74 Days

Remaining Before May 8, 2012 VOTE

The Play 8 will be coming to Raleigh at Raleigh Ensemble Players, page 18

Yard Signs & BUMPER

STICKERS NOW AVAILABLE - FREE GET YOURS Details on page 14

Raleigh GLBT Report

Published Regularly

Friday, February 24, 2012 - Volume VI - Issue 6

Free by e-mail

Wake County Board of Commissioners Community Heroes :

______________________________________________________________________________

Ervin Portman

James West

Betty Lou Ward p. 3

In This Issue

Wake County Board of Commissioners pass Resolution p.1

3

Wake County Board of Commissioners narrowly endorses anti-gay marriage, anti-family NC. Constitutional Amendment Resolution 2/20/21012
Compiled by: Willie D. Pilkington with information from several additional sources 2/21/2012

Thanks County Commissioners who battled for us , p.3 Music was fun at UUFR , p 4-5 Community Event Announcements: Phone Banks need Volunteers, p. 5 6 Rev. Dr. William Barber at NCSU, p. 7 OPINION: Could Jesus Live In N.C., p 10 N.C. Headline News:, p.11 - 14 Yard Signs & Bumper Stickers NOW AVAILABLE, p. 14 National Headline News: p. 15 17 ENTERTAINMENT: Review of film Absolutely Positive: p. 17 18 Play 8 Coming to Raleigh Ensemble Players: p. 18 EMPLOYMENT LISTING: p. 19

PHOTO: OF TRACY HOLLISTER FROM THE NEWS AND OBSERVER Tracy Hollister with Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh speaks against the anti-gay marriage amendment Resolution at Monday's, 2/20/2012, Wake County Board of Commissioners' meeting. The meeting drew a big crowd of well over 100 people opposing the anti-gay, anti-family, marriage amendment Resolution which was quietly constructed and placed on the Commissioners agenda for Monday, by Commissioner Paul Coble, who is Chair. The very large turn out by people opposed to the Resolution was a surprise to Coble and the other Republicans on The Commission.

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RALEIGH A majority of the Wake County Board of Commissioners with a partisan vote of 4 to 3, on Monday, 2/20/2012,
voted in favor of a Resolution encouraging all Wake County Voters to go out and vote for the N.C. Constitutional Amendment that is passed will define marriage between one man and one woman as the only legally recognized union to be in North Carolina. The non-binding, symbolic Wake County Board of Commissioners vote came along party lines, with Republicans Paul Coble, (who is also running for a U.S. House seat from Congressional District 13), Tony Gurley, Phil Matthews and Joe Bryan supporting the motion and Democrats Erv Portman, James West and Betty Lou Ward opposing it. (see related Community Heroes below)

Commissioner Chair Paul Coble intently listening to Resolution opposition speaker Opponents from all across Wake County showed up with only few hours notice to show opposition to the gay-marriage ban Resolution and dominated the public speakers' period with well over 100 people packed into the Commissioners Chambers of the regular commission meeting, along with few others who supported a Wake County Sustainability report, which also failed to get commissioners' support. Tami Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the NC "Values" Coalition and a registered Republican Lobbyist at the State Legislature, was the lone speaker in favor of the Commissioners Resolution in favor of the N.C. Constitutional gay marriage ban. The N.C. Constitutional Amendment will appear on a statewide ballot on May 8, 2012. "Constitutional amendments constitute generational warfare," Tracy Hollister, who identified herself as a lesbian and a taxpayer, said during the public comment period. "People under 30 don't have an issue as much. The country is moving beyond it. North Carolina needs to move in that same direction." Coble pointed out that his Resolution called for the board to endorse the amendment, not for voters to support it. Same-sex marriage is already illegal in North Carolina, but supporters of the amendment such as Fitzgerald say it will prevent judges from issuing opinions which would negate that law. "How does the county board get off on telling the citizens of Wake County how they should vote?" Commissioner Portman asked. "Is that not heavy handed? Is that not arrogant?" The 20 speakers who signed up to publically speak against the motion cited their rights as individuals, possible loss of new business to the greater Raleigh / Wake County area and inappropriate intrusion into private matters as reason to reject the endorsement of the ballot item. "I just think we are focusing on the wrong thing," Commissioner West said. "I think we are kind of out of step and out of touch to some degree when it comes to protecting civil rights and civil liberties." With the Democrats speaking out against the motion and Coble carrying the load for the Republicans, the motion passed after much heated Board partisan discussion. Many Wake County GLBT community leaders, while upset over the Wake County Board of Commissioners vote outcome, believe that the majority vote by the Republican Commissioners is not a clear reflection of how the Residents of Wake County feel about this issue nor a reflection of how Wake County voters will Vote on May 8, 2012.

