Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans's topics - tribe.net

residents of Lesbos suing over rights to the name 'lesbian'

2008-07-27T03:53:11Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7376919.stm

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 16 replies

Are fetishes sex?

2008-07-18T09:16:55Z

I was having a discussion with a friend of mine. He has some... interesting... fetishes. Some of them don't involve anything I would consider to be physical sex.

I remember seeing a movie once where some guy paid a hooker to throw oranges at him. Is that sex? I

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 13 replies

Same sex couple invited to get married at SF Pride Parade

2008-06-25T18:22:52Z

Want to get married in grand style during the Pride Parade? Or do you have friends who are getting ready to marry and would like to have tens of thousands of admirers as witnesses for their ceremony?

Bay Quackers, the San Francisco Duck Tours, is inviting gay/lesbian couples to be married on board its amphibious duckboat, a WWII amphibious landing craft (www.bayquackers.com) during the 38th Annual San Francisco PRIDE celebration 2008 on June 29th Sunday @ 10:30 am.

Marriage Ceremonies will be performed by the Duck's Captain, who is also an ordained minister. Please contact Maxi at duckhq@hotmail.com and tell the Quackers why you want to get married on board during the pride parade. Bay Quackers is excited to celebrate love, commitment and marriage for all. Happy Pride!

All of these weddings will be videotaped and each couple will receive a dvd copy of their service. Plus, this promises to be the biggest story of the Parade, so you or your friends might end up on the news world wide!

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Sworn to virginity and living as men in Albania

2008-06-25T13:10:10Z

Sworn to virginity and living as men in Albania
By Dan Bilefsky

Monday, June 23, 2008
KRUJE, Albania: Pashe Keqi recalls the day nearly sixty years ago when she decided to become a man. She chopped off her long black curls, traded in her dress for her father's baggy trousers, armed herself with a hunting rifle and vowed to forsake marriage, children and sex.

Had she been born in Albania today, says the 78-year-old sworn virgin, who made an oath of celibacy in return for the right to live and rule her family as a man, she would choose womanhood.

"Back then, it was better to be a man because, before, a woman and an animal were considered the same thing," says Keqi, who has a bellowing baritone voice, sits with her legs open wide like a man and relishes downing shots of Raki and smoking cigarettes. "Now, Albanian women have equal rights with men and are even more powerful, and I think today it would be fun to be a woman."

Sworn virgins became the patriarchs of their families, with all the trappings of male authority, by swearing to remain virgins for the rest of their lives.

The ritual was a form of self-empowerment for rural women living in a desperately poor and macho country that was cut off from mainstream Europe for decades under a Stalinist dictatorship. But in Albania today, with Internet dating and MTV, the custom is all but disappearing. Girls no longer want to become boys.

The tradition of the sworn virgin can be traced to the Kanun of Leke Dukagjini, a code of conduct that has been passed on orally among the clans of northern Albania for more than five centuries. Under the Kanun, the role of women is severely circumscribed: Take care of children and maintain the home. While a woman's life is worth half that of a man, a virgin's value is the same - 12 oxen.

The sworn virgin was born of social necessity in an agrarian region plagued by war and death. If the patriarch of the family died with no male heirs, unmarried women in the family could find themselves alone and powerless. By taking an oath of virginity, women could take on the role of men as head of the family, carry a weapon, own property and move freely.

They dress like men, adopt a male swagger and spend their lives in the company of other men.

Some also took the vow as a means to avoid an arranged marriage. Still others became sworn virgins to express their autonomy. Some who regretted the sacrifice transformed themselves back into women and married later in life.

"Stripping off their sexuality by pledging to remain virgins was a way for these women in a male-dominated, segregated society to engage in public life," says Linda Gusia, a professor of gender studies at the University of Pristina in Kosovo. "It was about surviving in a world where men rule."

Taking an oath to become a sworn virgin should not, sociologists say, be equated with homosexuality, which has long been taboo in rural Albania. Nor do the women have sex changes. In the northern Albanian countryside, about 40 sworn virgins remain, according to researchers studying the custom.

Known in her household as the "Pasha," Keqi says she decided to become the man of the house at age 20 when her father was murdered in a blood feud. Her remaining four brothers opposed the communist regime of Enver Hoxha, who ruled Albania for 40 years until his death in 1985, and they were either imprisoned or killed. Becoming a man, she said, was the only way to support her mother, her four sisters-in-law and their five children.

Lording it over her large family in her modest house in Tirana, where her nieces served her brandy while she barked out orders, Keqi said living as a man had allowed her freedom denied other women. She could work construction jobs and pray at the mosque alongside other men. Even today, her nephews and nieces said, they would not dare marry without their "uncle's" permission.

"I was totally free as a man because no one knew I was a woman," Keqi said. "I could go wherever I wanted to and no one would dare swear at me because I could beat them up. I was only with men. I don't know how to do women's talk. I am never scared." When she was recently hospitalized for an operation, she recalled, the other woman in her room was horrified to find herself sharing close quarters with a man and requested a move.

Keqi said that being a woman made her a more compassionate man. "If the other men were disrespecting a woman, I would tell them to stop." She said being deprived of a life of sexual intimacy was a necessary sacrifice. She did not miss having children, she added, because she was surrounded by her nieces and nephews. "Once I made up my mind 100 percent, I had the strength to never turn back."

Being the man of the house also made her responsible for avenging her father's death, she said, including the Kanun's edict that spilled blood must be met with spilled blood. When her father's killer was released from prison five years ago, by then a man of 80, Keqi said she ordered her 15 year-old nephew to shoot him. Then the family of the man took revenge and killed her nephew.

"I always dreamed of avenging my father's death. My brothers tried to, but did not succeed. Of course, I have regrets my nephew was killed. But if you kill me, I have to kill you." In Albania, a majority Muslim country, the Kanun is adhered to by both Muslims and Christians, though the Ottoman Turks and successive governments have all tried to limit its influence.

Albanian cultural historians said the cleaving to medieval customs long discarded elsewhere was a byproduct of the country's previous isolation. But they stressed that today, the traditional role of the Albanian woman was changing.

"The Albanian woman today is a sort of minister of economics, a minister of affection and a minister of interior who controls who does what," said Ilir Yzeiri, a critic who writes about Albanian folklore. "Today women in Albania are behind everything."

Some sworn virgins bemoan this female liberation. Diana Rakipi, 54, a security guard in the seaside city of Durres, in west Albania, who became a sworn virgin to take care of her nine sisters, said she looked back with nostalgia to the Hoxha era. During communist times, she served as a senior army officer, training women soldiers in combat. Now, she lamented, women did not know their place.

"Today women go out half naked to the disco and do not know their limits," said Rakipi, who has cropped hair and wears a military beret. "I was always treated my whole life as a man, always with respect. I can't clean, I can't iron, I can't cook. That is a woman's work."

But even in the remote mountains of Kruje, about 50 kilometers, or 30 miles, north of Tirana, where long dirt roads snake through olive groves, locals say the Kanun's influence on gender roles is disappearing. They said erosion of the traditional family, in which everyone once lived under the same roof, had altered women's position in society.

"Women and men are now almost the same," says Caca Fiqiri, whose aunt Qamile Stema, age 88, is the last sworn virgin remaining in her village. "We respect sworn virgins very much and consider them as men because of their great sacrifice. But there is no longer a stigma not to have a man of the house."

Yet there is no doubt who wears the trousers in the family's one-room stone house in Barganesh, their ancestral village. There, on a recent day, "uncle" Qamile was surrounded by her clan, dressed in a qeleshe, the traditional white cap of an Albanian man. Her only concession to femininity were pink flip-flops.

Pointing to an old black and white photo hanging in the entrance - showing a handsome young man in his prime - Stema said she took an oath of virginity at age 20, after her father died, and she was left the eldest of nine sisters.

After becoming a man, Stema said she could leave the house and chop wood with the other men. She carried a gun. At wedding parties, she sat with the men. When she talked to women, she recalled, they recoiled in shyness.

Stema said becoming a sworn virgin was a necessity, and a sacrifice. "The truth is I feel lonely sometimes. All my sisters have died, and I live alone. But I never wanted to marry. Some in my family tried to get me to change my clothes and wear dresses, but when they saw I had become a man, they left me alone."

Stema said she would die a virgin. Had she married, she joked, it would have been to a traditional Albanian woman. "I guess you could say I was partly a woman and partly a man, but of course I never did everything a man does," she said. "I liked my life as a man. I have no regrets."

Go to iht.com/europe to listen to commentary from Dan Bilefsky and view additional photographs of the sworn virgins who live in Albania.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 1 reply

Gay Marriage: The Financial Impact on California

2008-06-21T14:38:06Z

Okay, surely I and my friends are not the only people who have thought about this. California is going to be one of a very few number of states in the US where a gay couple can get married, AND we do not have a residency requirement. I foresee a lot of money flowing into our state, as people from all over the country come here to get married. They are going to spend money on transportation, lodging, food, and all kinds of things. Some people are going to have the wedding they've always wanted, and will be inviting friends and family members to the wedding. A lot of people are going to combine this with a vacation, and spend even more money here.

I am completely in favor of gay marriage because I support equality, but for people who don't, have you thought about the financial possibilities? Gay people's money is just as green as everyone else's!

