changed to the point that I didn't recognize them. One table had been set aside for the club's copious photo history - books of photographs from meetings, runs, picnics and gatherings through the years. Those photos represented an amazing trip through time.

In some ways, this anniversary celebration represented the closest thing Kansas City has ever had to a "Leather Family Reunion." Indeed, such a "reunion" might be an idea to pursue on its own terms sometime in the future when all the leather clubs and all the leather enthusiasts could come together as one tribe.

But I'm grateful for this one night and for the invitation extended to me to participate. I am not a member of the KC Pioneers, but I've always done my best to support their activities and their goals. They've raised a lot of money for all the various gay causes in this town, and they've helped to foster and maintain a sense of leather community here. I count them as friends, and I wish every one of them well. Thank you, KC Pioneers.

THE PURPOSE OF LEATHER CONTESTS

2010-05-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

Alex lindsay, American Leatherman 2009, recently conducted a poll for the "Leatheratti" website asking the question, "What is the purpose of Leather contests?" It's a question I've recently been asking myself as leather events in the midwest continue to decline.

With 140 responses, Lindsay reports some valuable and insightful results. I encourage everyone to check out the poll, which is posted here:

http://www.leatherati.com/leatherati/2010/02/american-leatherman-2009---inside-and-out-alm09-on-the-spot---leatherati-po.html

THIRD PROTEST AT WHITE HOUSE FENCE

2010-05-02T14:46:00.001-07:00

SIX MORE PROTESTERS ARRESTED AT THIRD PROTEST

Over 150 people turned out today for the third protest at the White House fence. The event, organized by GetEQUAL, Queer Rising and Talk About Equality, featured numerous speakers, including former governor and Democratic National Party chairman, Howard Dean, as well as Lt. Dan Choi and Maj. Jim Pietrangelo. Both Choi and Pietrangelo were previously arrested at the March and April demonstrations after chaining themselves to the White House fence.

As the today's rally speakers made their speeches, six civilian protesters, including Anne Tischer, Nora Camp, Alan Bounville, Natasha Dillon, Iana Dibona, and Mark Reed quietly handcuffed themselves to the White House gates.

MUPPETS VS. "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL"

2010-04-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

You just know those pesky homosexuals are coming for your children when muppets -- MUPPETS! -- are enlisted in the battle to end the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Enjoy the video! And don't forget to read the streaming banner at the bottom!"

No Strings Attached - watch more funny videos

RALLY MAY 2nd AGAINST DADT

2010-04-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

First, a group called GetEQUAL rattled the chains of gay complacency with a series of "zaps," chaining themselves to the White House fence, heckling President Obama during a fundraiser for Senator Barbara Boxer, staging sit-ins at the Washington and San Francisco offices of Nancy Pelosi. Seeming to come out of nowhere, they brought new passion to the struggle for equality with their willingness to get confrontational.

Today, Equality Across America , following in the footsteps of GetEQUAL, struck the Phoenix office of Senator John McCain. Five members of EAA entered McCain's office and refused to leave, eventually being arrested.

Now, GetEQUAL is calling for thousands to rally in LaFayette Square at the fence where their members, including Lt. Dan Choi, have twice been arrested, on May 2nd. Watch their video. One month ago, two people chained themselves to that fence. This month six people chained themselves. How many will chain themselves in May? Enough, I hope, to collapse that fence under the weight of Americans demanding equal treatment.

WISE WORDS FROM TIM WISE

2010-04-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

"Imagine if the Tea Party Was Black" - Tim Wise

Let’s play a game, shall we? The name of the game is called “Imagine.” The way it’s played is simple: we’ll envision recent happenings in the news, but then change them up a bit. Instead of envisioning white people as the main actors in the scenes we’ll conjure - the ones who are driving the action - we’ll envision black folks or other people of color instead. The object of the game is to imagine the public reaction to the events or incidents, if the main actors were of color, rather than white. Whoever gains the most insight into the workings of race in America, at the end of the game, wins.

So let’s begin.

Imagine that hundreds of black protesters were to descend upon Washington DC and Northern Virginia, just a few miles from the Capitol and White House, armed with AK-47s, assorted handguns, and ammunition. And imagine that some of these protesters —the black protesters — spoke of the need for political revolution, and possibly even armed conflict in the event that laws they didn’t like were enforced by the government? Would these protester — these black protesters with guns — be seen as brave defenders of the Second Amendment, or would they be viewed by most whites as a danger to the republic? What if they were Arab-Americans? Because, after all, that’s what happened recently when white gun enthusiasts descended upon the nation’s capital, arms in hand, and verbally announced their readiness to make war on the country’s political leaders if the need arose.

Imagine that white members of Congress, while walking to work, were surrounded by thousands of angry black people, one of whom proceeded to spit on one of those congressmen for not voting the way the black demonstrators desired. Would the protesters be seen as merely patriotic Americans voicing their opinions, or as an angry, potentially violent, and even insurrectionary mob? After all, this is what white Tea Party protesters did recently in Washington.

Imagine that a rap artist were to say, in reference to a white president: “He’s a piece of shit and I told him to suck on my machine gun.” Because that’s what rocker Ted Nugent said recently about President Obama.

Imagine that a prominent mainstream black political commentator had long employed an overt bigot as Executive Director of his organization, and that this bigot regularly participated in black separatist conferences, and once assaulted a white person while calling them by a racial slur. When that prominent black commentator and his sister — who also works for the organization — defended the bigot as a good guy who was misunderstood and “going through a tough time in his life” would anyone accept their excuse-making? Would that commentator still have a place on a mainstream network? Because that’s what happened in the real world, when Pat Buchanan employed as Executive Director of his group, America’s Cause, a blatant racist who did all these things, or at least their white equivalents: attending white separatist conferences and attacking a black woman while calling her the n-word.

Imagine that a black radio host were to suggest that the only way to get promoted in the administration of a white president is by “hating black people,” or that a prominent white person had only endorsed a white presidential candidate as an act of racial bonding, or blamed a white president for a fight on a school bus in which a black kid was jumped by two white kids, or said that he wouldn’t want to kill all conservatives, but rather, would like to leave just enough—“living fossils” as he called them—“so we will never forget what these people stood for.” After all, these are things that Rush Limbaugh has said, about Barack Obama’s administration, Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama, a fight on a school bus in Belleville, Illinois in which two black kids beat up a white kid, and about liberals, generally.

Imagine that a black pastor, formerly a member of the U.S. military, were to declare, as part of his opposition to a white president’s policies, that he was ready to “suit up, get my gun, go to Washington, and do what they trained me to do.” This is, after all, what Pastor Stan Craig said recently at a Tea Party rally in Greenville, South Carolina.

Imagine a black radio talk show host gleefully predicting a revolution by people of color if the government continues to be dominated by the rich white men who have been “destroying” the country, or if said radio personality were to call Christians or Jews non-humans, or say that when it came to conservatives, the best solution would be to “hang ‘em high.” And what would happen to any congressional representative who praised that commentator for “speaking common sense” and likened his hate talk to “American values?” After all, those are among the things said by radio host and best-selling author Michael Savage, predicting white revolution in the face of multiculturalism, or said by Savage about Muslims and liberals, respectively. And it was Congressman Culbertson, from Texas, who praised Savage in that way, despite his hateful rhetoric.

Imagine a black political commentator suggesting that the only thing the guy who flew his plane into the Austin, Texas IRS building did wrong was not blowing up Fox News instead. This is, after all, what Anne Coulter said about Tim McVeigh, when she noted that his only mistake was not blowing up the New York Times.

Imagine that a popular black liberal website posted comments about the daughter of a white president, calling her “typical redneck trash,” or a “whore” whose mother entertains her by “making monkey sounds.” After all that’s comparable to what conservatives posted about Malia Obama on freerepublic.com last year, when they referred to her as “ghetto trash.”

Imagine that black protesters at a large political rally were walking around with signs calling for the lynching of their congressional enemies. Because that’s what white conservatives did last year, in reference to Democratic party leaders in Congress.

In other words, imagine that even one-third of the anger and vitriol currently being hurled at President Obama, by folks who are almost exclusively white, were being aimed, instead, at a white president, by people of color. How many whites viewing the anger, the hatred, the contempt for that white president would then wax eloquent about free speech, and the glories of democracy? And how many would be calling for further crackdowns on thuggish behavior, and investigations into the radical agendas of those same people of color?

To ask any of these questions is to answer them. Protest is only seen as fundamentally American when those who have long had the luxury of seeing themselves as prototypically American engage in it. When the dangerous and dark “other” does so, however, it isn’t viewed as normal or natural, let alone patriotic. Which is why Rush Limbaugh could say, this past week, that the Tea Parties are the first time since the Civil War that ordinary, common Americans stood up for their rights: a statement that erases the normalcy and “American-ness” of blacks in the civil rights struggle, not to mention women in the fight for suffrage and equality, working people in the fight for better working conditions, and LGBT folks as they struggle to be treated as full and equal human beings.

And this, my friends, is what white privilege is all about. The ability to threaten others, to engage in violent and incendiary rhetoric without consequence, to be viewed as patriotic and normal no matter what you do, and never to be feared and despised as people of color would be, if they tried to get away with half the shit we do, on a daily basis.

Game Over.

Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and activists in the U.S. Wise has spoken in 48 states, on over 400 college campuses, and to community groups around the nation. Wise has provided anti-racism training to teachers nationwide, and has trained physicians and medical industry professionals on how to combat racial inequities in health care. His latest book is called Between Barack and a Hard Place.

SOLDIERS PROTEST AGAIN AT WHITE HOUSE

2010-04-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday afternoon, Lt. Dan Choi, with Captain Jim Pietrangelo and four other uniformed members of the military, engaged in a new protest by handcuffing themselves to the White House fence. After a brief time, all six were arrested by capitol police and are now being held at the Anacostia police station. This was the second arrest for Choi and Pietrangelo, who chained themselves to the same fence last month during an HRC rally.

Before a group of reporters, Choi challenged President Obama to submit “don’t ask, don’t tell” repeal language to Congress for inclusion in the defense authorization bill, which is now before the the Armed Services Committees of both the House and Senate. “We call on our commander in chief, the president of the United States to take bold action, to show firm resolve and real leadership on his promise to repeal 'don’t ask, don’t tell. To make good on that promise, he has an opportunity to transmit to Congress for the defense authorization bill repeal language.”

When a reporter asked, “Do you feel the president has let you down on this issue?” Choi fell silent and remained silent for the rest of the action.

The group also included Petty Officer Autumn Sandeen, Cpl. Evelyn Thomas, Cadet Mara Boyd, and Petty Officer Larry Whitt.

Robin McGeehee, co-founder of the new activist group GetEQUAL, worked the crowd with a blowhorn while other members held a banner demanded the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Meanwhile, police worked hard to squash any coverage of the protest, closing the area entirely and forcing both reporters and public back as far as two blocks. Reporter Brian Hinkley was one the scene. Listen to his cell phone conversation during this taped coverage:

NEW BOARD MEMBERS AT LEATHER ARCHIVES

2010-04-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Leather Archives Seats Two New Board Members

CHICAGO, IL - April 20, 2010 - The Leather Archives & Museum announces that two individuals have been seated on its Board of Directors. Ms. Catherine Gross of New Jersey and Sarah Humble of Colorado were ratified by the Voting Membership of the museum on April 16th, 2010.

Catherine is an educator and a PCC certified life success coach. She offers classes and focused weekend seminars on a wide variety of subjects. She's logged 4000+ education hours teaching Servant's Retreat alone. She has served on both local and national boards, judged contests, staffed conferences in a variety of positions, and emceed and produced events/fundraisers. She is currently the co-producer of SouthEast LeatherFest in Atlanta, GA, a board member of Community Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative Sexualities.

Sarah is a co-coordinator for the Women's Leather History Project at the LA&M. She was the 1994 American Leatherwoman. She has won three Pantheon of Leather Awards including Woman of the Year in 1996, Reader's Choice Award in 1997 and Business of the Year (Play House Studios in Baltimore) with Glenda Rider in 1998. She wrote the Leather Link column in the Baltimore Gay Paper for 5 years and has traveled the leather circuit since the early 90's. She was also a co-founder of FIST (Females Investigating Sexual Terrain) in Baltimore/Washington DC. Sarah now resides in Arvada, Colorado with her partner of 10 years Leigha Fleming and their dogs.

About Leather Archives & Museum
The Leather Archives & Museum is a library, museum and archives pertaining to leather and alternative sexual communities. The geographic collection scope is worldwide and includes all sexual orientations and genders. The library collection contains books, magazines, scholarly publications, films and electronic resources related to the subject matter. The museum collection contains original erotic art and artifacts from alternative sex organizations and individuals. The archival collection contains unpublished papers and records from notable activists, artists, businesses and organizations related to the subject matter. For more information about the LA&M, please visit http://www.leatherarchives.org.

