"Happy Birth-day, Mister President..."

We just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the birthday of our CEO, Mr. MW Savant.

"...hap-py birth-day-to-you!"


Read the story about this DRESS and the sultry singing event (via Newsday.com)!

Hear Ms. Marilyn sing it?

Photo: UPI via Newsday.com

The Human Rights Campaign "has launched an aggressive campaign to fight back against the extremists who are intent on making gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans second-class citizens. Today, you can help us drown out their hateful rhetoric by taking these three simple steps:

Tell a friend about this video.
Urge your senators to vote no on the discriminatory Federal Marriage Amendment.

FLORIDA RESIDENTS: Please take action on our special Florida Vote No page — a partnership between Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign.
Double your impact and fight back with your donation to stop the Federal Marriage Amendment. All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar from now until May 31."

Congress Bans Protests

at Military Funerals

Legislation Sent to White House
for President's Signature

By JIM ABRAMS, AP

WASHINGTON (May 25) - Demonstrators would be barred from disrupting military funerals at national cemeteries under legislation approved by Congress and sent to the White House Wednesday...continue reading via AOL.

Photo Credit: Darren McCollester, Getty Images

Protests such as this one, at a soldier's funeral in Marblehead, Mass., prompted Congress to act.

Key West Mayor to Perform Ceremonies

"Key West Mayor Performs Special
Ceremonies For all People"



Newest Key West Mayor Continues Island's GLBTI respect into his new administration by presiding over weddings and commitment ceremonies

Key West, Florida (PRWEB) May 30,2006--

Following a conversation between our CEO and newly elected Mayor Morgan Mc Pherson of Key West on Thursday morning, the mayor has consented to make time in his busy schedule to perform ceremonies for clients of savvyplanners.com, a certified, professional wedding and events firm.

Continuing the relationship between the Mayor's office and savvyplanners.com, established with former Mayor Jimmy Weekley in 2004...continue reading at PRWEB?

Dangerous maneuvers Ethan Jacobs ejacobs@baywindows.com

Can the anti-gay marriage amendment be killed in a procedural vote? Inquiring minds (well, political junkies and marriage equality activists) want to know: will proponents of marriage equality push for a procedural vote to kill the anti-gay marriage amendment slated to be debated at the July 12 Constitutional Convention (ConCon)? As the ConCon approaches, speculation has mounted that supporters of marriage equality will try to kill the VoteOnMarriage.org-sponsored amendment through a procedural maneuver. In public remarks on the prospect of victory on an up-or-down vote on the amendment, Arline Isaacson, co-chair of Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus (MGLPC) and the MassEquality coalition’s lead lobbyist, has been consistently pessimistic (see “Words of Wisdom,” page 16). Votes from 151 lawmakers are needed to kill the amendment, which seeks to put...continue reading at Bay Windows

US faith group opposes constitutional ban on same-sex marriage -25/05/06

A coalition of leaders from a range of Christian, Jewish, Sikh and Unitarian groups has launched an online petition opposing an amendment to the United States constitution which would prohibit same-sex marriage.

Clergy for Fairness has launched its campaign in response to the Federal Marriage Amendment, expected to come before the US Senate early in June 2006.

On Monday more than 30 clergy and faith leaders from 10 key states travelled to Washington DC to speak-out against the FMA. They hold different views on same-sex marriage...continue reading at Ekklesia- a new way of thinking

EXTRA: Read the Clergy for Fairness Joint Letter to the Senate

Americans closely divided over constitutional marriage ban

A new poll by the Gallup organization shows that as a proposed federal constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage heads to the full U.S. Senate for vote on June 6, Americans are closely divided on the proposal. Asked whether the Constitution should be amended to define marriage as a union only between a man and woman—a move that would preclude states from sanctioning same-sex marriages—50% of Americans say they would favor such an amendment, while 47% are opposed....continue reading at Advocate.com

Intersex Community Marriage Issues Forum
via Temenos: the progressive lesbian, gay, bi, trans, & intersex
(LGBTI) community online.