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 2 replies

Camp Beaverton burns in 2008: The home for queer women on the playa

2008-06-12T23:27:54Z

Greetings, Beavers and friends!

Camp Beaverton is the playa's home for queer women and allies. Last year was Camp Beaverton's inaugural Burn. It was wildly successful and this year we'd like to see it grow and thrive. If you'd like to learn more about last year's burn, check out our tribe. If you'd like to participate in THIS year's burn, read on!

I'm Allison- the orange-haired Camp Counselor from last year's burn. I'll be helping organize our pre-playa planning this year, starting with our Beaver Calls. If you haven't been checking in on Tribe.net lately, now is the time to do so. We've already started some lively discussions about our presence on the playa, our intentions for this year's burn, and semantics about fundraising and shade structures. Your opinions are invaluable, so please pop on over to tribes.tribe.net/campbeaverton to get in on the action. As soon as Tribe gets with the program, I'll be taking over as moderator for the tribe. In the meantime, feel free to continue to contact last year's moderator Reid or me on the site. Or you can email me directly at this addy.

Our first organizational call will be happening on Wednesday, June 18th at 6pm Pacific Time/ 9pm Eastern Time.

You and anyone who may be interested in being involved with Camp Beaverton is invited to attend. Please RSVP on the Tribe (tribes.tribe.net/campbeaverton).

Call Date: Wednesday, June 18th
Conference Start Time: 9:00 PM New York time / 6:00 PM Los Angeles time
Dial-in Number to call: 1-309-946-5100
Participant Access Code: 81567# (hit pound after entering in the access code)

QUESTIONS? Leave me a Tribe message, or an email me at allison.moon(at)gmail.com

On the agenda for this call:

1. A brief history of Camp Beaverton and what we'd like to create for this year's burn
2. The role of Camp Beaverton within our parent camp of FreedomCommunity (tribes.tribe.net/freedomcommunityburns)
3. The Beaver Den and additional shade structures.
4. Fundraising
5. Events and activities.
6. Leadership positions and ways to get involved
7. Questions

This is the first in a series of calls to help manifest powerfully and playfully our queer oasis in Black Rock City this year.
Last year's burn and inaugural year for Camp Beaverton blew my panties off (if I had been wearing panties, that is). I would love to see us inspire even more playful, queer, totally rad energy this year. Please come be a part of it! And please FWD this to your friends who might be interested in what we're up to!
Looking forward to speaking with you all on the 18th...

Dusty tails,
~Allison

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

The Final Edition of the ICP

2008-06-11T14:56:06Z

Dear Friends of the International Carnival of Pozitivities:

It is with both joy and sadness that I am writing to announce the final edition of the ICP. After you receive this notice, I will delete the mailing list for the ICP from my files and you will no longer receive announcements about the project. I was placed on a new drug regimen about 2 months ago and have experienced a serious side effect to the new meds. I am no longer able to continue to maintain the project as a result.

Please know that it has been a joy to bring you the ICP for the past 2 years and that I wish I could continue the project into the future. However, my focus has to be on my own healing now. For those of you who have contributed or hosted the ICP, my heartfelt gratitude can hardly be expressed. For those who blog about HIV/AIDS and who fight to end the stigma of this disease, I urge you to continue your work. We are all in the fight of our lives.

Many, many thanks to Sokari at Blacklooks for hosting the final edition of the ICP at the following link:

http://www.blacklooks.org/2008/06/international_carnival_of_positives_-_final_edition.html

Please visit, read and leave your feedback for the host and the contributors in this, the last edition of the ICP.

I wish you all peace and health.

Much love.

Ron Hudson

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Cuba more forward thinking than US?!

2008-06-07T02:10:05Z

My goodness...did hell freeze over or what?

Cuba approves free sex-change operations By WILL WEISSERT, Associated Press Writer

HAVANA - Cuba has authorized sex-change operations and will offer them free for qualifying citizens, an official said Friday. The move is the latest in a series of changes implemented by President Raul Castro since he succeeded his elder brother, Fidel, in February. Raul Castro's daughter, Mariela, heads Cuba's National Center for Sex Education, which strongly backs the new policy.

Health Minister Jose Ramon Balaguer signed a resolution approving sex-change surgery, said an official at the center who spoke on condition of anonymity because the measure has not been formally published. The resolution will be posted on the Internet on Saturday, the official said.

The procedure would be available to Cubans for free as part of their country's health-care system.

The sex education center has said previously that 28 transsexual Cubans have asked to undergo the surgery and that Cuban doctors have trained with physicians from Belgium to prepare for the procedures.

According to the center, a clinic for transsexual health will be created to perform the procedures, but it was not clear when it will start operating.

Cuba carried out a successful sex-change operation in 1988, but future surgeries were canceled because it sparked a negative public outcry.

Since becoming Cuba's first new president in 49 years, the younger Castro has done away with bans that kept most Cubans from owning cell phones in their own names and renting hotel rooms and cars. His government also has decentralized the floundering state agricultural sector, raised pensions for retirees and hiked salaries for some state employees, among other changes.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Trans as F*ck This Saturday June 7th!!

2008-06-05T05:42:29Z

TRANS AS F*CK An evening of TranSEXxxhibitionism that rocks the gender bound world!

Saturday, June 7th
9:30
@ SomArts in San Francisco

Tix $8-15 sliding scale http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/33876

Join us for an evening of erotic performance where transgender and genderqueer performers will explore, celebrate and heal what it means to be sexual in our trans bodies. Trans as Fuck is radical performance that shatters the confines of sexual expectations. This show is about expressing and exposing ourselves. Quite literally.

Featuring performances by Charlie Anders as Emcee, 'ron daniella, solidad decosta, Luis Gutierrez-Mock, Storm Florez, Seeley Quest, Helen Wong and a short film by Annie Danger

http://www.queerculturalcenter.org/Pages/QFest08/TransAs.html

Curated by Storm Florez. Original concept by Seeley Quest and Storm Florez

A part of the San Francisco National Queer Arts Festival

Add us to your Myspace! http://www.myspace.com/transasf_ck

***INFORMED CONSENT: There will be consensual, explicit sexual content in the show. Audience members are welcome to leave at any time during any performance; however there will be no ticket refunds.

This is an 18 and older event.

Trans as Fuck: Exhibitionism at its finest! Trans as Fuck was founded in 2004 by Bay Area artists/activists, Seeley Quest and Storm Florez. The two artists were each looking for places to celebrate and heal their relationships with their bodies and sexuality via performance and realized that no such venue existed for trans and genderqueer people. The two decided to create a show specifically for this purpose.

The show has been a great success and has showcased a hot and talented line-up of performers with heartfelt, humorous and intense acts, some which have included stripping, body manipulation like piercing and pumping, erotic dance, fisting, squirting and carrots in butts.

Performers incorporate music, spoken word and frank discussion in their pieces which has allowed audience members to connect and engage with what's happening on stage. This year, Trans as Fuck was the recipient of a Queer Cultural Center grant, and will be featured in the 2008 National Queer Arts Festival.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Obama or Clinton?

2008-06-04T17:12:44Z

And if you say McCain I will so cut you.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 15 replies

a survey for bi/gay/trans men.

2008-06-01T13:37:15Z

http://www.healthsolutions.org/research/5part/

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 1 reply

Gay marriage

2008-05-21T20:49:06Z

I have several friends in S.F. who have partners that are in the U.S. on work or student visas, trying to immigrate legally. How does the new California law affect them? I assume they can be legally married in Ca. but cant leave the state or country when the visas up- or they will be deported. Any input from anyone?

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 3 replies

Cuban government backs calls to combat homophobia

2008-05-18T17:42:50Z

Cuban government backs calls to combat homophobia
By ANDREA RODRIGUEZ, Associated Press Writer

Saturday, May 17, 2008

PDT HAVANA, Cuba (AP) --

Cuba's gay community celebrated unprecedented openness — and high-ranking political alliances — with a government-backed campaign against homophobia on Saturday.

The meeting at a convention center in Havana's Vedado district may have been the largest gathering of openly gay activists ever on the communist-run island. President Raul Castro's daughter Mariela, who has promoted the rights of sexual minorities, presided.

"This is a very important moment for us, the men and women of Cuba, because for the first time we can gather in this way and speak profoundly and with scientific basis about these topics," said Castro, director of Cuba's Center for Sexual Education.

Mariela Castro joined government leaders and hundreds of activists at the one-day conference for the International Day Against Homophobia that featured shows, lectures, panel discussions and book presentations. A station also offered blood-tests for sexually transmitted diseases.

Cuban state television gave prime-time play Friday to the U.S. film "Brokeback Mountain," which tells the story of two cowboys who conceal their homosexual affair.

Prejudice against homosexuals remains deeply rooted in Cuban society, but the government has steadily moved away from the Puritanism of the 1960s and 1970s, when homosexuals hid their sexuality for fear of being ridiculed, fired from work or even imprisoned.

Now Cuba's parliament is studying proposals to legalize same-sex unions and give gay couples the benefits that people in traditional marriages enjoy.

Parliament head Ricardo Alarcon said the government needs to do more to promote gay rights, but said many Cubans still need to be convinced.

