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Researchers say transsexuality has a genetic component
"A gene variant has been identified that appears to be associated with female-to-male transsexuality – the feeling some women have that they belong to the opposite sex.
While such complex behaviour is likely the result of multiple genes, environmental and cultural factors, the researchers say the discovery suggests that transsexuality does have a genetic component.
The variation is in the gene for an enzyme called cytochrome P17, which is involved in the metabolism of sex hormones. Its presence leads to higher than average tissue concentrations of male and female sex hormones, which may in turn influence early brain development." "A gene variant has been identified that appears to be associated with female-to-male transsexuality – the feeling some women hav... more -
Bisexual woman denied refugee status: deportation to Nigeria imminent
Time is running out for a bisexual woman who has been denied refugee status in Canada. Jane Okojie is scheduled to be deported to Nigeria on Thu, Jul 10 where she says she and her two children will face persecution because of her bisexuality.
A victim of sexual violence and domestic abuse in her home country, Okojie says she fled Nigeria after being beaten by locals in her village and detained in prison after it was discovered she was bisexual.
"In Nigeria things are very bad for lesbians and gay people," says Okojie. "If you are a bisexual or lesbian or gay you can be stoned to death and you can be sentenced to prison for many many years. The government doesn't care."
Homosexuality in Nigeria is punishable by imprisonment of up to 14 years. The country has been criticized by human rights organizations including Amnesty International over its record of queer and other human rights abuses. In 2006 the Nigerian justice minister proposed a bill that would have made it a crime to support queer advocacy groups or participate in a same-sex marriage ceremony and banned adoption by queers. The bill was brought before the house of the national assembly but was not passed.
After arriving in Canada in July 2003 with her then seven-year-old son Samuel, Okojie attempted to claim refugee status but was denied by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) in August 2005. She has since received a negative pre-removal risk assessment decision — which means that an IRB member has concluded it's safe for her to be returned to Nigeria — and has also been denied refugee status based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Since arriving in Canada Okojie has also given birth to a girl, who is now 18 months old.
"She was told to report for removal together with her 12-year-old child Samuel... but essentially it would also include her Canadian-born child who is 18 months old," says Jesuorobo, explaining that Okojie is the sole caregiver for her daughter. "She has only been given a week's notice for her to get out of Canada with her children.
"I don't want to bring my daughter back to Nigeria to have people ostracize her," says Okojie. "I don't want people in my village to say, 'Look at her, she is the child of a lesbian.' It's already bad enough for children who are born from unmarried mothers — people are always calling them bastards. But it would be worse for my daughter. I don't want her to go through the torture that I had to go through there." Time is running out for a bisexual woman who has been denied refugee status in Canada. Jane Okojie is scheduled to be deported to Nige... more -
Alex, 17, to become Britain's youngest sex-change patient
17-year old female-born Sarah Thornton is set to become Britain's youngest sex-change patient. Having lived as a teenage boy for over a year, 'Alex' has been granted permission by his GP and psychiatrist to begin the formal transition process. He is hoping that the female-to-male sex change operation that will include a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy will be completed within the next 12 months.
Having identified as a lesbian before, Alex is convinced that the surgery is the right option for him: 'If I could have had the operation done yesterday, then I would have done. Even the thought of having it makes me feel better, and I'm just looking forward to the day I can start leading my life as a man.'
The doctors' decision to allow Alex to go ahead with the transition process even though he is only 17 years old raises the controversial question of when patients are old enough not only to decide on their gender, but also to physically alter their appearance. 17-year old female-born Sarah Thornton is set to become Britain's youngest sex-change patient. Having lived as a teenage boy for ... more -
Lesbian kiss at baseball game ignites Seattle debate
As the Mariners played the Boston Red Sox on May 26, Sirbrina Guerrero and her date were approached in the third inning by an usher who told them their kissing was inappropriate, Guerrero said.
The usher, Guerrero said, told them he had received a complaint from a woman nearby who said that there were kids in the crowd of nearly 36,000 and that parents would have to explain why two women were kissing.
"I was really just shocked," Guerrero said. "Seattle is so gay-friendly. There was a couple like seven rows ahead making out. We were just showing affection." As the Mariners played the Boston Red Sox on May 26, Sirbrina Guerrero and her date were approached in the third inning by an usher wh... more -
South Carolina high school principal resigns over formation of gay club
A South Carolina high school principal said he'll resign from his post after the district approved an organization for gay students that he said conflicts with his religious beliefs.
Eddie Walker, the principal of Irmo High School in Columbia, S.C., announced his intention to step down to faculty and students on Wednesday, saying he'll end his tenure following the 2008-09 school year. The decision, outlined in a letter to Lexington-Richland School District 5 officials, said the reason was the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance Club for students.
