by ReconcilingWorks
The Rev. Dr. Guy Erwin, a premier scholar on Martin Luther, elected as Lutheran Bishop
Lutherans for Full Participation celebrates the election of the Rev. Dr. Guy Erwin as Bishop of the Southwest California Synod of the Evangelical Church in America (ELCA), during the synod's three-day annual assembly in Woodland Hills, California.
This election of a partnered and openly gay member of the clergy marks a historic first for the ELCA. Erwin will serve as one of 65 synodical bishops in the denomination. Bishops function as spiritual leaders, administrators, and chief executive officers of synods which are, save one, geographical collections of congregations.
"The election of Pastor Erwin to the office of bishop occurred because he was the best candidate, not because he was a partnered gay man. Pastor Erwin is an eminent scholar and church leader. He is a teacher at heart and was an excellent pastor long before he was ordained in 2011. In many ways his election is simply the logical and appropriate next step for our denomination following the 2009 elimination of policies precluding pastors in committed same-gender relationships," said Emily Eastwood, executive director of ReconcilingWorks. "In other ways, Pastor Erwin's election marks a new and brighter day for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Lutherans as one of our own has been chosen not in spite of being gay, but because he is truly gifted and skilled for the office. Once again, today we are proud to be Lutherans."
Prayer, discernment, and the Holy Spirit led the voting members to choose Pastor Erwin as their leader. Voting members chose a bishop based on their own consciences, not bound by the views of their congregations but by the Gospel with its call to invite everyone to the table.
ReconcilingWorks (previously known as Lutherans Concerned) worked for decades to lift the ban on partnered gay and lesbian clergy. In 2009, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to lift the ban, in place since 1989.
Rev. Dr. Erwin holds the Chair of Lutheran Confessional Theology professor at California Lutheran University and directs the Segerhammar Center for Faith and Culture. A native of Oklahoma, he is an active member of the Osage Nation of Native Americans. He has served as the ELCA representative to the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, as board member of Augsburg Fortress Publishers, and as member of the ELCA Higher Education Task Force. An ordained minister in the ELCA, Dr. Erwin and his partner, Rob Flynn, attend St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in North Hollywood, California.
320,000 ALL OUT MEMBERS CELEBRATE FRENCH MARRIAGE VICTORYParis, France - On Friday May 17, 2013,, President Hollande signed a bill that gives gays and lesbians the right to marry France.- French President Hollande signs bill giving gays and lesbians the right to marry in France
- More than 300,000 All Out members signed a petition urging the French Parliament to pass the bill
- All Out members rallied in 17 cities throughout France leading up to bill’s passage
“More than 300,000 All Out members spoke loud and clear and the French government responded,” Andre Banks Executive Director and Co-Founder of All Out said, “Now, those who signed France’s largest online petition in history have been answered. Marriage for gays and lesbians is a reality in France.”“In 76 countries it is a crime to be gay, in 10 it could cost you your life,” Andre Banks continued. “France is sending a strong message to the world that no one should sacrifice their family or freedom, safety or dignity, because of who they are or who they love. We invite the French government and the French people to join All Out in building a powerful global movement for love and equality.” To see the live signature totals from All Out’s petition visit: https://www.allout.org/en/actions/egalite_maintenantSource; All Out press release
Brazil’s National Council of Justice just ruled that public notaries across the country cannot turn away gays and lesbians seeking marriage licenses
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - On Tuesday, Brazil’s National Council of Justice with a vote of 14 -1 approved a resolution that prohibits public notaries across the country to deny same-sex couples access to marriage.
While rulings by the National Council of Justice can be appealed to the Supreme Court, an appeal in this case appears unlikely. Brazil’s Deputy General Prosecutor Francisco Sanseverino said the Brazilian Federal Public Ministry (MPF) would not appeal the decision.
“At All Out, we are building a world where no person will have to sacrifice their family or freedom, safety or dignity because of who they are or who they love,” Andre Banks, Executive Director and Co-Founder of All Out said today. ”Brazil’s National Council of Justice’s ruling brings our vision one step closer to reality. We celebrate this incredible moment with thousands of All Out members across Brazil and Latin America.”