Leather Archives & Museum
Rick Storer
Executive Director
773.761.9200

NEWS FROM LEATHER ARCHIVES & MUSEUM

2010-04-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

What's New at the Leather Archives & Museum
April 15 2010

The Leather Archives & Museum announces the International Mr. Leather Pre-Party and Jeffrey Payne IML 2009 Roast!

The event will be held on Thursday, May 27th at the museum, 6418 N. Greenview Ave. in Chicago, IL. Doors open at 7pm and the Roast will begin at 9pm. The event is free and open to the public, age 18 and older. Reserved priority seating is available for $10 through May 10th, 2010. General seating will be available on a first come first served basis. All proceeds will be used to support the mission of the Leather Archives & Museum

Purchase Priority Seating tickets here

Buy your International Mr. Leather and Cleveland Leather Awareness Weekend Packages...Make Leather History, Support Leather History!

May 28-31, 2010

April 22-25, 2010

RESTRAINT: The Closing Party!

Stop into the LA&M
for your last opportunity to view John Randle's gorgeous
paintings.
CLOSING PARTY:
April 17, 2010
6:00-9:00PM

For a $10 admission, you can partake in a light buffet and witness bondage demos given by the Windy City Bondage Club. All admission proceeds and a portion of all painting sales go to the LA&M.

BONDAGE AND BURLESQUE!
April 30, 2010

Come and celebrate the Art of the Tease as we kick
off Leon
Grossman's
exhibit at the G.A.G.
Gallery!
Time: 7-11PM
Friday, April 30
Admission: $10

Leon Grossman's erotic art photography is being featured in his first one-man show at the G.A.G Gallery at the Leather Archives & Museum beginning April 30, 2010 and running through July. Leon's work features many local performance artists and reflects his skill at rope craft and turning bondage into beauty.

Opening night: April 30th from 7pm to 11pm there will be a gala with burlesque & bondage performers to celebrate the art in the photography turned to life.The main performance begins at 9pm.Tickets for the cash bar will be available to those 21 years and older.

LA&M Membership
More important than ever!

The LA&M is a community supported resource. Most public funding and major corporate sponsorship is closed to us.

We understand times are tight .. we understand that the economy is unstable. This is a perfect time to sign up for a monthly donation plan. Rather than making a lump sum donation now, contribute a small amount every month. If your financial circumstances change, you can discontinue this donation at any time.

Visit our online donation center for more information.

The Leather Archives & Museum / International Mr. Leather Raffle!

This year's winner will receive 2 IML Bronze Packages and accommodations for Friday, Saturday and Sunday night May 27-29, 2011 at the IML Host Hotel!

The Bronze level package includes general admission event tickets to Opening Ceremonies, Pecs and Personality and the International Mr. Leather Contest. You also get tickets for entry into the Victory Celebration and Black & Blue dance parties. A transportation pass allowing use of the IML transportation system is also included. Access to the vendor market for the entire weekend comes included. With this package you also receive a weekend registration value pack which includes vendor information, valuable discount coupons and special gifts. Tickets will be drawn at the 2010 IML Contest.

Purchase your tickets at the Leather Archives & Museum, the LA&M Booth in the IML Leather Market or online

Next stops for the Road Show:
International Ms. Leather 2010

San Francisco, April 15-18

The Women's Leather History Project is going to International Ms Leather!

From Thursday, April 15 to Sunday, April 18 the Women's Leather History
Project will be in San Francisco, CA for International Ms Leather.

The Leather Archives & Museum (LA&M)
launched a new project on January 1, 2010 to collect, preserve and exhibit
women's leather history. The Women's Leather History Project!
Collections from women have already started making their way to the vaults
and exhibits of the LA&M including:
- Personal papers from Vi Johnson
- Books and fetish wear from Kat Sunlove
- Memorabilia from Jan Lyon

We need your help!

In addition to your financial support of the project, here's what you can
send to the LA&M to be a part:
- Papers
- Video recorded interviews
- Personal histories-oral, film, and written
- Art and visual resources
- Media-books, magazines, films, and digital media
- Artifacts - organizational and personal

This weekend we are launching limited edition Women's Project LA&M pins!

Less than 250 were made and they will be made available here, for the
first time at $25.00 each. Please stop by the Women's exhibit LA&M table
this weekend and pick one up.

We'll be doing short "woman on the street" interviews. If you have things
you want sent or preserved by the museum, or just want more info about the
project stop by!

We women are the story tellers, the keepers of memory. We are responsible for
collecting, preserving and honoring our own histories. No one will do it
for us.
Please join us and support the WLHP!

We look forward to seeing you at IMsL 2010!

Sarah Humble and Leigha Fleming

Leather History could use your hands, your heart and your time.

2 to 4 hours once a week or every other week can make a huge difference in keeping our history safe and accessible. Whether you call Chicago, San Francisco, New York or somewhere in-between home, the gift of your time can have an impact.

See our volunteer page for more information and to get involved today.

6418 N Greenview
Chicago, Illinois 60626

The Museum is open to visitors & researchers on:

Thursday from 11am - 7pm
Friday from 11am - 7pm
Saturday from 11am - 5pm
Sunday from 11am - 5pm

Save 50%
off
Admission! Visiting the LA&M soon?
Do you recommend others visit the LA&M?
The LA&M introduces an online coupon to save half off your admission.

Visit the LA&M website to download this valuable coupon

KC PIONEERS CELEBRATE 35 YEARS!

2010-04-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release:

KC Pioneers will celebrate their 35th Anniversary with two nights of celebration including dinner, grants for the community, and a pub crawl. We invite all community members to our celebration and look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.

The KC Pioneers support the leather community and local organizations that assist those among us in need. Five organizations have been awarded $500 each: Passages, KC Anti-Violence Project, Southwest Boulevard Family Health Clinic, KC Free Health Clinic, and the Women’s Leather History Project of the Leather Archives and Museum.

Everyone is invited to a dinner upstairs at Missie B’s on Friday night, April 30th at 7 pm. Pioneers are cooking for you, no cost, donations appreciated. Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 28th to KCRedNorse@hotmail.com so we can make plenty of food!

At 9:30 pm Friday we will move downstairs to the main stage. We will have an acknowledgement of the many years the Pioneers have been active in KC and present checks to this year’s grant recipients. Representatives will be on hand to give info about their organizations. Stay for the show at 10!

Saturday night, May 1st, be a part of the notorious Pioneers’ Pub Crawl. We will start at Missie B’s, leaving at 8pm. Tickets are only $15! Stay tuned for a list of the bars we will visit.

The KC Pioneers wish to express their appreciation to our home bar, Missie B’s, to Michael Burns and staff, for the fundraising opportunities that allow us to give grants and fund regional leather gatherings. We appreciate their long-time support and friendship.

CHEATERS AND HOMOS AND ...VOYEURS! OH MY!

2010-03-31T00:30:00.000-07:00

Just when you think the long-running soap opera called the Republican Party can't get any steamier -- or any sillier -- they surprise us with another new chapter. Louisiana senators and prostitutes; Georgia governors and Latin mistresses; toe-tapping Nevada senators and closeted California state representatives caught with their pants down -- how could they possibly top all that?

With a donors' night out at an upscale West Hollywood sex club, that's how, and by dropping $1,950 on ... well, that's for tomorrow's episode, I guess. It's a wonderfully delicious scandal, funnier than hell given the players. So far, Allison Meyers, the director of Young Eagles, a Republican fund-raising organization aimed at under-45 donors, has been fired. No less an expert than Karl Rove has called her a "pervert," and he should know. Another Republican operative, Eric Brown, finds himself unexpectedly stuck with the bill after the Republican party, which at first reimbursed him for the expense, demanded the money back.

But the funniest part of the entire matter is how the media seems determined to sanitize the event. VOYEURS has been referred to in the press as a "lesbian stripper club" that features "pretend bondage sex acts." Well, maybe. Uh-huh. Lesbians, of course, are safe and a lot more acceptable in Republican society, at least as long as they're hot and gorgeous, right? Every red-blooded Republican male (and no doubt a few Republican females) likes to watch Lesbians "simulating" sex acts.

But that's not all VOYEURS is. What the media doesn't seem to want to talk about, and what the Republicans would prefer you didn't know is this:

VOYEURS is also one hell of a hot gay club. With hot gay men. Hot gay men who simulate sex. In leather and bondage. With a hot gay clientele that likes to watch. Hell, it's in West Hollywood, after all!

Now, the only real question remaining is exactly how "about a dozen" Young Eagle Republican donors managed to drop nearly $2,000 at a bondage club. How many dollar bills can you stuff into an upscale g-string? Just what is the going rate for a lap-dance these days (no fingering, please)? Okay, okay, maybe there's one more question: WTF?

The manager of VOYEUR, by the way, is offended by all the attention and claims the club has been defamed. "We are definitely not a strip club," she says. We cater to an A-list clientele." Well, hey, I guess that makes all the difference. But then, she did let in all those Republicans....

SCOTT BROWN VS. RACHEL MADDOW

2010-03-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

Senator Naked, who sometimes goes by the name of Scott Brown, has sent out a fundraising letter claiming that Massachusetts democrats have enlisted MSNBC talk show host Rachel Maddow to run against him next year. Maddow, on her show for two nights now, has declared this a complete fantasy on Brown's part.

Senator Naked, you might remember, is the former COSMO centerfold model who kind of accidentally won Senator Ted Kennedy's seat when Kennedy passed away. He campaigned on the boast that he would be the 41st vote that "killed Obamacare dead." Guess that didn't work so well for him.

We do have one helpful suggestion for Scott Brown, however. If he really needs to raise money, why doesn't he just uncross his legs?

FROM GLEE! -- TOO FUNNY EP OF "SUE'S CORNER"

2010-03-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of the television show, GLEE! -- and it seems like just about everybody is -- you'll love this unaired segment of "Sue's Corner," featuring openly lesbian actress Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester, the girls' gym coach who hates, well, everybdoy. This video is hysterical. Enjoy!

AND NOW FOR MY NEXT TRICK...!

2010-03-22T18:51:00.001-07:00

THE AMAZING RANDI COMES OUT AT 82!

World-renowned stage magician James Randi, known for years by his stage name, "The Amazing Randi," made an amazing announcement this week. Although he says friends and family have known for years, at the magical age of 82 Randi has decided to come out publicly. One of the leaders of the modern skeptical movement and a popular debunker of pseudo-science, posted the following message on his webside:

"Well, here goes. I really resent the term, but I use it because it’s recognized and accepted.

"I’m gay.

"From some seventy years of personal experience, I can tell you that there’s not much “gay” about being homosexual. For the first twenty years of my life, I had to live in the shadows, in a culture that was — at least outwardly — totally hostile to any hint of that variation of life-style. At no time did I choose to adopt any protective coloration, though; my cultivation of an abundant beard was not at all a deception, but part of my costume as a conjuror.

"Gradually, the general attitude that I’d perceived around me began to change, and presently I find that there has emerged a distinctly healthy acceptance of different social styles of living — except, of course, in cultures that live in constant and abject fear of divine retribution for infractions found in the various Holy Books… In another two decades, I’m confident that young people will find themselves in a vastly improved atmosphere of acceptance.

"Before publishing this statement, I chose to privately notify a number of my closest friends and colleagues — none of whom, I’m sure, have been at all surprised at this “coming out.” I’m prepared to receive the inevitable barrage of jeers and insults from the “grubbies” out there who will jump to their keyboards in glee to notify others of their kind about this statement, which to them will be yet further proof of the perfidy of the rationalist mode of life that I have chosen. Those titters of joy will be unheard over the murmur of acceptance that I confidently expect from my friends.

"This declaration of mine was prompted just last week by seeing an excellent film — starring Sean Penn — that told the story of politician Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. I’m in excellent company: Barney Frank, Oscar Wilde, Stephen Fry, Ellen DeGeneris, Rachel Maddow, are just a few of those who were in my thoughts as I pressed the key that placed this on Swift and before the whole world…

"I should apologize for having used Swift as the venue to publish this note, an item that is hardly the focus of what we promote and publish here, but I chose the single most public asset I have to make this statement. It’s from here that I have attacked irrationality, stupidity, and irresponsibility, and it is my broadest platform. Here is where I have chosen to stand and fight.

"And I think that I have already won this battle by simply publishing this statement.

"Note: To hear an extensive discussion of this issue, please listen to my appearance on For Good Reason."

Book 'em, Dano!

2010-03-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

CHRISTOPHER STREET BOOKSTORE BUSTED, CHARGED WITH PIRACY

Gay Porn Times is reporting that last week NYC police raided the B&B Bookstore on Christopher Street. Now raiding gay bookstores is hardly newsworthy anymore, but this time the cause was not sticky floors and backroom hanky-panky. Bookstore owners, instead, are charged with selling unauthorized duplicates of pornographic DVDS and violating the copyrights of specific porn producers.

