(I have no idea how to make an upside-down exclamation point on a PC. Such is the life of a Machead. *sigh*)

In any event…

Earlier today the legislature in Mexico City voted 39-20 to approve same-sex marriage! The mayor of Mexico City is expected to sign the legislation when it’s presented. With this move Mexico City becomes the first jurisdiction in Latin America to recognize the equality of same-sex couples. The BBC article linked above doesn’t make a mention of it, but the bill originally contained an amendment specifically barring same-sex couples from adopting children. One legislator raised an objection to the amendment and it was subsequently removed.

…so just to be clear: same-sex marriage in New York is a no-go. Same-sex marriage in California was voted down. Same-sex marriage in Maine was overturned. But same-sex marriage in Mexico City seems certain. Up is down, black is white, and I’m craving tequila.

In other news, I didn’t bother to mention this last week since I figured you all had seen it and were aware of it, but here you go: after numerous procedural and legislative hoops, interference from the Catholic Church, the nonsensical ramblings of Bishop Harry Jackson and a screeching promise of war from Maggie Gallagher, last week Mayor Adrian Fenty of Washington, DC signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in our nation’s capital. Given the large number of federal employees living in the district this bill is likely to set up a legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act in short order.

The reason I mention it is because the federal government’s Office of Personnel Management continues to sputter at the prospect of providing benefits to same-sex couples, in defiance of an order from the 9th Circuit. I’d point out the blistering irony in the fact that OPM director John Berry is the highest-ranking openly gay official in the federal government or make a flip comment like “Fierce advocate, my ass!”…but Christmas is this week and I’ve had enough scroogery.

VIVA MEXICO!

Our very own Pattitude finally got some justice for the abuse he suffered at the hands of so-called “ex-gay therapy”.  From Truth Wins Out:

Truth Wins Out (TWO) revealed today that the nation’s largest “ex-gay” organization, Exodus International, officially cut ties with its Lansing affiliate Corduroy Stone after charges were made by an ex-gay survivor that the sessions included harmful and bizarre therapy. In August, Patrick McAlvey made the charges against Corduroy Stone’s Mike Jones in a Truth Wins Out video, yet it took Exodus until December to take action. Exodus’ dithering in the face of scandal cost precious time and may have placed additional youth in harm’s way, according to Truth Wins Out.

So Exodus International knew this guy had no mental health training or certification and isn’t an ordained minister with academic counseling credentials.  Then, they let him loose on local churches and parents hysterical at the thought of their children “living the gay lifestyle”.  There really should be a Better Hateful Business Bureau where homophobes can at least insure that they are getting bad advice from qualified individuals.

Our friends over at Michigan Messenger (hi Todd!) have an extensive article on the subject so go there and read it.  The best line though?

“I think it’s in the best interest of the state to protect people from being harmed by these charlatans.”

Amen.

As most of you probably heard, the New York State Senate voted down marriage equality despite herculean efforts by state and local grassroots organizations including Empire State Pride and New York Log Cabin Republicans.  You can find reports on the story here, here, here and here.  Today, though, I’d like to send Michigan’s Rainbow kisses to Senator Diane Savino for her amazing floor speech prior to the vote.  She’s not a professional speaker and her nerves were evident as her voice cracked and her hands shook… but I think each and every one of us should watch what a real ally looks like.

When I grow up, Senator Savino, I want to be an ally just like you.

(What does one do when one is home with the flu? Blog!)

The relative silence here in Mittenland might give you the impression that there’s not much going on in the exciting world of LGBT rights, but…well, that’s just not true. There’s plenty going on, and here’s a quick rundown:

1. Strangely enough, last night was election night in the great state of Georgia. All eyes have been on the race for mayor of Atlanta, with both candidates actively courting LGBT voters, but as of this morning that race is still too close to call. The one that’s not too close to call is Georgia House District 58, which was won by Simone Bell. Bell becomes the first openly lesbian African‐American legislator in our country’s history.