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Willie D. Pilkington, a longtime community activist and publisher of the Raleigh GLBT Report stated, This Vote today, Monday, 2/20/2012, was an attempt by Commissioner Paul Coble to have a position to run on in his seeking to win a U.S. House of Representative seat from the N.C. Congressional District 13. Commissioner Coble did not have a mandate from the citizens of Wake County nor any Board appointed citizen group to bring this issue forward as a Wake County Board of Commissioners agenda item this Resolution was simply constructed by Paul Coble and quietly placed on the agenda, in the hopes that no Wake County residents would notice until after the Vote took place. Paul Coble, the other Republicans on the Wake Board of Commissioners and their single collaborator for this Resolution, Tami Fitzgerald of Marriage N.C., were very shocked at the large number of people who showed up to show opposition and to speak in opposition to their Resolution. Quite frankly, they were placed on the spot with their Board of Commissioners vote, which they knew shows contempt for the majority of people who turned out from Wake County asking them to Vote against the Resolution. The city of Raleigh passed a resolution against the amendment last year, December 2011, which came forward from the Raleigh Human Relations Commission. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina (ACLU-NC) at the time praised the Raleigh City council after their historic December vote and called on other municipalities to follow suit. We applaud the Raleigh City Council for taking a bold stand against a measure that would cause irreparable harm to thousands of families across North Carolina, said Sarah Preston, Policy Director for the ACLU of North Carolina. We urge all local municipalities to recognize that this amendment would take away security and protection from thousands of unmarried couples and their children, making it harder for countless North Carolinians to take care of the people they love. A policy that harmful is not something our states local governments should support. We call on all North Carolina municipalities to defend the best interests of their residents by publicly opposing this discriminatory amendment. Click here to hear a portion of Mondays public hearing at the Wake County Board of Commissioners meeting. See the Wake County Commissioners complete deliberation and Vote on the Resolution posted from Wake Government TV (WGTV). Further you can go to WTVD to see their Report. To view a complete gallery of photos by Bill Sandifer of Pamlico Press on Picasa of the meeting, speakers and audience form the Wake County Commissioners meeting click. You can read the Wake County Board of Commissioners Resolution that was passed here. Click here to read and join with 11,130 others who have signed an online petition drive, Paul Coble Does Not Speak For Me, since Monday.

Thanking Three of our Wake County Board of Commissioners who were Heroes in their attempt to stop the Resolution

Ervin Portman

James West

Betty Lou Ward

In our hast to publically condemn the Wake County Board of Commissioners for passing the Resolution on Monday, we quickly forget to remember that the vote was 4 to 3, not unanimous by a long shot. The three Democrat members on the Commission, who seem to be just as blindsided as the rest of us by this Resolution appearing on the agenda, vigorously, during the Commissioners debate of the Resolution, attempted to persuade the four Republicans to listen to the 100 + County residents who showed up in opposition to the Resolution and they vigorously attempted to bring logic and facts to the reasons to not support the Constitutional Amendment or the Resolution before them. We all need to send an individual message of thank you to the three Wake County Board of Commission members who stood up against the Republican Coble sponsored Resolution and the Amendment and voted no. Shown above are the three Heroes on the Commission Thank Them.

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Music Community and Amendment Message Mixed for Exciting Benefit Evening in Raleigh at UUF
By Bett Padget 2/23/2012

Raleigh - Its not every day our community organizes events to entertain the community centered on a diversity of
good music and political messages but that is exactly what took place this past Saturday night, 2/18/2012, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, (UUFR), on Wade Avenue. Tracy Hollister and Bett Padget, the event organizers worked tirelessly to bring this singular event together to help entertain as well as bring the strong message to everyone about the harms of the N.C. Constitutional Amendment, referred to as Amendment One, which is on the ballot come May 8, 2012. The effort by Hollister, a long time Lesbian community activist, Padget, a well know Raleigh music teacher and the UUFR congregation was to help raise needed funds for the Coalition To Protect All N.C. Families and to encourage people join the community conversations and work needed to defeat this Constitutional Amendment.

Nearly 300 people attended the benefit concert for the Coalition to Protect NC Families at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Raleigh (UUFR) on Saturday evening. The crowd was treated to the fun antics of Reverend Don Rollins, the soulful folk rock music of Someones Sister, the rhythmic beats of Rhythmicity. The Triangle Gay mends Chorus gave an inspiring performance. Standing ovations were given to the musicians and the audience clapped and danced to the beat of Rhythmicitys African drums. Interim minister Don Rollins, a lanky fun gentleman, who wears his reverend position very lightly, sang and played guitar in between his main duty of emceeing the event, dressing in many hats and taking on a different persona with each introduction of speakers and artists. Reverend Rollins along with Padget and Hollister are part of the reason the 550 member UUFR congregation has joined the fight against the Amendment and standing for Equality. The UUFR has a long established history in Raleigh of helping to defend the civil rights of GLBT people. But, it was Rollins who came forward and recommended the congregation adopt an official statement of conscience in favor of loving same gender couples right to marry and an earlier statement opposing any attempt to enshrine discrimination into the N.C. Constitution, which passed by a vote of 156 to zero. Someones Sister thanked all for taking a stand against the Constitutional Amendment and gave a rousing set of inspirational songs. Jimmy Creech (defrocked Methodist minister for marrying a gay couple 20 years ago and author of Adams Gift) reminded us that North Carolina and especially the greater Raleigh metro area, voted for Obama 4 years ago and that with commitment and hard work, we can beat this Constitutional Amendment. Creech predicted that the Constitutional Amendment will be defeated, setting the stage for a campaign in favor of marriage equality in North Carolina.