Pitbull Productions, those wonderfully fun guys who brought us such cinematic fin de circle jerque fare as "Breed It Raw," volumes 1 through 4, not to mention the unforgetablly titled "Booty Juice Whores," lodged the complaint and are suing on intellectual property grounds. That idea, in itself, constituted my chuckle-of-the-day. Intellectual? "Booty Juice Whores?" Whoa!

NLA Literary Award Finalists for 2010

2010-03-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

FROM THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR NLA-I WRITING AWARDS

(Columbus, OH) — National Leather Association: International (NLA-I), a leading organization for activists in the pansexual SM/leather/fetish community, announced today the finalists for its recently created writing awards. Named after activists and writers Geoff Mains, John Preston, Pauline Reage, Cynthia Slater, and the organization Samois, they are awarded annually to recognize excellence in writing and publishing about leather, SM, bondage and fetishes.

The finalists for the Cynthia Slater Non-fiction Article Award are:

Gloria Brame, “Transformation and Transcendence in BDSM,” which appeared in Filthy Gorgeous Things, July 2009, “Force” issue. Available at: http://filthygorgeousthings.com/

E.R. Chaline, “Contemporary Gay BDSM in the UK,” which appeared in Skin Two (2009).

Jeff Mann, “How to be a Country Leather Bear,” from Richard Labonté and Lawrence Schimel (eds.), Second Person Queer: Who You Are (So Far). (Arsenal Pulp Press).

Jack Rinella, “Juggling,” which appeared in LeatherViews

Sarah Sloane, “The Biochemistry of BDSM,” which appeared in Sexis. Available at: http://www.edenfantasys.com/sexis/sex/bdsm-biochemistry-110492/

The finalists for the Geoff Mains Non-fiction Book Award are:

Lee Harrington, Sacred Kink: The Eightfold Paths of BDSM and Beyond (lulu.com)

david stein, Ask the Man Who Owns Him: The Real Lives of Gay Masters and slaves (Perfectbound Press)

Two Knotty Boys, Two Knotty Boys Back on the Ropes (Green Candy)

The finalists for the Pauline Reage Novel Award are:

Melinda Barron, Graceful Submission (Loose Id)

James, Buchanan, Hard Fall (MLR Press)

Alex Ironrod, Obsession (Nazca Plains)

Claire Thompson, Submission Times Two (Romance Unbound)

The finalists for the John Preston Short Fiction Award are:

Kieran Wyn DeWhurst, “The Last Mistress of the Chatelaine,” in Cecilia Tan and Sarah Desautels (eds.), Like a Thorn: An Anthology of BDSM Fairy Tales (Circlet Press)

Jack Fritscher, “Goodbye Saigon,” in Phillip Mackenzie, Jr. (ed.), Special Forces: Gay Military Erotica (Cleis Press)

Shanna Germain, “Second Skin,” in Cecilia Tan and Sarah Desautels (eds.), Like a Thorn: An Anthology of BDSM Fairy Tales (Circlet Press)

Jeff Mann, “Lost River,” in Richard Labonté (ed.), Daddies: Gay Erotic Stories (Cleis Press)

Xan West, “Missing Daddy,” in Richard Labonté (ed.), Daddies: Gay Erotic Stories (Cleis Press)

The finalists for the Samois Anthology Award are:

Cecilia Tan and Sarah Desautels (eds.), Like a Thorn: An Anthology of BDSM Fairy Tales (Circlet Press)

Rachel Kramer Bussel (ed.), Bottoms Up: Spanking Good Stories (Cleis Press)

The winners will be announced at the NLA-I’s Annual General Meeting, which will be held during Tribal Fire in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (April 30 – May 2 2010). Please contact the award committee chair, Steve Vakesh, for more information about the awards at stevevakesh@gmail.com. For more information about Tribal Fire, the National Leather Association, and the NLA-I’s meeting on Sunday morning, see: http://www.tribalfireokc.com/ and http://www.nla-i.com

================================

I'll attempt, mostly unsuccessfully, to hide my own sour grapes. My story "Descenso," which appeared in the anthology, DON JUAN AND MEN, had been nominated for the Preston Award by publisher MLR Books. I'm grateful to the publisher for their support and for believing in the story.

DAN CHOI - WE WILL NOT GO AWAY

2010-03-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

After being held overnight in jail, Lt. Dan Choi and Capt. Jim Pietrangelo pleaded entered not guilty pleas in federal court today. Afterward, Choi issued a stirring statement to cameras on the court house steps. "We're going to do it again," he said. "This is a clear message to Obama and other leaders -- We're not going away."

Choi also appeared to take a slam at the Human Rights Campaign when he stated that our freedom would not be won with donations or token or cocktail parties.

GET EQUAL -- VIDEO CALL TO ACTION!

2010-03-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Robin McGeehee, co-founder of the new action group, GET EQUAL, released a video statement yesterday following her arrest at the White House during a widely publicized "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" protest. Veteran U.S. military officers Lt. Dan Choi and Capt. Jim Pietrangelo were also arrested at that protest after chaining themselves to the White House fence.

On the same afternoon, Get Equal protesters also staged sit-ins at the D.C and San Frnacisco offices of Nancy Pelosi, demanding that ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, be brought to the House floor after languishing in committee for more than a year. The sit-ins resulted in four arrests at the D.C. offices and six arrests at the San Francisco offices.

Get Equal promises more civil disobedience and direct action in the future. Here is Robin McGeehee's video statement:

To learn more about GET EQUAL, visit their website at www.getequal.org.

GAY HEROES ARRESTED AT WHITE HOUSE!

2010-03-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

LT. DAN CHOI AND CAPT. JIM PIETRANGELO CHAIN THEMSELVES TO WHITE HOUSE FENCE!

Earlier today, Lt. Dan Choi hijacked a Human Rights Campaign event featuring Kathy Griffin. The HRC event, billed as a Rally Against DADT, was scheduled to follow today's congressional hearings on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Robin McGeehee, of the group "Get Equal," asked HRC president Joe Salmonese if Lt. Choi could also speak. Reportedly, Salmonese rebuffed McGeehee, telling her that "this is Kathy's rally." Kathy Griffin was there to film an episode of ther television show, LIFE ON THE D-LIST.

But as Griffin concluded her usual stand-up act, Dan Choi took the stage anyway, declaring, "DADT is not a joke!" He then read the following statement.

“Hello. My name is Lt. Dan Choi. I am being discharged from the US Army because I am gay and dared to say it out loud.

Today, I am here on a mission with Capt. Jim Pietrangelo, and we are asking you all to join us. We’re calling you to action because we are at a turning point — a moment in time where talk is no longer enough, and action is required.

Equality is not going to happen by itself.

You have been told that the President has a plan. But Congressman Barney Frank confirmed to us this week that the President still is not fully committed to repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell this year.

And if we don’t seize this moment it may not happen for a very long time.

Some may tell you that I am one of the lucky ones. I have been welcomed back by my unit with open arms. And it would be easy for me to stay quiet and hope that change will happen.

But what I was taught at West Point and learned in war is — hope is not a strategy. As officers, James and I both find it a dereliction of our moral duty to remain silent while thousands of our brothers and sister are not allowed to serve openly and honestly.

Capt. Pietrangelo was honorably discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in 2004 and I will be subject to the same shortly. As officers we are here today fighting for those in the ranks, and we need our Commander in Chief to do the same.

Our fight is not here at Freedom Plaza, it is at the White House. We are walking to the White House right now to send the President a message. So…take out your cell phones and your cameras. Document this moment. Join us as together — we make history.”

Choi and Pietrangelo then led hundred down the street to the White House where he and Pietrangelo chained themselves to the White House fence while rotesters chanted, "Hey hey! Hi ho! DADT has got to go!" As many as twenty secret service police immediately taped off the area with yellow tape while Choi and Pietrangelo stood crucified upon the fence. Robin McGeehee was arrested on a charge of "disorderly conduct" for helping the two soldiers handcuff themselves. Protesters were told by secret service police to disperse, that if they remained on the sidewalk before the White House they would be arrested, also.

Neither Joe Salmonese or Kathi Griffin followed the crowd to the White House and were nowhere to be seen at the rally.

CNN reporter Rick Sanchez discussed the protest and the soldiers' arrest on his "Talk Back" television program, also. Here is the CNN footage:

THE ONLY RESPONSE TO FRED PHELPS - PARTAY!

2010-03-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

I just found this Youtube video from February 23rd. It documents the counter-protest that resulted when Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Clown Posse showed up in Long Beach, California outside the Wilson convention hall. The video is wonderful -and- wonderfully funny.

EAGLE DEFENDANTS NOT GUILTY!

2010-03-11T16:29:00.000-08:00

LATE BREAKING NEWS!

Four defendants arrested in the September 10 police raid on the Atlanta Eagle bar were found not guilty late Thursday afternoon, and charges were dropped against four other defendants.

The prosecution argued Thursday that the club was illegally operating as an adult entertainment establishment. Four dancers were arrested, and four bar employees, including the bartender and doorman, were also arrested for not having a proper adult-entertainment business license. But on Thursday, the judge dropped those charges.

Defense attorney Alan Begner argued, "The evidence and the truth is that Atlanta Eagle is not an adult establishment, so it is not covered by this section of the code."

Police arrested eight people at the bar, four employees and four dancers. Police told CBS Atlanta News they raided the place after several neighbors complained about illegal activity in and around the club, especially on Thursday nights, when the club was known to have an "underwear night."

In opening statements, Larry Gardner, the prosecutor, said, "The dancers were dancing in the nude." Eagle owners and patrons denied that, and Municipal Judge Crystal Gaines said city police failed to produce evidence proving that men danced naked without permits or that the bar operators were running an unlicensed adult establishment.

A civil rights lawsuit has since been filed in federal court against the city and the Atlanta police department. The police department is also conducting its own investigation into the events and the behavior of the eighteen officers involved in the raid.

"We always thought from the beginning that we were charged for no reason," bar co-owner Richard Ramey, who was not a defendant, said after the decision. "They had no right to be there."

One of the dancers, Antonio Benitez, still faces a bench warrant for failure to appear in court.

TRIAL BEGINS IN ATLANTA EAGLE CASE

2010-03-11T15:55:00.000-08:00

Since last September, I've been following the controversy surrounding the police raid on the popular Atlanta Eagle. There are a number of previous posts here at Conversion Therapy detailing the events of that raid, as well as the numerous protests that followed.

Eight people, including four bar employees and four dancers, began today in Atlanta's Municipal Court.

“The employees face business license charges, while the dancers are accused of providing adult entertainment without a license,” reports the Journal-Constitution. “Up to 10 witnesses are expected to testify.”

Each violation carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Last September 10th, Atlanta police claiming that they had received reports of illegal drug use and illicit sex at the Eagle, raided the bar wtih a force of eighteen officers. They also claimed that they sent undercover teams on several occasions preceding the actual raid, even though no arrests were made on those occasions. Nor did any charges or arrests for drug use or illicit sex result from the actual raid.

The Atlanta police department maintains an officer-liaison to the Gay Community, but the officer was not informed about the raid and only learned about it hours after the fact. The raid occurred on "Underwear Night" at the Eagle, and the only charges that finally resulted were for minor city ordinance violations regarding "entertainment licenses."

The raid, which occurred in the middle of a heated mayoral election campaign, generated a lot of press. The Atlanta Gay Community took to the streets in protest. Bar patrons alleged that the police officers used antigay slurs and unnecessary force, that customers were handcuffed, pushed around and insulted. The police officers involved in the raid later refused to answer questions, however, recently the Atlanta city council announced that they will compel the 18 police officers involved to answer questions from the Citizen Review Board about their conduct.

CONGRATULATIONS, MR. MISSOURI LEATHER 2010!

2010-03-10T23:52:00.000-08:00

(Photo by Joseph Palmisano)

Congratulations to Terry Laupp, Mr. Missouri Leather 2010!

The Mr. Missouri Leather Contest for 2010, sponsored by Gateway MC and JJs Clubhouse, was held during the weekend of March 5-7. Six contestants strutted their stuff before a packed house and a panel of judges that included Dave Rhodes, publisher of the Leather Journal; Mr. Missouri Leather 2009, Mike Lunter; Mr Midwest Leather for 2008 and 2009, Charlie Schoenherr; Dennis McMahon, president of CLAW; and James Brake of the Nashville Conductors.

The winner and Mr. Missouri Leather 2010 is Terry Laupp.

First runner-up went to Allen Erdman.

Tom Wolfe took second runner-up.

Congratulations to Gateway and JJ's Clubhouse for hosting an outstanding leather event and to the entire field of contestants for upholding the best traditions of the Leather Community.

RIGHT-WING PROMISES TO BEAT US UP!