Things "are advancing, but must continue advancing, and I think we should do that in a coherent, appropriate and precise way because these are topics that have been taboo and continue to be for many," Alarcon told reporters.

Some at the conference spoke of streaming out into the streets for a spontaneous gay-pride parade, but others urged caution.

The gay rights movement should be careful not to "flood" Cuban society with a message that many are not ready to hear, physician and gay activist Alberto Roque cautioned.

And Mariela Castro said gay activists should opt for more subtle ways to chip away at deep-seated homophobic attitudes.

Defending equal rights for Cubans, of all sexual orientations, is a key principal of the Cuban revolution led by her uncle Fidel Castro, who overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959, she said.

"The freedom of sexual choice and gender identity (are) exercises in equality and social justice," she said.

Distributed by Liberation News, Subscribe free:
http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/liberation_news

Join the Cool Earth Party
http://tribes.tribe.net/coolearth

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

WOW! California's top court overturns gay marriage ban

2008-05-17T15:38:10Z

SAN FRANCISCO - In a monumental victory for the gay rights movement, the California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage Thursday in a ruling that would allow same-sex couples in the nation's biggest state to tie the knot.

Domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage, the justices ruled 4-3 in an opinion written by Chief Justice Ron George.

Outside the courthouse, gay marriage supporters cried and cheered as news spread of the decision.

"Our state now recognizes that an individual's capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual's sexual orientation," the court wrote.

The city of San Francisco, two dozen gay and lesbian couples and gay rights groups sued in March 2004 after the court halted San Francisco's monthlong same-sex wedding march.

"Today the California Supreme Court took a giant leap to ensure that everybody — not just in the state of California, but throughout the country — will have equal treatment under the law," said City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who argued the case for San Francisco.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 5 replies

RE: CA gay marriage Is there a need for officiants in CA especially the bay right now?

2008-05-15T23:48:04Z

I heard that when Newsom overturned the ban a few years ago, people were lined up, etc., waiting for county clerks, officiants. If there is a need, I'd like to go where it is and offer my services.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

nothing in common with gay guys

2008-05-12T01:09:58Z

Is it weird to have nothing in common with gay guys. Most of my friends are straight women or lesbians and the few gay friends I have had, I’ve dated. Whenever I am around a gay guy I feel either shy or annoyed because they always think I’m coming on to them. Maybe I'm giving off bad vibes, I don’t know. Maybe its because I’m so masculine and they don’t like masculine guys. Allot of the masculine gay guys I’ve met seem to be sex crazy when that’s usually the last thing on my mind. I feel like a complete contradiction, I act like a straight guy, I think like a straight woman. Though I’ve never had a problem fitting in with straight guys, I always feel like I’m putting on an act around them, probably from being in the closet for 19 years. Sometimes, I feel like I’m putting on a different act around gay guys, and its so pointless, I went through that shit in high school, I sure as hell don’t want to do it now. There seems to be allot of pretentious gay guys out there, pretending like they are king fuck of the universe, I’m from the south where they have perfected pretentious and I hate that, sweetheart. I don’t know if I will ever understand gay men and I am a gay man. There has to be something seriously unhealthy about this. Maybe I’m anti social I don’t know. I’ve come to the conclusion that the whole world is anti social and were all just putting on an act. Well, except for all politicians, right? LOL

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 18 replies

hmm

2008-05-09T05:05:25Z

Who am I? What am I? Where am I? What do I want? Am I intelligent? Am I an artist? Am I crazy? Where does this go? Where has it been? Why has it been there? Why am I who I am? What do I do? Where do I go? What is longing? Why do I want and desire? Why questions? Does drawing solve anything? Is 22 too old to be? Why do I care about art? What makes me think? Am I random? Why do we die? When will I die? What will make me die? Why die? Why can’t I choose? Why are people annoying ? Why do I still love people when they annoy me? Why hypocrisy? Will I mean anything? Am I well read? Why do I want to say so much and still can’t say it? Or can I? Do I know? Can I conceive original thought? Do I want to? Am I alone? Why is gay a topic? Am I strong ? Am I weak? Am I worthy? What is worthy? Who decides? Does anyone decide? Decide what? Do we need anyone? Are we worthy? Are we crazy? Are we random? What is human? Are questions silly? Is longing silly? What is silly? Why AIDS? Why sex? What is love? Why fear? Science? Math? FUCK! Why care? Why philosophy? What the fuck is philosophy? Is there a god? OOPS! Does god see me? Did god give me the ability to ask to test my faith? Do I have faith? Am I going to burn in hell for loving another man? Will I ever love another man? Am I in hell? What is hell? Why do drugs make me paranoid? Am I a pussy? Am I going to burn in hell for asking if there is a god? Why is the United States my government when government is an illusion? Is government an illusion? Why patriotism? Am I sexy? Do all questions need to be answered? Is thought pointless? Do I care what other people think? Who is right? Am I lame? What is lame? Would it be weird if I ran around naked outside right now? Why can’t I write? Will I ever have a child? What would that child be like? Do genetics make me who I am? Would getting another tattoo wrong? What is ashamed? Why do I feel ashamed so much? Will I ever learn another language? Why do I always want something different, something more? What is different? Am I different? What is normal? Who is normal? I have so many questions. I want to ask are questions abstract or are the a normal function? Have I lost my mind wanting to ask so much knowing I will never get the answers to all my questions because my questions are endless. Are all the answers lost in the end anyway? Will anyone even read this? Does being a little drunk have to do with my asking? Blah! Now I am tired. Should I post this?

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 3 replies

Transgender Family Picnic in Dolores Park - Sunday May 18th

2008-05-05T20:26:50Z

know any Trans folks with kids, or who are thinking about starting a family? If so, please pass the word on this event...

Co-sponsored by Our Family Coalition

Join us in Dolores Park on Sunday, May 18th, from 11am-1pm as we gather for a Transgender Family Picnic! This will be a great opportunity to meet other transgender families – including transgender and gender non-conforming parents, children, youth, and adults with transgender parents, other family members, prospective trans parents, and allies.

We will also celebrate the release of our Kids of Trans Resource Guide, created by our Kids of Trans Fellow, Monica Canfield-Lenfest. The guide is the first of its kind – a valuable publication by and for people with transgender parents!

Please bring something for the grill and drinks for your family. We will have plenty of condiments, buns, and side dishes to share.

RSVP by May 15 with number attending: monica@colage.org. Feel free to email with questions.

If you can’t attend but would like a copy of the KOT Resource Guide, please email kidsoftrans@colage.org.
www.colage.org

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Male equivalent of 'fag hag'

2008-05-01T20:07:26Z

Someone please tell me, is there a name for the male equivalent of a so-called fag hag?

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 7 replies

Pregnant Trans Man

2008-04-21T17:23:18Z

http://www.towleroad.com/2008/04/david-letterman.html

Let's get this out first, letterman is a jackass.

That being said, any thoughts on this trans man who is pregnant?

personally, and yes I know all about the "rejecting labels" and "fluid identity" stuff, I think this guy is being completely irresponsible and selfish.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 59 replies

For men

2008-04-17T13:57:54Z

http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/04/rub_out_cancer

it's the least you can do....

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 2 replies

why is the T in LGBT?

2008-04-13T17:34:06Z

I already know this is an annoying post. but i really am interested in why some gay guys (very few) are so very hostile to me. i am waiting in line at starbucks on 18th street, near castro, when this table of six older gay guys start harassing me by saying stuff behind my back just loud enough for me to hear. the first is like, 'is that a girl or a guy?' then the other is like, 'its a guy, you can always tell because they wear make-up.' then they start comment on my butt. one says something about my "large ass" then the others start taking about 'largess,' in silly little comments. this is not the first time gay guys have put me down. i find it amazing. i am 5'10", active, a former marine.it takes a lot of moxie to be insulting someone who can kick your ass. most of the guys that do the insulting look like they've never been in a fist fight. where the hell do they get off doing that? and why is it alright to be insulting me, when most of them have been subject to harassment about their orientation? What is going on here?

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 8 replies

Pomosexuality and the Death of the Label

2008-04-11T00:10:04Z

BECAUSE LABELS ARE FOR CLOTHING... NOT PEOPLE.

Pomosexuality (short for postmodern sexuality) refers to a nonorientation in which people disregard sexual labels altogether. While it is convenient to sort everyone into a handful of different groups - homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual - pomosexuality argues that not only can these words and categories not do justice to the complexity of human sexuality, but are also grand illusions socially constructed to maintain a state of separateness between people. Like most other things in life, sexual orientation and/or gender identity isn't a black and white, either/or experience for many of us. More appropriately, it is best described as a fluid and incalculably unique journey that is beyond definition. Pomosexuality literally means anything you want it to mean. It means anything goes. And it represents an end to all the confusion, oppression, fear, and restraint that comes with trying to identify with a restrictive label.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXxODfmU_iU

Join the new social network that is introducing the concept of pomosexuality to the masses, revolutionizing the way the world views sexuality and gender. http://wWw.POMOWORLD.com

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 14 replies

What a dumbass

2008-04-01T14:17:29Z

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7272.html

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Something random!