As the debate over marriage for gays and lesbians grows, many within the intersex community are watching it with a mix of anticipation and dread. While many within the intersex community identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual, many others identify as heterosexual and may believe the issue doesn't affect them. While we all hope that is the case, it may very possibly affect the entire intersex community with unintended consequences if we are not cautious and proactive in this debate. One of the big unknowns in this debate is how one man-one woman for the sake of marriage will be defined in any legislation that will be introduced seeking to bar marriage for gays and lesbians. At this point, this little, yet significant detail has not yet been discussed....read so much more

From 15-22 July 2006, Chicago will play host to the world and welcome thousands of athletes, spectators and cultural participants into our homes, our hearts and our city for the seventh quadrennial Gay Games Sports and Cultural Festival. The Games will feature 12,000 participants, competition in 30 sports, world-class athletes and artists, band and choral performances, nightly medal ceremonies, a week-long arts festival, parties, and spectacular opening and closing ceremonies featuring entertainment, pageantry, and the parade of participants from more than 70 countries.

The Gay Games are open to anyone. There are no qualifying events, no minimum or maximum requirements, and no mandatory affiliations. The Games are built on the founding principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best, and promote a supportive environment, free from bigotry, where participants achieve success by their own measure. Read the details at Temenos.

The 9th International Conference on Bisexuality, Gender & Sexual Diversity (9ICB).

June 15-18, 2006 at Ryerson University, downtown Toronto, Canada

Join people from all over the world to explore such topics as bi politics, gender, and sexual diversity. Participants are invited to strengthen connections between local and international communities and challenge the socially accepted binary views of sexuality and gender. People will have the opportunity to meet and share tools and information to become more visible and reach out to those who might not even know that safe spaces exist for them to be themselves.

Opening ceremonies Thursday hosted by BiNet USA, two days full of workshops and lectures and community groups and vendors in our Community fair & Marketplace, a community dinner & dance and much more, all in downtown Toronto, Canada. All that's missing is you!...read conference details via Temenos

Dalai Lama Expresses Support for LGBT Human Rights
Participants at the XXIII World Conference of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) Welcome Message of Support

Participants at the World Conference of the International Lesbian and Gay Association received a special message of support from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The statement expresses the Dalai Lama's concern at "reports of violence and discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people" and "urges respect, tolerance and the full recognition of human rights for all."

"We are deeply grateful for the support expressed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for human rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity", said Rosanna Flamer-Caldera and Philip Braun, Co-Secretaries-General of ILGA.

"In a world where the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people...continue reading at Temenos

Feingold Statement on Handling of Gay Marriage Ban
by SusanG

In response to the Senate Judiciary Committee's kerfuffle regarding the proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage (blogged below today), Sen. Russ Feingold has issued the following statement:

(VIA Daily Koz)

DC Mayor Threatens To Drop Anti-Gay Pastor As Advisor

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Photo Credit: J.M. Eddins Jr. Washington Times

(Washington) An angry DC Mayor Anthony Williams says that unless the pastor who used homophobic slurs in a recent sermon apologizes he will be removed from the the mayor's interfaith council.

In a Palm Sunday sermon Bishop Alfred Owens Jr., of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, said "It takes a real man to confess Jesus, not talking about no faggot or no sissy - I mean a real man."

The remarks infuriated the Districts LGBT community, already concerned about other homophobic outbursts from other Black church leaders...continue reading via 365Gay.com

Spurned By Lesbian Man Kills Her & Her Family
by Peter Moore, 365Gay.com London Bureau

May 19, 2006 - 12:01 am ET

(London) A British court was told Thursday that a man on trial for killing a Newport woman, her two children and her mother became violent when she refused his sexual advances.

Mandy Power, 34, her ten-year old and eight-year old daughters and her 80-year old invalid mother were murdered in their home in 1999. Their skulls had been smashed their faces battered. Their home was then ... continue reading via 365Gay.com

Further information/details from another source

Gay Mounties To Wed
by Derwin Parsons, 365Gay.com Atlantic CanadaBureau Chief
(Photo: RCMP Website Subjects: Unidentified RCMP)

May 18, 2006 - 5:00 pm ET

(Halifax, Nova Scotia) In what may be Canada's highest profile gay wedding of the year two Mounties will wed next month in Nova Scotia.