2010-03-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

HILARIOUS NEW VIDEO COMMERCIAL FROM NEW YORKERS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOMS 'threatens" GAYS AND LESBIANS!

A new group calling itself "New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms" has, without any apparent sense of irony at all, just released a video to kick off a retaliatory campaign against another group called "Fight Back New York."

FBNY formed in the aftermath of New York's failure to pass same-sex marriage rights with the goal of unseating those NY senators who opposed the legislation and especially those six democratic senators who lied to the Gay Community, took our donations, and then betrayed us at the vote.

Particularly amusing, given the violent fight imagery in the video, is that one of the politicians "New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms" seeks to protect is Hiram Monserrate, a former policeman turned state senator, who was recently convicted of beating up his girlfriend and slashing her face. Although the conviction was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, Monserrate was expelled from his senate seat by his own colleagues.

So now, "New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms" is promising to beat us up. To gay-bash us at the polls, as it were. And if the video encourages a little bashing in the streets, too, I'm sure they won't mind.

And damn, that boxer is hot. I'd do him.

ATLANTA EAGLE - OFFICERS MUST TESTIFY

2010-03-02T13:28:00.001-08:00

Eighteen officers involved in a raid on the Atlanta Eagle Bar receive subpoenas after refusal to testify.

From Advocate.com -- Police officers responsible for a September 2009 raid of the Atlanta Eagle, one of the city's oldest gay bars, have until now refused to appear in front of a civilian review board. The police union cited a fear that the officers' testimony could be used against them in civil court.

However, on Monday the Atlanta city council approved subpoenas that will compel 18 officers to testify before the Atlanta Citizen Review Board.

Bar patrons said they were harassed, indiscriminately handcuffed, forced to the ground, frisked, and arrested in a raid that included officers about 10 police cars and many undercover personnel.

Some bar patrons have filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming a violation of their civil rights.

LEATHER ARCHIVES ON SOUND FOOTING

2010-02-12T20:08:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release
Contact : Executive Director Rick Storer

6418 N Greenview Ave
Chicago, IL 60626
773.761.9200

www.leatherarchives.org

Leather Archives and Museum Begins the Decade Financially Strong

The Leather Archives & Museum is beginning the decade fiscally strong and with exciting plans to further its work of preserving, archiving and displaying the history of the international fetish community. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, located in the Roger's Park neighborhood of Chicago, set record development goals in 2009 despite the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

President and Founder Chuck Renslow, who also founded the International Mister Leather Contest in 1978, emphasized the generous and growing support of individuals and leather organizations in the past year : "Thanks to our expanding support base, as indicated by a nearly fifty percent increase in membership dues as well as a fifty percent increase in contributions from individuals and organizations, The Leather Archives & Museum stands strong on a solid financial foundation. Indeed the organization is more fiscally resilient now than ever since its founding in 1991."

Mark Frazier, a recipient of the Pantheon of Leather Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 who joined the LA&M's Audit Committee in 2009, reported that the annual audit indicates a 26% increase in the operating fund. "The LA&M is poised to expand its programming in the new decade, and hopefully establish an endowment fund to ensure the preservation of the fascinating history of the leather tribe for years to come."

The Board of Director's fiscal management in the past year permitted the LA&M to purchase the historically significant mural, "The Gold Coast Man," that was created by Dom "Etienne" Orejudos in 1966 to promote the legendary Gold Coast Bar in Chicago. The LA&M has several major initiatives for 2010, including the long-awaited Women's Leather History Project, the acquisition of the Marcus Herandez and Fakir Musafar collections, and the purchase of a new computer system to help preserve our leather history in a digital format.

The most recently filed Federal Form 990 as well as the financial returns for two prior years may be viewed at www.guidestar.org. For more information about the Leather Archives & Museum, view the organization's website at www.leatherarchives.org or call Executive Director Rick Storer at 773.761.9200.

NY RAWHIDE LEATHER CONTEST plus RON PERKOV!

2010-02-03T23:05:00.000-08:00

The New York Rawhide Bar has just announced that it will hold its first leather contest the weekend of March 12. This, by itself, would be great news, but they've also just announced the contest's Saturday night entertainment - Billboard Dance Chart star, Ron Perkov. Perkov often works with famed DJ, Tony Moran, and if you're not familiar with his music, check out this video. It's sure to be a hot weekend at the Rawhide!

HEART OF AMERICA LEATHER CONTEST - SCHEDULE

2010-02-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

THE HEART OF AMERICA LEATHER MAN & BOY CONTEST 2010 -- IT'S HERE!

2010 Heart of America LeatherMan and Leatherboy Weekend, February 5-7, 2010 in Kansas City, Missouri.

To start the weekend off on Friday night we are proud to announce the Official HOAL Meet & Greet ~Blackout Party starting at Missie B's @ 2100 hours~ featuring our Cigar Party & Demos! Join us as we introduce our contestants and staff for the weekend.

Saturday there will be world class educational classes presented by top notch presenters, followed by a luncheon prepared by the staff of Missie B’s & Bootleggers.

Here is the Class schedule: Classes are Free. Location is Missie B's- 805 W 39th Kansas City, MO 64112.

12:30pm

Master Malik- Mummification: A Journey Inward

Janet Ryan- Leather History in Pictures

1:30pm

UltraDomme- Fantasy to Reality

Sir Dart- Bondage Bullfighting

2:30pm

Sir David - Rough Body Play and Deep Tissue Bruising

Mid-Afternoon feel free to take a break and enjoy shopping on the Country Club Plaza, Power and Light District or just relax before the evening festivities start promptly at 2000 hours.

Sunday the victory brunch will be @ Missie B’s at 11:00am featuring the new Heart of America LeatherMan and Leatherboy 2010

A very Special Thank You to the Heart of America Full Event Sponsors:

Missie B's~The Leather Shop~The View on The Hill~Dogs World of Fun

Questions, Concerns or General Information:
Producer boy elena-

(c) 2002-2009 - KC boys of Leather

SENATOR MCCASKILL ON DADT

2010-02-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

Two months ago, I wrote Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) regarding the anti-gay military policy, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." I'm posting her response, which appeared in my email today.

February 1, 2010

Dear Mr. Christopher,

Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts on the discharging of gay and lesbian
service members from the military. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the
opportunity to respond.

The Pentagon's current policy on gay men and women serving in the military, commonly
referred to as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," reflects the belief that a service member's
sexual orientation is a private matter. Members of the military are not permitted to
ask about another service member's sexual orientation, and gay service members are
not to discuss their sexual orientation. The U.S. military has supported the policy
based on concerns for readiness and unit cohesion. The practical effect of "Don't
Ask, Don't Tell" is that it prevents gay men and women from serving openly in the
military.

Questions regarding the usefulness of the policy of dismissing service members who
reveal their homosexuality have been raised in recent years by military leaders.
Former Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff General John Shalikashvili (Ret.) and
former Secretary of Defense William Cohen have called for the repeal of this policy;
and former Secretary of State Colin Powell has called for a review of the policy he
helped craft.Â On November 17, 2008, 104 retired generals and admirals signed a
letter in support of the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

While numbers released by the Pentagon reveal that fewer gay service members have
been discharged since the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq began, personnel serving
in critical operations for the war on terror, like Arabic and Farsi linguists, have
been forced to leave the service.

President Obama has stated that it is time to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
policy, and I agree with him. As our Armed Forces seek to add personnel in the
coming years, and the services' recruitment and retention policies are reviewed, I
believe that Congress, working in concert with our military leaders, should reverse
this policy . We must recognize that thousands of brave, gay Americans have served,
and served well, in our military.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the
future if I can be of further assistance to you on this or any other issue.

Sincerely,

Claire McCaskill

United States Senator

P.S. If you would like more information about resources that can help Missourians,
or what I am doing in the Senate on your behalf, please sign up for my email
newsletter at www.mccaskill.senate.gov.

"SEXUAL HORROR" AT LEATHER ARCHIVES

2010-01-29T15:52:00.000-08:00

The Leather Archives & Museum Hosts...
a thorough exploration of pornography, kink, consent, and fine lines

GRAPHIC SEXUAL HORROR

documentary and discussion featuring film director Barbara Bell. Presented by Clarisse Thorn and the Sex+++ Film Series at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum in support of the Leather Archives & Museum

This event is generously sponsored by Shibaricon, the world's premier international pansexual annual rope bondage educational conference. Located in the Chicago area May 28-31, 2010.

When: Friday, February 12, 7:30PM

Where: The Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 N. Greenview Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626. For more information, please contact Director of Programming, Jennifer Tyburczy, at jennifert@leatherarchives.org

Suggested Donation: $5-10

Light refreshments provided by Shibaricon

"Graphic Sexual Horror" takes a peek behind the facade of Insex.com, a notorious bondage website, exploring the mind of its artistic creator and asking hard questions about personal responsibility. Original Insex footage, behind-the-scenes interactions, and interviews with website creator PD, models, members, and staff reveal deep fascinations with bondage and sadomasochism that run parallel, and in fact become irreversibly entwined with the lure of money.

InSex was shut down by federal prosecutors, but its story asks questions that are still relevant. Can paying a BDSM partner distort his or her consent? Why were prosecutors so easily able to force a legal business to fold? Come out, watch the documentary, and talk about it afterwards! Director Barbara Bell will be present for the discussion, which will be moderated by pro-BDSM activist Clarisse Thorn.

This is a benefit for the Leather Archives & Museum, and we're requesting a $5-10 donation from attendees -- please help preserve the history of alternative sexuality!

Thanks to our documentary film series sponsor, Sex+++ at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum -- a free documentary film series for people who like sex!

[ http://www.uic.edu/jaddams/hull/Events/sexPositive/sexPositive.html ]

Special Thanks to the Graphic Sexual Horror Event sponsor, Shibaricon-for more information on Shibaricon and the May 2010 conference in Chicago visit,

http://www.shibaricon.com/

Screening facilitated by Clarisse Thorn -- sex-positive activist and original curator of the Sex+++ Film Series, home on vacation from her work in Africa!

[ http://clarissethorn.wordpress.com/ ]

"GRAPHIC SEXUAL HORROR" [ http://www.graphicsexualhorror.com/ ]

Friday, February 12, 7.30PM, Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 N. Greenview Ave, $5-10 suggested donation.

About Leather Archives & Museum
The Leather Archives & Museum is a unique museum, library and archives with collections centered on leather, fetishism and sadomasochism. For more information, please visit http://www.leatherarchives.org

THE MANCRUNCH SUPER BOWL AD - WILL CBS GROW A PAIR AND RUN IT?

2010-01-28T23:53:00.000-08:00

DOES CBS HAVE THE BALLS TO RUN THIS AD FOR THE MANCRUNCH WEBSITE?

CBS has long had a policy of refusing to run what it called "advocacy advertisements." Perhaps the most famous of the rejections came when the network declined to run a United Church of Christ ad a couple of years ago which appeared to criticize the unwelcoming attitudes of many other churches while touting their own inclusionary policies.

Recently, however, CBS announced that they had changed that policy and would now carry such "advocacy ads" and ads of a controversial nature. This revelation accompanied news that they would run an anti-abortion advertisement from the radical right-wing organization, Focus on the Family. To test CBS's newfound openness, the ManCrunch website put together the following advertisement. No word as of this writing as to whether or not CBS will accept it for major Superbowl airing.

LADY GAGA'S "TEETH"

2010-01-28T23:41:00.000-08:00

LEATHER AND VAMPIRES - WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE? Okay, okay, maybe Lady Gaga, herself. I'm not a great fan of her music, but she's become a major gay icon in a very short time, owing largely to her open support of our community and performances with more than just a touch of gay sensibility. Enjoy!

SENATOR NAKED WINS!

2010-01-20T16:59:00.001-08:00

WOULD YOU FUCK THIS MAN? HAVE YOU FUCKED THIS MAN?

Some photos just need to be preserved for posterity. Meet republican Scott Brown, the new United States Senator from Massachusetts and self-declared homophobe. Brown defeated democrat Martha Coakley last night to claim the senatorial seat vacated by Ted Kennedy's death. Despite flabby abs, wimpy arms, an undefined chest and a penis he can hide behind his wrist, he sure is kinda purty. In a bottom-boy sort of way.

You do kind of have to wonder. Would a woman with nude pictorials and magazine centerfolds in her background have stood even a snowball's chance in hell of getting a major party nomination, let alone actually winning a seat?

As reported by ontopmag.com, while Coakley's pro-gay rights positions were well known, Brown attempted to cloak his views, refusing to answer such questions from the mainstream media. Brown would only say he holds a similar position on gay marriage as President Obama, who publicly supports civil unions for gay and lesbian couples.

Brown, however, did respond to questions from the anti-gay group Massachusetts Family Institute. According to a scorecard released by the group, Brown opposes gay marriage, laws that would outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace and repeal of the military's ban on open gay service, also known as “don't ask, don't tell.”

