Living: April 2007
What a gay truck
Filed by Bil Browning | April 30, 2007 10:36 PM |My brother, Dave, lives in Texas and is the only sibling I'm particularly close to. He just got a new truck and sent me these photos to show it off. You can see the truck with his motorcycle in the...Read More
What a gay truck
Filed by Bil Browning | April 30, 2007 10:36 PM |My brother, Dave, lives in Texas and is the only sibling I'm particularly close to. He just got a new truck and sent me these photos to show it off. You can see the truck with his motorcycle in the...Read More
School videotapes two girls kissing: Calls parents
Filed by Bil Browning | April 30, 2007 3:20 PM |What in the hell is going on here? Can you imagine if you'd kissed someone in high school and the school videotaped it and showed it to your parents? Now how about if it was a gay kiss? That seems...Read More
Now dance for us, peasant!
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 30, 2007 1:18 PM |The East Allen County school district is up to their games again. This time they're portraying themselves as victims. Several months ago, after a column that said that it's OK to be gay and that beating up queers was bad...Read More
Monday question
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 30, 2007 8:45 AM |Monday, Monday. What did you all do this weekend? Anyone travel? Anyone see a movie? Anyone score?...Read More
What would INTake do?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 30, 2007 7:27 AM |INTake magazine's bloggers are taking on the WouldJesusDiscriminate.com billboards this week. While a couple of the entries are notable (See "Jesus Loves Lesbians Too!" and "God Hates Fags!"), there's a stand-out post by David Hunter - "What would Jesus do...Read More
What would INTake do?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 30, 2007 7:27 AM |INTake magazine's bloggers are taking on the WouldJesusDiscriminate.com billboards this week. While a couple of the entries are notable (See "Jesus Loves Lesbians Too!" and "God Hates Fags!"), there's a stand-out post by David Hunter - "What would Jesus do...Read More
The wrath of God?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 27, 2007 3:41 PM |Did anyone else notice yesterday's clip in the Indy Star's business section about SJR-7? Emphasis mine... An attempt to revive Senate Joint Resolution 7, the so-called Defense of Marriage amendment, failed again this week. You'll recall the proposal faltered after...Read More
The wrath of God?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 27, 2007 3:41 PM |Did anyone else notice yesterday's clip in the Indy Star's business section about SJR-7? Emphasis mine... An attempt to revive Senate Joint Resolution 7, the so-called Defense of Marriage amendment, failed again this week. You'll recall the proposal faltered after...Read More
Gene Robinson will get a civil union
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 27, 2007 3:30 PM |From the Union-Leader:Shortly after a civil unions bill cleared its last hurdle Thursday, the state's best-known gay resident said he will use it. "Absolutely. My partner and I look forward to taking full advantage of the new law," Episcopal Bishop...Read More
Another Indiana hate crime?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 27, 2007 2:09 PM |While Indiana's legislature decided to deep-six possible hate crimes legislation this year rather than fight off a non-germane anti-abortion amendment, Hoosiers continue to suffer and die without protections offered in almost every other state in the nation. This time the...Read More
Friday open thread
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 27, 2007 1:46 PM |Do you miss ABC's TGIF programming? Do you remember ABC's TGIF programming?...Read More
Journalism Teacher to Keep Her Job, Sort Of
Filed by Ellen Andersen | April 26, 2007 7:48 PM |The Indianapolis Star is reporting that Amy Sorrell, the Woodlan-Junior Senior High School teacher who was suspended in March after a column appeared in the school paper calling for tolerance toward LGBT people, has reached a settlement with the school...Read More
Journalism Teacher to Keep Her Job, Sort Of
Filed by Ellen Andersen | April 26, 2007 7:48 PM |The Indianapolis Star is reporting that Amy Sorrell, the Woodlan-Junior Senior High School teacher who was suspended in March after a column appeared in the school paper calling for tolerance toward LGBT people, has reached a settlement with the school...Read More
Jesus needs your help
Filed by Bil Browning | April 26, 2007 7:35 PM |Just in from Jesus Metropolitan Community Church, the mastermind behind the pro-gay billboards in Indianapolis that has everyone talking: We need everyone who can to take a few moments today or tomorrow to send a brief email of support to...Read More
Jesus needs your help