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Tracy Hollister of UUFR and Ryan Rowe, Director of Faith Outreach with the Coalition to Protect NC Families asked members of the audience to make a pledge to talk to 10 neighbors and inform them of the harms this amendment will bring to North Carolinians if it is passed. Jen Jones (Race to the Ballot) was running (pun, but true!) a bit late, and gave a humorous talk but stressed the importance of defeating this amendment. More than $4800 was raised for the Coalition, showing the generosity of those who attended, giving more than the suggested donation of $7. The concert was stirring and all left with a feeling of strong commitment and energy. We need to keep the momentum!
For additional information about UUFR contact: Tom (tatkinson.uufr@gmail.com), Tracy (tracyhollister@yahoo.com), or Bett (bett@bettpadgett.com) or 919-787-6378 Related Article: Independent Weekly: http://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/working-the-phones-againstdoma/Content?oid=2843872

PHONE BANK at UUFR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Phone banking at UUFR is every Thursday, 6:309 p.m. Volunteers are asked to bring cellphones and a laptop computer if they have one. Starting March 26, the phone banks will be twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. Plans are to go to Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during the final two weeks of the campaign leading up to the May 8 vote. http://www.facebook.com/events/298018100252457/
People should mark their calendar for these Phone Banks at UUFR to Help Defeat Amendment One. They are from 6:30-9pm at the UU Fellowship of Raleigh at 3313 Wade Avenue in Founder's Hall (below Sanctuary). Thursdays --Feb. 16, 23 / March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 / April 5, 12, 19, 26 / May 3 Mondays --March 26 / April 2, 9, 16 [room TBA], 23, 30 / May 7 Tuesdays -- April 24 and May 1

VOTING INFORMATION YOU CANNOT VOTE AGAINST THE AMENDMENT IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE IN NORTH CAROLINA
Organizers are also reminding people that they must be registered to vote 25 days prior to the May 8, 2012 primaries. The exception is that you can register and vote at the same time at early-voting sites. Early voting runs April 19 through May 5, but dates and hours vary depending on the site. See more voting information at the State Board of Elections web site, where you will find information to register to vote, update your registration and learn information as to how to mail in your registration form. At some point a actual sample copy of the Ballot will be posted online for everyone to be able to read before going to the pole to vote. VOTING TIP: You must vote in the Democratic, Republican or Libertarian Party primary to cast a vote against (or for) the N.C. Constitutional Amendment. You do not have to vote for any candidates in the primary if you don't wish to do so.

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UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVETS TO HELP DEFEAT THE N.C. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT IN RALEIGH (events are taking place all across N.C.,
check your communities local listings)

On Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, Umstead Park United Church of Christ, 8208 Brownleigh Drive in Raleigh, is hosting an all-day event on how to protect all North Carolina families from the North Carolina Constitutional Amendment. Speakers include the Rev. Jimmy Creech and Ryan Rowe, Director of Faith Outreach for The Coalition to Protect NC Families. The Rev. William Barber, president of the N.C. NAACP, is the featured speaker at N.C. State University's Graduate Student Social Work Association voter registration drive. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28, 4:306:30 p.m., at NCSU North Campus at Park Shops Bldg. No. 210. (see Poster below) March 19, 2012, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM "Should Governments Sanction Gay Marriage?" A Public Address by Jonathan Rauch, Location: 232A Withers Hall at NCSU in Raleigh, Event Description: Leading journalist and activist Jonathan Rauch is the 2011-2012 keynote speaker for the American Ideas and the Political Process lecture series. Rauch is a senior writer and columnist for The National Journal and a Writer in Residence at the Brookings Institution. He was a Visiting Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He is the author of 5 books, including his 2004 book, Gay Marriage: Why It Is Good for Gays, Good for Straights, and Good for America. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Department of Political Science, School of Public and International Affairs.

Community Volunteers Needed:

PHONE BANK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ACLU NC / Protect All NC Families:
Raleigh -Starting 2/13/12 we will have nightly phone banks (Mon-Fri) at 3020 Highwoods Blvd in Raleigh, from 5pm to 8:30pm. We do not expect volunteers to stay for 3 hours, but the more time spent on the phones means the more people we can get to vote down this ugly amendment. We will provide trainings to those who have never phone banked before so all are welcome. RSVPing is greatly appreciated! Please call Colin 919-436-8116 or email cstephans@acluofnc.org to schedule a time to come in and make a difference. There is also more information on our website www.acluofnc.org and www.protectncfamilies.org

Wake County Board of Commissioners Paul Coble pro-discrimination Resolution backfiring?