He has frequently enraged gay-rights campaigners, at one point describing a lesbian's decision to have children as "not normal".

In 2007, he voted for an amendment that would have banned gay marriage in Massachusetts.

At one point during the current campaign, a man in his audience shouted, "We should shove a curling iron up Martha Coakley's butt!" The classy Mr. Brown responded, "We can do that!"

So, it's fair now to ask just what exactly has been shoved up Senator Naked's butt? Take a close look at that pouty little mouth and those spongy thighs. Do you recognize this boy? HAVE YOU FUCKED THIS MAN?

LEATHER ARCHIVES - Tom Stice Resigns

2010-01-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

CHICAGO, IL - January 17, 2010 - The Board of Directors of the Leather Archives & Museum [LA&M] announced today that Tom Stice has decided to resign his position on the Board of Directors, a position he has held since 2001.

"Tom has been an influential Board Member for the LA&M, investing his time, network and numerous public appearances for the benefit of the museum" said Chuck Renslow, Leather Archives & Museum President and founder. "He spoke with many leather men and women about the importance of their history and the LA&M. His connections in Chicago, Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale were pivotal in spreading the word about why saving this history was key." added Renslow. In addition to providing outreach opportunities for the LA&M, Tom served on several Board committees including special events and grants. In 2004, Tom helped to establish the LA&M President's Award to recognize outstanding contributions to the institution. In 2005, Tom presented the first President's Award at the LA&M's mortgage burning celebration.

About Leather Archives & Museum
The Leather Archives & Museum is a library, museum and archives pertaining to Leather, fetishism, sadomasochism, and alternative sexual practices. The geographic collection scope is worldwide and includes all sexual orientations and genders. The library collection contains published books, magazines, scholarly publications, films and electronic resources related to the subject matter. The museum collection contains original erotic art and artifacts from alternative
sex organizations and individuals. The archival collection contains unpublished papers and records from notable activists, artists, businesses and organizations related to the subject matter. For more information about the LA&M, please visit http://www.leatherarchives.org
.

Leather Archives & Museum
Rick Storer
Executive Director
773.761.9200

NEWS FROM THE LEATHER HALL OF FAME!

2010-01-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

I WAS PLEASED TO FIND THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE WEBSITE OF THE RECENTLY ORGANIZED LEATHER HALL OF FAME. With a goal of preserving our leather history, this is an organization worthy of our attention and support.

Satyrs, DeBlase and Olson/Morrison Selected for Leather Hall of FameSatyrs, DeBlase and Olson/Morrison Selected for Leather Hall of Fame
Induction Ceremonies at CLAW 9 on April 25, 2010
The Board of Governors of the Leather Hall of Fame (LHOF) is pleased to announce the 2010 inductees: The Satyrs MC; Tony DeBlase; and Frank Olson/Don Morrison (elected as a couple).

The Satyrs MC was founded in 1954 in Los Angeles and is the longest continuously running gay organization in America, leather or otherwise. The Satyrs was formed by leather-clad bikers interested in sex during an era when that sort of sexual expression often resulted in arrest. From the beginning, the Satyrs rode to national parks for camping and sex with men, and they still host their annual Badger Flat Run, now in its 49th year. Many clubs and organizations around the world can trace some part of their roots back to the Satyrs or the bylaws they adopted back in 1954. Member of the Satyrs stood up to the Los Angeles Police Departments raids of the 70s, eventually resulting in the end of those raids and entrapments. The Satyrs continue to be a very active club with as bright a future as they have a notorious past.

Frank Olson and Don Morrison were among the most important founders of the leather scene in New York City. They were famous for many parties, at that time the major leather social events, both in New York City and on Fire Island. Frank was the principal person behind the opening of the Eagles Nest, for many years New Yorks premier leather bar. During the Worlds Fair that took place in New York in 1964/5, the NYPD kept closing gay bars, including the leather bars. Frank kept finding new places as old ones were closed, leading the community like Moses through the social wilderness, until the police pressure abated. He was also a founding member of the gay bike club scene in New York. Frank and Don are still together and living in Pennsylvania.

Tony DeBlase was perhaps the most transformational figure in the history of the leather community. He developed the contest and demonstration schedule at the Chicago Hellfire Clubs Inferno, and he helped export those lessons to other, less experienced SM clubs. He was the Founding publisher of DungeonMaster magazine, the best and most extensive published source of SM technique, much of it written by DeBlase himself. He was the publisher of Drummer magazine during its peak years from 1986-1992. He was a co-founder of the Leather Archives & Museum where he served as an officer and developed the Leather History Time Lines. He wrote leather fiction under the name Fledermous, and was a frequent lecturer and workshop leader. In 1989 he designed the Leather Pride Flag. He won multiple awards and was a mentor to many. Tony died in July, 2000.

The three runners up in the 2010 voting were publisher/writer/filmmaker Leonard Burtman, New York scene pioneer Bob Milne, and Mr. S. founder Alan Selby.

LHOF was formed to honor and preserve the legacy of the extraordinary men and women who have significantly impacted and shaped the history of the Leather/BDSM communities worldwide since 1950. By publicly acknowledging and honoring those individuals, it is LHOFs mission to preserve the history of our communities, to pay respect to the leaders and trailblazers who came before us, and to establish a permanent and unbiased resource for anyone interested in leather culture to learn about the people who built its foundations and guided its evolution. The Board of Governors of the LHOF represents a diverse, pansexual cross-section of the some of the leather communitys most widely-respected and longest-standing academics and activists. LHOF has gone to great pains to insure that the internal voting process is confidential, professional and free of politics or cliquishness. Nominations can be made by anyone in the community. The chief criterion for eligibility is that nominees have made substantial contributions to BDSM/leather dating back at least 15 years. Nominations are accepted throughout the year at www.leatherhalloffame.com. The annual deadline for nominations is October 15th. The Board of Governors carefully evaluates all nominations and selects three inductees each year. Nominations that are not selected are carried over to be considered the following year.

The initial focus is on the earliest pioneers of our community. The LHOFs first three inductees (2009) were Tom of Finland (Touko Laaksonen), the prolific artist whose stylized homoerotic art had a profound effect on gay and leather culture; Chuck Renslow, founder of the Chicagos legendary Gold Coast bar, International Mr. Leather, the Leather Archives & Museum, and dozens of other projects; and artist John Willie, a major figure in the development of the imagery and culture of heterosexual and lesbian BDSM in the mid twentieth century. Learn more about our first three inductees at www.leatherhalloffame.com.

The Leather Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies will be held at CLAW 9 at the Wyndham Hotel in Cleveland, OH on Sunday, April 25, 2010. We invite all leather people to join us to celebrate and honor the lives and accomplishments of these great inductees. Find out more and order your tickets now at www.clawinfo.org.

For more information about the Leather Hall of Fame, visit www.leatherhalloffame.com

COMING - HoA LEATHER BOY COMPETITION!

2010-01-11T16:39:00.000-08:00

THE HEART OF AMERICA LEATHER BOY 2010 CONTEST IS FAST APPROACHING! Mark your calendars for February 5-7 and plan to attend!

“Boys, bois, boys”

Heart of America Leather Productions is proud to bring you the Heart of America Leatherboy 2010 competition. What we need is for all the leather families to come out and enjoy the weekend, support the community, our sponsors and join in the competition…whether running for the title, supporting our presenters or cheering on your favorite leatherboy! Heart of America Leather contest is open to all Gay,Lesbian or Trans - non gender specific boys over the age of 21 who are US Citizens and live in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska or Oklahoma.

To start the weekend off on Friday night we are proud to announce the Official HOALb Meet & Greet ~Blackout Party starting at Missie B's @ 2100 hours~ featuring our Cigar Party & Demos! Join us as we introduce our contestants and staff for the weekend.

Saturday there will be world class educational classes presented by top notch presenters, followed by a luncheon prepared by the staff of Missie B’s & Bootleggers. Mid-Afternoon feel free to take a break and enjoy shopping on the Country Club Plaza, Power and Light District or just relax before the evening festivities start promptly at 2100 hours.

Sunday the victory brunch @ Missie B’s will feature all the contestants and the new Heart of America Leatherboy 2010

Questions, Concerns or General Information:
Producer, boy elena- President of KC Boys of Leather

SPECIAL FILM SCREENING AT LEATHER ARCHIVES

2010-01-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

The Leather Archives & Museum Presents...

QUEARBORN & PERVERSION TO SCREEN AT THE LEATHER ARCHIVES & MUSEUM FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY ON JANUARY 16, 2010 AT 8PM.
If you missed the showing at the Music Box Theatre in October, here's your second chance...Come for the film and stay for the talkback with Filmmaker Ron Pajak (pictured right) and legendary leatherman, Chuck Renslow!

Filmmaker Ron Pajak's documentary, QUEARBORN & PERVERSION, will be shown on Saturday, January 16th at 8:00PM at the Leather Archives & Museum (6418 N. Greenview Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626).

Co-produced by the Chicago History Museum, QUEARBORN & PERVERSION has taken ten years of research and includes eighty oral histories that have been collected, representing various demographics of the pre-liberation lesbian and gay landscape in Chicago.

Interviewees include Augie Flanagan, one of the first lesbian bar owners; Studs Terkel, who reminisces about his meetings with Pearl Hart, a pioneering attorney and friend of the community; Chuck Renslow, a founding father of male beefcake photography; and Yvonne Hudson and Ernestine Medley, who reveal how they overcame racism in being accepted by their white sisters.

Enriching and illustrating these compelling interviews are treasured private photo collections, old home movies and print memorabilia. Each person's interview gives voice to an important component of the struggle to live an emotionally honest life at a time when society's labels of "pervert" and "sick" brainwashed many.

The film also explores the nation's first organized homosexual-rights group established by writer Henry Gerber, the subsequent development of a strong social underground structure for men and women in the 1940's and 1950's, and such early rights organizations as Daughters of Bilitis and Mattachine Midwest.

Then, in 1969, the strategic placement of a classified ad explicitly in search of a gay roommate by activist Henry Wiemhoff in the University of Chicago's college newspaper, "THE MAROON", sowed the seeds of the newly emerging Gay Liberation movement.

QUEARBORN & PERVERSION concludes in the early 1970's with the flashpoints of the first gay right's march (not yet identified as a parade), same-sex dances and the opening of the first community center.

Suggested donation $5-10 sliding scale at the door. All proceeds from the door benefit the Leather Archives & Museum. Film will be followed by a talkback with the filmmaker and featured cast member, LA&M founder, Chuck Renslow. DVD copies of the film will also be available for sale after the screening.

For additional information, contact Ron Pajak, 312/925-7800 - ron@awesomehero.com. Also, visit www.quearbornandperversion.com

Film maker, Ron Pajak

For more information on the Leather Archives & Museum, including information on how you can rent our beautiful Etienne Auditorium for your event, visit us at http://www.leatherarchives.org or write to Director of Programming, Jennifer Tyburczy, at jennifert@leatherarchives.org.

About Leather Archives & Museum
About the LA&M : The Leather Archives & Museum is a unique museum, library and archives with collections centered on leather, fetishism and sadomasochism. For more information, please visit http://www.leatherarchives.org

BOYCOTT UGANDAN COFFEE, Part 2

2009-12-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

See the previous blog post for details regarding this boycott of Ugandan Coffee. The boycott is a response to Uganda's draconian "Kill the Gays" law, which is expected to pass Uganda's parliament in the next few weeks.

To the list of coffees included in the first post, please at UGANDAN DELICIOUS PEACE COFFEE. This coffee is currently distributed in the United States by the Thanksgiving Coffee Company, located in Fort Bragg, California. The motto for this coffee is "Not just a cup - but a JUST cup." However, there is no justice at all in Uganda for gays and lesbians.

Drop this business a note or call them to tell them you why you will not buy their product and that they're supporting a homophobic and oppressive government.

Thanksgiving Coffee Company •
Mail Order (800) 648-6491 • Wholesale (800) 462-1999
19100 South Harbor Drive, Fort Bragg, CA 95437

BOYCOTT UGANDAN COFFEE!

2009-12-08T17:34:00.001-08:00

Uganda is on the verge of passing a horrific new law that would sentence gays and lesbians in that country to death or life inmprisonment. It would sentence people who know homosexuals and do not report them to three years in prison. Rachel Maddow has covered this proposed "Kill the Gays" law extensively on her program, and news stories about this massive human rights violation are all over the internet. This law has not yet passed the Ugandan parliament, but no one doubts that it will.

What can we here in America do? Uganda's national budget is extremely dependent upon foreign aid, and the United States provides a large portion of that aid. Contact your legislators and senators. Insist that they take notice of what's happening in Uganda and urge that, if this law passes, all American foreign aid immediately be discontinued.

