Religious Left

Our human history is littered with vast examples of humans being incited to violence. In fact, it is against the law to incite violence. Unfortunately a direct link and intention must be proved. However, the simple fact it is against the law speaks to the seriousness. Of course, as we all know, social status, skin color, nationality, disability and many other ‘conditions’ that would qualify a person as ‘different’, play a significant role in such violence. Some historical examples include the hate speech from the southern politician George Wallace that caused many African American deaths. [ article ] In the movie Paragraph 175 a gay Jewish man (Gad Beck) tells the story about how his school classmates became very hateful towards him after Hitler came to power and started condemning jews, gays, disabled and any other non-arians. Prior to Hitler, the schoolhouse was not volatile. Recently a US Representative was shot along with many others in Arizona. Shortly afterwards the news ...

It wasn’t so long ago someone whom I thought was an understanding and caring friend verbally attacked me because I, according to him, ‘insulted the sanctity of marriage’. I can’t say his words weren’t hurtful but I dismissed him as I have so many other negative opinions through my life as a gay man. But the interesting part about this particular individual is he wouldn’t even be in the USA if it wasn’t for heterosexual only immigration marriage rights. You see he was born in the UK and married a US woman to get here. An option that is only available to heterosexuals. So here I am, a natural born US citizen being attacked by a foreigner about the laws of my own country. Not his country, he isn’t a citizen and wasn’t even born here. He has permanent residency granted to him simply because he married a US citizen. After 3 years of marriage to this woman he is able to apply and take the citizenship test. If he passes, he will be granted full citizenship. Simply because he is heterose...

In one of my recent daily research sessions (for Queer Public Radio / Gay Talk Radio ) I ran across a story that moved me, to write this piece. The story was about Elephants in India. For me, the fact the story takes place in India makes it even more startling. After all Hinduism practices ‘ cattle worship ’. It is illegal to even sell beef in most Indian States. I guess it’s too much to expect; you know, thinking that a group of people so compassionate towards one animal group would probably be compassionate towards other animal groups. And of course, compassion toward other human beings would be a ‘given’. So when I read the article about a train killing 7 elephants in India I became concerned. It seems the train tracks must cross known elephant trails/paths. In that area, since 1987, 118 elephants have been killed in elephant-train collisions. Evidently the distance traveled on this route is great so the trains travel at high speeds. The train company officials have been co...

Remember the old commercial on TV where they ask how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? In that vein of thought I ask how many chances does it take to find perfection? I know some of you are saying there is no such thing as perfection but perhaps you are using the literal definition. Many people don’t! That’s a perfect example of how people are misunderstood in life. Because people often assume they know what someone is stating, when in fact, they might be very far off target! Although that is not the point of this writing, it’s related. Throughout life we all have expectations and desires. In relationships, jobs and life in general. We also have a measured level of tolerance for our expectations and desires to be met. But, perhaps, sometimes we can be our own worst enemy when we have a low level of tolerance. In other words, we can expect too much! I myself have had several relationships in my life. If I were a straight man I’d probably be one of ...

In a recent article from the Associated Press we read a little more about Rev. Tom Brock. Rev. Tom Brock is the man who was 'outed' as a member of a support group for Christians who struggle with same-sex attraction. The church has decided Rev. Tom Brock is telling the truth about never acting on his same-sex urges. Somehow this gives him a 'pass' and Rev. Tom Brock has 'done no wrong'. Rev. Tom Brock has admitted his attraction to men but claims he is a 57 year old virgin. He condemns homosexuality but claims he is not a hypocrite because he has never acted on his own same-sex attractions. Rev. Brock your words condemn those of us who are openly gay yet you seem to put yourself on a pedestal of self-righteousness. Rev. Brock, as I'm sure you are well aware, Matthew 5:28 clearly states; But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Rev. Brock, I suppose you believe ...

It’s the 21st century and scientifically society has advanced in more ways then we could ever imagine. Unfortunately our humanity hasn’t. Instead our humanity has devolved. Everyone sees the vivid examples everyday, yet ignores them; countless people living in the streets, children starving, beaten, abused and murdered. Illiteracy is still rampant in many parts of the word. Teen pregnancy rates off the chart, much of which occurs in the most religious areas. Children abandoned by non-loving parents who don’t know the meaning of unconditional love and unprecedented divorce rates. These are a variety of litmus tests of humanity. In one of the richest nations in the world, the USA, the duration of civil rights struggles increase with each new struggle. It took women about 75 years in their civil rights struggle. The African American community took about 80 years to gain their civil rights. So far it has been 86 years in the ongoing LGBTQI community’s civil rights struggle. These...