It is the first same-sex marriage within the RCMP. and the couple will wear the distinctive scarlet dress uniforms the force is known for worldwide the Chronicle Herald newspaper reports.

Const. Jason Tree, 27, and Const. David Connors, 28, met while in high school. They've been a couple since their university days eight years ago.

In an interview with the Chronicle Herald Tee said they have never experienced a problem on the force. They are so well liked members of the force, also in their dress tunics, will form an honor guard at the wedding.

"This is a first for us," RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Skidmore told the paper. "Certainly, the RCMP welcomes a workforce that is...continue reading at 365Gay.com.

THE EARTH STILL ROTATES...
even after MASS. Marries! Waaaay!

"Gays Celebrate a Year of Marriage Equality"
Tom Musbach, PlanetOut Network

It has been a year since same-sex couples in Massachusetts were legally permitted to marry, and -- as many people have observed -- there have been no subsequent catastrophes.

"Happy anniversary," a Boston Globe editorial proclaimed on Tuesday, adding that "the world, unsurprisingly, has not fallen off its axis."

"The sky hasn't fallen. There's a new landscape. The world has changed," Democratic state Sen. Stephen Buoniconti told the Associated Press (AP).

More than 6,000 same-sex couples have tied the knot in Massachusetts since May 17, 2004, and nearly every resident in the state now has married gay couples as ...continue via Gay.com

World marks anti-homophobia day
Ben Townley, Gay.com U.K.

published Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Protests, rallies and celebrations were held across the globe Tuesday, as lesbian and gay communities recognized the first-ever International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).

Already some demonstrations have taken place, with Hong Kong hosting its first rally to fight homophobia on Monday.

However, the bulk of events are expected to take place Tuesday to mark the 15th anniversary of homosexuality being removed...continue reading via Gay.com, U.K.

Georgia Will Appeal Ruling On Same-Sex Marriage Ban
POSTED: 5:59 am EDT May 17, 2006UPDATED: 11:30 am EDT May 17, 2006

ATLANTA -- The state attorney general will appeal a Superior Court judge's ruling that Georgia's ban on same-sex marriages violates the state Constitution's single-subject rule for ballot questions. Judge Constance Russell of Fulton...continue reading story?

Two Years of Equality!

"Wednesday, May 17th marks the Two Year Anniversary of Equal Rights for the Massachusetts GLBT Community. It was on this day two years ago that same-gendered couples were allowed to marry in our great Commonwealth as they were fully recognized under our Constitution.

To commemorate this important day, my husband Alex and I will be holding a sign at the State House (we did last year and have pledged to do it for every year hence).

We invite you to come by between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. in front of the State House to join us!"

Tom Lang, Director
info@knowthyneighbor.org
(photo credit: knowthyneighbor.org)

Read more and talk on the KTN BLOG. Visit the official KTN Website.

Judge strikes down Georgia's ban on gay marriages
The Associated Press - ATLANTA

A judge has struck down Georgia's ban on same-sex marriages, saying the measure that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2004 had violated the state consitution's... continue at AccessNorthGeorgia.com

New Jersey Expected To Be Next State To Rule On Gay Marriage
by Beth Shapiro, 365Gay.com New York Bureau

(New York City) As same-sex couples prepare to argue for marriage equality before the highest court in New York at the end of this month, and more than a year after a similar case was argued in the state of Washington, the next state to make a final decision on whether gays and lesbians can marry is expected to be New Jersey.

Arguments in New Jersey were heard in February. (story)

The justices peppered attorneys on both sides of the argument about the legal implications of opening up gay marriage, and whether the court or the legislature was the best venue to decide the...continue at 365Gay.com.

EXTRA: What do the images on the NJ flag represent?

Dear Pat Robertson

After five gay men met the notoriously antigay preacher at brunch in Virginia—and posed with him for a photo featured in the current issue of The Advocate—one of them wrote this letter to send along with a copy of the photo.