“I am so proud of my country,” Leandro Ramos, All Out’s Campaign Manager for Brazil said. “Even though our marriage equality bill is still looming in Congress, this is a historic moment we should all celebrate. In 76 countries it is a crime to be gay; in 10 it can cost you your life, but in Brazil we can serve as an example to the rest of the world. No matter who you are, you should have the freedom to marry the person you love.”
Source: Press release by All Out
by David CohenNBA player Jason Collins announced today that he's gay in a story for Sports Illustrated, By doing so,Jason became the first professional male basketball player to come out. He is the first player in a major American team sport to announce that he is gay. "I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation," Collins wrote. "I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, 'I'm different.' If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand." “Jason Collins’ courage should be commended” said Andre Banks Executive Director and Co-founder of All Out. “Our members clearly agree. Hundreds of people signed a note thanking Jason Collins for breaking his silence within minutes of his announcement. We hope more professional athletes come out. Not only will they have an active fan base ready to support their careers, but their position as a positive role model will save lives and reduce bullying. Collins may not realize this yet, but he is a hero.” President Obama called Collins today and told him that he was impressed by his courage, according to a White House official who was not authorized to discuss the private conversation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Former President Bill Clinton, and his daughter Chelsea who attended Stanford with Collins, both applauded Collins' courage in announcing that he is gay.. “All the support I have received today is truly inspirational. I knew that I was choosing the road less traveled but I'm not walking it alone" wrote Jason Collins on Twitter Jason straight forward statement is an important moment in the history of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, and a special moment for any professional in American sport. All Collins wants is to be himself and to be honest. He want to be who he is, and to continue do his work and contribute to the game he loves with dignity, and stand tall and pride in front of all people. We hope that everyone around Jason especially his colleagues in the NBA, his fans will continue their support, and respect him for what he earn through the years. We should all wish the 34-year-old man Jason, continued success for the courage he showed today, We should learn from this man, From the man who is a free agent, from the man who ended last season with the Washington Wizards after being traded by the Boston Celtics, We should learned how to be comfortable in our own skin and to be proud for who we are. To see the live signature totals from All Out’s thank you note: http://www.allout.org/thank-you-jason
En las dos sombras: Los inmigrantes indocumentados LGBTWashington, DC – Hoy, Center for American Progress convocó un evento hacia los inmigrantes indocumentados LGBT con el fundador de Define American José Antonio Vargas, y lanzo “In Dual Shadows: LGBT Undocumented Immigrants.” A la luz de los resultados del Instituto Williams de UCLA, que hay por lo menos 267,000 personas LGBT-identificados entre la población de los adultos indocumentados, este informe de CAP detalla las disparidades y dificultades que hacen que estos individuos sean entre los miembros más vulnerables de nuestra sociedad, recomendando la aprobación de la reforma de inmigración con un camino hacia la ciudadanía, la derogación de la Ley de Defensa del Matrimonio, y una modificación de las normas de detención y asilo para hacer frente a los problemas que enfrenta esta comunidad. En comparación con todos los inmigrantes indocumentados, algunas de las conclusiones del informe son las siguientes: - LGBT –identificados que son inmigrantes indocumentados tienen más probabilidades de ser varones. De los inmigrantes identificados como LGBT, el 67 por ciento son hombres y el 33 por ciento son mujeres. Fuera de todos los inmigrantes indocumentados, el 57 por ciento son hombres y el 43 por ciento son mujeres.
- LGBT–identificados que son inmigrantes indocumentados son más jóvenes. Cuarenta y nueve por ciento de los inmigrantes indocumentados LGBT son menores de 30 años, comparado con el 30 por ciento de todos los inmigrantes indocumentados.
- LGBT–identificados que son inmigrantes indocumentados tienen menos probabilidad de ser hispanos. El setenta y uno por ciento de LGBT identificados los inmigrantes indocumentados son hispanos, mientras que el 77 por ciento de todos los inmigrantes indocumentados son hispanos.