2008-03-31T12:32:38Z

I love all yawl, you queers. I love the differences and I embrace them whole heartedly. Just looking at this tribe makes me want to cry with joy because I know as long as there is difference in the world then there is salvation for us all! I’m a little addled from no sleep but I wanted to say something from the heart and this is about all I got. This post isn’t about anything but that message but if you want to leave something random and go from there, yell yeah!

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 2 replies

Has anyone tried this site?

2008-03-11T14:32:22Z

This is not intended to be spam. I joined Bicupid awhile back but have never paid for a membership. Has anyone done so and if so, how did it work for them meeting other bi's? If anyone is on there or wants to join, connect to me k?

http://www.BiCupid.com/v/schirin

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 1 reply

ICP 2.9 now available at Creampuff Revolution

2008-03-09T17:37:39Z

Dear Friends of the International Carnival of Pozitivities (ICP):

It is a tremendous pleasure to announce the publication of edition 2.9 of the ICP at the following link:

http://rosemaryrowe.typepad.com/creampuff_revolution/2008/03/creampuff-welco.html

Creampuff, a.k.a., Roro, who hails from Vancouver, is our first repeat host from Canada. I encourage you to bookmark this edition and visit it over time so that you can enjoy each of the contributions from the world of HIV/AIDS. I hope that you will also join me in thanking Roro for her work this month. We “met” about 2 years ago during the NHL Hockey Championship between Edmonton and the Carolina Hurricanes and have been fast friends since despite some rather competitive invocation of mojo to make our teams win the Stanley Cup. Roro’s sense of compassion combined with her sense of humor makes me quite happy to count her among my friends.

This 21st consecutive edition of the ICP features personal accounts, video, a special musical contribution from UK band Slovo, self-help information and the latest in news from the HIV/AIDS community. I hope that you will spend some time reading and that you will leave comments for the contributors. It is through your comments that we can hone our messages and learn how you feel about our work. Please feel free to leave your thoughts with each of the contributors and for our gracious host.

Next Edition

Please visit the ICP homepage to learn more about this project and how you can contribute here:

http://www.internationalcarnivalofpozitivities.blogspot.com .

We are now accepting submissions for edition 2.10 to be hosted here, at Mshairi:

http://www.mshairi.com/blog

This will be Mshairi’s first stint as host of the ICP although she has been a frequent contributor in the past. Mshairi’s edition will mark the first time that the ICP will have been hosted by an African host. If you like poetry, you should scroll through her blog. A selection of her poetry also appears at one of my favorite sites, The Other Voices Poetry International Project, an anthology of poetry from around the world that has been recognized by UNESCO, here:

http://www.othervoicespoetry.org

Mshairi's work appears under the title “Footprints” here:

http://othervoicespoetry.org/vol27/mshairi/index.html .

Contribute Your Work

Please join the growing community of contributors and hosts for this important international forum for genuine voices of AIDS. If you are interested in hosting the ICP, please email me at ron.hudson@verizon.net with the subject listed as “Volunteering to Host the ICP” and I will make the process for you as fun and rewarding as possible. We urgently need new volunteer hosts for the ICP editions after April, 2008. I will work with you to make the process as painless as it can be whether you are a first-time or returning host.

Please Share with Your Friends

Please share this notice with your friends and consider posting announcements of our link on your blogs and websites. Our continuing presence is bolstered by your participation and outreach. Please help spread the word.

To be Removed From or Added To the ICP mailing list:

Please email me at ron.hudson@verizon.net to be added to or removed from the ICP mailing list. Please include the word subscribe or unsubscribe in your subject line to indicate your intent. I will use your source email address as indicated in your note. If you did not receive notice of the ICP from me via direct email, then I do not have your email address in the mailing list. Please note that I can not remove an email address that does not exist on the mailing list. Your privacy is absolutely critical and no email addresses will be shared, sold or given to any other source. I use blind-copy distribution technology to prevent your identity from being revealed.

Peace to you and yours.

Safe Journeys!

Ron Hudson

2sides2ron http://www.ronhudson.blogspot.com
Poundcake Love http://www.poundcakelove.blogspot.com
The International Carnival of Pozitivities (ICP)
http://www.internationalcarnivalofpozitivities.blogspot.com

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

I really do exist...

2008-03-06T05:02:43Z

see?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-_4vwxtkEE

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 2 replies

Stupidest article I've read today

2008-03-05T19:17:11Z

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-6949.html

"Richard Hudler of the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario claims that it will unfairly prejudice gay teenagers.

"My first lover was 17 years older than me. And this is common [among gay people]," he said, according to xtra.ca. "

Who the heck let this idiot talk?

What a terrific way to fuel the fires of the people who claim gay people are after having sex with children!

If the ages are equal for gays and straights, I'm all for it.

I'd like to smack mr hudler in the back of the head with Ann Coulter.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 1 reply

IMsL for FREE - Volunteer!

2008-02-22T05:22:01Z

IMsL for FREE - Volunteer!

Do you want attend IMsL for FREE? Or half-off?

Come volunteer for the hottest event in San Francisco! IMsL has 30+ workshops, 24/7 dungeon space, events and socials that cover more than 72 hours!
IMsL is May 1-4, 2008, in SF. Check out www.imsl.org for more details.

Volunteering is great community service and a fabulous opportunity to CRUISE!

Choose an option that works best for YOU!
2 hours - You'll receive a big Thank You!! from IMsL
4 hours - You'll receive a Collectible IMsL Volunteer Pin, available only to volunteers
8 hours – You’ll receive Half-off IMsL Basic Weekend Package, and a Volunteer Pin
12 hours – You’ll receive a Free IMsL Basic Weekend Package, and a Volunteer Pin

Please go to http://imsl.org/volunteer.php to sign up to volunteer!

IMsL needs lots of volunteers! Please forward this email to any and all Leather or LGBT email lists and to your friends. Encourage them to volunteer!

See you at IMsL!

Rae Goldman
Volunteer Coordinator
volunteercoordinator@imsl.org
http://imsl.org/volunteer.php

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Nor Cal Sus Con - Suspension Convention

2008-02-22T04:36:14Z

Nor Cal Sus Con - Suspension Convention

sus.pend

* hang; especially: to hang so as to be free on all sides except at
the point of support
* to keep from falling or sinking by some invisible support

Pierce Ink is proud to sponsor the Second Annual Northern California
Suspension Convention! Suspension enthusiasts from all over the country
will be joining us for what’s guaranteed to be an amazing weekend of
suspension artistry. We will be welcoming several internationally
recognized suspension practitioners, such as Allen Falkner (TSD) and
Steve Joyner (CoRE).This is your opportunity to either be suspended or
observe some of the country’s leading suspension educators and health
educators at their finest.

Spaces are limited, so register as soon as you can! To view other
sponsors of this event, click on the sponsors link above. For more
information regarding suspension, refer to the following website:
http://www.suspension.org

*Where: Pierce Ink’s Backroom
48 Race St, San Jose California 95126
When: March 15th & 16th, 2008*

We're going to try and schedule all suspendees for Saturday, but if we
do not get to everyone, the overflow will be scheduled for Sunday.
Suspendees will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis, so
register as soon as you can to insure your timeslot and suspension type!
http://www.norcalsuscon.com/ FMI and to register

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

IMsL 2008 – Strap On Your Boots and Ride

2008-02-13T23:41:36Z

IMsL 2008 – Strap On Your Boots and Ride

The 22nd Annual International Ms Leather contest and the 10th
Anniversary of the International Ms Bootblack contest return to San
Francisco to be celebrated from May 1 – 4, 2008. IMsL can boast being
the longest running women's leather competition. There is no other
contest with its history. No women's contest has continually brought
fierce, yet friendly, competition of leather women, educational
seminars, one-stop shopping for all kinky needs at the vendors' space,
and, of course, hot play parties around the clock. Each year, leather
women and *everyone* who loves them, experience an unforgettable event
which leaves them, not only with two outstanding title holders to
represent them for the following year, but with tingling memories of
their weekend and a hunger for next year's event.

The weekend will begin Thursday night with "Seduction" presented by
Good Vibrations – an evening of burlesque, strip tease, drag kings and
queens, go-go dancers, lap dancing and more. On-site play spaces will
open Thursday night as well and remain open all weekend. The weekend
continues on Friday with hospitality receptions including our new
Uniform Party, educational workshops, world-class vendors, charity
auctions and our Bootblack Salon and Leather Lounge staffed by the
contestants for the International Ms Bootblack competition. Saturday
brings the contests and the annual Boots and Cigars party. Sunday's
brunch has been reformatted and will be highlighted by a keynote
address from the hilarious, and often irreverent author, Laura
Antoniou, creator of `The Marketplace' Series.

Registration is now open, with an early bird price of *only* $99,
available until February 29. Registration may be completed online at
www.imsl.org. Tickets for the Sunday brunch may be secured at the same
time. Also on the website is a link for making reservations for the
host hotel, the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway. Alternatively, rooms may
be reserved by calling (415) 441-4000. Those who mention group code
SML receive the IMsL discount.

Discount packages are being offered this year which can be used by
leather clubs, leather families, contestant entourages and other
groups to save some money. These group discount packages offer 10 full
weekend packages for the price of 7 ½. See www.IMsL.org for more
information.

