Saturday, March 8, 2008
Teaching Our Kids Tolerance
Moms speak out about the shooting of a 15-year-old gay student.
March 4, 2008
When we posted Ellen on Hate Crime, we shared Ellen's emotional speech about this tragic incident and it resonated with many Moms.
Outraged Mom said: "I can't believe things like this are still occurring in this day and age. It is so upsetting that someone is not allowed to be him or herself without suffering, or in this case, dying for it. People who are gay cannot change the way they feel, it's just the way they are. It's innate and not a choice. I know because my brother is gay. He is fortunate enough to have a family who loves him unconditionally. We need to make a difference in this world and we need to start now!"
Mom Amy also offers input: "I think not only is this murder a crime, but I believe the failure of a child, caused by either the parents, or school systems, by not teaching love, respect, and understanding is a Crime. Children learn by watching, and listening. Be careful of what you show your Child. You are the role model."
How do you teach your kids tolerance? Tell us in the Mom•Logic Community.
March 4, 2008
When we posted Ellen on Hate Crime, we shared Ellen's emotional speech about this tragic incident and it resonated with many Moms.
Outraged Mom said: "I can't believe things like this are still occurring in this day and age. It is so upsetting that someone is not allowed to be him or herself without suffering, or in this case, dying for it. People who are gay cannot change the way they feel, it's just the way they are. It's innate and not a choice. I know because my brother is gay. He is fortunate enough to have a family who loves him unconditionally. We need to make a difference in this world and we need to start now!"
Mom Amy also offers input: "I think not only is this murder a crime, but I believe the failure of a child, caused by either the parents, or school systems, by not teaching love, respect, and understanding is a Crime. Children learn by watching, and listening. Be careful of what you show your Child. You are the role model."
How do you teach your kids tolerance? Tell us in the Mom•Logic Community.
Documentary to Explore Killing of Gay Man in Polk
By Jeff Kunerth | Sentinel Staff Writer
March 2, 2008
A documentary on the killing of a 25-year-old gay man in Polk County almost a year ago will premiere Monday at Rollins College, part of a crusade by his parents to raise awareness of anti-gay violence in Florida.
The 72-minute film details the death of Ryan Keith Skipper on March 17, 2007. Polk County deputies labeled the assault a hate crime after the two men arrested said he was killed because he was gay.
But the documentary challenges statements by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who initially said Skipper was killed after cruising for sex and picking up the wrong person at the wrong time. Skipper's friends and roommates said he was abducted, stabbed more than 20 times, and had his throat slit and his body dumped on the side of the road after being targeted by the two men arrested in his killing.
William Brown Jr., who was 20 at the time, faces trial in June. Joseph Bearden, who was 21, is scheduled for trial in September.
The documentary details the life and death of Skipper but also deals with what it describes as the societal forces that encourage homophobia and violence against gays and lesbians. Proceeds from sales of DVDs of the documentary, Accessory to Murder, will go to an anti-hate-crime educational fund established in Skipper's name by his parents, Patricia and Lynn Mulder.
The film was produced by Vicki Nantz, a 48-year-old independent producer who spent 16 years in local TV.
"I wanted people to care about what happened to Ryan," Nantz said. "This documentary just sets the stage for further discussion about how our culture demonizes segments of society and marginalizes people until they are victimized in this way."
The documentary will be shown at 7 p.m. in Bush Auditorium. A panel discussion by gay-rights activists will follow the film.
Jeff Kunerth can be reached at jkunerth@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5392.
March 2, 2008
A documentary on the killing of a 25-year-old gay man in Polk County almost a year ago will premiere Monday at Rollins College, part of a crusade by his parents to raise awareness of anti-gay violence in Florida.
The 72-minute film details the death of Ryan Keith Skipper on March 17, 2007. Polk County deputies labeled the assault a hate crime after the two men arrested said he was killed because he was gay.
But the documentary challenges statements by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who initially said Skipper was killed after cruising for sex and picking up the wrong person at the wrong time. Skipper's friends and roommates said he was abducted, stabbed more than 20 times, and had his throat slit and his body dumped on the side of the road after being targeted by the two men arrested in his killing.
William Brown Jr., who was 20 at the time, faces trial in June. Joseph Bearden, who was 21, is scheduled for trial in September.
The documentary details the life and death of Skipper but also deals with what it describes as the societal forces that encourage homophobia and violence against gays and lesbians. Proceeds from sales of DVDs of the documentary, Accessory to Murder, will go to an anti-hate-crime educational fund established in Skipper's name by his parents, Patricia and Lynn Mulder.
The film was produced by Vicki Nantz, a 48-year-old independent producer who spent 16 years in local TV.
"I wanted people to care about what happened to Ryan," Nantz said. "This documentary just sets the stage for further discussion about how our culture demonizes segments of society and marginalizes people until they are victimized in this way."
The documentary will be shown at 7 p.m. in Bush Auditorium. A panel discussion by gay-rights activists will follow the film.
Jeff Kunerth can be reached at jkunerth@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5392.