2. If you follow LGBT political news at all I’m sure you’re aware of the bizarre mudslinging catfight going on in Washington, DC over same‐sex marriage. It’s been dragging out for months as city officials have been going toe‐to‐toe with the Catholic Church and various other anti‐equality forces, but it appears we’re going to get the last laugh. Yesterday the DC City Council voted 11‐2 to pass a measure legalizing same‐sex marriage. The bill has to come up for a second vote two weeks from now. There are two important twists to note, however. First and foremost, under the US Constitution DC is technically a federal district, and the US Congress can stick its nose into city business should it so choose (there’s even a House subcommittee devoted to DC affairs)…but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi isn’t going to let that happen. The second and frankly more exciting wrinkle here is the sheer number of federal employees who work in DC. If they were allowed to be legally married, that may give new rise to pushing the federal government to recognize same‐sex relationships.

3. Don’t get your hopes up, but the New York State Senate is expected to vote on marriage equality legislation later today. This is another one that has been dragging out for months. Lame‐duck Governor David Paterson (who’s technically running for re‐election but doesn’t stand a chance in hell) has made it very clear that he wants marriage equality legislation passed before the end of his abbreviated term, but the Democrats hold such a slim majority in the State Senate that this bill is very unlikely to pass (yes, I will very happily eat crow if it passes).

4. You wouldn’t know it by watching the teevee, but yesterday was World AIDS Day. To all of you who wore red ribbons, attended community events and blogged about the AIDS crisis, thank you. But the single biggest thing you can do to get AIDS under control is to get tested. Many locations offer free, anonymous testing, so there’s no excuse for waiting. Get. Tested.

5. On the heels of last month’s overwhelming vote to secure LGBT civil rights in Kalamazoo comes news that Kalamazoo College has secured a $2.1 million grant from the Arcus Foundation to start the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership. Surprised? Don’t be. The Arcus Foundation is the brainchild of Kalamazoo native son Jon Stryker, who also happens to be a K College alum and sit on K College’s Board of Trustees. If you don’t know who Jon Stryker is…well, there’s always Google.

6. Aaaaand last but not least, some totally irrelevant 80s pop culture news: Michael J. Fox’s mom is a lesbian…his TV mom, that is. Rumors had been swirling for several weeks about Meredith Baxter, best known for her role as the matriarch of Family Ties’s Keaton family, and this morning on the Today show she acknowledged that she’s a lesbian. This article is definitely worth a read, but this quote left me dumbstruck: “If anyone knows someone who’s gay or lesbian … they’re less likely to vote against them to take away their rights. I can be that lesbian you know now …” Welcome to the family, Ms. Baxter.

That’s all I’ve got. Pass me the Pepto, please.

(Quick note from your humble Fairy Sparkle Princess: Frankly I am just about blogged out (I haven’t posted anything in what, a month?), and Auntie JPowers155 and I figured you all needed a) something to read regularly, and b) an attitude adjustment. Without further ado we give you the newest contributor to Rainbow Mittens. Show him some love and try to be nice. ~Stormy)

(Show some love for our newest contributor to RainbowMittens – Pattitude!)

When I first came out as a gay man I didn’t realize I would continue coming out for the rest of my life. Every new place I work or travel, every new friend I make eventually dictates another coming out. Some times people assume I’m gay, some times people are shocked to find out (when I reign in my limp wrists). Every coming out is different and I value the conversations that surround each one.

Last month I had three interesting coming out experiences in the same day. All three were with visitors to my place of employment. I had come to know each in the months prior but had never discussed LGBT issues or my being gay with any of them.

“Well you aren’t gay, are you Pat?” – asked the first of the three when she saw the Between the Lines story about my experiences with ex-gay therapy. I kept the story posted in my office for just this reason, to start conversations. She is a delightful woman, but her tone and her demographic (seemingly conservative grandmother who has never worked outside the home) led me to expect an interesting, not-so-positive conversation.

“Turns out I am,” I responded.

“Well, you know what? I think that’s just fine,” she said.