The delightful and entertaining Shann Carr (IMsL 1988), will return as
emcee. Judging the International Ms Leather contest are Sarah Humble,
Head Judge (American Leatherwoman 1994), Lady Faye Falconnier
(International Ms Leather 2006), Skeeter (of Mr. S Leather and Madame
S), Mr. Marcus Hernandez (Bay Area Reporter), Mike Gerle
(International Mr. Leather 2007), diamond (Black Beat, Inc), and slave
marsha (International slave 2001).

Former International Ms Bootblack titleholders will judge the 10th
Anniversary International Ms Bootblack contest, including Slaveboi
Eddie, Head Judge (2003), Ms V (2007), Alex Bettencourt (2006), Izzy
(2004) and michael ann (2000).

Those who are interested in competing to represent the women's leather
community as International Ms Leather or International Ms Bootblack
can find applications on the website or by emailing
contestantcoordinator@IMsL.org. Intelligent and articulate women,
capable of communication and outreach both to leather and non-leather
communities worldwide, are encouraged to apply.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the International Ms Leather Contest
Weekend and applications for volunteer positions are available by
writing to volunteercoordinator@IMsL.org or by visiting www.IMsL.org.
Volunteers will receive a special collectible IMsL pin and either a
partial discount or a full discount on the registration fee so this is
a great way to be a special part of the IMsL team.

As with any contest, the producers of IMsL welcome hearing from
prospective vendors, sponsors, donors, advertisers – and anyone else
who has or requires information. Contact Glenda Rider at
executiveproducer@IMsL.org or visit the website at www.IMsL.org to
begin the ride.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Seeking Justice For Erika Keels

2008-02-10T12:16:42Z

Quoted from the Bi-Writer's Association Website...

Action Alert! Petition link below-only takes 2 mins to sign.

Friends Seek Justice for the Murder of a 20-Year Old Transwoman

Erika Keels, a 20-year-old black transwoman, was murdered on March
22, 2007, at the corner of Broad and Thompson in North Philadelphia,
in a hit-and-run assault. Witnesses saw a man eject Ms. Keels from
his car and intentionally run her over four times, killing her and
leaving the scene. The medical examiner's report states that Erika
was run over not just once but multiple times, supporting these
eyewitness accounts. The driver, Roland Button, was later
apprehended, but has yet to face any charges; indeed, he is still
driving, his license has not been suspended, and his car has not even
been taken for evidence. The Philadelphia police have refused to
conduct an investigation of Erika's death and have closed the case.

Erika Keels was a vibrant, expressive, resilient young woman, and her
friends were devastated and enraged by her murder. The failure of
police to follow procedure when responding to Erika's death, even to
carry out steps required for a hit-and-run accident, amplified the
pain of her murder for those who loved Erika. Some of Erika's friends
refused to accept this second affront, and questioned police
officials about the classification of her death as an accident.
Officials attempted to intimidate them by demanding their "birth"
names, and told them they were "trying to make something out of
nothing." Erika's friends began organizing to demand that her case be
reopened and her death be investigated as a murder. The police seemed
determined to keep Erika's murder as quiet as possible, and Erika's
friends, as well as allies who soon joined them, were just as
determined to bring to light the violence and injustice which brought
an end to this remarkable person's life, and which the Philadelphia
police were continuing to perpetrate.

The story of Erika's death is a shocking, upsetting one, and has
touched many people who never knew Erika when she was alive. However,
Erika's murder is by no means an anomaly. It is part of a devastating
pattern of violence against trans people of color in Philadelphia and
elsewhere. The murder rate of trans people in the United States is
estimated at 7-10 times the national average. Trans people of color
living and working in Philadelphia know they are at near-constant
risk of physical attack, and many experience daily harassment and
discrimination. Erika experienced a tremendous amount of violence,
harassment and discrimination during her short lifetime. On and off
the street from the age of 13, Erika was failed by the very systems
that claim to offer support, opportunities and protection to youth
like her, including the Philadelphia school system, the Department of
Human Services, and, of course, the Philadelphia Police Department.

Violence against trans youth of color in Philadelphia takes many
forms. The Trans-health Information Project (TIP) drop-in night, a
spot Erika frequented, is held weekly at a building in the Gayborhood
of Center City Philadelphia. The TIP drop-in is aimed at building
community, fighting isolation, and providing education and services;
for many months it was home to a thriving Vogue group, popular with
trans and gender-variant youth of color in and out of the ball scene.
Not two weeks after Erika's death, TIP was forced to shut down the
Vogue group, due to police harassment and complaints from white
neighbors about youth hanging out in front of the building. There has
been a long-time presence of trans, gender non-conforming and queer
youth of color on the streets of the Gayborhood, but a combination of
gentrification and Philadelphia's push to corner the gay tourism
market have led to youth of color being increasingly unwelcome in
this predominantly white-owned, ritzy neighborhood. Displacement,
police harassment, cultural eradication, and the elimination of what
little community space is available to trans youth of color - these
forms of violence are not as gruesome as the violent murder of a
young woman. But individuals touched by Erika's death would be well
advised to acquaint themselves as well with the structural, day-to-
day violence faced by her and her community.

Join the Justice 4 Erika campaign in demanding that the Philadelphia
Police Commissioner and the Accident Investigation Division to reopen
Erika's case and conduct a thorough investigation of the
circumstances surrounding her death. We stand together to demand
police accountability, justice for trans and gender non-conforming
people, and respect for the inherent dignity and worth of every
person.

Steps to Take Action:
1. Sign our community support letter
(http://www.petitiononline.com/ErikaK/petition.html ).
2. Add Justice 4 Erika as a friend on Myspace
(http://www.myspace.com/justice4erika).
3. Get organizations or groups you're in to sign on to the support
letter. (Organizations should email Justice4Erika@gmail.com to
confirm their support.)

http://www.biwriters.org/pages/embeddedblogI.html

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 1 reply

holy cow

2008-02-10T12:06:26Z

how weird, this works for gay/straight in my office. All the gay guys have index and ring fingers the same in length, all the straight guys fingers are much different.

Anyone else?

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 3 replies

ICP 2.8 now available

2008-02-09T18:21:28Z

Dear Friends of the International Carnival of Pozitivities (ICP):

It is a tremendous pleasure to announce the publication of edition 2.8 of the ICP at

http://notperfectatall.blogspot.com/2008/02/icp-28.html

Dragonette is our first European host, working from The Netherlands I encourage you to bookmark this edition and visit it over time so that you can enjoy each of the contributions from the world of HIV/AIDS. I hope that you will also join me in thanking Dragonette for her work this month.

This 20th consecutive edition of the ICP features personal accounts, video, music, self-help information and the latest in news from the HIV/AIDS community. Among these posts, you will find news about HIV/AIDS from around the world, posts from long-term survivors, an Annie Lennox HIV-prevention video, news and personal accounts from Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. I hope that you will spend some time reading and that you will leave comments for the contributors.

Next Edition

Please visit the ICP homepage to learn more about this project and how you can contribute at the following link:

http://internationalcarnivalofpozitivities.blogspot.com

We are now accepting submissions for edition 2.9 to be hosted at Creampuff Revolution, located here:

http://rosemaryrowe.typepad.com/creampuff_revolution/

This will be Roro’s second stint as host of the ICP. Her writing style is beautiful, funny, clever and guaranteed to make your ICP experience a good one. Please consider contributing your original artwork, poetry, news, personal accounts, short stories, videos or music files for the next edition.

Contribute Your Work

Please join the growing community of contributors and hosts for this important international forum for genuine voices of AIDS. If you are interested in hosting the ICP, please send an email to ron.hudson@verizon.net and I will make the process for you as painless as possible. We urgently need new volunteer hosts for the ICP editions after March, 2008. If any of you have previously hosted or if you are first-time host, I will work with you to make the process as fun as it can be. It would be especially cool to have a volunteer host for the April edition.

Please Share with Your Friends

Please share this notice with your friends and consider posting announcements of our link on your blogs and websites. Our continuing presence is bolstered by your participation and outreach. Please help spread the word.

To be Removed From or Added To the ICP mailing list:

Please send an email to ron.hudson@verizon.net with the word REMOVE or SUBSCRIBE in your subject line to have your name removed from or added to, respectively, the ICP mailing list. If you did not receive notice of the ICP from me via direct email, then I do not have your email address in the mailing list. Please note that I can not remove an email address that does not exist on the mailing list. Your privacy is absolutely critical and no email addresses will be shared, sold or given to any other source. I use blind-copy distribution technology to prevent your identity from being revealed.

Peace to you and yours.

Ron Hudson

http://www.ronhudson.blogspot.com 2sides2ron
http://www.poundcakelove.blogspot.com Poundcake Love
http://www.internationalcarnivalofpozitivities.blogspot.com
The International Carnival of Pozitivities (ICP)

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

hello gays

2008-02-08T23:56:17Z

So does anyone who lives in or near NYC want a pair of medium sized angel wings, for free?

Send me a message please, first person who wants them, gets them.

I was going to go on freecycle.org , but I figured I'd give you guys a shot first.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 1 reply

Sac Bi or Bi-curious Men, CD, & TV / TS Group started...