Filed by Bil Browning | April 26, 2007 7:35 PM |Just in from Jesus Metropolitan Community Church, the mastermind behind the pro-gay billboards in Indianapolis that has everyone talking: We need everyone who can to take a few moments today or tomorrow to send a brief email of support to...Read More
First integrated prom for southern Georgia high school
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 26, 2007 3:21 PM |No joke, a high school in southern Georgia is having an integrated prom for the first time this year. From CNN:Students of Turner County High School started what they hope will become a new tradition: Black and white students attended...Read More
UCSD Intramural Rape League... oh yes, it's as bad as it sounds
Filed by Carrie Wooten | April 26, 2007 1:27 PM |Thanks to feministing.com, this story has been circulating rapidly through the blogosphere. Four white male students (rumored to be fraternity brothers) at the University of California San Diego thought it would be cute to create the "UCSD Intramural Rape League"...Read More
Developments around the Nation
Filed by Ellen Andersen | April 26, 2007 1:25 PM |Earlier today, the New Hampshire Senate passed a civil unions bill by a vote of 14-10. The bill, which has already passed the House, now goes to the Governor, who has already vowed to sign it. Yesterday, the Iowa legislature...Read More
Thursday open thread
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 26, 2007 8:45 AM |After several events on the road this past week, this question seems relevent. Who drives better in general: people with this license plate: or people with this one: ?...Read More
Orgasms
Filed by Michele O'Mara | April 25, 2007 10:54 AM |May I ask a question about the after effects of gender reassignment surgery? Post surgery, male to female, is it possible for a person to have an orgasm?...Read More
Wednesday question
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 25, 2007 8:14 AM |While we're already talking about addictions, how about caffiene? Does anyone need coffee, Mountain Dew, Red Bull, tea, or a diet pill to start the day? To get through the day?...Read More
Long Live The 11th Panchen Lama
Filed by Marla R. Stevens | April 25, 2007 6:42 AM |ACTION: Write your Congressional delegation, asking that China's most favored nation trade status not be renewed until the Panchen Lama is freed. BACKGROUND: In Tibetan Buddhism, the two highest spiritual leaders, the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, have chosen...Read More
Spotlight last night
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 24, 2007 7:11 PM |I went last night was the Spotlight 2007 benefit for the Indiana AIDS Fund, and I had a great time! I was really excited by Asia LaBouche's performance. I always forget how much I love a good drag show.... Did...Read More
Taking a few personal days
Filed by Bil Browning | April 24, 2007 8:18 AM |Gentle readers, I'm going to be taking a few days off. I realize I don't usually share personal things on the blog, but I thought I'd make an exception this time. I have to go in for some minor surgery...Read More
Smoking open thread
Filed by Bil Browning | April 24, 2007 7:30 AM |Are you now or were you ever a smoker? If you've quit, why did you? If you've never smoked, why not? Consider this an open thread on smoking - from Governor Daniel's tax increase to why such a large percentage...Read More
Defacing Jesus is soooo Christian
Filed by Bil Browning | April 23, 2007 11:45 PM |Tonight's inbox brings distressing news about Jesus Metropolitan Community Church's billboard campaign, "Would Jesus Discriminate?" Billboards are being defaced while yard signs are being systematically removed. You'll remember that the church teamed up with Faith In Action to place 22...Read More
Defacing Jesus is soooo Christian
Filed by Bil Browning | April 23, 2007 11:45 PM |Tonight's inbox brings distressing news about Jesus Metropolitan Community Church's billboard campaign, "Would Jesus Discriminate?" Billboards are being defaced while yard signs are being systematically removed. You'll remember that the church teamed up with Faith In Action to place 22...Read More
Fred Phelps is coming! You better watch out!
Filed by Bil Browning | April 23, 2007 3:43 PM |Word on the streets is that Fred Phelps and his "church" will be coming to Lafayette tomorrow to protest outside the funeral of Army Spc Cody Putman who was killed in Iraq. These kooks think that the deaths of American...Read More
Fred Phelps is coming! You better watch out!
Filed by Bil Browning | April 23, 2007 3:43 PM |Word on the streets is that Fred Phelps and his "church" will be coming to Lafayette tomorrow to protest outside the funeral of Army Spc Cody Putman who was killed in Iraq. These kooks think that the deaths of American...Read More
No more limbo!