Not what I was expecting. Ideally, a person wouldn’t need to alert me to the fact they are “fine” with my orientation, but given the situation, I was touched. She went on to share about one of her grandson’s who was gay. It was a fantastic conversation and I felt a bit convicted for having assumed she would not be supportive.

The second interaction was with a retired union worker – a truck-driving, cigarette-smoking, beast-hunting man’s man. Again, not always a demographic that has been exceedingly supportive in my experience. However, this man had already seen the YouTube video in which I describe my experience with ex-gay therapy and brought the subject up with me. He wanted to let me know he didn’t think the therapy was right and he felt bad for what I had gone through. He expressed support and talked about not understanding why folks care so much about one’s orientation. My soul was warmed by the conversation and the unexpected encouragement.

The third interaction was with a rather religious middle-aged man. He saw the story on the wall as well. His reaction was not positive. It seemed apparent he had rarely interacted with gay men and did not carry a general positive attitude. And yet it was the kind of conversation where you can almost see the wheels churning in someone’s mind. The trouble, I think, was that we had a positive relationship, he genuinely liked me and I liked him. Thus a bit of mental anguish was in order as he sought to reconcile his affection for me with his general negative opinion of gay men. I do not believe an ally was born that day, but a mind might have been expanded slightly.

And his wasn’t the only one. My mind was also expanded a bit that day. I’ve thought and talked periodically about the importance of visibility to the LGBT community. Generally I think of visibility as important for the greater good, for the LGBT community as a whole. Visibility helps people put a face to the community and to political issues, disarms stereotypes, provides role-models, lessens prejudice and normalizes the natural diversity that exists in sexual orientation and gender identity.

What I have not spent much time thinking about is the personal benefit of visibility – discovering allies and experiencing unexpected support. The first two people I interacted with were already allies. I didn’t change them, but their support certainly effected me. They encouraged me and allowed me to feel safer to express the full spectrum of my personality around them. If I were not out and open, I would have assumed their beliefs (based on my own prejudices) and missed out on their encouragement.

On this Thanksgiving weekend, I’m incredibly thankful for LGBT allies – unlikely and otherwise.)

So it’s been a while since Stormy or I have posted anything here at Rainbow Mittens.  I could give you a well crafted series of excuses which might include two rounds of “The Swine”, too many 10+ hour shifts, writing deadlines and more than a few other things, but the truth is… I got tired.  I needed a break.  Can’t speak for Stormy (although those 10+ hour shifts at the Giant Baby Head are a killer), but I just haven’t taken the time.

There are so many things in flux in Michigan’s LGBT community with organizations changing and growing and shrinking, legislation being introduced and then disappearing into the mysteries of the House or Senate Judiciary Committees and so many of our friends are leaving Michigan for greener (or maybe more rainbow colored) pastures.

And yet we’re still here, we’re still talking about LGBT issues and we’re still trying to make Michigan a better place for all people.  As you gather with your friends and family this Thanksgiving, take a minute to give thanks to your LGBT (and us Allies!) peeps.  Make a donation to an LGBT community organization of your choice.  Volunteer some time with any group.  But most of all, know that we may be a little tired and we’re taking a bit of a nap, we’re not done fighting for equality.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We won Kalamazoo! Yay! Mad props to Jon Hoadley, Caleb Howcroft and all the amazing folks at ONE Kalamazoo for kicking ass and taking names in the fight to preserve equality here in the Mitten. Their hard work and the votes of the great people of Kalamazoo sent a powerful message that we’re ready to start treating all of Michigan’s citizens equally.

It’s time for part two.

Back in 2004 the people of the State of Michigan approved Proposition 2, a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in Michigan. But in five short years marriage equality has been extended to Vermont, Massachusetts, Iowa, and New Hampshire (let’s not talk about Maine right now, okay?), and it’s time to move forward toward overturning the grave injustice done by Prop 2 five years ago.