By Andrew Brewer
An Advocate.com exclusive posted, May 15, 2006

On Easter weekend, five gay men sat near Pat Robertson at brunch at a Virginia country club. When he agreed to a photo, the notoriously antigay preacher (above, in yellow shirt) became part of the rainbow with (from left) Justin Croft, Orlan Boston, Jason Davis, Andrew Brewer, and Erik Bottcher.

Fraternity opens its arms to transgender students

Sigma Phi Beta made a bold move on Sunday, when the fraternity's national board of directors voted to allow transgender students to join its ranks.

The new policy allows any individual who identifies as male—regardless of the legal recognition of their gender—to seek membership in Sigma Phi Beta. The policy also allows members to maintain their membership if at a later date they decide to change their gender to female.

Sigma Phi Beta's decision was hailed by...read it at The Advocate

May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia


Learn more about it at www.idahomophobia.org

Thanks to Andy at towleroad for locating this pointed video about teens that have been murdered simply for being GLBTI people.

Openly Gay French Mayor Dies

André Labarrère, mayor of the southern France city of Pau, has died of cancer at 78.

Labarrère was one of France's first openly gay politicians. The socialist mayor, who held his position since 1971, spoke frankly about homosexuality but opposed gay marriage, saying there were...

Read it at towleroad

McNally has Phila. Premiere

By Toby Zinman For The Philadelphia Inquirer

(Charles Fox/Inquirer)

Playwright Terrence McNally (left) talks with actor John Glover during a rehearsal.

'It's all talk until it's legal," Terrence McNally said recently about same-sex marriage. "It's the final civil right."

McNally takes up the issue in his new play, Some Men, which will have its world premiere next week at Philadelphia Theatre Company. His Tony-winning drama about Maria Callas, Master Class, also premiered at PTC, and it was partly on the strength of that experience that the theater company offered and McNally accepted this new invitation.

A strong presence in American theater for more than 40 years, McNally is prolific and varied. He writes about love, both gay (the Tony-winning Love! Valour! Compassion!) and straight (Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune). He writes serious drama like A Perfect Ganesh and the books for the musicals The Full Monty, Ragtime, and Kiss of the Spider Woman. He writes about artistic passion (Prelude and Liebestod) and sexual passion; his interest in music is deep and informs almost everything he writes.

So it is no surprise when McNally says his new play will use ...continue

On behalf of everyone at savvyplanners.com:

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!

From TV Role in 'Dobie Gillis' to Rights Fight in Legislature
By JESSE McKINLEY (NY TIMES)
Published: May 14, 2006
Photo: Rich Pedrocelli/AP

...So this year, Ms. Kuehl, a state senator representing western Los Angeles, introduced a bill to assure that lesbians and gay men get what she feels is their due in California textbooks. The bill, which passed the Senate on Thursday and is now headed to the Assembly, would forbid the teaching of any material that "reflects adversely on persons due to sexual orientation," and add the "age appropriate study of the role and contributions of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender." For Ms. Kuehl, 65, the bill seems to have as much ...Read it at NY Times (free registration)

NOW YOU CAN HAVE YOUR OWN ISLAND!!!!!!!!!!

or "You can walk on water too!"

Another great idea for Key West fun, eh? A rollable, lightweight, portable mat that supports 1500 pounds on the surface of the water! Talk about a 'private' ceremony location!! Check out the links below! It looks like fun.

Read about the Watermat
Read uncrate's Feature
Watch the Video

Thanks to towleroad & uncrate

D.C. minister calls gay men

‘faggots’ in sermonGay)

Activists, mayoral candidates signal outrage

By LOU CHIBBARO JR
Thursday, May 11, 2006

Two African-American gay groups are calling on D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams to oust from his Interfaith Council a city minister who used the term "faggot" and "sissy" to describe gay men in an April 9 sermon.

"It takes a real man to confess Jesus as Lord and savior," Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr., pastor of Greater Mount Calvary Church in Northeast D.C., told his congregation in his Good Friday sermon.

"I’m not talking about no faggot or no sissy," he said. "Wait a minute! Let the real men come on down here and take a bow … all the real men. I’m talking about the straight men."