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 23, 2007 3:24 PM |Not the dance, silly. The Pope has released a report that challenges Catholic teaching on limbo. The old teaching was that in order to get into heaven, one had to be without sin. Since every person is born with original...Read More
Constructive criticism Monday
Filed by Bil Browning | April 23, 2007 7:36 AM |We've made some cosmetic changes around the old site lately. We gave the old girl a face lift and moved some stuff around. A few bells and whistles later, we think we're about done with bilerico5.3 This should hold us...Read More
Rightwing propaganda tour
Filed by Bil Browning | April 22, 2007 2:53 PM |(Click to enlarge the ad. I left it a large image so you could read the full text. But, seriously, it's a really big image.) The American Family Association of Indiana PAC continues their popular Propaganda Tour 2007 with stops...Read More
Rightwing propaganda tour
Filed by Bil Browning | April 22, 2007 2:53 PM |(Click to enlarge the ad. I left it a large image so you could read the full text. But, seriously, it's a really big image.) The American Family Association of Indiana PAC continues their popular Propaganda Tour 2007 with stops...Read More
Lordy Lordy
Filed by Bil Browning | April 22, 2007 7:31 AM |I just wanted to take a moment to wish bilerico contributor - and all around fabulous person - Ellen Andersen a happy birthday! Stand back when they light that cake, I hear they're going to have the fire department on...Read More
TGIF question
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 20, 2007 8:26 AM |What's your favorite Friday night activity?...Read More
School in lockdown to survive the Transgender Menace
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 19, 2007 7:22 PM |Check out this story:Cranbrook Schools went into lockdown today after parents reported seeing a man dressed as a woman near a campus bus stop. Police have not located the man, described as a white male about 6 feet tall, wearing...Read More
Is my son gay?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 19, 2007 10:51 AM |Salon advice columnist Cary Tennis gives some of the best advice ever to a parent who is wondering about his 13-year-old son's sexuality. The father has busted the son visiting gay porn sites on the web and needs to know...Read More
Is my son gay?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 19, 2007 10:51 AM |Salon advice columnist Cary Tennis gives some of the best advice ever to a parent who is wondering about his 13-year-old son's sexuality. The father has busted the son visiting gay porn sites on the web and needs to know...Read More
Question of the Thursday
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 19, 2007 8:30 AM |How has your sexuality and gender identity affected your relationship with your religion?...Read More
Day of Silence met with bomb threat
Filed by Bil Browning | April 18, 2007 7:16 PM |Today's Day of Silence peaceful protest was met with a bomb threat at New Castle Chrysler High School forcing the school to go on lockdown. Nothing quite like tolerance to bring out the threats of violence, eh? Of particular interest...Read More
Day of Silence met with bomb threat
Filed by Bil Browning | April 18, 2007 7:16 PM |Today's Day of Silence peaceful protest was met with a bomb threat at New Castle Chrysler High School forcing the school to go on lockdown. Nothing quite like tolerance to bring out the threats of violence, eh? Of particular interest...Read More
One step forward: Two steps back
Filed by Bil Browning | April 18, 2007 4:14 PM |Isn't life in Indiana great? You just can't do much but shake your head in disbelief. After all, science is the breeding ground of liberals... Maybe next we'll be able to pass those "No working on the Sabbath" and "Don't...Read More
Today is Day of Silence
Filed by Bil Browning | April 18, 2007 12:35 PM |Today marks the 11th annual Day of Silence to bring attention to anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools. Sponsored by GLSEN, the event has become a tradition with LGBT youth. Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence has become...Read More
Wednesday open thread
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 18, 2007 8:26 AM |What queer political or cultural issue do you think is not getting enough attention by the mainstream or gaystream media or by LGBT advocacy groups?...Read More
Whining and moaning
Filed by Bil Browning | April 17, 2007 5:16 PM |Yes, I know. It's finally time to stop with the SJR-7 coverage. But those pesky fundies just can't rest - their whining and moaning continues in today's Indy Star with a guest editorial by Republican Representative Woody Burton. Other local...Read More
Tuesday question
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 17, 2007 8:18 AM |Do you enjoy drag performances?...Read More
Poor Uncle Steve
Filed by Bil Browning | April 16, 2007 5:50 PM |(Sent in by faithful reader, Jay.)...Read More
Surprise: Abstinence-only education doesn't work
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 16, 2007 9:04 AM |Uh, oh. Apparently abstinence education doesn't work. From MSNBC: Students who participated in sexual abstinence programs were just as likely to have sex a few years later as those who did not, according to a long-awaited study mandated by Congress....Read More
Question of the day, this Monday
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 16, 2007 8:15 AM |How late do you sleep in on the weekends compared with the weekdays?...Read More
Would Jesus discriminate?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 15, 2007 10:56 PM |Jesus Metropolitan Community Church has teamed up with Faith In America to remind Indianapolis of Christ's message of love and tolerance. You might remember that last year the church advertised on billboards across the metro area with the message "Would...Read More
Would Jesus discriminate?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 15, 2007 10:56 PM |Jesus Metropolitan Community Church has teamed up with Faith In America to remind Indianapolis of Christ's message of love and tolerance. You might remember that last year the church advertised on billboards across the metro area with the message "Would...Read More
Social Justice = Fairness?