Post on February 21, 2012 by Rob Schofield for The Progressive Pulse

Wake County Commissioner and wannabe Congressman, Paul Coble may soon be regretting his move Monday, 2/20/2012, to push through a resolution in support of the marriage discrimination N.C. Constitutional amendment. Since it passed by a 4 to 3 vote, a petition/website launched shortly thereafter entitled Paul Coble Does Not Speak for Us has been registering signatures at a furious rate of one person every few seconds. The petition reads:

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On Monday, February 20, Wake County Commissioner Paul Coble forced through a resolution stating that Wake County is in support of Amendment One, even though more than 100 citizens gathered in opposition at the county commissioner meeting. But we, the citizens of North Carolina, stand with ALL North Carolina families. We oppose Amendment One and the harms that it would bring to hundreds of thousands of children, families, unmarried couples, and seniors. We will have our say on May 8. Could it be that Coble has turned into the best organizer that the amendment opponents ever had? Kinda looks that way. You can see the current number of petition signatories by clicking here.

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rate apparently rises for second and third unions, like

OP-ED COLUMNIST

Newt Gingrichs with Callista, a supposedly pious Roman Catholic woman whose devotion didnt dissuade her from sleeping with him while he was married to his second wife. The religiousness of this countrys social conservatives is a selective, capricious, hypocritical thing. Some Catholics who cite church teaching to explain their

Value Our Families

By FRANK BRUNI for The New York Times Published: February 20, 2012

Frank Bruni
Photo: Earl Wilson/The New York Times

opposition to same-sex marriage have broods much smaller than they likely would if they let nature have

In the intensifying debate over same-sex marriage, what I sometimes find hardest to understand is why so many opponents dont see gay peoples longing to be wedded as the fundamentally conservative, lavishly complimentary desire it is. It says marriage is worth aspiring to and fighting for. Flatters it. Gives it reinvigorated cachet, extra currency, a sorely needed infusion of fresh energy. If those seem like odd phrases to attach to what is sometimes called holy matrimony, well, consider the unholy state the institution is in. Around the time last week that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was vetoing a same-sex marriage bill that the Legislature had passed, The Times published a front-page story by Jason DeParle and Sabrina Tavernise reporting that the country had reached an ignoble milestone: more than half of births to American women under 30 happen outside marriage. I doubt that a significant fraction of those babies parents are gay men or lesbians forbidden to wed. No doubt the huge majority are straight people who havent bothered to. Those who do bother dont make such an impressive go of it. Although theres dispute over the divorce rate in this country, most authorities estimate that between 40 and 50 percent of first marriages wont last. And practice doesnt make perfect: the divorce

its way. Theyre using artificial birth control, which, as weve recently been reminded, the church officially rejects, a stance that illuminates just how ludicrous some orthodoxies are. Its funny (but, then again, not): in the past, homosexuals were denounced as sexual libertines who brazenly flouted societys norms. Now many of us are pleading to be yoked to those norms, only to be told by many Americans, including many political leaders, that thats not O.K. either. The only possible takeaway is that were meant to be outliers forevermore, unworthy of the experiences and affirmations accorded others. Christies veto considered alongside the fervent support for marriage equality that Andrew Cuomo, the New York governor, and Martin OMalley, the Maryland governor, have shown provides telling clues about how the issue will shake out politically in coming years. A Republican with designs on national office has to assume that even in 2016, a gay-friendly record would be a burden in the primaries, which tug moderates far to the right. If Christie fantasizes about a future presidency or an imminent vice presidency

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opposition to marriage equality is probably the safer bet. But has he risked his chances at a second term in New Jersey, which is more liberal than the nation? Cory Booker, the Newark mayor, who is frequently mentioned as a possible Democratic challenger to Christie next year, explicitly reaffirmed his support for same-sex marriage last week. I dont discount the possibility that a measure of conviction informs politicians actions. But theres usually calculation in the mix. Cuomo and OMalley are rising Democratic stars whose advocacy for samesex marriage suggests confidence that more Americans are moving in that direction. In polls, large majorities between the ages of 18 and 34 support marriage equality, and when I talk to parents of teenagers, many tell me their children simply dont understand discrimination against homosexuals. And their children arent permissive across the board: many oppose abortion. Theyve grown up with more evocative sonograms than once existed.

By this weeks end, OMalley may be signing a marriage-equality law in Maryland. The State of Washington just adopted its own. Although either could be overturned by referenda later this year, the legislative momentum is undeniable, and OMalleys words of support point an interesting way forward. He has framed same-sex marriage in part as an attempt to take proper care of children in households headed by two men or two women by making sure their parents have the same legal protections and responsibilities the same spurs to stability, however flawed that heterosexual parents do. And that exact logic was cited by a previously reluctant Republican in the Maryland House who voted in favor of the states same-sex marriage bill last week. Both politicians were talking about family values, two words that have often been invoked in the argument against same-sex marriage. Its time to turn the phrase around. What gay and lesbian couples are asking is to be recognized as families. And theyre just idealistic enough to hope that everyone realizes how much value there is in that.

North Carolina NAACP

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many politicians.

