Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Iowa lawmaker repeats anti-gay propaganda

Just when you thought Dave Agema was bad enough when it came to state congressional legislators and leaders spouting off anti-gay propaganda, here comes another one. According to Radio Iowa, Iowa state Senator Dennis Guth of Klemme gave a speech which in part said the following:

“The media, for the most part, has bamboozled us into thinking that having a relationship outside of the boundaries of monogamous, heterosexual marriage is positive, happy and fulfilling,” Guth said. “Movies, television shows, articles and magazines abound with this theme, giving partial information to vulnerable audience: our children.”

 Guth said there are “numerous” health and mental problems associated with homosexuality that “ultimately” shorten the lives of gays and lesbians.

 “There are health risks that my family incurs because of the increase of sexually transmitted infections that this lifestyle invites. For example, there are more and more medical tests required before giving blood or giving birth,” Guth said.

Guth said “many civilizations have fallen” because the traditional family was not protected and he argued the homosexual lifestyle “is a lie.” “If I saw someone going the wrong way on a one-way street, I would make every effort to stop and redirect them,” Guth said.

“Simply put, it saves lives to have honest communication not only about the sexually transmitted diseases that shorten lifespans, but also about the deep loneliness that accompanies a life based on youth, beauty and sex.” 

All of what Guth said were lies. But before you get angry, please note that another state senator, Matt McCoy, a Democrat from Des Moines, called him out:

“Much of what you heard today on the floor of the senate is warmed over rhetoric that has been invented by the Christian right, extreme groups,” McCoy said. “…What I heard today was ignorant and I know where it came from and I think that I am not gay by choice. I am not gay by choice, but I choose not to be ignorant.”

Just a small reminder that while McCoy was right on, the lgbt community must do more to call out anti-gay propaganda because a lot of the folks repeating it are those who vote on our very lives.

Related link - How They See Us: Unmasking the Religious Right War on Gay America.

'Agema's homophobia causing vicious infighting amongst Michigan Republicans' and other Wednesday midday news briefs

Leon Drolet: Dave Agema, a loose cannon for the GOP - How much of a homophobe do you have to be for a fellow Republican to call you:

 " . . . a loose cannon whose judgment is proven unstable in a leadership position spouting off Klan propaganda and conspiracy theories."  

New Zealand Passes Marriage Equality, Bringing Country Count To 14 - Go New Zealand!!

Activist Files Public Records Lawsuit Against UCF Trustees, Hitt - A good friend of mine and fellow lgbt blogger, John Becker, is has filed a public records lawsuit seeking more information on that fraudulent anti-gay parenting study by Mark Regnerus. I will definitely keep you posted on this situation. 

 Another Anti-Equality Horror Story Falls Apart: Damian Goddard Edition - Looks like ANOTHER NOM "those evil homosexuals discriminated against me" story has fallen apart. The twitter feed on this from Goddard is HILARIOUS!  

Rios: Schools No Longer Teach Reading and Writing, Now Just Promote Homosexuality - Sorry Linda Harvey. After that jackslap GLSEN gave you, Sandra Rios can't help you unless she wants some too. 

Magic Johnson's son speaks on coming out, the support of his family, and the haters



Ever since basketball legend Magic Johnson's son, Earvin Johnson III, recently came out, there has been a somewhat flurry of conversation. I call it "somewhat" because while his father and mother have been receiving many accolades as good parents who support their son, the young man - known as EJ - seems to not been able to get a word in edgewise about in the conversation about his life. This to me is a shame, not only because he should be able to talk, but also because of the fact that it's rare in which an African-American gay male is seen in the public eye. Via the above interview, EJ talks about coming out, his family, and the attention he has received.