Filed by Bruce Parker | April 15, 2007 2:49 AM |While attending the yearly American Educational Researchers Association (AERA) meeting in Chicago last week, I learned that the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) has removed any references to social justice from its "professional standards" and replaced it...Read More
Whooo! TGIF open thread!
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 13, 2007 9:03 AM |What's your favorite mixed drink?...Read More
Why I love my PFLAG mom
Filed by Bil Browning | April 12, 2007 4:10 PM |(Click to enlarge) My PFLAG mom went on vacation to San Francisco a couple weeks ago. Today I got this photo and message in e-mail: I was looking at my vacation photos and when I saw this one, I...Read More
Death of an American treasure
Filed by Bil Browning | April 12, 2007 3:05 PM |"I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center." Kurt Vonnegut 1922-2007...Read More
Homobigots target big business
Filed by Bil Browning | April 12, 2007 10:47 AM |Indianapolis Star business reporter John Katzenberger has an extremely interesting article out today about some Republican push-back over SJR-7. It seems that Senator Brandt Hershman and Representative Eric Turner have written "a curious letter" to those Fortune 500 companies that...Read More
More on the fallout from SJR 7's demise
Filed by Jen Jorczak | April 12, 2007 10:39 AM |Okay, so I'm a little late on the promised update of the anti-abortion amendments filed in retaliation for the failure of SJR 7, but in addition to the six I posted about last Friday, we saw four more introduced on...Read More
Thursday question
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 12, 2007 9:29 AM |How many (more) kids do you want to have? 0 is a possible answer; negative pi is not. Does gender affect your answer?...Read More
In God We Trust our civil liberties
Filed by Bil Browning | April 11, 2007 8:26 PM |Bruce Hetrick has another great column in the Indianapolis Business Journal this week that you have to go read. (This link goes to the column on Hetrick's site - which is much easier to navigate.) Echoing some of the thoughts...Read More
Display honoring black citizens to be constructed in Statehouse
Filed by Bil Browning | April 11, 2007 1:50 PM |A bill that would create a permanent display honoring the contributions of black citizens to the state of Indiana in the Statehouse was signed into law by the governor yesterday. House Enrolled Act 1818 is co-sponsored by State Senators Jean...Read More
Wednesday question
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 11, 2007 9:23 AM |It's hump day! So I ask: What's the purpose of life?...Read More
Indiana man tries to cash 50k check from God...
Filed by Tony Kariotis | April 10, 2007 8:14 PM |I have no idea how I missed this, but in my utter disappointment with the tabloid-like Imus discourse that network news provides, the overwhelming coverage of the paternity of Anna-Nicole's baby, or just my mourning of the end of the...Read More
Fire Imus
Filed by Marla R. Stevens | April 10, 2007 7:03 PM |I wanted to let the rage die back so I could write rationally. It hasn't. Call me Herodias if you like but I want the man's head on a platter -- at least figuratively. A two-week suspension after his career...Read More
Black Colleges Fail to Welcome Gay Students and Groups
Filed by Ellen Andersen | April 10, 2007 10:41 AM |Tip o' the hat to Dan Pinello for this bit of news. From the News Blog of the Chronicle of Higher Education: April 9, 2007 Black Colleges Fail to Welcome Gay Students and Groups --Lawrence Biemiller Gay students often feel...Read More
Question for a Tuesday
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 10, 2007 9:47 AM |If given the legal opportunity, would you get married? For single folks, take that as a hypothetical question implying that you already found someone you'd be ok with marrying, if in fact you are ok with marrying. Would civil unioning...Read More
LGBT relationships
Filed by Michele O'Mara | April 08, 2007 12:48 PM |Q. Hi! I would just like to ask why is it that gay couples have a hard time sticking in one relationship? Thank you...Read More
Happy Birthday Jerame!