On Being a Gay Parent; View toward the Definition of Family

Could Jesus Live In North Carolina?
Posted by Brett Webb-Mitchell The American nuclear family the way it is viewed is a truly modern concept, not one that is deep seeded in historical or biblical definitions or practice. Every time I peer at one of the many Christmas cards I receive during the Winter holiday season with a pictorial representation of the Holy Family: Mary and Joseph peering down lovingly at the baby Jesus lying in the manger, I ponder how does that relate to how our concept of a modern family and how did it became so politically charged and convoluted. But the longer I look deeply at this ubiquitous image, the more I start to smile as I remember how unbiblical this biblical Holy Family is in modern American mythological context. After all, you have Jesus being born to an unwed, single mother from a different area of Israel (a Nazarean not from Bethlehem) giving birth in a place she knew little about. To make matters even more surreal, Joseph isn't even the biological father of this baby. There is no genetic DNA that connects this baby with Joseph's bloodline, since Christian Scriptures pin God as the father of this miracle child. In modern parlance, we could call Joseph Jesus' "step-father." But remember, Joseph and Mary weren't married before or after the birth. What holds Jesus' family and my family together is one and the same thing: love, expressed in the practice of supporting and caring for one another, against the cultural norms of the day. Heck, in that regard the Holy Family was not unlike my family, and therefore would likely find no comfort in the upcoming North Carolina vote on amending North Carolina's constitution outlawing their union. Like us, they couldn't join the YMCA of the Triangle under the "family membership plan" because they are not wed, and thus are not a family. As for state and federal taxes, that's a whole other matter. Apparently, God likes to play outside of America's rituals, rules, and laws. As a Presbyterian pastor, during this past Yuletide season I got a chuckle out of people pointing to the "traditional family that has been around since the beginning of time, especially in the Bible," or so say

Have they not read Hebrew Scriptures and the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac, or Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael (Gen. 16:1-4)? Have they forgotten the story of King David with 11 children by seven wives (1 Chronicles 3)? Then there are the 700 wives of the legendary King Solomon and three hundred concubines (1 Kings). According to the New Testament, Jesus himself failed to follow through and follow traditional Jewish practices of the day by opting out of wedlock and fatherhood. Instead, he invites others to leave spouses, homes, and careers to follow him for a three-year sojourn. Come the holiday of Easter, our family will gather again as our place on earth warms up and welcomes the coming of spring. We will gather around another feast, this time with lilies decorating the house. And we will be joined by many other families, of all shapes, sizes, and configurations who dare to live unbiblical biblical lives, reminding us of the fluidity and human inventiveness of what it means to be a "family," woven together by the mystical, wondrous thread of love. Click here for the full article: http://www.google.com/url...

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6th annual Thousands on Jones Street Rally / Civil Rights March in Raleigh Spoke Out Against N.C. Constitutional Amendment Three North Carolina Video Messages from People of Faith concerning the harms of the anti-family N.C. Constitutional Amendment: Reverend Dr. T. Anthony Spearman Puts Faith Into Action Against North Carolina Constitutional Amendment
See the video interview by clicking on the photo below:
Hickory Pastor,, pastor of the Clinton Tabernacle AME Zion Church in Hickory, N.C. and NAACP 3rd Vice President, sits down with the Race to the Ballot film crew to explain his faith and how it led him to take ACTION Against Amendment One. We should all listen to his words and then join him and the many others working within communities across North Carolina to educate people to the harms to all individuals and all our families that the N.C. Constitutional Amendment will cause if it is passed by the voters on May 8, 2012. "God's lane is to judge. Our lane is to love as we've been Loved." View Rev. Spearman's full comments in the video below dated February 22, 2012.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

See the Video below:

photo view from the Thousands on Jones Street in Raleigh HKonJ Rally Footage in the video from the Historic Thousands on Jones Street march in Raleigh, organized against harmful Amendment One. http://www.hkonj.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pla yer_embedded&v=1PktimXwXxk ---

Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Spearman Puts Faith Into Action Against N.C. Constitutional Amendment

Reverend Michael Usey's sermon on February 19, 2012, titled "The Better Angels of our Nature" at College Park Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Watch the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSMj2la 23nA&feature=youtu.be
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On Wednesday, 2/22/2012, Hagan released a statement criticizing the far-reaching and negative consequences of the ballot initiative, noting the May 8th amendment will harm the states ability to recruit businesses. The Greensboro Democrat goes on to say the discriminatory amendment harms our states resolve to make all people and all families great. You can read Senator Hagans full statement below:
Reverend Michael Usey of College Park Baptist Church Sermon: titled:

The Better Angles of our Nature - Vote Against N.C.

Constitutional Amendment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YijtdCWv1HM&featur e=youtu.be

Rev. Michael Usey's sermon on Feb 19, 2012, titled "The Better Angels of our Nature". "I hope that we as a congregation will work to defeat the North Carolina Constitutional Amendment. Prejudice and discrimination against Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered persons is morally repugnant and the very opposite of God's love." College Park Baptist Church is located in Greensboro, NC: www.collegeparkchurch.com .