Walker said the club — which he said would be the first based on sexual orientation, preference or activity at the school — conflicts his "professional beliefs and religious convictions" as well as the school's abstinence-only education and may prompt students to have sex.
"I feel the formation of a Gay/Straight Alliance Club at Irmo High school implies that students joining the club will have chosen to or will choose to engage in sexual activity with members of the same sex, opposite sex, or members of both sexes," he wrote.
Walker added he prayed about the issue before stepping down and asked board members to "respect my choice as I respect your choice to disagree with me on this issue."
Gay-rights group Faith in America said Walker's decision is based on prejudice that is harmful to students and likened his decision to policies that once allowed segregation to flourish.
"We truly believe it is unfortunate that this principal cannot see the immense harm that is caused when a social climate of rejection, condemnation and violence is justified with misguided religious belief," said Brent Childers, executive director of the group.
One Irmo High School student, saddened by Walker's decision, said the principal was leaving for the wrong reasons.
"The reason he's leaving is not a good reason," Brion Hayes told FOX affiliate WACH-TV. "He does a good job; he cares about the students that go to his school." A South Carolina high school principal said he'll resign from his post after the district approved an organization for gay studen... more -
Federal court rules against military gays policy
The military cannot automatically discharge people because they're gay, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday in the case of a decorated flight nurse who sued the Air Force over her dismissal.
The "don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue, don't harass" policy prohibits the military from asking about the sexual orientation of service members but requires discharge of those who acknowledge being gay or engaging in homosexual activity.
Wednesday's ruling led opponents of the policy to declare its days numbered. It is also the first appeals court ruling in the country that evaluated the policy through the lens of a 2003 Supreme Court decision that struck down a Texas ban on sodomy as an unconstitutional intrusion on privacy.
When gay service members have sued over their dismissals, courts historically have accepted the military's argument that having gays in the service is generally bad for morale and can lead to sexual tension.
But the Supreme Court's opinion in the Texas case changed the legal landscape, the judges said, and requires more scrutiny over whether "don't ask, don't tell" is constitutional as applied in individual cases.
Under Wednesday's ruling, military officials "need to prove that having this particular gay person in the unit really hurts morale, and the only way to improve morale is to discharge this person," said Aaron Caplan, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington state who worked on the case. The military cannot automatically discharge people because they're gay, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday in the case of a ... more -
Gay Marriage OK in CA
On May 15, the California Supreme Court released its decision on the gay marriage ban. Activists were waiting on the courthouse steps with bated breath. On May 15, the California Supreme Court released its decision on the gay marriage ban. Activists were waiting on the courthouse steps ... more
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Speaking of Gay Marriage
For California, gay rights have been in a fickle state ever since San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom opened the cities City Hall doors and offered gay couples a place to legally wed. Approximately 4,000 people took advantage of the Mayors offer before the Supreme Court deemed same sex marriages as illegal. This prompted 24 gay couples to sue the state of California with the support of the city of San Francisco and gay rights organizations. Their diligence seems to have paid off but will this ruling be overturned again? For California, gay rights have been in a fickle state ever since San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom opened the cities City Hall doors a... more
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May be closer to uncorking in Oregon
Gay Rights Watch is reporting that "Oregon anti-gays admit possible failure" in their pursuits to repeal Oregon's Domestic Partnership law and Anti-discrimination law. [...] I remain cautiously optimistic, and also grateful for all the people who work so hard for our equality laws in Oregon! Gay Rights Watch is reporting that "Oregon anti-gays admit possible failure" in their pursuits to repeal Oregon's Domes... more
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Gays Protest Truth Wins Out Conference
The “ex-gay” group gathered about 700 supporters and curious bystanders in San Jose to discuss how to fight their same-sex urges. One man, a minister named Anthony Jones, said he attended so he can “learn” more about the gays: “I’m hoping to learn approaches on how to minister to homosexuals to know and understand what their lifestyle is.” And what better way to learn about a group than to saddle up to those who want them dead. Gawd!
Meanwhile, ex-gay defamer Wayne Besen gathered a couple dozen true believers to protest ex-gay therapy. One protester, Joyce Rogers, had this to say: “These poor, deluded people inside are being told an absolute lie: that you can pray away the gay. If that’s the case, then you can pray away the straight, too.” That’s how we did it!
More At Link
[via Queerty] The “ex-gay” group gathered about 700 supporters and curious bystanders in San Jose to discuss how to fight their same-sex urges. One ... more -
Obama Talks All Things LGBT with The Advocate
In an exclusive Chicago sit-down with The Advocate's Kerry Eleveld, Democratic front-runner Barack Obama discusses "don't ask, don't tell," Rev. Wright, and what he would do for LGBT Americans if he becomes president.
