Posted on by Queer News

Gay Friendly Places: Go See Them!

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

I”ll start with a tribute to Denmark. In 1989 it became the first nation in the world to recognize registered same-sex partnerships. Visit its capital, Copenhagen, and have a drink at Europe’s oldest openly gay bar, Centralhjørnet. It opened in the 1950s.

2. New Zeland

I’m proud to mention New Zealand. It’s a small country that refuses to be pushed around. It defied America by not allowing nuclear submarines stations or docking places. It passed same-sex marriage in 2013, leaving Australia behind. In 1998 New Zealand was the first country to adopt the label “Gay/Lesbian Friendly”in matters of tourism and business. It is the home of the talented Topp Twins. These lesbian twins have delighted audiences with comedy, yodeling and activist singing. They dress in drag and have audiences howling in the aisles.

3.Toronto, Canada

In 2014, Toronto hosted World Pride. I was there and it was amazing. I watched police women in uniform holding hands with their girlfriends or wives. Same-sex marriage came to Canada in 2005. Spain just beat us by months. Toronto’s The Village, located in Church-Wellesley, is the cultural hub of the city, bursting with galleries, theatres and gay-friendly businesses. Home to events such as Pride Week Celebrations, Pride March and Dyke March, gay sub-culture has blossomed and thrived in The Village for decades and it will soon be home to the world’s first gay-focused athletic centre at 519 Church St.

4. Palm Springs, USA

Located approximately 100 miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a sun-seeker’s paradise where the sun shines almost all year round and where the city has embraced everything gay. Palm Springs provides the LGBTQ traveller with an amazing array of outdoor activities, excellent shopping and dining, and the world’s best poolside lounging. Palm Springs also offers the largest volume of male- and female-only accommodation anywhere in the world (many of these places are clothing-optional).

5. Sitges, Spain

Ole! Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 despite forces from the Catholic Church trying to block it. History has made many Spaniards remember that the Church sided with the Fascist Dictator, General Franco, in Spain’s Civil War.

The coastal city of Sitges rests approximately 35km southwest of Barcelona. Sitges is home to Spain’s first ever gay disco which opened back in the 1980s.

Berlin

6. Berlin, Germany

While Copenhagen may have the oldest “openly gay” bar, Berlin had discrete (sometimes hidden) gay bars that can date back to the 1920s. Gay flags are flown openly outside bars and restaurants. The districts of Schöneberg (which hosts Gay Pride), Kreuzberg and Prenzlauerberg provide a diverse range of clubs, bars and restaurants for sampling. With no ‘closing time’ in Berlin, the party never ends!

7. Skiathos, Mykonos, Lesbos -Greece

When I think of Greece, I think of Sappho. Many lesbians have made the pilgrimage to the island of the goddess. Trish and I have placed it on our ‘bucket list’ of places to go. It was Jackie Onassis (wife of President Kennedy) who brought the island of Mykonos to world attention in the 1970s. Like so many Greek islands, Mykonos has it whitewashed houses flanked by the deep blue Mediterranean Sea.

For a less hedonistic holiday, the sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and pine forested hills of Skiathos offer a relaxed and authentic experience for the LGBTQ traveller

8. New York City, USA

The Stonewall riots that occurred in the late ’60s in Greenwich Village are synonymous with the birth of the modern gay-rights movement. The incredibly inclusive communities of the West Village, Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen provide a fabulous array of gay-friendly accommodation options. Littered with significant LGBTQ landmarks such as Christopher St, the Harvey Milk School, the Lesbian Herstory Archives and, hello, Broadway and the Theater District, New York is a gay traveller’s mecca.

9. Reykjavik, Iceland

The world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik, has been described as one of the friendliest places and most inclusive on Earth. In 2015, Reykjavik will host its 17th Gay Pride march (one of Europe’s oldest LGBTQ parades), and the 11th Bears on Ice event. Iceland also has some of the world’s most progressive laws. In 2006, same-sex couples were granted equal rights with their heterosexual counterparts without limitation. Wander behind waterfalls, descend into dormant volcanoes, or while away a day in one of the many geothermal lagoons – this is an adventurer’s paradise.

10. Montevideo, Uruguay

What an accomplishment! Uruguay, the smallest of the South American countries, legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. It was beaten by Argentina, that legalized marriage equality in 2010.

The relaxed attitude present in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo provides a brilliant juxtaposition to the hustle and bustle of the likes of Buenos Aires.

Some of these places may be beyond your budget. However, there are ways to travel. Have you considered working on a cruise line? Would you exchange your home with a gay person(s).?

Can you take time off to house/pet sit? Would you consider working for an airline or travel agent? Then, there’s also the lottery and dreams! paula.

Paula, 2015, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Posted on by Queer News

Gay Marriage: Quotes of Tolerance and Inspiration

“Same-sex marriage has not created problems for religious institutions; religious institutions have created problems for same-sex marriage.”

(DaShanne Stokes)

“For the hundreds of thousands of Californians in gay and lesbian households who are managing their day-to-day lives, this decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves.” (Arnold Schwarzenegger – movie star and ex Governor of California)

“Gay people getting married is not a threat to the institution of marriage. You know what’s a threat to the institution of marriage?

Infidelity is! Hate is! Unforgiveness is! Apathy is! Coldheartedness is! Fear is!

And you know what’s a threat to the kids?