But we can do more. We can boycott Uganda's largest export product, and that's coffee. Particularly, it's coffee made from Robusta and Arabica coffee beans.

Do not buy coffee labeled Robusta or Arabica without consulting the label. These are the two primary types of coffee grown in Uganda. If the label says Uganda, put it back on the shelf and inform the store owner why you will not buy it.

Starbucks is a huge purchaser of Ugandan coffee. Let your local coffee shop know about this law. Inform them that you won't be buying any coffee product from Uganda. Ask them to discontinue that coffee.

Dean & Deluca, an upscale specialty store with locations in many major cities, carries a variety of Ugandan coffees.

Millstone Coffees also distributes brands made with Ugandan beans.

Boycott any coffee labeled "Ugandan Gold," which is produced and distributed by an Evanglical Anglican group in Uganda and distributed by Old Time Coffee Co out of Middlesex, PA.

Boycott any product called "Ugandan Mountain Coffee," which is distributed by Coffee Legends, Inc.

Act now. Don't wait. Enlist your friends and spread the word. Boycott Ugandan Coffee.

PA Leather Pride Donates $9,300 to Leather Archives!

2009-12-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE
December 4, 2009

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Rick Storer
Leather Archives & Museum

Philadelphia Leather Pride Night donates $9,300 to Leather Archives

Chicago, IL - December 4, 2009 - The first annual Philadelphia Leather Pride Night, held November 7th, 2009, donated $9,300 to the Leather Archives & Museum. The funds were raised through individual and corporate sponsorships, donations, a silent auction featuring auctioneer Jo Arnone, raffles, and the generosity of the event attendees. The evening's festivities, emceed by International Ms. Leather 1996 Jill Carter, also raised funds for the Leather Heart Foundation and By the Grace of George Fund. Philadelphia Leather Pride Night was produced by Mid Atlantic Leather Woman 2009 Cowboi Jen.

Philadelphia Leather Pride Night 2010 has been scheduled for November 6th. Visit www.plpn.org for more information about the event. Visit www.leatherarchives.org for more information about the Leather Archives & Museum.

HOUSE OF HATE AND BIGOTRY

2009-12-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

Over 150 protestors showed up this past Sunday at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica after learning that the archdiocese donated $10,000 to defeat same-sex marriage in Maine. The protesters included a 90-year old woman with two grown lesbian daughters and a 10-year old girl there to defend her lesbian mother.

Also attending the rally was Jacob Piwowarczyk, 21, of St. Louis, who showed up with a badly injured eye and an arm in a sling. He and two friends were attacked by four men in the parking lot of a gay bar early Saturday morning in what he called a hate crime.

"Are the Catholic dollars placed in the offering basket behind us not private? Do you tell the donors what you are doing with them?" organizer Ed Reggi of Show Me No Hate told the crowd. "Why not fund love, archbishop?"

St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson released a statement in response to Sunday's protest, saying the donation came from a "special needs fund" supported with "private gifts" that is not used for formal operations. The fund is used at the archbishop's discretion, so responsibility for this act bigotry lies directly at Carlson's feet.

Show Me No Hate, the group responsible for organizing the protest, wants same-sex marriage legalized in Missouri. They plan to rally outside the New Cathedral every Sunday throughout Advent, a twenty-five day period straddling the Christmas holiday.

The Roman Catholic Church led the successful charge to overturn a law that would have made Maine the sixth state to allow same-sex marriage. Leading up to the Nov. 3 vote, 45 dioceses around the country contributed a total of $180,550 to the effort, according to campaign finance records.

Tax-exempt religious organizations are not allowed to participate in political campaigns for candidates, but they can "engage in advocating for or against issues and, to a limited extend, ballot initiatives," according to Internal Revenue Service regulations.

It's very much past time work to toward stripping churches, especially the Catholic Church, of their tax exemptions. The Catholic Church has become nothing more than a right-wing political action committee and a hate group. They recently attempted flat-out blackmail in an effort to stop a Washington, D.C. city council vote on same-sex marriage.

JOIN THE "GAY DOLLARS" CAMPAIGN

2009-12-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

Last month, the citizens of Maine voted away the marriage rights of Gay people. Today, we were handed another heart-breaking defeat in New York. Maybe it's time to remind people of the real lives these votes are affting. Especially, let's remind merchants in your area of the Gay Community's spending power.

Do you want to protest the discriminatory laws and policies that make us second-class citizens? Maybe you can't take to the streets but would like to make some kind of quieter statement?

Take out a pen or magic marker and write "Gay Dollars" visibly on every dollar bill in your wallet or purse. Encourage your friends to do the same. And keep doing it. Put these bills into circulation and let the message pass from one hand to the other. They say that money talks in this culture. So let your money speak for you.

Not quite comfortable with handing your grocer a bill marked "Gay Dollars?" Then take up that pen or magic marker and write "Equality Now!"

Just Do It.

"Mister Marcus" - R.I.P.

2009-11-25T12:05:00.000-08:00

I'm horribly behind with this blog for all sorts of important reasons, but I must post on this. I'm grieved to learn of the passing of a true leather community legend. On October 8, 2009, Gilbert Hernandez, known better as "Mister Marcus," died from complications resulting from diabetes and arteriosclerosis.

Mister Marcus had a long and distinguished list of accomplishments, too many to recount here. H wrote a weekly column on leather happenings for the Bay Area Reporter for decades. He was a judge at the International Mr. Leather competition every year until recently when they stopped allowing repeat judges, and then he was named "judge-emeritus," after which he was given the honor of announcing the top-twenty finalists, always in his own inimitable style, and often in special costumes designed just for the ocassion. He judged leather contests all across the country year after year, and he mentored literally hundreds of title-holders and contestants. He was immensely generous with his time and contributed inestimable energy to community service. He served six years in the air force, is survived by four sons, had a special day named for him by the mayor of San Francisco ... so many more facts.

But a man's life is more than just facts. I met Mister Marcus on several ocassions and quickly pegged him as a witty, cantankerous, and delightful old gentleman. He was one of the judges at the first leather competion I ever entered - the Mr. Dixie Belle Contest in Kansas City. Yes, the name of that bar always got a laugh, and Mister Marcus made no end of fun. "So why would anybody want to be Mr. Dixie Belle!" Ultimately, I lost the contest by a couple of points, taking first runner-up, instead. I wasn't upset at all; indeed, I was honored. However, Mister Marcus took me aside, said many kind things, and made me promise to compete again someday.

I also discovered that Mister Marcus knew my "San Francisco grandfather" well, and held him in utter disdain. It didn't matter, I told him, I could honor and respect two gentlemen at the same time.

I saw him at other contests a few times and for the last time at the 30th anniversary of the International Mr. Leather contest in Chicago last year. I thought he didn't look well then. Two months later, during San Francisco's gay pride weekend at the end of June, he collapsed and entered the hospital. He got out for only a short time, and then re-entered the hospital just before the Dore Alley Festival. And he remained there until his passing. He was 77 years old.

WE LOSE MAINE, WASHINGTON UNDETERMINED

2009-11-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

The forces of hatred and oppression scored another victory last night as 53% of Maine voters voted in favor of Proposition 1 and to repeal the recently passed law allowing same-sex marriage in that state. The news came on the one-year anniversary of a similar decision in California.

In Washington State where voters responded to Propositin 71, which was dubbed the "Everything but Marriage" law, results are still to be determined, however, things are looking a little better. The law would grant same-sex couples the same rights as married couples, just not the word "marriage. However, because of Washington's mail-in ballot system, final results may not be known for days. So far, voters are approving Referendum 71 by a margin of 52.4 percent to 47.6 percent. Early results had the referendum being rejected but the tide turned with the infusion of votes from King and Snohomish Counties.

There were a few other bright spots in elections around the country. Kalamazoo voters decided by almost a 2-to-1 margin to retain Gay Rights non-descrimination protections, stunning opponents who had twice previously forced the city council to reconsider those protections and ultimately forced the ballot measure.

In Detroit, openly gay former news reporter Charles Pugh will lead that city's city council.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina elected Mark Kleinschmidt, the city's first openly gay mayor.

And in Houston, Texas, openly gay Houston city controller Annise Parker will face attorney Gene Locke in a run-off election for mayor. In a broad field of candidates, Parker and Locke were the two top vote-getters, with Parker receiving 30%to Locke's 25%.

Still, the loss in Maine stings. It's time to change our political stratgies and divest ourselves of the illusion that Barack Obama is our friend. Friends don't stand silently on the sidelines with their hands in their pockets while civil rights are stripped away. The words, "fierce advocate" are rotten meat in his mouth. Nor should the Democratic Party, as a whole, be let off the hook.

It's time to consider the lessons of history. Without H. Rapp Brown and Stokely Carmichael, Malcolm X and Angela Davis, nobody would have given Martin Luthor King teh time of day. Where would the fight against AIDS be without ACT-UP?

It's time to consider open civil disobedience.

LEATHER AT DIVERSITY WEEKEND - EUREKA SPRINGS

2009-11-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

On October 30th, my parter and I jumped into his plane and made an impromptu overnight trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas to take part in the Friday night festivities of that town's Fall Diversity Weekend. For those who don't know, this tiny bright oasis of tolerance in the middle of Arkansas hosts two events each year - the Spring and Fall Diversity weekends -- to which gay men and lesbians from all over the country flock. It's truly a welcoming environment.

For the first time, one of the bars in Eureka hosted a Leather Night. The bar is called Henri's and is nestled right in the middle of downtown Eureka Springs. On our previous trips to Diversity Weekend events, neither my partner nor I had ever encountered much going on in the way of leather, so naturally we packed none for this simple overnight trip. When we walked into Henri's in the middle of the afternoon and learned what they had planned for the evening, we rolled our eyes and slapped our heads like extras in a Charlie Chaplin movie.

However, the afternoon visit proved fortuitous. Business was just casual enough to give me a chance to talk with Henri's manager, Lynn Whitley. Lynn explained that she came from a strong leather background, mostly in the Tulsa community. This Friday Leather Night represented the bar's first-time effort, however they plan to continue to offer leather events at all future Diversity Weekends. Lynn was very conversational, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the leather scene, and she urged us to return later that evening.

Of course, we did. With a bare minimum of leather, specifically a motorcycle jacket and my favorite polished combat boots, I returned that evening with Ron to find the bar packed. Because it's called "Diversity Weekend" everyone is welcome, whether in leather or not, but a number of hot leather men and women were present, including the current Mr. Central Plains Leather and Mr. Oklahoma Leather 1997.

In leather or not, the crowd was lively and friendly. It seemed that everyone wanted to chat. "Where are you from?" was a common question. The bar is not huge, but with a spill-over dining area, I never felt crushed. The bar staff, including Lynn on duty that night, was quick and efficient, and the drinks very reasonably priced. Along with the dance music, a little ocassional karaoke (scary-oke) gets mixed in, but not so much as to intrude on the good time.

There is no leather contest associated with Henri's event, nor do they plan to introduce one, according to Lynn. This is for the best, in my opinion, as focusing on contestants and judges would detract from a celebration in which all the guests are the town's focus. A good leather party can thrive on its own, and Henri's hosted a fine leather party.

Good luck, Lynn, and good luck, Henri's. Your Leather Night is a fine addition to Diversity Weekend. Thank you for making our visit so terrific. I'll certainly spread the word.

FOLLOW-UP: MR. LOUISIANA LEATHER RESULTS

2009-11-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the wonderful Toni Pizanie, columnist for AMBUSH Magazine and one of the judges for the Mr. Louisiana Leather contest, I now have the results. She actually reported them much sooner, but I neglected to check all my email. Anyway, on with the winners!

Five hot men competed for the title in mid-October. Contestant #1 Gray Gibson, 31, 6', 185#, active in the Radical Faeries movement. New to the Leather lifestyle. Won Mr. Phoenix contest and sponsored by Phoenix Bar. Did not place.

#2 Brad Williams, 49, 5'10", 170#, teaches high school, active in church, soup kitchen and S&M. Sponsored by Rawhide. Did not place.

#3 Doug Duke, 44, 6'1", 175#, interested in Leather history and light bondage. Supports and enjoys Lords of Leather activities. Sponsored by Panda Bear. Placed second runner up (3rd).

#4 Toby Lefort, 37, 5'4", 150#, has raised $150,000 over 13 years for the NO/AIDS Task Force, member of the Lords of Leather, and title holder of Mr. Southern Renegades in Mobile, AL. Sponsored by Southern Renegades and B-Bob's Bar in Mobile. Placed 1st and well deserved.

#5 Jose Gonzalez, 34, 6', 205#, volunteers for NO/AIDS Task Force, helps friends rebuild their homes, a worthy cause after several hurricanes. New to the Leather lifestyle and eager to learn and share his experiences with the mainstream Gay community. No sponsor. Placed 2nd (first runner up) and loved by judges for his honesty and openness.