Round and round we go, where we stop nobody knows! Question: What is a bi-national love? Answer: A love between two people of two different countries/nations. As most adults know, extended love can present many hurdles. Add the ‘bi-national ingredient’ and the hurdles exponentially increase. Add the ‘gay ingredient’ and the hurdles can become impossible. Many will tell you nothing is impossible with love. While that may have an air of truth to it, the levels of agonizing pain, related to love, can vary greatly. While true love knows no end, neither does the pain of a long distance love affair. With the advent of the Internet, people of the world can ‘electronically touch’ each other without boundaries. Through the use of computers, computer cameras, speakers and microphones you can see, talk to and hear a person in an entirely different part of the world. I ask that you approach this story with an open mind and read the entire story before you form an opinion. Thank you ...

In our 21st century world it seems so many relate to life through the television or movie screen. Of course we all have a life. But that life is often so burdensome we have no time for the sensitivities of human life. Our burdens of paying the bills, putting food on the table and keeping a roof over our heads are often all consuming. If lucky, some get the annual vacation where they can experience and explore their human sensitiveness. Others only dream of such luxuries. Few seem to have time to truly live a life in touch with our human sensibilities and sensitivities. In order to supplement that void many live vicariously through television and movies. Often, it seems, the movies and shows that touch our hearts stand tall. They give us a glimpse at love that exists on a higher plain. A love we seldom experience but often dream of. In that vicarious moment, that fleeting moment, we really feel. We become, for that moment, fully aware of our human self, sensitivity and sensibility...

#2010 – Argentina - same-sex marriage 2009 – Ireland – civil unions - some, but not all of the rights and benefits of marriage. 2005 – Switzerland - registered partnership - same rights as marriage except for fertility treatments, adoption and surname rights. #2005 – United Kingdom - Civil Partnership Act (same-sex marriage *) applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland #2005 – Canada - same-sex marriage #2005 - Spain - same-sex marriage 2004 – New Zealand – civil unions - some, but not all of the rights and benefits of marriage. 2004 - Luxembourg – civil partnerships - some, but not all of the rights and benefits of marriage. 2003 – Croatia - civil unions - some, but not all of the rights and benefits of marriage. #2003 – Belgium same-sex marriage #2001 – Portugal - Civil unions were extended to same-sex couples (same-sex marriage) 2001 – Germany - Life Partnerships - do not receive the full benefits of marriage. 2001 - Finland - registered partnership - cann...

After much fanfare over the last week President Obama has revealed his new HIV/AIDS strategy. In it he proposes to reduce the annual number of new HIV infections by 25 percent within five years. President Obama we are talking about human lives! I find it odd you want to completely remove oil emissions in the gulf yet you are only concerned with a 25% reduction in HIV infections. The report does not propose a major increase in federal spending. Less than three years ago there was no waiting list for life-sustaining antiretroviral drugs to people with HIV or AIDS who cannot afford them. Today nearly 1,800 have been relegated to rapidly expanding waiting lists. [ article ] President Obama also took the opportunity to compliment President George W. Bush "who made progress against AIDS in Africa by setting clear goals and holding people accountable". President Obama, you insult our intelligence with such lies. President George W. Bush was big on abstinence only policy wh...

“I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and Constitutions. But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.” Thomas Jefferson The quote appears on the Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC. www.GayTalkRadio.org a 24/7 LGBTQIA Licensed Independent Internet Radio Station. Visit, Listen, Support and become involved.

As some of you may be aware, back in 2008, I started a Internet Radio Station called Gay Talk Radio. You might also be aware I have several blogs that I started a few years before Gay Talk Radio. There was a time I was scheduling a guest for Gay Talk Radio. He was a young Gay Christian who had done much bible study involving translation issues in the ‘clobber verses’ (verses of the bible used to condemn homosexuality). I contacted the young man, he checked his schedule and confirmed a date. Shortly before that date, after I had already been advertising the event, he contacted me, apologized and backed out. In his defense the young man, I believe, was in seminary, so evidently he was a bit overwhelmed with his schedule. However, he wanted to reschedule. Against my better judgment I agreed to a new date. Shortly afterwards I started having second thoughts. So I sent him an email explaining that, through the years, I have learned to listen to my instincts. I added, my instinct...

The U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security is charged with administering and enforcing the Antiboycott Laws under the Export Administration Act. Those laws discourage, and in some circumstances, prohibit U.S. companies from furthering or supporting the boycott of Israel sponsored by the Arab League, and certain Moslem countries, including complying with certain requests for information designed to verify compliance with the boycott. Compliance with such requests may be prohibited by the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and may be reportable to the Bureau. The antiboycott provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) apply to the activities of U.S. persons in the interstate or foreign commerce of the United States. The term "U.S. person" includes all individuals, corporations and unincorporated associations resident in the United States, including the permanent domestic affiliates of foreign concerns. U.S. persons also include U.S. cit...