In about a half hour Michigan House Speaker Pro Tem Pam Byrnes will be holding a press conference to re-introduce a resolution she had previously introduced in June to legalize same-sex marriage here in Michigan. If the bill passes both houses of the Legislature and is signed by the Governor, it goes back in front of the people of the State of Michigan for another vote.

The press conference will take place today at 3:00PM in Room 426 of the Capitol. Rep. Byrnes will be joined by Jay Kaplan, staff attorney at the ACLU of Michigan and Rev. Kit Carlson of All Saints Episcopal Church, Lansing. (A word on that one: yes, a large amount of the money in the California Prop 8 and Maine Prop 1 fights came from the Catholic and LDS Churches, but the Episcopalians have been on the forefront of granting equality to all citizens, so props to them, too.)

From the Inbox… it appears that the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act may not protect Michigan hate crimes victims after all.  According to Harold Core with the MI Department of Civil Rights:

“Most of the crimes that would be most relevant to look at from the perspective of bias are state-level crimes,” Core said. “We still need state-level things.”

Yes, Mr. Core, we need a state level hate crimes bill that’s inclusive and doesn’t sell us out to the lowest bidder like some activists would suggest.  We need to get around the Three Horsemen of the Gaypocalypse (Kuipers, Cropsey & Bishop) and demand that LGBT Americans be given the SAME rights as everyone else.

So what are your elected officials doing about protecting Michigan citizens?  Sitting on two bills in the Senate Judiciary Committee where they will never see the light of day as long as the Horsemen run the barn.  The House has offered HB 4836 and the Senate has given us SB 497, both bills would expand the definition of the groups against which hate crimes might be committed to include military veterans and the disabled as well as LGBT Michiganians.

Yes, the Michigan Senate Republicans are so blinded by their hatred and fear of LGBT people that they are refusing to consider legislation that would protect our veterans and those who have disabilities.  These are the same elected officials who continue to affirm the rights of the groups already protected by the hate crimes legislation (religion, nationality, ethnicity, gender) so it’s not the concept of hate crimes legislation they oppose or they would have struck down the legislation years ago.

What is it then, if the Senate Republicans don’t oppose hate crimes legislation?  Oh yes, it must be the groups that are being added to the statute.  So unless you believe that Senate Republicans hate veterans and/or the disabled, the only conclusion possible is that for whatever (ridiculous, homophobic, ignorant, garbled) reason, LGBT Michiganians are being thrown under the bus yet again.

The Matthew Shepard Act is a great move forward but in Michigan, we’re still stalled at being barely tolerated.  You can still be fired for being gay, acting gay or something thinking you are gay (unless you live in a community where you are protected by a human rights ordinance) and now the Senate Republicans are actively asserting that it’s ok for someone to commit a crime against you because you are gay, act gay or something thinks you’re gay.

So what can you do?

• Call your Senators and demand that they take up these two bills immediately.  (Find your elected officials here!)
• Help Kalamazoo! Bigots and anti-gay activists are pouring money and people into the city in an effort to derail the city’s landmark human rights ordinance at the polls next week.  They need your help to ensure equal protection in housing and employment, especially since our statewide elected officials won’t protect us.
  • Donate to OneKalamazoo
  • Volunteer on Sunday, November 1, 2009
  • Tell your friends in Kalamazoo to vote YES on 1856

Go forth.  Do something.  Talk amongst yourselves in the comments.

Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) made an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” with John King this afternoon, and in light of President Obama’s speech last night and the march today, the topic of conversation was LGBT rights. I’ll skip over Sen. Casey’s statements because, quite frankly, they didn’t make any sense and he’s a terrible public speaker. Senator Stabenow, on the other hand, makes me really sad.

JOHN KING: Senator Stabenow, would you vote to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act?

SEN. STABENOW: Well, first I think we need to start with making sure that there is domestic partners benefits for everyone involved in relationships. The hate crimes bill, as Sen. Casey just said, is about ready to go to the President’s desk. And I also think we shouldn’t be losing the great talent of anyone in the military, whether it’s because of skin color, or because they’re a man or a woman or sexual orientation, so I think the President is putting the priorities in the right place.