In todays hyper partisan political environment, I view any attempt to alter our state constitution with a critical eye. Amendment One has far-reaching negative consequences for our families, our children and our communities. North Carolina is one of the most business-friendly states in the nation, and this amendment would harm our states ability to recruit the innovators and businesses that are driving our economic recovery. Jobs are my number one priority, and we cannot afford to take our eye off the ball and give businesses a reason to grow and expand elsewhere. The people I hear from everyday - the families that make up the fabric of the Old North State tell me they are sick and tired of watching their jobs and their livelihoods fall victim to divisive partisan posturing. In North Carolina we say our state is Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great. Amendment One harms our states resolve to make all people and all families great, and as a proud daughter of North Carolina, I urge all North Carolinians to join me in opposing it. Senator Kay R. Hagan

Hagan: I urge all North Carolinians to oppose Amendment One

Post on February 22, 2012 by Clayton Henkel

First lesbian approved to be ordained as a Presbyterian minister in USA

North Carolina senator Kay

U.S. Senator Kay Hagan is taking a stand in North Carolinas marriage equality debate, urging voters to oppose the proposed constitutional amendment that would ban civil unions and define marriage as only between one man and one woman.

Katie Ricks, (pictured), smiles after being voted in as a minister. Ricks has served as the Associate in Ministry at

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the Church of Reconciliation in Chapel Hill since 2002, and the vote on Saturday will make her the first lesbian Presbyterian minister.

couples with marriage, civil unions... read more & see a video

--Durham - Katie Ricks closed her eyes, covered her

face with her hands and began to cry. But when she removed her hands, all anyone in the sanctuary could see was a smile. During a hearing Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church in Durham, Ricks became the nations first openly lesbian minister to be approved for ordination since the church decided in 2011 to allow openly gay individuals to serve in the ministry. Presbyterian churches in Wisconsin have already approved the ordination of gay men, but Ricks said she is the first openly lesbian minister to be ordained. She will officially become a minister in April. For 10 years, Ricks has served at the Church of Reconciliation in Chapel Hill as an associate in ministry, a title the church created for her to serve under while avoiding the issue of ordination. Essentially, its the same position as an associate pastor, but it doesnt use the term, she said. Nor am I allowed to do the things that only ordained ministers are allowed to do, like baptism, communion. I cant marry somebody, and I cant moderate session, she said. Read more

Catholic Church Fires Music Director for Marrying His Partner

Longtime church employee was terminated for his same-sex wedding in N.Y.
Feb 15th, 2012

Steav Bates-Congdon, right and his partner Bill BatesCongdon.

Charlotte - St. Gabriel Catholic Church in South

Charlotte, NC, fired its musical director last month because he married his partner in New York, the Charlotte Observer reported. Steav Bates-Congdon, 61, began working at St. Gabriel in 2004 and parishioners claim that Bates-Congdon was open about being gay since his first interview with the church. Even his partner of 23 years, Bill BatesCongdon became a familiar figure around the music program and eventually joined the hand-bell choir. With some 10,000 members, St. Gabriel is one of the largest Catholic congregations in the state. On Oct. 15, with several St. Gabriel members on hand, the pair said vows at a state park on the shore of Lake Ontario in upstate New York. Then Steav BatesCongdon returned to work. St. Gabriel will continue to pay his $60,000 salary and insurance premiums through June. BatesCongdon, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 15 years ago, faces surgery for the problem that hospitalized him last month. Then he hopes to find another job. ... read more

Greensboro City Council Votes 81 to Oppose Marriage Equality Ban - Feb 9th, 2012
Greensboro What does marriage look like? That
was the topic members of the public spoke out upon Tuesday night at the Greensboro City Council Meeting. The 9-member City Council on Tuesday, 2/7/2012, approved a resolution opposing a proposed constitutional amendment which would ban gay marriage in the state, CBS affiliate WFMY reported. Voters will decide on the measure during North Carolina's presidential primary on May 8, 2012. If approved, the N.C. Constitutional Amendment would bar North Carolina from recognizing the relationships of gay and lesbian

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Student: Anti-marriage push is like being told f*gs die A student at North Carolina State University encouraged county commissioners ... m a second-class citizen because of the way you feel here. I strongly support equality and I hope that you do as well and will not allow --Reel Equality initiative coming to Port City of Wilmington West and staff members Andy Myers and Lynn Casper hope to bring Reel Equality to 100 Tar Heel State cities between now and May 8, when Amendment One, a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, appears on North Carolina ballots. ---

The new batch of yard signs, which will total 2000 will be available starting Friday, 3/2/2012, for free to everyone willing to go and pick one up. The only request the sign sponsors have is that you place them on your personal property only, not in right-of-ways. Feel free to stop by and pick up a sign at their home, 412 S. Boylan Ave, Raleigh. If you need larger quantities please send Chris an email. When in, they will be available as long as the supply lasts.