The judges and officials for Mr. Louisiana Leather 2010 included:

Michael Albracht, Mr. Louisiana Leather 2008

Bobby Connell, Owner of the Phoenix Bar

Larry Everett, International Mr. Leather 1995

Tony Pizanie, Political Activist and Contributing Journalist to AMBUSH Magazine.

and Joe Trotta, Manager of Rawhide 2010

John and Paul, owners of John Pauls served as tally masters.

So, congratulations to TOBY LEFORT, the reigning Mr. Louisiana Leather. Toby, I wish you the best of luck and hope you do very well at the International Mr. Leather competition next May.

And to all the competitors, the judges and the LORDS OF LEATHER, who sponsored the contest, thank you for an exciting event. New Orleans is a great city and lucky to have such a vibrant and thriving leather community.

Toby LeFort, Mr. Louisiana Leather 2010

(Note: the photographs used in this article are not mine, but the work of other photographers.)

LEATHER ARCHIVES & MUSEUM NEWS

2009-10-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jennifer Tyburczy, Ph.D., Joins the Leather Archives & Museum as Director of Programming

Chicago, IL - October 22, 2009 - Dr. Jennifer Tyburczy joins the Leather Archives & Museum [LA&M] staff shortly after successfully earning her Ph.D. from Northwestern University's Department of Performance Studies where she specialized in gender and sexuality studies.

At the LA&M, Tyburczy continues to pursue her theoretical scholarship while at the same time mobilizing educational programming that appeals to leather/kink/fetish communities as well as scholars and researchers. She ultimately wants to continue the LA&M's current function as a community center and establish the LA&M as the premier institute for conducting research on alternative sexuality in the United States.

"We're excited to have Dr. Tyburczy on board. Her experience and expertise will heighten the quality of educational programming and research opportunities the Leather Archives strives to bring its patrons" said Executive Director Rick Storer.

Tyburczy's articles on sexuality, visual culture, and the exhibition of sexual artifacts in museums have appeared in numerous journals, encyclopedias, and newsletters. She joins the LA&M staff as a teacher with over eight years of experience in the university classroom where she has taught classes as diverse as "Gender and Performance," "Sexuality and Visual Culture," and "Exhibiting Sexualities."

Tyburczy's dissertation work, entitled, "Exhibiting Sexualities: Pleasure, Power, and Performance in Museums," is the first full-length investigation of a group of museums in the Americas dedicated to the exhibition of sexuality. It describes how museums adopt and adapt certain themes, contexts, and display technologies to exhibit sexuality for diverse museum audiences.

About the LA&M : The Leather Archives & Museum is a unique museum, library and archives with collections centered on leather, fetishism and sadomasochism. For more information, please visit http://www.leatherarchives.org

PRESIDENT SIGNS HATE CRIMES BILL

2009-10-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

I'm not easily excitable, but I made a point of watching the CNN coverage of the President's signing ceremony today, October 28, as he put his name to the Mathew Shepard - James Bird Hate Crimes Legislation. As I watched the event on CNN, I also listened to coverage on Michael Signorile's Out-Q radio show.

The measure expands current hate crimes law to include violence based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. To assure its passage after eleven years of frustrated efforts, Democratic supporters attached the measure to the must-pass defense policy bill over the steep objections of many Republicans.

The president signed the bill using ten (I think) pens, and my heart pounded. When the various people standing around him, including the Secretary of Defense and many military officers, began to applaud I confess that I also applauded here at my desk. I'm not convinced that the bill will have any practical effect, that it will actually lead to a reduction in hate crimes, however, America should be as much about its ideals and its ideas. The Equal Protection of law and the constitution should be guaranteed for everyone. This bill takes another step in the right direction.

I have not always been a big supporter of President Obama. Despite his claims, he is no "fierce advocate" for our community. His administration has offered a very homophobic defense of DOMA; he's done nothing to halt "Don't Ask, Don't Tell;" he's remained totally silent about events taking place now in Maine and in Washington State that would strip gay people of hard-won rights in those states. For all the many promisees he made to our community, his feet must be held to the fire.

But today, this afternoon, I'm grateful to the president for taking this action. I'm grateful, also, to Senator Edward Kennedy, who championed this legislation for so many years before his death, and to Judy Shepard, who worked tirelessly to achieve this goal. This is a bright day for the Gay Nation.

Mr. Louisiana Leather - A Partial Review

2009-10-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this from New Orleans. My partner has had a business conference down here since the past Friday, and I've tagged along. A few days before we left, on an impulse, I checked the Calendar of Events in the Leather Journal and discovered that we were in town just in time for the annual Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest. Yippee! Now I would have dropped by the Phoenix/Eagle in any case, because my partner had never been there. This gave us an excuse to pack some leather.

Our schedule was tight, but we dressed in appropriate attire and headed to the Phoenix for Friday night's contestant meet-and-greet. The Phoenix has long been one of my favorite leather bars, and I was eager to see how it had changed in the five years since my last visit. Our hotel is on Canal Street near Harrah's Casino on Canal Street, and the Eagle is at the farthest end of the French Quarter in an area called Marigny. So we took a cab. The driver knew exactly where to go.

We were greeted by a very friendly pair of doormen. That was just the beginning. New Orleans is friendly country. The Phoenix is the downstairs bar, and the area was packed with men in leather and denim, many gathered around the pool table. The Phoenix also has an outdoor patio, which is new to me. It lends extra space and is a much welcome addition.

Up a steep flight of steps is the Eagle. Careful here - the ceiling is low and the stairway narrow, as if to give warning that you're entering a different world. The Eagle is dark and darker and sometimes, darkest, depending upon the bartender's mood. A jail cell adorns one corner. Customers sit or stand around a bar or lean on a long rail. At times, it can be hard to see each others' faces. However, Friday night the lights were just a bit brighter.

A very nice woman sat at one end of the bar, and she promptly beckoned me over. Why not? She was surrounded by attractive men. Her name was Toni Pizani. Something of a grandmotherly type, she introduced me to the other guys close by, who turned out to be members of the legendary Lords of Leather. I enjoyed her company quite a lot and enjoyed talking with the Lords. I may have to write a post about them. One of the oldest leather groups in the south, they are the first official gay mardi gras krewe. They do a lot of charity work down here, as well.

Toni, it turned out, was also one of the judges for the weekend's leather contest.

Now, as my subject line says, this is only a partial review of the event. In the crowded bar, I could not get the names of the other judges, nor were they familiar to me. Same thing for the five contestants. I had talked with several of them, but I didnt write down their names. I'm hoping to have that information soon for an update.

After the contestants and judges were introduced, the crowd began to thin out a little. A half hour later, my partner and I also headed out. The main event, the competition itself, was scheduled to take place the next evening at a different bar a giant disco called OZ in the French Quarter. I'm afraid that we declined to pay the $15 per person cover charge to view the final, not because of the cash, but because of the smoke.

Which brings me to my only problem with New Orleans bars. Both my partner and I have gotten so used to non-smoking bars in the major cities. It startled us to walk into the clouds of haze that fill the bars down here. The Phoenix/Eagle is still one of the great leather bars in the country, and the people are wonderful. However, between that bar and the numerous others we've visited, my eyes haven't burned so much in years, and I've got a suitcase full of stinking clothes.

So the Phoenix/Eagle gets an A+

Ms. Toni Pizani gets an A+ (read her column in the AMBUSH)

The hot men at the event get an A+

But the smoke gets an F. Get with the times, New Orleans. People don't want to breathe this shit anymore.

Video from the March on Washington

2009-10-12T01:07:00.000-07:00

Watch more AOL News videos on AOL Video

This raw video is courtesy of AP.

I wasn't able to attend the march, but I did listen to Obama's speech to HRC on a live CNN broadcast. I was very moved and proud as I listened to it over the radio with my partner. Afterward, however, the speech felt - empty. The speech was sharply delivered, yet ultimately Obama said nothing new. I want to hope. Maybe the passage of the hate-crimes legislation, once that vote is finalized, will shine a brighter light on things. But hate crimes legislation can't be enough. We have to continue to hold Obama's -- and the rest of the democrats' -- feet to the fire. The must move forward on the promises they made to us, and not just the small, easiest ones.

To those who marched today, thank you.

WASHINGTON MARCH THIS WEEKEND!

2009-10-08T00:15:00.001-07:00

This video is entitled "Will You March With Us in Washington?" Unfortunately, I will not be there. But my heart will be there with thousands of my gay brothers and sisters. These are the warriors of the gay community, the fighters. Out men and women, they are putting their bodies and their dollars on the front lines of the gay movemebt to fight for our rights in our nation's capital.

October 11 is National Coming Out Day. In its own quieter way it is as important as our Gay Pride celebrations because it reminds us of who we are, where we've come from, and where we have yet to go. It also provides one more opportunity to remind the broader straight society that we are here and we're not going away.

So much is on the line right now. In Maine we're fighting another effort to overturn our hard-won right to marry. In Washington state, we're fighting a right-wing effort to strip away domestic partner rights. A bill to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has just been introduced in congress. Several court cases across the country have been launched to repeal the hateful Defense of Marriage Act. In Washington, D.C. the city council is almost certain to approve same sex marriage, but that will have to be defended -- just as we have to defend every gain we've made in every state and city and town in America.

We've come a long way. But as we learned in California with Proposition 8, our gains can often be taken away with a simple vote.

Where ever you are this weekend -- on the street, in a theater or museum, in a restaurant or a bar -- remember those marchers in Washington. Power concedes nothing without action.

Gay Marine - A Profile In Courage

2009-10-05T21:44:00.001-07:00

Tim Smith, a four-year Marine, was just days away from assignment in Iraq a Marine chaplain betrayed a confidence and revealed to Smith's superiors that Smith was gay. Smith was honorably discharged and returned to his home in Memphis, Tennessee where he now attends university.

In a story that has now made national and international headlines, Tim Smith once again donned full Marine and appeared on a Memphis billboard, along with a message that said, "I'm gay and I protected your freedom." A plain simple and TRUE statement.

Then, some cowardly bigot ripped the billboard to shreds in the dark of night.

Smith says he expected some backlash, but nothing quite like this. “As a gay veteran, I have to be able to speak for those still serving in uniform that aren't able to." He added, "It was more or less shock and then it turned to righteous indignation and anger towards whoever had done it and that the act had even been committed,” says Smith.

It's not the first time Smith has faced adversity because of his sexual orientation. He was kicked out of the Marines under the 'Don’t Ask, Don't Tell policy' -- less than a month before he was supposed to deploy to Iraq.

“It was the result of a minister pushing the issue of my being gay and being allowed to continue to serve,” says Smith.

Despite the billboard's destruction, Smith says he feels the attitude towards gay people is changing. “I think the person or persons who did this are of a dying breed and that kind of hate is a dying hate.”

Smith says there have not been any threats made against him, and he's not afraid.

The billboard has gone back up, along with four other billboards with different messages, all in time for National Coming Out Day.

Memphis police say they are investigating this as a theft of property. Right now, it has not been classified as a hate crime. Duh. Memphis police have their heads up their asses.

World War II Vet Speaks Up for Gay Marriage

2009-10-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

This is a remarkable statement by an 86 year old veteran of World War II giving testimony in Maine on behalf of Maine Equality. Listen to his response when someone asked him outside a voting booth if he believed in equality for gays and lesbians.

ATLANTA EAGLE FOLLOW-UP -- POLICE APOLOGIZE

2009-09-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Chief of Police Richard Pennington has issued an apology as a result of the raid on the Atlanta Eagle Bar, which occurred last week. Twenty-one officers, nine undercover and twelve uniformed police, in ten squad cars with three paddy wagons, essentially attacked the bar and the sixty-two patrons inside.

At a press conference, Pennington said he takes seriously allegations of police misconduct. He also expressed regret that Danni Lynn Harris, the department’s liason with the gay and lesbian community, had not been notified of the raid.

“She should have been invited,” Pennington said. If she had been there, the chief said, any inappropriate behavior by the officers could have been curtailed.

“This is very unfortunate this incident occurred,” Pennington said. “I’m sorry for what happened.”

Pennington claimed that the department had received previous complaints of drug use and sales at the bar. Additionally, he said that undercover officers had visited the bar on two previous occasions and witnessed sex acts. However, despite this BLUNT SHOW OF FORCE, by Pennington's department, no drugs were discovered on the premises or any of the staff or customers, nor was anyone arrested for public lewdness or lewd acts. Nor has anyone been arrested at the Eagle for either of those charges. "We have a clean record for thirteen years," said one of the Eagle's co-owners.

A demonstration was held on Sunday in protest of the raid. At least ten people have filed formal complaints against the police department.

WTF, ATLANTA???