“La comunidad LGBT, en particular los LGBT inmigrantes indocumentados, tienen mucho a riesgo con el debate sobre la inmigración moviéndose hacia adelante. Los desafíos únicos que enfrenta esta comunidad deben recibir una consideración justa y atención que se determina la mejor manera de reformar nuestro sistema de inmigración y proporcionar un camino hacia la ciudadanía. El informe de hoy nos hace abrir los ojos a la complejidad de estos problemas y nos recuerda que, como cuestión de conciencia y de justicia, debemos ser conscientes de las cargas específicas que enfrentan los inmigrantes LGBT “, dijo Angela Maria Kelley, vicepresidente de Políticas de Inmigración y Defensa en Center for American Progress. Indocumentados inmigrantes LGBT se enfrentan a numerosos dificultades, tanto endémicas a su falta de estatus migratorio y su orientación sexual e identidad de género. Tanto los individuos indocumentados y los estadounidenses LGBT enfrentan inseguridad laboral, la inseguridad del ingreso, las brechas en la cobertura de seguro de salud y las disparidades de salud mental. Para aquellos que son LGBT e indocumentados, su condición de minoría doble da gravedad por los efectos perjudiciales sobre su desarrollo social, económico y el bienestar físico. Dando un camino hacia la ciudadanía permitiría a los 267,000 de los LGBT inmigrantes indocumentados que tengan tranquilidad de saber que las deportaciones no los separarían de sus familias. El camino hacia la ciudadanía les permitirá ganar salarios más altos y un mejor acceso a los servicios sociales y la seguridad laboral creciente . Pero sin una legislación como la Employment Non-Discrimination Act para proteger contra la discriminación en el ámbito laboral, las diferencias salariales y la salud todavía persistirán después de la legalización. Puedes leer el informe completo aquí y ver la infografía aquí.
ACLU national
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Senate approved a bill legalizing marriage for same-sex couples today. The Senate approved the bill by a margin of 34-21. The bill must now be passed by the State House. "Today we usually celebrate with flowers and chocolates. But on this historic day, Illinoisans have given their lesbian and gay friends and neighbors the gift of a lifetime – a huge step toward the freedom to marry," said John Knight, staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. "The overwhelming vote in the Senate creates significant momentum moving forward to the House. We are a day closer to realizing the freedom to marry for all Illinoisans." Feigenholtz: House Should Follow Senate Lead, Approve Marriage Equality CHICAGO – In response to the Senate’s approval of Senate Bill 10 to legalize same-sex marriage on Thursday, State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) released the following statement: “Today is a monumental and historic day not only for Illinois’ LGBT community and allies, but for the future of our entire state. By voting to approve marriage equality, the Illinois Senate reaffirmed our most basic commitments to fairness, justice, and a government free of discrimination. The enormity of today’s vote cannot be overstated. Now that the Senate has done the right thing, it’s time for the House to follow suit. There are simply no excuses left. Public opinion continues to drastically shift in support of marriage equality. One by one, states are legalizing same-sex marriage and voters are going to the polls to reject discriminatory marriage initiatives. Our President has urged us to take action. If that’s not enough, Illinois’ own 2010 civil union law has proven only that good things happen when we extend equal rights to citizens. I congratulate my Senate colleagues and the advocates who have fought so hard and so long for an equal Illinois. I look forward to the day – hopefully in the very, very near future – in which I get to cast my vote for equality on the House floor. It will, without a doubt, be one of the most meaningful votes I take as a legislator and will put us on the right side of history.” For more information, contact Feigenholtz’s constituent services office at (773) 296-4141 or sara@staterepsara.com.
I n Observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Chicago, Ill.– In observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Thursday, February 7, 2013, Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) has partnered with the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus (CBGMC) and Black Gay Pride organizers to serve as a testing and primary medical care partner to encourage the African American LGBT community to get tested and know their HIV status. “We are proud to partner with the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus (CBGMC) and the Black Gay Pride organizers in support of this initiative,” states Karma Israelsen, interim president and CEO of Howard Brown Health Center. “African-Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, and it is imperative to provide on-going accessible educational and testing opportunities to decrease the spread of the disease within this community.” As part of its partnership for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, HIV and STI testing will be free for all walk-in clients at HBHC’s Sheridan Road clinic located at 4025 N. Sheridan Road. Free HIV testing will be available from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm. “It is important that we work together as community-based organizations and healthcare providers, to bring forth an unyielding message about the importance of getting tested and knowing your status,” said Keith Green, board chairman of CBGMC. “We are grateful to Howard Brown Health Center for partnering with us to get the African American LGBT community to be more proactive in their health.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans represent 14% of the U.S. population but account for 44% of new HIV infections. Jesse Hinton, spokesperson for Black Pride organizers says, “The goal is of this collaboration is to ultimately create better health outcomes for the African American LGBT community. We need and welcome the support of more health institutions such as Howard Brown Health Center to assist us in lowering HIV infections in our community.” For more information, please visit www.howardbrown.org or call our patient service line at 773-388-1600.