In today's news there was a press release from San Francisco pride about Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. They seemed so very proud that she is making a pre-recorded message to be aired during the pride events. I find it rather insulting considering the fact on May 6th (this year) she made a live religious presentation (video below): www.GayTalkRadio.org a 24/7 LGBTQIA Licensed Independent Internet Radio Station. Visit, Listen, Support and become involved.

Through my years I have witnessed what I would term an age of transgression in these United States. Being born into a military officers family I often heard the phrase “Oh, you’re an officer’s son. Born with a silver spoon in your mouth.” But you must remember I was an officer’s son. So I had my own ‘duty to uphold’. With rank comes responsibility. I was an officer’s son. I simply responded with a slight smile. I remember, as a child, if we ever saw a person walking on the road in a military uniform we stopped and gave them a ride. We seldom picked up anyone in civilian clothes. Perhaps I’m biased but I don’t think it had so much to do with the clothing as it did the actual person. Anyone who’s been part of the military knows it changes you. When a soldier fights shoulder to shoulder with another person there is a bond created. Indeed the military becomes your family. Recruit Basic Training camps used to tell the recruits you don’t have a mother and a father any longer. The milit...

This sexual abuse issue with the Catholic Church is really quite understandable for many of us in the LGBTQI community. As most know the Catholic religion, and many others feel that sex outside of marriage is a sin. Most of those religions say they love the sinner but don’t love the sin. So abstinence comes into play. The church is fine with whatever orientation you are as long as you don’t have any sex outside of marriage (heterosexual marriage). We have the religious folks taking vows of chastity. I realize the reasoning is not solely related to marriage. But it doesn’t matter what the reasoning is. We have the religious folks denying their natural desires, in many cases, for decades. It really should be no surprise that an insulting and perverse form of sex resulted! As many professionals will tell you and most in the LGBTQI community already know; you can not deny your true self for extended periods of time without severe consequences. Usually, mental health consequence...

Once again the play "Corpus Christi" is stirring debate. This time in Stephenville, Texas at the Tarleton State University. Isn't that wonderful? I saw the play many years ago in Austin, Texas. The story was sensitive and emotional. I was very impressed. But so many seem to feel it depicts Jesus as gay. I didn't get that message at all. You know, for many years I felt the world would be a better place if religion never existed. Now I have some doubt. I really think some people are so unable to know the difference between right and wrong that they need it spelled out for them. They need a book of rules. As we can see, they can't even follow those. Obviously some people need religion to keep from committing horrible acts against other fellow humans. Much like a person with a broken leg needs a crutch. I mean, look at how rabid they become about religion. Imagine if they did not have religion? Imagine if they felt threatened about something and did...

With an odd twist of logic we have a couple stories with some interesting commonalities. First there is the Texas prison guard. A Dallas County Jail guard, to be exact, who’s been on the job for about 17 years. A sheriff's department review recently concluded 59 year-old Stephen Johnson persisted in volunteering his religious opinions and speaking out against homosexuality. He was fired for conduct unbecoming an officer and for lying to internal affairs According to official records Johnson has stated: · all gays should be annihilated · denied saying he supported slavery while noting that "slavery is a fact in the Bible." · "I believe that all dinosaurs were born of Satanic angel who has sex with woman and the animal kingdom that created ungodly reptilian creatures none of these were on the Ark," · didn't believe in homosexuality and "that they should be put to death," But his beliefs don't lead him to treat gays differently Johns...

Today I watched a video online. It was some of the first same-sex weddings in Washington D.C. When seeing these I am very happy for all involved. Of course I think about the couple, which, in most cases have been together for many years before this day. I think about the years before that day. The years of society telling them their love wasn’t good enough. I think how elated they must feel at this moment. We are not on this earth alone. There are many others. Indeed, it’s ‘different’ to be anti-social. Combined with our naturally curious nature, it’s obvious we all have a need to be social. Of course, this naturally leads to intimacy. Many desire strict definitions of words. Many of them also wish to impose their definitions upon others. To this day, and for all the ages, some wish to control others. Many tools are used for such work. If we are to believe some, the majority of the citizens wish to oppress the LGBTQI community. This simply stated, claims the majority approve ...

Our governmental system was laid out with good intentions. We have been told there are simply to many people and it would be impossible to realistically tender a secure and reliable vote. Of course that was the original argument for governmental representatives of the people. They were streamlining the system of that day. Making it more efficient and less costly. It was a good thing then. Is it still a good thing? In that day they still had horse and buggies. Now our government has become so large perhaps the government needs another level of government to govern them? It’s only our money they are spending. No need to worry about that. We can just work harder at half the salary we deserve, if we can find a job. And don’t forget, you need to give our government 30% (or more) of what you earn. Many of us who live in the ‘real world’ know that many workers are expected to do more for less these days. Positions with added responsibilities so the company can fire someone and have ...