JOHN KING: Why is this so hard? If I asked you “Would you vote for a public option in health care?” you would say “Yes.” If I asked you if you would vote to help out the auto workers in your state you would say “Yes.” I asked you if you would vote to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and you didn’t answer the question. Why is it so hard?

SEN. STABENOW: The challenge for me is that we have had on the ballot and there has been passage in Michigan of a law prohibiting, uh, gay marriage. So I think for a number of us that becomes a challenge in terms of what has happened in terms of voting in our states. Now, I am a cosponsor of the hate crimes bill, and support eliminating the policies that discriminate among talented people in our military. I support making sure that there are legal protections for everyone. But I think the patchwork of state policies, now, make it difficult and we all have to take another look.

Respectfully, Sen. Stabenow, the man asked you a question. The least you could do is answer. If you said no, I’d take you to task for that and point out just exactly how ridiculous that position is. If you said yes, I’d hug you from afar and when it came time to re-elect you I’d work my ass off. This waffling thing…that ain’t gonna work.

But hey, I’m a smart guy. I can read between the lines. The answer was obviously “No.” And it’s not because you don’t think I deserve the same rights. You said yourself (though not in so many words) that it’s ludicrous that I could get married in Iowa and then magically be divorced when I crossed the border into Illinois. You said yourself that this “patchwork” approach to equality is a massive failure. You have the power to end it. You have the power to be a champion of LGBT rights, to stand up and say “This is wrong and we need to fix it.” But you won’t. And why? Because you might get dinged a few points at the polls in 2012.

I’ve got news for you, Sen. Stabenow. Your seat is yours for as long as you want it. You pasted Mike Bouchard in 2006, 56-42. The people of Michigan like you, and they’ll vote to keep you. The challenge for you isn’t to twist in the wind and do what’s popular at any given moment. The challenge for you is to do what’s right and move America forward. The challenge for you is to be a champion for ALL Michiganders and ALL Americans, not just the ones with money and influence. The challenge for you is to step up and be a leader, not a follower.

As for your appearance on CNN today, that wasn’t an answer. That was a cop-out…and it was a cheap one. Two hundred thousand people marched outside your office today while you were dissembling at John King’s desk and demanded that you and your colleagues do what’s right to protect ALL Americans, and you couldn’t even answer a question.

It’s the Big Gay Weekend! Tomorrow is National Coming Out Day, and there are lots of fun and exciting things on the calendar to mark the occasion…and I’m behind the eight-ball on this one, so you probably already know about most of the stuff on the agenda. In case you don’t, here you go:

1. Tomorrow is the National Equality March on the Mall in Washington, DC. Lots of Michiganders have loaded up their planes, trains and automobiles for the trek to DC, and if you’re not lucky enough to be one of them you can follow their adventures on the internets. Intrepid Big Gay Reporter Todd Heywood is in DC, and I’m sure he’ll have tons of fun things to say over at his blog.

2. Someone in Brighton had a bright idea (*rimshot*) to have a rally in support of the March and in support of National Coming Out Day. If you’re in the Detroit Southeast Michigan area you can join the Brighton chapter of PFLAG along with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Community Unitarian Universalist congregation at 12:30 at the Mill Pond gazebo in downtown Brighton.

3. On a more somber note, Monday marks the eleventh anniversary of the tragic beating death of Matthew Shepard. Members of the LGBT community and their allies will gather tomorrow evening at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lansing for a memorial service led by Rev. Gordon Weller. Rev. Weller’s address is entitled “A Chance to Speak Out Against Hate Crimes.” I have to admit that as a gay agnostic I’m very much skeptical of men of the cloth, but I attended the memorial service at St. Paul’s last year, and I’m glad I did. Rev. Weller is one of the good ones, and he is to be commended for opening the doors of his church and the arms of his congregation to our community.

That’s it! Tomorrow is National Coming Out Day, one of the Gay Holy Days. Grab your feather boa, your sparkly princess wand and your digital camera, and go do something gay.