2008-02-05T20:30:41Z

Hello all,

Not to detract from this group, but I wanted to let everyone know I have just started a new group: Sac Bi or Bi-curious Men, CD, & TV / TS

So if you are from the Sacramento area, please join up and help build this group.

Tyler

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Hey gang,

2008-02-01T14:13:36Z

Hey gang,

I'm having something that you would call an online relationship. The woman that I'm about to tell you about is a femme. Meaning she's a bio-woman that likes, is attracted to, and dates transguys. She lives in GA and I live in DE, so she's not just an hour away, if I were to go and visit her, I would have to make plans to go and visit her. I told her one of the conditions of me visiting her, is that there has to be interest on her side, and open and honest communication from her.

Now, I know that every woman that I meet, isn't honest, nor can anyone at least meet me halfway, when it comes to having an undivided attention conversation. I guess I'm strange, I like talking to one person at a time. She obviously was having a conversation with one of her friends, and she accidently typed. In my chat window, "I got a little bit".

Everyone knows that unless you've been around a person (grew up with them, has lived around them, works with them), that when they say something like that, then they know what it means. I've been around the block several times, and I'm no stranger to heartbreaks.

All I wanted her to do was to repeat and to clarify what she meant that she got a little bit. To me, when someone says that, that means that she went out and got some sex on the side. Exclusive relationship or not, that's cheating. In the beginning, I told her that I wouldn't be online, that I would be hanging out with a straight guy, that's a friend. I'm one of those rare people that actually have platonic friends, ok? lol! She came out with, "Why do transguys fool around with straight guys?"

I knew where she was coming from (I told you, I've been around the block a few times). I told her, "Look, I can't answer for other transguys that do that, but I prefer women and that's it".

She couldn't answer my question, a big red flag of China flew up in front of my eyes. I'm thinking about cutting this woman loose, and just stay focused on my studies, but on the other hand, I'm thinking about being a bit more patient, but continuing on to look for another woman, that I can at least have a conversation that is honest and open.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Sebastian

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 2 replies

Born in the Wrong Body on MSNBC

2008-01-13T21:24:32Z

I'm watching this program right now. Really helps me to understand transgenders. If you care to see it it's on again at 11pm this evening.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 32 replies

Edition 2.7 of the International Carnival of Pozitivities Available

2008-01-12T15:45:05Z

Dear Friends of the International Carnival of Pozitivities (ICP):

It is a tremendous pleasure to announce the publication of edition 2.7 of the ICP at

http://www.thespincycle.blogspot.com/2008/01/as-positive-as-you-wanna-be-icp-27.html

Matty the Damned at The Spin Cycle

(http://www.thespincycle.blogspot.com)

has graciously served as our host for this month...from Australia. Bless his heart, Matty has a way with words. I have to include a STRONG LANGUAGE WARNING for you to consider, but what is a little language when you are dealing with a terminal illness? I hope that you will read this article and overlook any part that might offend you to see through to the good in the messages that we share to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

This 19th consecutive edition of the ICP features personal accounts, video, self-help information and the latest in news from the HIV/AIDS community. I hope that you will spend some time reading and that you will leave comments for the contributors.

Next Edition

Please visit the ICP homepage to learn more about this project and how you can contribute at the following link:

http://internationalcarnivalofpozitivities.blogspot.com

We are now accepting submissions for edition 2.8 to be hosted at NotPerfectAtAll, located here:

http://notperfectatall.blogspot.com/

Please consider contributing your original artwork, poetry, news, personal accounts, short stories, videos or music files for the next edition.

Please Share with Your Friends

Please share this notice with your friends and consider posting announcements of our link on your blogs and websites. Our continuing presence is bolstered by your participation and outreach. Please help spread the word.

Contribute Your Work

Please join the growing community of contributors and hosts for this important international forum for genuine voices of AIDS. If you are interested in hosting the ICP, please send an email to ron.hudson@verizon.net and I will make the process as painless as possible. We have hosts inline through March, 2008, but if you would like to host in April, 2008, or beyond, please let me know. I hope that you will consider signing up to host a specific edition of the ICP.

To be Removed From or Added To the ICP mailing list:

Please send an email to ron.hudson@verizon.net with the word REMOVE or SUBSCRIBE in your subject line to have your name removed from or added to, respectively, the ICP mailing list. If you did not receive notice of the ICP from me via direct email, then I do not have your email address in the mailing list. Please note that I can not remove an email address that does not exist on the mailing list. Your privacy is absolutely critical and no email addresses will be shared, sold or given to any other source. I use blind-copy distribution technology to prevent your identity from being revealed.

Peace to you and yours.

Ron Hudson

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Trans guy looking to meet other trans guys

2007-12-30T01:48:43Z

I just moved to Toronto six months ago. I want to meet some new people. If you would like to know more about me feel free to email me.

:)

Alex

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Black Lesbian Feature & Oakland Film Co.

2007-12-24T18:18:45Z

Griot Soul Films, an Oakland-based non-profit film company dedicated to producing complex film images of Black and Black Connected communities, and providing community members tools and training to do the same. We're currently working to produce the 1st Black Same Gender Loving Woman's Romantic Dramedy "She Wasn't Last Night."

It's community funded and we've gotten a lot of positive press both nationally and internationally. We need more community involvement and the Winter Holidays are a great time to connect! We need YOUR help...

Please check out our website at www.griotsoulfilms.org and our trailer at www.afterellen.com/blwe/12-14-07

....and consider making a holiday donation of any size. Join our social network for the film at shewasntlastnight.ning.com

Thanks for taking the time!!!!

DJ

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Question of the day

2007-12-14T09:33:53Z

If everyone looked exactly the same, would we all have different personalities?

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 7 replies

Dirty Little Secret

2007-12-08T18:57:49Z

I don't know if this strikes "close to home" for anyone, but I just found it of sorrowful interest and wanted to pass it on.

Dirty Little Secret
How addiction to crystal methamphetamine is threatening the gay community's long struggle to turn a corner on the AIDS epidemic.

Newsweek Web Exclusive
Updated: 5:22 PM ET Nov 29, 2007

I really shouldn't be trusted. That's the problem with drug addicts like me. We've protected our addiction through a myriad of lies and manipulations for so long that being truly honest again is like learning a foreign language from scratch. So when, at long last, my recovery has convinced me that honesty is the only thing that can save my life, I shouldn't be surprised that my friends are reluctant to believe me.

Their skepticism is well founded. My drug addiction perverted every value I hold dear, and truthfulness was the first to be abandoned. But becoming a habitual liar was only the beginning.

As a gay man I worked tirelessly through the 1980s directing AIDS agencies and advocating HIV education. Despair was a daily companion, and I witnessed the death of friends in manners too gruesome to be described. When I became HIV positive during those early years, every loss of a friend, every visit to intensive care, was like watching my own morbid future.

But once my addiction to crystal methamphetamine took hold by the late 1990s, caring for my community or even myself had become unaffordable luxuries. The drug, a common presence on the dance floors I once enjoyed, had tightened its hold on me. I was no longer satisfied with occasional weekend use and pursued meth with a vigor unmatched by my devotion to AIDS causes.

This onetime HIV educator became a selfish addict who engaged in perilous drug deals and even riskier sex. The sad irony escaped me, however, as I continued down my destructive path, even contracting hepatitis C through needles and enduring chemotherapy to treat it. All the while, my addiction raged on.

My experience isn't unique and widespread meth abuse has been brewing in other populations for some time. But something about its peculiar grip on gay men feels all too familiar, like a dreadful echo of what we suffered a generation ago. And the implications have me worried.

Most of my peers remember what it was like in the early 1980s, when friends stopped calling or simply died over the weekend. The nightclubs were cloaked in sadness and had a vaguely sinister vibe. Empty desks at work meant someone was mysteriously sick again. During those years of "gay cancer," we were too petrified to acknowledge the coming storm.

Today those ominous signs have returned, along with the helpless wish that things will improve if only we don't speak too loudly about it. But rather than AIDS picking off my friends with random cruelty, meth addiction is the culprit. And this time, it is unlikely our community emergency will have ribbons and walkathons or attract research dollars. Society's sympathy for men dying from drugs is quantitatively less than dying of a sexually transmitted disease. This really is a plague of our own design.

Recovery centers are teeming with gay men battling meth addiction, and the drug has a very tight, culturally specific hold on them. It has surpassed other illegal substances as the drug of choice among gay users. There is something about the drug's mystique as a sexual liberator that appeals to men who are so often judged by their sexuality. Just as I once did, countless men are abandoning their relationships, their careers and their personal dignity in pursuit of the insidious thrill the drug promises and never delivers.

And meth appears to be mocking my community's long struggle to turn a corner on the AIDS epidemic. HIV-testing sites claim that meth users are five times more likely to test positive for the virus than nonusers.

How to combat the growing threat has this activist at a loss. Gay men know we had compelling prevention campaigns for HIV in the early days. They were called funerals. But changing an addict's behavior is a much more ambitious challenge than changing basic sexual practices.