By Kerry Eleveld
[Via Advocate.com] In an exclusive Chicago sit-down with The Advocate's Kerry Eleveld, Democratic front-runner Barack Obama discusses "don'... more -
Happy Valentines Day, unless you're gay...
California gays are applying for marriage licenses in county clerk offices all over the state only to be rejected. Their symbolic gesture comes weeks before the California Supreme court will decide weather marriage equality will be allowed. California gays are applying for marriage licenses in county clerk offices all over the state only to be rejected. Their symbolic ges... more
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Al Gore's Approval of Gay Marriage Making Waves
Al Gore announced on Current.com that he supports gay marriage. Since his announcement the larger media establishment is asking "Will Gore's comments up the ante for the candidates if they want to be seen as sincere?"
I sincerely appreciate Gore's endorsement. It was simple and straight forward. It was logical and humane. Currently, top tier democratic candidates appear indecisive about gay rights. At best their answers assume a wink in the general direction of their gay and lesbian voter base. "Come on," their imagined wink says, "you know I would support you if I could." Well, no we don't. We are left guessing what your cryptic signals mean. Does your support of civil unions, but not marriage mean I should vote for you because at least you don't want to change the constitution? Would you vote for someone who advocates for separate and unequal rights? It leaves gays and lesbians in an awkward position in November. Either vote for the republican candidate whose stance is clearly against you, or vote for the democrat who is partly against you.
My advice to the candidates is simple. Stop dancing around the issue, and take Gore's lead. Heterosexual democrats will be impressed by your sincerity. They will vote for you even if you support gay marriage. Stop trying to win evangelical voters. Write them off. They only represent 30% of the voting base. Go after the more reasonable 70%. Stand up for us. Be a leader. Respect our humanity. We need you now more than ever. Al Gore announced on Current.com that he supports gay marriage. Since his announcement the larger media establishment is asking "... more -
No Name-Calling Week Battles Homophobia In Schools
Thousands of elementary schools across the country will take part next week in the fifth-annual No Name-Calling Week, providing a opportunity for educators to address the growing problem of homophobia in the nation's schools.
Aimed at grades 5-8 with additional lesson plans for earlier grades, No Name-Calling Week - Jan. 21-25 - is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds. Thousands of elementary schools across the country will take part next week in the fifth-annual No Name-Calling Week, providing a oppo... more -
Congress Returns With Gay Rights On The Agenda
Members of Congress began returning to Washington today with three LGBT rights bill still in play - the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
Whether any of them advance will be up to the will of the Democratic leadership in the House and Senate. The Democratic-led House reconvenes Tuesday. The Senate returns Jan. 22. Members of Congress began returning to Washington today with three LGBT rights bill still in play - the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Act... more -
'60 Minutes' "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" story asks and ...
'60 minutes' aired an incredible journalistic piece on what could be called the US' most unnecessary policy; "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Now a few days after, they are being hailed for the piece by most but drawing fire from some.
What do you guys think? Some would say "Who cares!? These people are willing to put their lives on the line like any other American solider, why not let them fight!?", while others would say "It's bad for the morale of the squad or the unit when they are having to worry about something like that and there is just no place for it!"
Thoughts? '60 minutes' aired an incredible journalistic piece on what could be called the US' most unnecessary policy; "Don&... more -
Jodie Foster Les' it Slip.
That's right, Jodie Foster has finally admitted she does indeed prefer the female of the species.
Not a huge surprise, but good that she hasn't felt pressured into baring her soul before.
Click the link for a bit more info on Foster and her 'friend,' That's right, Jodie Foster has finally admitted she does indeed prefer the female of the species. ... more -
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to go bye bye?!
Some Brave Soliders are sticking up for those 65,000+ soliders in the Armed Forces who have to hide who they are to defend their country. Some Brave Soliders are sticking up for those 65,000+ soliders in the Armed Forces who have to hide who they are to defend their count... more
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Gay Anti-discrimination Bill Passes Without Protection for Transgendered Community
This was one of the weakest political efforts I have ever witnessed. The Human Rights Campaign (for LGBT equality) lobbied for less than the original bill. HRC admitted it would be an easier bill to pass without coverage for Transgenders. I'm very confused and disheartened. We cannot choose the people in our community to protect. Our community is what it is. All need protection, not just a few groups. It seems to me that politicians and many members of the queer community have forgotten Gwen Araujo and Brandon Teena, amongst many other celebrated transgendered individuals who have been horrifically murdered in hate crimes. This was one of the weakest political efforts I have ever witnessed. The Human Rights Campaign (for LGBT equality) lobbied for less t... more
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Gay Enclaves Face Prospect of Being Passé
Historically gay communities like the Castro and West Hollywood are undergoing a change as gays move out to surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs and heterosexuals move in. Historically gay communities like the Castro and West Hollywood are undergoing a change as gays move out to surrounding neighborhoods ... more
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