Bumper Stickers are also again available

starting TODAY. There are 500 and first come first serve. For both Yard Signs and Bumper Stickers Contact: Chris Weedy chrisweedy@gmail.com

---

Yard Signs Also Available from Coalition to Protect ALL N.C. Families starting 3/5/2012

Yard Sign VOTE Against Constitutional Amendment comes forward gets new donor and will be available 3/2/2012 for pick up in Raleigh

According to Jeremy Kennedy, Campaign Manager of Protect NC Families, people will be able to order the signs online from our store and have them shipped and we will also have them available in our field offices for people to pick up for a donation. They will be available starting 3/5/2012. Contact Jeremy at jeremy@protectncfamilies.org - 202-4150221 (c)

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Same-sex marriage bill approved by Maryland Senate

A same-sex marriage bill has been passed by the Maryland State Senate, 25-22. The legislation now moves to Gov. Martin O'Malley, who is expected to sign it. It marks the first time an East Coast state south of the Mason-Dixon line has supported gay nuptials. Read more at:

In Wednesday's ruling, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White said the government's refusal to furnish health insurance to Karen Golinski's wife is unjustified because the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutionally discriminates against same-sex married couples. Golinski, a staff lawyer for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, has been trying to secure spousal benefits for her wife, Amy Cunninghis, since shortly after the couple got married during the brief window in 2008 when same-sex marriages were legal in California. Her boss, Chief Judge Alex Kozinski, approved her request, but the Office of Personnel Management ordered Golinski's insurer not to process her application.

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Judge: DOMA unconstitutional; U.S. can't deny health benefits to wife of lesbian federal worker
BY LISA LEFF, ASSOCIATED PRESS 2/23/2012

After Golinski sued, the Department of Justice originally opposed her in court but changed course last year after President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder said they would no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act. Click here to read the complete article. --From Log Cabin Republicans:

Introducing Politics & Pride, a Washington Times Community

Attorneys Rita Lin with Morrison and Foerster, left, and Tara Borelli with Lambda Legal left a court hearing in December with Amy Cunninghis, and her wife, plaintiff Karen Golinski. (Photo: Jane Philomen Cleland)

SAN FRANCISCO -- The government

cannot deny health benefits to the wife of a lesbian court employee by relying on the 1996 law that bars government recognition of samesex unions, a federal judge has ruled.

Log Cabin Republicans is proud to announce that Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper will be authoring a regular column for Washington Times Communities. Dedicated to spreading the word that "Freedom Means Freedom for Everyone," Politics and Pride will offer arguments in favor of a Republican Party that stands stronger by being more inclusive and reaching out to all Americans.
Click here to read Cooper's first column, Arizona sheriff Babeu speaks out

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HRC President Joe Solmonese named a national co-chair for Barack Obama reelection campaign

The Presidents National Co-Chairs will be tremendous assets on the ground as we build the biggest grassroots campaign in history, said Jim Messina, Obama for America Campaign Manager. They each share the Presidents vision for a future where every American can have a fair shot at success, where hard work pays off and responsibility is rewarded. Our National Co-Chairs varied backgrounds and experiences will prove invaluable as they connect with the Presidents supporters and advocate on his behalf on the campaign trail. They are proud of the Presidents record and leadership in rebuilding the economy after the worst economic crisis in generations and helping restore security to middle-class families through cutting taxes, investing in education, expanding manufacturing, increasing Americas energy independence, ensuring that everyone has access to affordable health care, and making sure that everyone from Wall Street to Main Street plays by the same rules. Read more ---

Joe Solmonese (Credit: HRC)

Washington, D.C. - Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), has been named a national campaign co-chair for President Barack Obama's reelection. From the Obama campaign: Solmonese has served as President of the Human Rights Campaign since 2005. A graduate of Boston University, Solmonese previously served as CEO of Emilys List and worked on the campaigns of several congressional candidates. He currently resides in Washington, DC. Here's the complete Obama news release about the national co-chairs: CHICAGO Obama for America announced today the campaigns National Co-Chairs, a diverse group of leaders from around the country committed to re-electing President Obama. They will serve as ambassadors for the President, advise the campaign on key issues, and help engage and mobilize voters in all 50 states.

Latino rights group seeks probe into gay Arizona sheriff accused of threatening to deport boyfriend
Additional Report: Outed GOP sheriff finds gay support
ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Absolutely Positive - A film review by R. Grantham West

PHOENIX -- A Latino rights organization has

asked for a federal investigation into an Arizona sheriff seeking the GOP nomination for a congressional seat who was forced to confirm he is gay amid allegations of misconduct made by a Mexican immigrant with whom he had a relationship. The group Respect Respeto on Monday sent a request to the U.S. Department of Justice for a probe into Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu for abuse of power. Babeu confirmed he is gay Saturday and resigned from presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's Arizona committee amid the man's allegations. He denied claims he tried to threaten the man, a former campaign volunteer, with deportation if their past relationship was made public. KNXV-TV reports (http://bit.ly/z8SgNP) Respect Respeto wants the sheriff investigated on behalf of every immigrant who has been threatened with deportation. The group alleges in its request to the Justice Department that Babeu made "text messages, pictures and threats that are unbecoming of an elected sheriff." Read more
Absolutely Positive film actors in Q & A at LGBT Center

