Author Archives: David Bishop

About David Bishop

Full-time student living in California's Central Valley. Have a passion for politics, technology and film. In my spare time I'm usually curled up with a book, having a drink with friends or exploring the nooks and crannies of urban environments.

They’re losing on that one.

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With yet another poll showing that a majority of Americans support marriage equality I found this quote from President of Focus on the Family, Jim Daly, very telling:

“We’re losing on that one, especially among the 20- and 30-somethings: 65 to 70 percent of them favor same-sex marriage. I don’t know if that’s going to change with a little more age — demographers would say probably not. We’ve probably lost that. I don’t want to be extremist here, but I think we need to start calculating where we are in the culture.”

Given that they’re entire existence as an organization is predicated on their ability to stir up fear and hate of gay people I don’t expect them to drop the issue cold turkey. I do however think that marriage equality and gay issues in general well be a decreasingly effective wedge issue against liberals, which makes it a more effective issue to use against social conservatives. Which means that the tides really are turning.

The New York Times on Coming Out

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The New York Times recently launched a feature on Coming Out. Featuring hundreds of solicited stories and many more reader submissions, the project is a powerful addition to the recent outpouring of support for GLBT folk who face discrimination and bullying throughout their lives – and for people who face the choice between with being honest about themselves or living a lie. They already have two videos up.

The first one has the story of John Alburquerque, 19, from the Bronx and details his experience as a gay youth and being bashed:

The second is an out member of the ROTC and his experience as a young gay cadet. You can watch it after the jump…

Continue reading →

Trevor Project now in Harvey Milk’s old camera shop

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The Human Rights Campaign won its bid to take over Harvey Milk’s former camera shop and decided to share the space with the Trevor Project to help host their 24-hour suicide prevention hotline. Here’s a brief video of the opening which took place over the weekend on Harvey Milk Day, which is a holiday in California commemorating Harvey Milk’s Birthday, that  was shot by activist Sean Chapin:

International Day Against Homophobia

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Today, May 17, is the International Day Against Homophobia otherwise known as IDAHO. It is set on May 17 to commemorate the day that the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of illnesses in 1990. The theme this year is “Same-sex Couple – A Story of Love” which is intended to expand the common perception of gay couples from one that is focused solely on sex to encompass the full emotional and intimate components that make up every relationship. Click the flier below to go to their website and learn more:

What you can do

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Activists in New York have renewed their push for marriage equality in recent weeks. The result is a slew of press releases, PSAs and announcements from gay rights organizations and politicians alike. Yet one of the most surprising turn of events is in who exactly is funding this renewed push. From the New York Times:

As gay rights advocates intensify their campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, the bulk of their money is coming from an unexpected source: a group of conservative financiers and wealthy donors to the Republican Party, most of whom are known for bankrolling right-leaning candidates and causes….

The involvement of Mr. Singer is the most striking, given his devotion to conservative candidates and philanthropy: He is chairman of the Manhattan Institute, a right-leaning research group, and one of the most generous Republican donors in the country. But he also has a personal stake in the issue: he has a gay son who married his partner in Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage is legal.

Make no mistake: we are winning. Yet the reason is not because of high-powered ad campaigns or publicity stunts. The reason we are winning is simple – for every person who comes out every single one of their friends and family must contend with the reality that someone they know and love is gay. For that reason and that reason alone coming out it is the single most politically powerful and influential action an individual can take.

First (Openly) Gay U.S. Senator?

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Could this be the first gay person elected to the U.S. Senate?

Democratic Senator from Wisconsin, Herb Kohl – last seen waffling on whether to support the DOMA repeal bill – announced he’ll be retiring today which sets the stage for yet another chapter in the ongoing drama that is Wisconsin politics. Last November progressive champion and 3-term Senator from Wisconsin Russ Feingold lost his Senate seat to a Tea Party challenger. Also wining a state-wide election in WI last year is another guy you might have seem in the headlines recently: Scott Walker.

Turns out that the backlash against Walker’s attempt to remove collective bargaining rights has not only driven Democrats in the state to submit recall petitions against six state legislatures but also makes the Democrat’s job of holding the seat Kohl is vacating much easier.

To whit: 7-term Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin who represents Madison and the surrounding counties is considering a run. If she wins she will be the first out gay person to serve in the U.S. Senate.