Filed by Bil Browning | April 08, 2007 7:28 AM |I just wanted to take a moment to say Happy Birthday to Jerame. While Easter might be uppermost in everyone's minds, we'll be celebrating his 32nd with cake and friends today. (We also went out to dinner with friends Saturday...Read More
SJR 7 to anti-sex legislators: "Avenge my death"
Filed by Jen Jorczak | April 06, 2007 5:38 PM |As you all know, on Tuesday, SJR 7 failed to advance out of committee. What you may not know is how many legislators were supremely pissed off about it, and what they're trying to do in retaliation. Bil's already posted...Read More
SJR-7: the week following
Filed by Don Sherfick | April 06, 2007 2:50 PM |After doing a number of pieces in the last few months about SJR-7, I've been quiet since its defeat in committee last Tuesday. Not because I am not exhilarated over what happened; I truly am. Maybe I'm a bit overly...Read More
Open Thread
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 06, 2007 8:40 AM |Big question for a Friday: What words are you OK with or not OK with being called in terms of your sexuality or gender identification? Gay? Lesbian? Gay woman? Queer? Genderqueer? Dyke? Faggot? Trannie? FTM? MTF? MTM? FTF? Trans? Homosexual?...Read More
I can't believe it's not Indiana!
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 05, 2007 10:53 AM |Remember that silly comment that John McCain made about how peaceful it was during his stroll through the market in Iraq when he had over 100 US soldiers with him three Blackhawk choppers overhead, and two Apache gunships, while he...Read More
A positive ranking for Indiana? Really?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 05, 2007 9:38 AM |Copyright 2002 Scientific American (click to enlarge) Color me shocked. I don't know why I assumed that Indiana would rank in the lower third of states, but this map of how evolution is taught in schools nation-wide says otherwise....Read More
A positive ranking for Indiana? Really?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 05, 2007 9:38 AM |Copyright 2002 Scientific American (click to enlarge) Color me shocked. I don't know why I assumed that Indiana would rank in the lower third of states, but this map of how evolution is taught in schools nation-wide says otherwise....Read More
Open Thread
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 05, 2007 8:03 AM |Dark Alley relases its new s/m porn film today called Gaytanamo, in which "A German tourist is mistaken for a terrorist and abducted to the sexiest secret miitary prison ever." Click here for the 100% NSFW preview. Director Owen Hawk...Read More
What's everyone saying?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 04, 2007 10:33 AM |With SJR-7's defeat in committee, the blogosphere and online news sources exploded. Here's a quick roundup of stories I've found. I've tried to clip a few bits and pieces from each one to give you a feel of the tone....Read More
Profiles in Courage: The Fab Five
Filed by Jerame Davis | April 03, 2007 7:45 PM |From left to right: Rep. Terri Austin (D-Anderson) r36@in.gov Rep. Earl Harris (D-East Chicago) r2@in.gov Rep. Scott Pelath (D-Michigan City) r9@in.gov Rep. Russ Stilwell (D-Boonville) r74@in.gov Rep. Bob Kuzman (D-Crown Point) r19@in.gov It's rare in politics to find even...Read More
SJR-7 open thread
Filed by Bil Browning | April 03, 2007 11:35 AM |Let's pick SJR-7 as today's Open Thread... So whattaya think boys and girls? Will it come of committee today with Part B removed? Will it make it past a floor vote amended? Will it go on the ballot in 2008...Read More
AP: Queers = Lions
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 02, 2007 8:38 PM |Apparently the most complex narrative that the established media can handle with regards to GLBT people and religion is "the Christians versus the gays". Apparently, there can't be non-homophobic Christians, religious queers, or secular homophobes. Or anything else. That's the...Read More
Science again! I said, "Science again!"
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 02, 2007 6:58 PM |There's a great column up at The American Prospect about the movement amongst some wealthier states to reject federal funding for abstinence-only education. Some have provided alternative funding for comprehensive sex ed, some have rejected it altogether, and Washington has...Read More
Open Thread
Filed by Alex Blaze | April 02, 2007 11:27 AM |Anyone see any good movies this weekend? How about bad ones?...Read More
Will this happen here too?
Filed by Bil Browning | April 01, 2007 10:24 AM |As I was going through the web yesterday a story out of Minneapolis caught my eye. It would seem that the state Senate is considering a bill that would guarantee hospital visitation rights to LGBT couples. No one would oppose...Read More