by CDC Division of NewsThe first set of national prevalence data on intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence (SV), and stalking victimization by sexual orientation was released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study found that lesbians and gay men reported IPV and SV over their lifetimes at levels equal to or higher than those of heterosexuals; with sexual orientation based on respondents’ identification at the time of the survey. The survey also found that bisexual women (61.1 percent) report a higher prevalence of rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner compared to both lesbian (43.8 percent) and heterosexual women (35 percent). Of the bisexual women who experienced IPV, approximately 90 percent reported having only male perpetrators, while two -thirds of lesbians reported having only female perpetrators of IPV. The data presented in this report do not indicate whether violence occurs more often in same-sex or opposite sex couples. Rather, the data show the prevalence of lifetime victimization of intimate partner violence, sexual violence and stalking of respondents who self-identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual at the time of the survey and describe violence experienced with both same-sex and opposite-sex partners. “We know that violence affects everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. This report suggests that lesbians, gay men and bisexuals in this country suffer a heavy toll of sexual violence and stalking committed by an intimate partner.” said CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden. “While intervening and providing services are important, prevention is equally critical.” The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) is designed to better describe and understand the level of IPV, SV, and stalking victimization in the United States. Using 2010 data from NISVS, this report is the first to provide national data that examines IPV, SV and stalking by sexual orientation. Further research is needed in order to fully understand the experience of interpersonal violence that impact LGB individuals and their communities. This information is critical to informing prevention programs and policies aimed at reducing these types of victimization.
Other key findings include:- The majority of women who reported experiencing sexual violence, regardless of their sexual orientation, reported that they were victimized by male perpetrators.
- Nearly half of female bisexual victims (48.2 percent) and more than one-quarter of female heterosexual victims (28.3 percent) experienced their first rape between the ages of 11 and 17 years.
CDC will work to create resources to bring attention to these issues within lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. For more information about NISVS, including study details, visit www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nisvs/index.html. To watch webinars that discuss the NISVS 2010 Summary findings, visit PreventConnect, a national online project dedicated to the primary prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence. CDC’s Injury Center works to prevent injuries and violence and their adverse health consequences.
"Opposing Death Squads and Dictatorship" is the theme of a 7-city U.S. tour by Honduran LGBT leader Jose "Pepe" Palacios beginning today at Atlanta's "Creating Change" conference.
Since a 2009 U.S.-supported coup, 87 LGBT Hondurans – including top leaders like Walter Trochez and LIBRE candidate Erick Martinez Avila – have been murdered in a systematic campaign of targeted hate crimes and political assassination.
Palacios is a founding member of the Honduran LGBT group, Diversity Movement in Resistance (MDR), formed in response to Trochez's murder, and is a member of the steering committee of the National Front of Popular Resistance (FNRP).
Honduras won the dubious distinction of having the highest murder rate in the world in the years since the U.S.-supported coup. Coup supporters used the overthrow of the elected government to settle scores against social justice movements and the poor.
Contrary to stereotypes about predominately Roman Catholic countries, Honduras has a vibrant Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) movement which is among the leading forces organizing against the coup regime. LGBTs there have joined indigenous peoples, African descendants, farmers, teachers, women, students, and trade unionists in numerous, massive, non-violent street demonstrations of resistance.
This summer and fall, in the run up to the country's first contested election since the coup, many fear that the violence will get even worse. The purpose of the tourorganized by the Gay Liberation Network, La Voz de los de Abajo and the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America is to raise international awareness about the dire situation in the country and use the spotlight of publicity to add a higher level of safety for activists there.
Included in the presentations will be a short film produced by the Gay Liberation Network which was shot during a September 2012 solidarity delegation to Honduras organized by La Voz de los de Abajo. Footage in the film shows armed guards of the nation's largest landowner firing in the direction of the delegation to intimidate them from investigating a murder that had happened just a few days before.
In addition to Atlanta, Palacios will be giving presentations at and attending leadership meetings in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Cleveland, New York, Washington, DC and Chicago (Chicago will have two public events, one in English and one in Spanish).
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