The Washington City Paper posted an audio recording of Owens’ sermon on its website last week.

The D.C. Coalition, which represents African-American gays in the D.C. area, and the National Black Justice Coalition, which advocates on behalf of African-American gays nationally, issued statements this week calling on...read it at Washington Blade

Terrence McNally Does It Again!

History of Same-Sex Marriage Unveiled in Premiere of McNally's Some Men May 12

By Kenneth Jones
12 May 2006

A clutch of Broadway stars populates the world premiere of Terrence McNally's Some Men, May 12-June 11, by Philadelphia Theatre Company.

Directed by Philip Himberg, the ensemble cast features Don Amendolia, Brandon Bales, Stephen Bogardus, Duane Boutte, Suzzanne Douglas, Malcolm Gets, John Glover, Tom Judson, Barbara Walsh and Gregory Wooddell.

"Funny and touching, Some Men looks at the evolution of gay relationships and same-sex marriage in America," according to PTC, which ends its 30th season with the work by the author of Master Class, Ragtime, Lips Together, Teeth Apart and Love! Valour! Compassion. "From the Harlem Renaissance to the Stonewall riots and beyond, Some Men celebrates where we've been and where we're going." ...Read the story at Playbill

From Left: Brandon Bales, Gregory Wooddell, John Glover and Don Amendolia in Some Men.

photo by Mark Garvin

What You Can Do to Support Gay Marriage?

"
The Senate is scheduled to vote on the FMA on Monday, June 5th. In these weeks leading up to the vote, the Task Force is mobilizing grassroots opposition to the right-wing's attempt to enshrine discrimination in the U.S. Constitution.

At the Task Force, we're sick and tired of being used as a political punching bag by the right-wing. Aren't you? If this amendment passes:

• Discrimination against same-sex couples will be enshrined for generations
• We will lose the potential for civil unions, domestic partnerships, even partner insurance benefits
• The right-wing extremists will learn they can get away with demonizing us – and they’ll find new ways to hold us back

Stand up for yourself, your friends and your family. Don’t let them kick us around anymore. Take action and make a difference today."

-thetaskforce.org

Note: While this is not a political action blog per se, we just thought we'd share this information as a public service to the community. thetaskforce.org is continuing their campaign to defeat the measure scheduled for June 5th, 2006. You can sign the petition here.

Dean Taken To Task For Rewriting Gay History

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

(New York) Democratic Party Chair Howard Dean in an appearance on TV evangelist Pat Robertson's 700 Club this week wiped out what is widely considered the greatest achievement of gays Democrats - a recognition of same-sex relationships in the party platform.

"The Democratic Party platform from 2004 says that marriage is between a man and a woman," Dean told Robertson. "That's what it says. I think where we may take exception with some religious leaders is that we believe in inclusion, that everybody deserves to live with dignity and respect, and that equal rights under the law are important."

But the platform actually supported...continue via 365Gay.com

Mary Cheney Surfaces on Primetime Live!

During the course of her chat with Diane Sawyer, Cheney describes coming out to her parents, her fourteen year relationship with partner Heather Poe, why she remains loyal to the Republican Party, her disagreements with right-wing orthodoxy, her reaction to her lesbianism-as-Democratic-demagoguery during the debates, and the careful balancing act of existing between a vitriolic gay left and the venemous religious right.

It's remarkable how poised and likeable Mary comes off in ...read more and watch the video via The Malcontent.

Stay-at-Home Moms Deserve $134,121 in Salary

Study Estimates Value of Work Done By U.S. Moms

By Ellen Wulfhorst, Reuters
(Photo: Shane Keyser, Kansas City Star/ KRT)

NEW YORK (May 3) - A full-time stay-at-home mother would earn $134,121 a year if paid for all her work, an amount similar to a top U.S. ad executive, a marketing director or a judge, according to a study released Wednesday...continue reading via AOL

Note: We took an informal poll and feel this is too low! Your feelings?

WEDNESDAY RELIEF!
Dame Edna! We Hardly Knew Ye!