Dallas Man Claims He Was Victim of Hate Crime
By John Wright of Dallas Voice
February 29, 2008
A local gay man claims he was the victim of a hate crime at Station 4 on Friday, Feb. 22.
Sid Gonzales, 43, said he suffered two broken bones in his wrist, a puncture wound to his hand and multiple bruises on his backside when two men assaulted him at about 11 p.m.
Gonzales said he was near the main dance floor of the Dallas gay nightclub when two men and a woman walked over and stood nearby.
Gonzales said he was “a little buzzed” from alcohol but not intoxicated.
He said he tried to be friendly and make small talk with the trio. But he said he was not trying to hit on the men, whom he described as straight-looking, well-dressed and college-aged.
When Gonzales asked a few questions, the woman responded but the men said nothing and looked uncomfortable, he said.
Gonzales said he reached out to shake hands with one of the men. The man grabbed Gonzales’ arm, twisted it in the air and slammed it against a knee. Gonzales said the first man also stabbed him in the hand with an unidentified object, while the second began kicking him in the backside.
“I think it was a hate crime,” Gonzales said. “They weren’t there to have fun. They were there to pick fights with queers.”
Gonzales said he notified a bartender and front desk staff about the incident but left S4 and returned home after unsuccessfully trying to locate security. He later sent an e-mail to management at Caven Enterprises, which owns S4, complaining about the incident.
“I think it’s a shame that regular customers like me can’t feel comfortable in a gay bar any more,” Gonzales said in the e-mail. “I won’t be returning to Station 4 for a while.”
Rick Espaillat, a spokesman for Caven Enterprises, said Gonzales was unable to locate security because officers were busy responding to several incidents that occurred around the same time.
Espaillat said at least one of the other incidents involved the same three suspects, who were subsequently kicked out of the club. Espaillat said he could not give details about the other incident and was unsure whether Caven obtained any identifying information from the suspects.
“Caven Enterprises has invested a great deal of time, energy and money on security in and around our properties, and we take this issue very seriously,” Espaillat said in a written statement. “We are in contact with Mr. Gonzales and we’re working with him to insure that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again.”
Gonzales said when he awoke the following day, his hand and wrist were swollen and in pain.
On Monday, Feb. 25, he went to the doctor and learned that his wrist was broken in two places. He is expected to be in a cast for four weeks.
Gonzales filed a report with the Dallas Police Department, which classified the incident as an aggravated assault.
Cpl. Kevin Janse, a DPD spokesman, said Tuesday, Feb. 26, that the case had not yet been assigned to a detective.
Janse said if there is an arrest, the detective could make a recommendation to the district attorney’s office about whether the case should be prosecuted as a hate crime.
February 29, 2008
A local gay man claims he was the victim of a hate crime at Station 4 on Friday, Feb. 22.
Sid Gonzales, 43, said he suffered two broken bones in his wrist, a puncture wound to his hand and multiple bruises on his backside when two men assaulted him at about 11 p.m.
Gonzales said he was near the main dance floor of the Dallas gay nightclub when two men and a woman walked over and stood nearby.
Gonzales said he was “a little buzzed” from alcohol but not intoxicated.
He said he tried to be friendly and make small talk with the trio. But he said he was not trying to hit on the men, whom he described as straight-looking, well-dressed and college-aged.
When Gonzales asked a few questions, the woman responded but the men said nothing and looked uncomfortable, he said.
Gonzales said he reached out to shake hands with one of the men. The man grabbed Gonzales’ arm, twisted it in the air and slammed it against a knee. Gonzales said the first man also stabbed him in the hand with an unidentified object, while the second began kicking him in the backside.
“I think it was a hate crime,” Gonzales said. “They weren’t there to have fun. They were there to pick fights with queers.”
Gonzales said he notified a bartender and front desk staff about the incident but left S4 and returned home after unsuccessfully trying to locate security. He later sent an e-mail to management at Caven Enterprises, which owns S4, complaining about the incident.
“I think it’s a shame that regular customers like me can’t feel comfortable in a gay bar any more,” Gonzales said in the e-mail. “I won’t be returning to Station 4 for a while.”
Rick Espaillat, a spokesman for Caven Enterprises, said Gonzales was unable to locate security because officers were busy responding to several incidents that occurred around the same time.
Espaillat said at least one of the other incidents involved the same three suspects, who were subsequently kicked out of the club. Espaillat said he could not give details about the other incident and was unsure whether Caven obtained any identifying information from the suspects.
“Caven Enterprises has invested a great deal of time, energy and money on security in and around our properties, and we take this issue very seriously,” Espaillat said in a written statement. “We are in contact with Mr. Gonzales and we’re working with him to insure that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again.”
Gonzales said when he awoke the following day, his hand and wrist were swollen and in pain.
On Monday, Feb. 25, he went to the doctor and learned that his wrist was broken in two places. He is expected to be in a cast for four weeks.
Gonzales filed a report with the Dallas Police Department, which classified the incident as an aggravated assault.
Cpl. Kevin Janse, a DPD spokesman, said Tuesday, Feb. 26, that the case had not yet been assigned to a detective.
