Ellen DeGeneres Backs Her Own PSA on CA Proposition 8 with $100K for Airtime October 19, 2008

Popular Commedien and TV Talk Show Host Ellen DeGeneres who came out several years ago on her prime-time TV series, ELLEN, has filmed a public service announcement opposing the California “Proposition 8” which would recind that states’s approval of Gay Marriage. To ensure that the PSA goes the distance in terms of getting seen, she is putting forward $100,000 for airtime.

See article from The Advocate: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid63964.asp

Here’s the PSA:

Ellen Opposing Proposition 8 on Leno Tonight:

LGBT People are beginning to win basic rights in some states, and the backlash is predictable. If you think what’s happening in California doesn’t affect you because you don’t live there – get real! This isn’t just a “gay issue” – it’s a human rights issue.

This week the California Teachers Association donated $1 Million to defeat the ballot initiative proposing to ban same-sex mariage.  According to the association’s President David Sanchez, “…its a civil rights issue. We don’t believe people should be treated differently.”

Admittedly, these recent donations are still dwarfed by the tremendous financial resources of the Conservatives and Church groups who supported getting the initiative to the ballot.

Whether you live in California or not, make a contribution to the defeat of Proposition 8 in California.  You can get more information from EQCA (Equality California) and contribute at their secured site. http://www.eqca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuLRJ9MRKrH&b=4026385

Just click on the DONATE button on the homepage.

If you prefer, you can donate on the HRC website (Human Rights Campaign):

https://secure.ga3.org/03/caequalpac_homepage

The fact is many national LGBT organizations are focusing funds towards the defeat of this initiative, as well as numerous allied groups and organizations supporting civil rights for all. Find your favorite and HELP MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! -MsQueer

©2008 MsQueer.com. All rights reserved.

2008 National Coming Out Day Video from HRC October 14, 2008

This speaks for itself…

 

All rights to this video belong to HRC 🙂 MsQueer

10th Annual “National Coming Out Day” Celebrated October 11th October 13, 2008

October 11^th has been designated “National Coming Out Day” since its origination in 1988 by Jean O’Leary  and Dr. Rob Eichberg in celebration of the Second National March on Washington, D.C. for Lesbian and Gay Rights held one year earlier. On that day 500,000 people marched on the Capitol of the United States on behalf of Equal Rights  for Gays and Lesbians.

(SEE: NY TImes/AP article about Jean O’Leary)

Today HRC (Human Rights Campaign) manages the event in the U.S., but the October 11^th date is also observed in a number of other countries around the globe, including Canada, Switzerland, Germany and The Netherlands. The United Kingdom marked “National Coming Out Day” on October 12^th. 

The Trevor Project, the nation’s only 24-7 Helpline for LGBT and Questioning Youth, published a “Should I Come Out? Quick Tips for Young People”

SEE: Should I Come Out?

Additional resources include: 

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Glossary of Terms, published by GLAAD (Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)  

http://www.glaad.org/media/guide/glossary.php

Coming Out: A Guide for Youth and Their Allies, published by GLSEN (Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network)

http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/library/record/1290.html 

HRC Resource Guide to Coming Out, published by Human Rights Campaign

http://www.hrc.org/documents/resourceguide_co.pdf

HRC Coming Out as Transgender Guide, published by Human Rights Campaign

http://www.hrc.org/documents/2071_HRC_Coming_Out.pdf

Transgender Glossary of Terms, published by GLAAD

http://www.glaad.org/media/guide/transfocus.php

There are, of course, many more resources online and in your communities. You will find them when you search online for “National Coming Out Day.” 

It is pure joy for me to see these kinds of organized activities publicly supported by national and international humanitarian groups, reported by national news sources, and recognized by Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgendered Persons and Allies. We have come a long way from the time of my youth, the 1950’s. I celebrate our progress, and look forward to the day when we won’t need a proclamation of a “Coming Out Day” because to do so will be so mundane as to be almost inconsequential. I look forward to the day when we truly celebrate the diversity that exists within each of us an individuals, as community, and as the global community of Humankind.

-MsQueer

©2008 MsQueer.com. All rights reserved.