2009-09-11T18:48:00.001-07:00

WHO SENDS A SQUAD OF UNDERCOVER OFFICERS, TEN POLICE CARS AND TWO PADDY WAGONS TO INVESTIGATE A "NOISE COMPLAINT?" Apparently the Atlanta Police Department.

In a move strangely reminiscent of the recent Fort Worth raid on the Rainbow Lounge, Atlanta police turned out in force to raid the popular Atlanta Eagle leather bar late on Thursday night, September 10. Officers arrested eight members of the Eagle staff, plus several dancers. They also manhandled and harrassed customers while shouting slurs and derogatory comments.

Originally, officers claimed they were investigating an anonymous noise complaint. Then they claimed they were investigating the Eagle because of reports of drug use. Later yet, they claimed reports of sex acts inside and outside of the club led to tghe raid. Yet, at the end of the evening, after shutting down the bar, ordering all the customers face down on the floor, handcuffing many of them, searching everyone and running identity checks -- after all that -- the best that Atlanta's Finest could manage was to arrest a few people because a couple of guys dancing in their underwear did not have "strippers' licenses." The eight staff and dancers were held overnight.

In Atlanta, a city with one of the highest crime rates in the country, THIS IS HOW THE ATLANTA POLICE SPEND THEIR TIME AND TAX-DOLLARS? By harrassing gay citizens for trumped up reasons that they make up on the spot? First, noise. Then, drugs. Then, heaven help us, underwear-dancing?

These cops -- I won't dignify them with the word 'officers' -- shame their badges and their uniforms.

Three hours ago, after numerous requests for information throughout the day from many media sources, the Atlanta Police Department released a terse statement. It is brief and totally non-informative. It says:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2009

The Atlanta Eagle Club Arrests

“The Atlanta Police Department conducts routine inspections of city businesses with valid alcohol permits. The City received several complaints with descriptive information about alleged criminal conduct at the Atlanta Eagle Club located at 306 Ponce De Leon.

In an effort to ensure compliance with the law, the Police Department investigated the complaints and during the investigation police observed criminal behavior taking place at the Club on September 10, 2009. While the Police were conducting a compliance check it lead to the arrests of eight employees. The Department views all complaints of criminal conduct as serious and will utilize resources to investigate and deter criminal activity in order to create a safe environment.

While there have been allegations of improper behavior by police officers conducting the investigation, there have not been any official complaints filed with the Atlanta Police Department. ”

Sgt. Lisa Keyes, Atlanta Police Department, Public Affairs Unit

Now, note that the statement does not specify the charges or specific nature of the complaint that led to this MASSIVE SHOW OF FORCE, nor does it acknowledge that the worst crime they found was a couple of guys dancing in their Calvin Kleins.

Note also that, although every single customer and staff member in the bar was searched, and virtually every piece of equipment, including cash registers and ice machines, were searched, the Atlanta Gestapo found ABSOLUTELY NO EVIDENCE OF DRUGS. Zip, zilch, nada, no drugs. Not on the customers, not on the staff, not on the premises.

Note also those totally unfounded allegations of sex acts inside the club and out. Ablsolutely nobody was charged with a lewd act.

Indeed, the only noise was the noise made by squad cars, swat teams and mouthy laughing cops. The only lewd acts were the pathetic efforts to come up with a justification after the fact for this attack on the gay community. And the only drugs involved in this sorry matter were the ones these asshat cops must have been smoking beforehand.

"Our problem is with the way our customers were treated," said one of the Eagle's owners, Richard Ramey.

“I’m thinking, this is Stonewall. It’s like I stepped into the wrong decade,” said Nick Koperski, 31, who had just gotten to the bar when the raid, involving more than a dozen police officers, some in plain clothes, commenced.

Eagle bartender Chris Lopez said, “Before I knew it I was being handcuffed to [Robert Kelley]. They were going from patron to patron, having everyone turn out their pockets.”

Danni Lynn Harris, Atlanta Police's liaison to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community, said the volume of complaints she's received from Eagle customers suggest an investigation is warranted. Harris acknowledged that she knew nothing about the raid until she heard about it through the media.

Later, after fumbling through a series of excuses and justifications, Harris said the raid, conducted by the vice squad, was a result of a tip sent to Mayor Shirley Franklin's office alleging “illicit sex” at The Eagle, Harris said. Ironically, Franklin's election and re-election campaigns were headquartered in space adjoining the leather bar.

Harris admitted that no drugs were found, and none of those arrested face narcotics charges.

“It just doesn’t make any sense, with all the bad stuff that’s going on in the city,” Lopez said. “It felt like they had to justify [the raid].”

“What I’ve been hearing is a lot of people saying they were verbally abused, with anti-gay overtones,” the LGBT liaison said.

“I’ve never heard about something like this at a straight establishment,” Koperski said. “I do believe it was prejudicial.”

A rally opposing the raid has been organized for 5 p.m. Sunday at the bar.

“I’m concerned it’s going to be one of those things that blow up before all the facts are known,” Harris said.

Ramey, who said The Eagle has never had trouble with police before, said he may pursue legal action following the raid.

“How can I just sit here and let them get away with doing this to my customers?” he said.

The APD statement acknowledged "allegations of improper behavior by police officers conducting the investigation" but added no official complaints have been filed with the department.

As for that anonymous "noise complaint?" Steve Gower, a community volunteer with the watchdog group, Midtown Ponce Security Alliance, said the neighborhood group does not have a problem with the Eagle.

"I can assure you that the raid was not initiated by MPSA or its patrol, and we have never received any complaints, reports, or observations about criminal activity in any way associated with the Eagle," Gower said. "Further, I have spent much time on the streets of Midtown, and look under every rock to identify problem spots. Eagle is not one of those problem spots, and we have always considered the Eagle to be a good neighbor."

One patron who asked that his name be withheld said the crowd at the bar was “definitely shocked" by the raid. “I had been there less that five minutes, around 11 p.m.,” the patron told Southern Voice. “It was a pretty slow night, and I was just talking with someone by the dance floor when all of a sudden, a police officer, I’m not sure if he was in plain clothes or not, came through, knocked something over and said, ‘everyone get down.’"

The man initially thought it might have been a fight between patrons, but after seeing several officers enter the dance floor area, he knew it was serious.

“I was on my knees after they told us to get down, but then an officer grabbed me by the back of the neck and pushed me down,” said the patron. “It wasn’t necessarily abuse, but I definitely think they used a heavy hand."

Anyone who tried arguing with authorities was told to “Shut up,” and “don’t speak until spoken to," the man said.

“It was a full on police raid. For customers who were just having a drink, hanging out, it was definitely shocking,” he said. He added that he was face down on the ground through the process, hich for him was about half an hour. Others, he said, waited even longer.

According to the patron, while everyone was still face down, police searched the crowd individually without asking permission, and later took everyone’s ID. Once a patron’s ID was cleared, he was asked to leave the building.

“I heard some laughter and casual conversation during the event,” he continued. “It made me mad because I was forced on the floor, searched and held down, not able to talk while they were walking around joking and taking their job lightly.

“We were treated as criminals from the get-go,” he said. “I definitely felt harassed. It seems like the club was targeted unfairly,” he said. “And it was a raid for anything and everything they could find."

Du-Wayne Ray, store manager of Rawhide Leather, which operates below the Eagle, said that he and one of his employees heard one white uniformed officer say to another, “This is a lot more fun than raiding niggers with crack.”

Ray said he was handcuffed for an hour-and-a-half to two hours on the back deck of The Eagle, and said, “A lot of anti-gay comments were made.”

A reporter for Atlanta Progessive News was actually on the site at the time of the raid and broke the story in the early hours of Friday morning.

Another patron, Allan Vives, who was at the bar during the raid, also offered an account of events to Atlanta Progressive News on Friday.

"Everyone was ordered to get on their stomachs and face down during this ordeal. As far as I could tell everyone was searched at least once, most of us twice. Most, but not all, of the officers were incredibly derogatory and insulting whether they found evidence of drugs or not," Vives said in an email.

"When asking why, we were met with derisive remarks and no explanation. I am furious at how we were treated and can't believe that this has happened in this day and age. The officers present were incredibly rude to anyone who dared to ask what was happening and several were openly hostile towards the gay patrons," he continued.

A protest and demonstration in support for the Atlanta Eagle is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. The Atlanta Police Department owes the Eagle and the Atlanta gay community an apology for this ridiculous attack. The statement it issued Friday afternoon is completely inadequate.

When police TABC agents attacked the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth, Texas on the 40th anniverary of the Stonewall rebellion, gay Texans turned out in force to voice their outrage. They demanded answers and apologies and got them. Several agents were fired or reprimanded, and new policies were put in place.

Gay Atlantans should demand no less.

Whoopi Goldberg - Message to Budapest Gay Pride

2009-09-08T00:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 5, marked Gay Pride Day in Budapest, Hungary. To celebrate the occasion, Whoopi Goldberg sent a message of support and solidarity to the two thousand LGBT marchers.

The embassies of thirteen nations also sent messages in the form of a joint statement signed by all. Those nations included Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Read the Joint Statement from 13 embassies in Budapest:

"On the occasion of the 2009 Budapest Pride Festival, we express our support for, and solidarity with, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in Hungary. We support the right of these communities to use this traditional occasion to march together peacefully and lawfully, in order to express their desire to end the silence surrounding the specific issues that affect them.

“Human rights – including justice, equality, humanity, respect and freedom of expression – and the rule of law are the foundations upon which democratic states are built. Indeed, international human rights law is grounded on the premise that all individuals are entitled to the same rights and freedoms, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“It is this respect for fundamental human values that obliges governments to protect all citizens from violence and to ensure that all people enjoy equal opportunities.

“Today, many individuals face discrimination, both systemic and overt, based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

“Our governments seek to combat such discrimination by promoting the human rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We urge all governments to ensure that neither sexual orientation nor gender identity form the basis for criminal penalties.

Our governments` policies in this area are in accordance with the principles set out in the Joint statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity delivered at the United Nations General Assembly on 18 December, 2008."

The parade drew support from artists, politicians and human rights organizations around the world, as well. One anti-fascist organization in neighboring Austria shipped in busloads of activists who marched under a giant rainbow flag. Former Hungarian Prime Minister Gerenc Gyurcsany marched with his wife at his side.

Several hundred protesters were also on hand to meet this year's "March for Gay Dignity," but violence was largely prevented due to a massive contingent of security forces who accompanied the marchers. Protesters, Neo-Nazis, and skinheads were kept at bay, allowed no closer than one hundred meters to the parade route. Still, there were a few isolated incidents. An Englishman was punched in the face by a group of skinheads; a woman wearing a Pride tee-shirt was beaten at a bus stop after the parade ended. A sixty year old man protesting the event was knocked to the ground and taken to the hospital after police forced the protestors back. There were a few reports of tear gas and baton charges by the police, and more than 40 arrests were made, most for possession of weapons and riotous behavior. The majority of those arrested were released the next day.

Because of the large security contingent, there were few onlookers or well-wishers along the route, however, television news stations gave broad coverage to the march and the marchers later that evening.

Protestors, Neo-Nazis and Skinheads mingle with confused European soccer fans who were in town for a major game. The protesters are chanting "filthy fags!" and various other obscenities.

New Pro Marriage Television Ad Airs in Maine

2009-09-04T14:46:00.001-07:00

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On May 6 2009, Maine became the fifth state to recognize Marriage Equality for all when Governor Baldacci signed into law a marriage bill passed by the Maine legislature.

However, anti-gay forces have succeeded in pushing a "people's veto," which would overturn the new law. The petition drive to force the measure required only 55,000 signatures. Working churches across the state, the bigots collected twice that number. Baldacci, who signed the new marriage law into effect, has now also signed the formal proclamation that puts the so-called “people's veto” on the November ballot.

“I fully support this legislation and believe it guarantees that all Maine citizens are treated equally under our state's civil marriage laws,” Baldacci said about the gay marriage law. “But I also have a constitutional obligation to set the date for the election once the secretary of state has certified that enough signatures have been submitted.”

The predominantly Catholic group National Organization for Marriage has promised to pour money into the repeal effort, and the Catholic Church has also promised support. The Catholic Diocese of Portland was responsible for forming "Stand for Marriage Maine," the group primarily spearheading the petition drive.

*** To hear an audio of NOM president Maggie Gallagher and Executive Director Brian Brown talking about their anti-gay stances, go here:

http://www.goodasyou.org/good_as_you/2009/09/nun-your-business-whats-really-behind-noms-anti-civil-habit.html

I've already blogged previously about the situation in Maine. Please read that entry if you haven't already done so. Despite these early entries into the television market, Equality Maine can expect to be massively outspent by anti-gay foes. Economic times are tough, but if you can afford a donation, go to their website and make a contribution. The gay community doesn't need another "first we have it - then we don't" repeat of California. Fight to keep marriage equality for all in Maine. Fight now and fight hard.

Regards,
Storm