Raleigh 2/19/2012 -In 27 short minutes, Anthony Williams of Second Glance Productions brings to the screen a thought-provoking, surprise after surprise, impressive drama involving four young people whose paths cross at a clinic for blood testing - Sean, a single gay man, Joe, a straight, closeted young man, and Marissa and Kyle, a couple engaged to be married, present to satisfy the prerequisites for a license. Absolutely Positive sends us all on a roller coaster ride as their test results come back with unanticipated surprises. Their reactions and following decisions dash our preconceived notions about HIV, who's at risk, and who now comprise the newly diagnosed. Most unsettling to me personally was the closeted Joe, who couldn't decide which box to circle describing his true sexual orientation. Some clinics now use a classification of MSM (men who have sex with men) as opposed to bisexual. Men who have sexual interaction with other men often refuse to view themselves as bior gay, and feign subconscious denial. "To thine own self be true," came to mind while empathizing with his angst, unable to advance beyond the identity category on the questionnaire. Watching him progress through indifference to concern to off-scale anxiety was truly gut-wrenching, but all four characters had secrets or surprises and dilemmas.

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Williams was inspired to write and produce Absolutely Positive after three close friends were unexpectedly diagnosed as HIV-positive. For well over a year, he wrote, rewrote, and reedited the story line that became the finished product. Williams' film should be mandatory viewing for conservative Christians, young people who feel that indestructibility comes with youth, or anyone feeling they're above contracting STDs or HIV via irresponsible, unsafe behavior. Absolutely Positive has great potential to be expanded into a full-length movie. The acting was excellent, the story line moved well, and all the scenarios were believable. Kudos to Mr. Williams for surprising us, stimulating us to think, and saying lots, all in just 27 minutes.

Marriage Equality Play Gets Raleigh area Readings

posted by ncarts in Arts News on 01 27th, 2012

Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Blacks 8, a documentary play about the federal case for marriage equality will get a staged reading at two venues in the Triangle this spring: PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill and Raleigh Ensemble Players. The title refers to Californias Proposition 8, a successful 2008 ballot initiative which established that only marriage between a man and a woman would be recognized in the state. The proposition was later ruled unconstitutional and is currently under appeal.

Audience for film Premiere at LGBT Center - Raleigh

This was the film's third screening in Raleigh, and took place at the GLBT Center at 411 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. Mr. Williams had several members of the cast and crew with him for a Q & A session. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments followed the screening. About 50 people attended (sleet and snow were forecast). On a scale of 1 to 5, this author rates Absolutely Positive at 4.5. That equates to don't miss it.
R. Grantham West is an Author living in Wake County. He can be reached at gwest@granthamwest.com. His book AD 2040: Clear and Present Danger Triumph of the Religious Right is available for purchase. Anthony Williams can be contacted at Second Glance Productions in Raleigh at anthonysgp1@nc.rr.com

More than 40 readings of the play have been scheduled from now until November in more than 17 states. In North Carolina, an amendment that would add an existing ban on same-sex marriage to the state constitution will appear on the May 8 ballot. PlayMakers will stage the reading of 8 on Monday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Raleigh Ensemble Players will hold the reading at a venue to be determined, Saturday, April 21 at 8 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.playmakersrep.org/ or http:/ /www.realtheatre.org.

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Is Logo About To Walk Out On Gay Community?

Logos New Programming Slate Reveals Shift Away From Gay-Centric Shows Read the article ---

'Modern Family's' Jesse Tyler Ferguson Responds To 'Don't Say Gay' Bill in Tennessee Supporter's Claims see video
Jesse Tyler Ferguson has responded to a Tennessee lawmaker's claim that Modern Family's gay content makes it inappropriate for children. At a Tennessee House subcommittee hearing considering public testimony on state Senator's Stacey Campfield's proposed bill which would outlaw the discussion of sexual minorities in Tennessee's public schools before the ninth grade dubbed the Don't Say Gay bill Chairman Joey Hensley, a supporter of the bill, responded to a pastor's comment that children who watch Modern Family might have questions on the subject of sexuality. Hensley said he did not think the show was appropriate for children.

Ambassador Entertainment of Raleigh, your hometown movie house

With the approaching summer, we are looking to supplement the following positions at Mission Valley Cinemas in Raleigh: ASSISTANT MANAGER - Previous experience including projection experience strongly suggested. Must be able to work nights and weekends. Flexibility to work weekday matinees is a plus. Schedule changes weekly. Four to twelve hours weekly. USHER - Previous experience including projection experience requested. Must be able to work nights and weekends. Flexibility to work weekday matinees is a plus. Schedule changes weekly. Four to twelve hours weekly. Prefer older, mature individuals. However, we will consider younger individuals if they present themselves well. CONTACT: Jeffrey Rydell 834-2233

--- Thanks for all your support and community interest Willie D. Pilkington Raleigh GLBT Report --- The next Raleigh GLBT Report will be published Friday, March 2, 2012 Please submit all your news and events or advertisements information by 3/1/2012 to RaleighGLBTReport@att.ne

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