It was my goal to bring attention to this crisis when I agreed to appear in a recent documentary about gay men and methamphetamine (Todd Ahlberg's startling "Meth"). In the film, I represent the voice of reason, the recovering addict remarking on what a sad scourge the drug has become. Only after the documentary was produced did I admit to anyone that I had relapsed prior to filming and had stopped using meth only hours before the camera crew arrived. Once again, my actions trumped my ideals.

It has been baffling to find myself literally saying one thing and doing another. The facts don't lie: I have been working toward recovery for five years, and my last relapse was only four months ago. The eight years I spend addicted to meth will leave scars. Thank God for the recovering addicts I have met along the way who have shown me that long-term success is possible if I will just "get honest" and hold myself accountable. My personal survival is the job at hand.

That's tough for a former community leader to accept. I want to sound the alarm, organize a response and join the growing chorus of gay men shedding light on our shameful secret.

But how can I urge others to practice honesty when it has eluded me again and again? And what did the AIDS crisis teach me, what did the promises to honor the lives of so many dead friends mean, when I rewarded my miraculous survival by sticking needles in my arm?

I better sit this one out. The preciousness of life itself, and my own in particular, is a lesson I should have learned while caring for my friends dying of AIDS. It has taken a battle with an equally cunning adversary for that lesson to finally sink in.

King lives in Atlanta. His Web site is www.MarkSKing.com .

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 9 replies

Announcing Edition 2.6 of the International Carnival of Pozitivities (ICP)

2007-12-03T21:35:46Z

Dear Friends of the International Carnival of Pozitivities (ICP):

It is a tremendous pleasure to announce the publication of edition 2.6 of the ICP at

http://www.dropdeadhappy.com/dropdeadhappy/ICP26.html

Mark Kokocki is our third host from Canada and our second from the Vancouver area after Roro at Creampuff Revolution. I encourage you to bookmark this edition and visit it over time so that you can enjoy each of the contributions from the world of HIV/AIDS. I hope that you will also join me in thanking Mark for his work this month and Giles of Slimconomy and Roro of Creampuff Revolution for the previous Canadian editions.

This 18th consecutive edition of the ICP features personal accounts, video, music, self-help information and the latest in news from the HIV/AIDS community. Among these posts,you will find news about HIV/AIDS in women and children, a good sampling of posts from long-term survivors, a Bollywood-like HIV prevention video from India, news and personal accounts from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America, I hope that you will spend some time reading and that you will leave comments for the contributors.

Next Edition

Please visit the ICP homepage to learn more about this project and how you can contribute at the following link:

http://internationalcarnivalofpozitivities.blogspot.com

We are now accepting submissions for edition 2.7 to be hosted at The Spin Cycle, located here:

http://thespincycle.blogspot.com

This new edition marks the first time that the ICP will have been hosted outside of North America as we go to Australia for host Matty the Damned and the Spin Cycle team. It is notable that Matty and the Spin Cycle contributed the first post to the ICP’s first edition in June of 2006. Please consider contributing your original artwork, poetry, news, personal accounts, short stories, videos or music files for the next edition.

Please Share with Your Friends

Please share this notice with your friends and consider posting announcements of our link on your blogs and websites. Our continuing presence is bolstered by your participation and outreach. Please help spread the word.

Contribute Your Work

Please join the growing community of contributors and hosts for this important international forum for genuine voices of AIDS. If you are interested in hosting the ICP, please send an email to ron.hudson@verizon.net and I will make the process for you as painless as possible. We have hosts inline through February, 2008, but if you would like to host in March, 2008, or beyond, please let me know. I hope that you will consider signing up to host a specific edition of the ICP.

To be Removed From or Added To the ICP mailing list:

Please send an email to ron.hudson@verizon.net with the word REMOVE or SUBSCRIBE in your subject line to have your name removed from or added to, respectively, the ICP mailing list. If you did not receive notice of the ICP from me via direct email, then I do not have your email address in the mailing list. Please note that I can not remove an email address that does not exist on the mailing list. Your privacy is absolutely critical and no email addresses will be shared, sold or given to any other source. I use blind-copy distribution technology to prevent your identity from being revealed.

Peace to you and yours.

Ron Hudson

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Are you "super gay?"

2007-11-14T17:17:24Z

Consumer Preferences Vary Among Gay/Lesbian Segments
by Karlene Lukovitz, Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007 5:00 AM ET

A NEW STUDY DRIVES HOME the importance of understanding the diversity of the gay and lesbian communities and creating marketing strategies that reflect a company's or brand's likelihood of connecting with specific consumer segments.

Multicultural market research/consulting firm New American Dimensions and full-service creative agency asterixGROUP conducted 926 online and intercept surveys with (evenly divided) men and women during June.

The study identifies five distinct demographic segments and cross-references these with preferred ad styles and imagery.

The segments:

* "Super Gays" (26% of respondents) are highly educated (28% graduate school), highest-income (16% earn $100,000 or more) and most likely to be self-employed (15%). Slightly more than half (54%) of this segment are males.

Super Gays describe themselves as sophisticated, activist, complex, intellectual, mature, risk-taking and extroverted.

Nearly 90% report that they are "completely out" and about the same percentage report that they consider being gay to be a big part of who they are, and the most active segment in terms of supporting the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transsexual (LGBT) community with time or money.

Three-quarters (77%) live in big cities, 48% live in metro areas, and 56% own their own homes.

This segment spends the most time surfing the web (20.3 hours per week) and reading magazines/newspapers (7 hours). Favored publications are The Advocate (38%), The New York Times (25%) and Out (22%).

Compared to other segments, Super Gays are more likely to connect to a company that "actively speaks on behalf of LGBT causes" (18% express this attitude).

* "Habitaters" (25% of respondents) are older (41% are age 50 or older) and most likely to be in a stable, living-together relationship (59%). This group skews a bit toward females (55%).

Habitaters describe themselves as serious, down-to-earth, emotional, simple, traditional, responsible and mature.

About three-quarters (77%) are "completely out," and 61% say that being gay is a big part of who they are. Fewer than half (45%) say that they actively support the LGBT community, but 23% express concern about women's issues and 21% about children's issues.

Compared to other segments, they are the most likely to live in suburban areas (37%) and own homes (65%) and are least into dining out (1.6 times per week).

They are highest in TV-watching (10.2 hours per week), but low on magazine/newspaper reading (4.9 hours). Favored publications are The Advocate (19%), Entertainment Weekly (12%) and People (12%).

Compared to other segments, Habitaters are more inclined to connect with a company that offers domestic partner benefits to employees (71% express this attitude).

* "Gay Mainstream" (23%) respondents tend to be conservative and middle-of-the-road on almost all measures and attitudes, and as a group comprise an equal mix in terms of gender, age, education and income.

They are also equally mixed in terms of living in urban and rural areas, and in renting versus owning homes.

This group is most likely to have full-time employers (66%).

Fewer than half (44%) are "completely out," and 78% say that they have to know someone well to tell them that they are gay, but 73% say that being gay is a big part of who they are. Over half (57%) of Mainstream Gays are in stable relationships.

They are lowest in reading magazines/newspapers (4.6 hours per week), although 39% read LGBT publications. Favored publications are The Advocate (22%), Out (12%) and Entertainment Weekly (11%).

Compared to other segments, they are more likely to connect to a company that "reaches out to gays and lesbians in traditional media" (15% express this attitude--and 78% say that they prefer to watch TV programs in which being gay is part of the story). They also connect with companies that "actively speak out on behalf of LGBT causes" (13%).

* "Party People" (14%) skew young (29% are 18 to 24) and are the least-educated (23% are high school graduates).

Most (82%) live in big cities, and 41% own homes.

They describe themselves as youthful, down-to-earth, simple, cutting-edge, extroverted, rebellious and risk-taking. About half are in stable relationships.

Three-quarters (77%) are "completely out," and 87% say that being gay is a big part of who they are.

This segment had the earliest realization of gay identity (age 13.4, on average). Also, nearly half (45%) of Party People agree that "being gay is a choice." This is in marked contrast to other segments, whose percentages of agreement with this statement are very low (Super Gays, 0%; Habitaters and Mainstreams, 1% each; Closeted, 12%). This appears to largely reflect growing comfort with sexual identity with age.

Three-quarters (76%) of Partiers say they visit LGBT bars/clubs frequently. Partiers also eat out more than other segments (3.1 times per week), and spend more on this (33% spend between $100 and $250 per week).

Despite their youth, they are lowest in Internet surfing (15.3 hours per week). However, since they're also lowest in TV watching (12.7 hours per week), both patterns are probably a factor of nightlife taking up most of their free time. When they are Web surfing, they're more likely than other segments to visit gay sites and social networking sites like MySpace (30% do so).

About half read LGBT publications. Favorite publications: Entertainment Weekly (20%), The Advocate (18%) and People (17%).

Compared to other segments, Party People are more likely to connect to a company that "supports the gay community with donations" (11%) or "sponsors gay events" (8%).

* Closeted respondents (12%) skew older (40% are age 50 or older), and 15% are retirees.

Just 4% are "completely out," and 35% are "completely in." Fully 95% agree that they have to know someone well to tell them that they're gay. This group also realized their gay identity latest: age 17.8, on average.

Closeted gays describe themselves as serious, sideliners, traditional, introverted, mature and cautious.