Janse said if there is an arrest, the detective could make a recommendation to the district attorney’s office about whether the case should be prosecuted as a hate crime.
RE: Watch video &Sign this:you are listening to Okl Rep S. K
----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: How Many more Gay murders before you get involved?
Date: Mar 8, 2008 11:49 AM
----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Resources for GLBTQ Sites!
Date: Mar 8, 2008 11:37 AM
Renewed Hope!
Date: Mar 8, 2008 1:01 PM
Diverse (female) Youth of Tulsa
Date: Mar 8, 2008 12:57 PM
Openarms Youth Project
Date: Mar 8, 2008 12:46 PM
Follow this link and add your name to the list:
We're listening, ARE YOU?
Watch video below
MaMa Carol
Date: Mar 8, 2008 12:01 PM
This was covered on the local news last night
Wesley
Date: Mar 8, 2008 10:58 AM
The more I listen to this the angrier I get. Anyways, take a listen to this lovely Republican politician in Oklahoma and if you agree with her that homosexuality is worse than terrorism, why not give her a call and support her
mcpride
Date: Mar 8, 2008 10:49 AM
"THE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA IS SPREADING "
Listen to this recorded 3-min. segment of a speech
by Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern.
Is this the kind of person we want in office?
Follow this link and add your name to the list:
We're listening, ARE YOU?
From: How Many more Gay murders before you get involved?
Date: Mar 8, 2008 11:49 AM
----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Resources for GLBTQ Sites!
Date: Mar 8, 2008 11:37 AM
Renewed Hope!
Date: Mar 8, 2008 1:01 PM
Diverse (female) Youth of Tulsa
Date: Mar 8, 2008 12:57 PM
Openarms Youth Project
Date: Mar 8, 2008 12:46 PM
Follow this link and add your name to the list:
We're listening, ARE YOU?
Watch video below
MaMa Carol
Date: Mar 8, 2008 12:01 PM
This was covered on the local news last night
Wesley
Date: Mar 8, 2008 10:58 AM
The more I listen to this the angrier I get. Anyways, take a listen to this lovely Republican politician in Oklahoma and if you agree with her that homosexuality is worse than terrorism, why not give her a call and support her
mcpride
Date: Mar 8, 2008 10:49 AM
"THE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA IS SPREADING "
Listen to this recorded 3-min. segment of a speech
by Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern.
Is this the kind of person we want in office?
Follow this link and add your name to the list:
We're listening, ARE YOU?
Six Accused Of Attack On Gay Jewish Teen
Posted: March 6, 2008 - 1:00 pm ET
(Paris) Six people kidnapped and tortured a Jewish teenager by punching and kicking him and writing "dirty Jew'' and "fag" on his forehead, judicial officials say.
The 19-year-old victim met with his six alleged attackers, who ranged in age from 17 to 28, in the Paris suburb of Bagneux to try to settle an argument about a missing cellphone and camcorder, officials from the prosecutor's office in Nanterre said. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.
They said the six held the victim for about nine hours, taunted him for being Jewish, and said he was gay. They allegedly forced him to eat cigarette butts and scrawled anti-Semitic and anti-gay insults on his forehead.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, suffered slight injuries.
The alleged attackers have been detained and investigators filed preliminary charges against them. The preliminary charges include committing ``acts of torture or barbarism'' and ``kidnapping by a gang,'' the judicial officials said.
The Bagneux City Hall said in a statement that officials were ``shocked and outraged'' by the attack. The suburb was the site of a 2006 attack against another young French Jew, Ilan Halimi, who was kidnapped, tortured and killed by a gang.
The president one of France's leading Jewish organizations, the Representative Council of Jewish Organizations in France, said anti-Semitic attacks in the nation were down 30 per cent last year. But Richard Prasquier said the new attack suggests that ``anti-Semitic prejudice is still very present.''
The head of an organization that tallies anti-Semitic crimes in France, the BNVCA, said many recent victims, including the 19-year-old in last month's attack, were not religious Jews and had little connection with the Jewish community.
``The fact of having a Jewish name was enough for these aggressors to identify him as one, and to harass him,'' Sammy Ghozlan said.
France has western Europe's largest population of Jews and Muslims. The nation faced a surge in anti-Semitic crime starting in 2000 after tensions between Israelis and Palestinians flared up in the Middle East.
©365Gay.com 2008
Miss. lawmakers go after gay adoptive parents
A bill in the Mississippi state Senate would bar cohabiting unmarried couples, including gay and lesbian couples, from adopting children. We're talking about taking a child and putting them into an environment where they are taught habits and exposed to lifestyles that are clearly detrimental to the child," state representative Phillip Gunn told WLBT in reference to adoption by gay couples. Gunn said, however, he does not want to prevent singles from adopting. "Obviously there are a lot of single people out there with a lot of love to give an adoptive child, and we certainly don't want to prohibit that, and that is not a bad way to raise a child," he continued. Apparently, gays make poor adoptive parents only when they're partnered.
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