Photographer Says 'Dame Edna' Punched Him

(AP)

(Photo: Barry Humphries, better known as Dame Edna Everage, is accused of punching a pursuing photographer. Getty Images)

SYDNEY, Australia (May 3) - Internationally renowned comic character Dame Edna Everage's alter ego, Australian actor Barry Humphries, punched a photographer who pursued him outside a Sydney restaurant Wednesday, his publicist said.

The 72-year-old - who has found enduring fame in the United States, Britain and Australia on stage and screen through the purple-haired housewife character he has been playing since the 1950s - struck...Read "there is nothing like a Dame!", via AOL

A TRUE FAMILY AFFAIR!
Special by: MW Savant, CEO

You know? There are just some things in the world that lift a heart, dampen an ache or pry a smile from the most world-weary person having a bad day. These blessings are few and far between.

Thankfully, two women...(no cryptic PC nonsense permitted here) ---two women, in a loving and committed relationship, have penned a wickedly dead-on portrait of an image that we have pretty much all seen on the road.

As you listen to "90 Pound Suburban Housewife Drivin' in her SUV", the visuals rip through the mind's eye and irresistably entice nods of agreement and grins of confirmation! Suzanne and Rozanne are such formidable professional women in their own right, apart from this new hit. Their good-natured and joyful energy was evident as I watched their feature on CNN this morning.

Rozanne and Suzanne have the intention of doing their part in reducing our country's addiction to oil and chose the song as a way to draw attention to the topic as well as to entertain. I believe they've done it!

According to an e-mail from Rozanne,
"Suzanne and I live our truth every day and do it joyously."

It was truly a pleasure to see these phenomenal women (on global television no less) stand up by just being themselves! The CNN correspondent Jeanne Moos says in her B-roll voice over, "Speaking of wives...you're a couple?" The women simply and confidently confirmed their connection and moved on. Just as I will do.

I can imagine that some people would say, "What the hell does this have to do with GLBTQI weddings or marriage?" I say that (while incidental to the topic of the post) it's about tangible proof of responsible, dedicated and devoted relationships (once again knocking the GLBTI's 'incapable of fidelity' stereotype's **** in the dirt). It's about PRIDE. It is about courage and it's about living and loving and accepting and creating. It's about the ladies' relationship not being a shocking, time-stopping big deal (for lack of a better phrase). It, to me, seemed as natural and incidental to the CNN piece as whether or not the sun was up. THAT felt so COOL!

What a pleasure it was to watch the feature and learn about these wonderful ladies. There's talk that they'd like the one and only Dolly Parton to record it! That would be FUN!
Thanks for your wit, spirit and for being a part of the family! Best wishes to Suzanne and Rozanne in their family, their projects and their love!

You can go here to purchase the tune!!!

Va. studies medical needs of transgender
By Dionne Walker, Associated Press Writer

Zakia McKensey, right, an outreach specialist, advises a transgender client about prescriptions at the Fan Free Clinic in Richmond, Va., Jan. 17, 2006. McKensey, also a transgender woman, helps peers find safe hormone treatments at the Richmond clinic. (AP Photo/Lisa Billings)

RICHMOND, Va. --For all the primping, powdering and pumping up many transgender men and women will do to pass as the opposite sex, there's one thing health care experts say too many of them can't stomach: a visit to the doctor.

A health study by the Virginia Health Department and Virginia Commonwealth University is intended to unravel the fears and prejudices hindering transgender people from seeking health care.

The Virginia Transgender Health Initiative Study targets those who feel they were born the wrong biological sex. Some undergo full transitions and have surgery; others take hormone injections to change their ... continue reading 'VA studies medical needs... (via Boston.com)'

US Immigration Law 'Inhumane' To Same-Sex Couples Human Rights Group Says
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

(Washington) Thousands of U.S. citizens and their foreign same-sex partners face enormous hardships, separation and even exile because discriminatory U.S. immigration policies deprive these couples of the basic right to be together, Human Rights Watch and Immigration Equality said in a report released Tuesday.

continue reading US Immigration Law 'Inhumane'...