They are highest in being single--meaning outside a stable relationship (52%)--and lowest in living in big cities (20%). Nearly half (47%) live in rural or small-town areas, and 59% own their own homes.

They eat out 1.6 times per week, but are lowest in dining-out spending (just 6% spend $100 to $250 per week).

They are high on Web surfing (20.2 hours per week) and highest in purchasing and engaging in games/sports on the Web, but low on visiting LGBT sites (23%). They read magazines/newspapers just five hours per week, favoring Reader's Digest (17%), People (16%) and National Geographic (11%).

Compared with other segments, they're likely to connect to a company that "reaches out to gays and lesbians in traditional media" (16%).

Differences by Ethnicity, Gender, Age

In addition to the lifestyle segment findings, the study identifies significant differences by ethnicity, age and gender. These include:

* Compared to Caucasians (who comprised 80% of respondents), Hispanic and African-American gays/lesbians are more open and comfortable about expressing their gay identity, although African-Americans place gender and racial identity above sexual identity in terms of importance.

* Realization of gay identity comes earlier for men (average age 14, versus 17 for women).

* More lesbians live together in relationships (59%, versus 37% for men), have children at home (16% versus 4% for men) or plan to have/adopt children within five years (15% versus 8% for men).

* Men dine out more (2.3 times per week on average, versus 1.8 times for women) and spend more on this (29% spend $100+ per week, versus 18% of women).

* Men also spend more on fashion: 26% spent $1,000+ on clothing during the past 12 months, versus 20% of women.

* The number of gays reporting being "completely out and fine with that" was higher among those ages 25 and older, again suggesting that comfort with sexual identity increases with age.

Media, Brand Preferences Across Segments

The researchers also tallied data across the entire sample. For example, looking at total respondents:

* Favorite networks include ABC (20%), Discovery (18%), NBC (17%), Logo (16%) and Bravo (15%).

* Favorite shows include "L-Word" (15%), "CSI" (15%) and "Grey's Anatomy" (14%).

* Favorite magazines include The Advocate (23%), People (13%) and Out (13%). Local LGBT publications are read by 43%.

* Favorite Web sites include Yahoo (25%), Google (14%) and MySpace (14%).

* Asked what is the most effective way for a company to increase its connection with gays and lesbians, 79% cited "offering domestic partnership benefits to employees," and 46% cited "supporting the LGBT community with donations." The researchers note that gays clearly reward companies that support the community, including by placing gay-themed ads and content in traditional media.

* Favorite automotive brands include Toyota (30%), Honda (22%), Ford (16%), BMW (15%) and Chevy (14%). Brands that are perceived as most supportive of the LGBT community are Subaru (60%), Volvo (22%) and Volkswagen (12%).

* Primary banking preferences include Bank of America (16%), local credit union (15%) and Wells Fargo (7%). Banks ranked best for the LGBT community: Bank of America (19%) and WaMu (18%).

* Favored fashion brands include Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.

* Favored alcohol brands include Grey Goose and Budweiser.

Responses to Print-Ad Imagery, Specific Commercials
Some general trends were identified when respondents were asked to respond to six imagery styles commonly used in print ads geared to gay/lesbian audiences: "Beefcake" images and images of gays kissing/showing affection resonate more with gay men than lesbians; celebrity and friendship imagery resonate more with lesbians; gay pride and friendship imagery resonate more with older than younger gay men; and older lesbians relate more to "cuddly," "pride," celebrity and friendship imagery, while younger lesbians relate more to kissing/affection imagery.

The study also asked gays and lesbians to rank three specific TV commercials on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means "I hate it" and 10 means "I love it."

Dodge Caliber's "Too Tough Fairy" spot and Budweiser's "Ladies' Night" spot--which both employ gay stereotypes for humor in an exaggerated, over-the-top way--scored 5.9 and 5.7, respectively. In contrast, Holiday Inn's "Hot Tub" commercial, which tries to play homophobia for laughs, scored 4.4. Lesson: Exercise caution when using gay themes in humorous creative.

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 8 replies

ICP 17 is now Available. I hope you are finding it helpful and interesting.

2007-11-12T03:02:26Z

Dear Friends of the International Carnival of Pozitivities (ICP):

The 17th consecutive edition of the ICP is now available at the following link:

http://slimconomy.blogspot.com/2007/11/w-elcome-to-november-10-2007-edition-of.html

This edition is the second to have been hosted by a Canadian blogger and the second to be hosted internationally. Please join me in thanking Giles at Slimconomy for his participation as our host this month. As usual, this edition features personal accounts, video, self-help information and the latest in news from the HIV/AIDS community. I hope that you will spend some time reading and that you will leave comments for the contributors.

Next Edition

Please visit the ICP homepage at the following link to learn more about this project and how you can contribute:

http://internationalcarnivalofpozitivities.blogspot.com/

We are now accepting submissions for edition 18 to be hosted at Drop Dead Happy, located here:

http://www.dropdeadhappy.com

Please consider contributing your original artwork, poetry, news, personal accounts, short stories, videos or music files for the next edition.

Please Share with Your Friends

Please share this notice with your friends and consider posting announcements of our link on your blogs and websites. Our continuing presence is bolstered by your participation and outreach. Please help spread the word.

Contribute Your Work

I hope that you will join the growing community of contributors and hosts for this important international forum for genuine voices of AIDS. If you are interested in hosting the ICP, please send me a message and I will make the process for you as painless as possible. Return hosts are welcome! We have hosts in line through December, 2007, but need to start recruiting new hosts for next year right now!! I hope that you will consider signing up to host a specific edition of the ICP.

To be Removed From or Added To the ICP mailing list:

Please send me a message with the word REMOVE or SUBSCRIBE in your subject line to have your name removed from or added to, respectively, the ICP mailing list. If you did not receive notice of the ICP from me via direct email, then I do not have your email address in the mailing list. Please note that I can not remove an email address that does not exist on the mailing list.

Peace to you and yours.

Ron Hudson

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies

Gay Geeks Saturday Night! (Oct 6)

2007-11-01T23:00:31Z

60 folks now on the email list! Welcome newcomers!

It happened to me tonight: I went bar hopping this evening and came to the realization that when I go out on a Saturday night I don't meet the people I want to meet. And heck, this is Folsom Street Fair weekend. Too many people, for one, and too much noise to get into good conversations. And the cruise crush is on. Too much distraction! I wanted to turn in my gay card right then and there.

So, I decided to move the Gay Geeks gathering from Saturday afternoons to Saturday NIGHTS, offering you a TRUE ALTERNATIVE in socializing.

Okay, I'm now calling the Gay Geeks gathering, "Gay Geeks Saturday Night" (a play on an old big band tune, "Jukebox Saturday Night" if you must know).

Info for next gathering:

GAY GEEKS SATURDAY NIGHT
Saturday October 6, 8:00pm
Muddy's Coffeehouse (new venue!)
1304 Valencia Street at 24th, San Francisco

Parking: within 2 blocks typically Public Transit: 1 block from BART 24th Street station, also on Muni lines 26, 48, and 67, and 1 block from lines 14 and 49. Truly a public transit paradise.

Muddy's does not have a good selection of food, but the owner allows people to bring in food from elsewhere. There is a great Mexican restaurant around the corner, also a falafel place and a burger place (with Niman Ranch beef) nearby.

What's the theory behind the Gay Geeks Gathering? Gay Geeks is a haven for intellectuals and visionaries. Thus, your learned geekery is most welcome. If you study languages, streetcars, oceans, religion, have a collection of Harper's Magazine dating to 1909, you're running for mayor of SF, or you've just built a propane-fired Victorian house on wheels, you're our kind of people. Come on by.

The Gay Geeks Gathering is NOT about computers, and it doesn’t focus on gay issues. We don't meet in a "gay" venue, or in a "gay" neighborhood. We're about breaking away from ALL of that! The Gay Geeks Gathering breaks the mold!

TOPICS NEXT TIME: Encouraged but not limited to:

(1) How do we know if someone is crazy or not? Is George W Bush crazy? Are the people running for mayor of SF crazy? Is the guy who begs for money at the freeway offramp crazy?

(2) Will something replace conventional news gathering now that newspapers appear to be on the brink of collapse? Is a news wiki a better idea?

(3) Why do people continue to collect newspaper clippings when the Internet is available, or collect clothes when they're out of style or don't fit anymore? Is collecting stuff specifically an American disease? Or is it a disease at all?

--David Kaye, founder of the Original Gay Geeks Gathering (established January 1997)

Gay Geeks Saturday NIght does not have a website. Subscribe using the email address below to keep abreast on the latest developments.

Group Email Addresses
Subscribe: sfgaygeeks-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Post message: sfgaygeeks@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: sfgaygeeks-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: sfgaygeeks-owner@yahoogroups.com
Organizer's address: gaygeeks@yahoo.com

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 2 replies

SF : Gay Halloween in the Castro : TOMORROW?

2007-10-26T18:29:46Z

So it's been a while since I've been on tribe and with the disastrous gay bashing in the Castro last year, there will be no official celebration this year.

But in year's past, Gay Halloween has been going on the weekend before Halloween. So i'm thinking this year it's going to be on again for the Gay Friendly Folk only ;-)

Whose coming out?

<wink>

posted in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans - 0 replies