It’s not having gay parents!

Most gay kids have straight parents!

And plenty of gay parents raise respectable, straight kids!

The threat to children isn’t their parents being gay;

the threat to children is their parents not loving one another!

Not caring for one another!

Not being crazy about each other!

Domestic violence is a threat to children.

Stupidity is a threat to children.

A swimming pool in the backyard with no supervision is a threat to children!”

(C. JoyBell C.

Gay marriage will be universally accepted in time. But if I may be so bold as to say to gays and lesbians, don’t wait for that time to arrive.

Just as my father and his generation did not ‘wait’ for their civil rights, nor should you. The toothpaste ain’t going back in the tube. The tide has turned. John Ridley)

I support gay marriage. I believe they have a right to be as miserable as the rest of us. (Kinky Friedman

People should be allowed to marry, and gay marriage should be out there. If a man or a woman has a good partner and they love each other with their heart and soul, let them marry. I am very much for gay marriage. (Pierce Brosnan (actor)

“New Rule: Gay marriage won’t lead to dog marriage. It is not a slippery slope to rampant inter-species coupling.

When women got the right to vote, it didn’t lead to hamsters voting.

No court has extended the equal protection clause to salmon. And for the record, all marriages are “same sex” marriages. You get married, and every night, it’s the same sex.”

Paula, 2018, stories4hotbloodedlesbians.com

Posted on by Queer News

Best Paid and Free Gay Dating Apps

There are paid and free versions of the gay dating applications in the list, and the information is based on the information on the websites.

You can comment if there are gay dating apps you want added, you and the app developers are responsible for any responsibility that may occur in the apps.

The applications in this article are for informational purposes only.

The order is mixed.

GayCupid

GayCupid is a premier Gay dating site helping gay men connect and mingle with other gay singles online. Sign up for a free membership to start browsing 1000s of fantastic gay personals from around the world. Take advantage of our advanced messaging features to interact with gay men online.Join GayCupid free today!

GayCupid is part of the well-established Cupid Media network that operates over 30 reputable niche dating sites. With a commitment to connecting gay singles worldwide, we bring to you a safe and easy platform to use to help you meet your match.

Whether you’re looking for love locally or internationally, we are committed to helping you find the perfect match, no matter where in the world he may be.

GayCupid is a premium gay dating app designed to connect thousands of gay singles and help them find their perfect match, making us one of the most trusted gay dating apps. Whether you are looking for love locally or internationally we are committed to helping you find your perfect gay partner. With the GayCupid mobile app, you can create a new account and begin writing your love story in a matter of minutes. Join now and start browsing profiles!

Once installed, the GayCupid app allows you to:

• Sign up or log into your GayCupid account anytime, anywhere

• Create, edit and update your profile on the go

• Upload new photos

• Search for matches from our database made up of gay singles from all over the world

• Communicate via our advanced messaging features

• Receive instant notifications

• Upgrade your membership

Hornet

Your Hornet Profile is a portrait of you. It displays posts from the moments of your life, showcasing you and your interests. Inviting guys to connect with you in a meaningful way – based on who you are, and what you’re passionate about.

The Hornet Feed is all about connecting you to your community. Through trends and stories, there is always a conversation to be had – making interacting with other guys easy by liking and commenting on their posts, or starting a conversation through chat.

Discover all the fun and fabulous of the gay community with Hornet’s acclaimed editors, thousands of community leaders, your friends, and the guy next door.

Whether you’ve just come out or are ready to join in – Hornet gives you immediate access to over 25 million guys and is only a download away.

CONNECT

PROFILES are rich portraits of yourself and others featuring photos and posts giving a fuller picture of you and those you want to connect with

CONNECTING is easy – liking and commenting on posts, and sending heartstings makes for quick introductions

CHAT with guys about mutual interests based on profiles that show you who they are and allow them to see who you are

FOLLOW your friends and anyone you want to stay connected with to see their posts, pictures, and videos on their feed

DISCOVER

FILTERS enable you to find exactly who you’re looking for and where you can find them

EXPLORE the guys in your neighborhood or anywhere around the globe

HASHTAGS allow you to discover other guys who share the same interests to make a connection

JOIN

JOIN over 25 million users on Hornet across the globe

BE A PART of discussions with Community Leaders on current topics and learn about the hottest trends all curated by Hornet’s team of editors and a worldwide network of influencers

MEET anyone anytime – there’s always someone online

SHARE

THE FEED features posts by guys you follow, guys nearby, influencers, and guys we think you’ll want to connect with

POSTS reflect you and your interests allowing others to respond to everything you post

SAFETY

PRIVACY is at the heart of Hornet – it’s designed by the gay community, for the gay community, built with privacy front and center

MODERATORS and staff of Hornet ensure the community is a safe space for you to express yourself

SUPPORT is free and always available 24/7

Grindr

Grindr is the world’s #1 FREE mobile social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people to connect. Chat and meet up with interesting people for free, or upgrade to Grindr XTRA for more features, more fun, and more chances to connect.

Grindr is faster and better than ever:

• NEW – Assemble your crew with Group Chat!

• See people nearby based on your location

• Browse re-designed profiles with bigger photos

• Chat and share private photos

• Filter your search to find what you want

• Customize your profile to share more about yourself

• Star your favorites and block others

• Report people easily and safely

• Send your location and make it easier to meet

• More ways to quickly find what you’re looking for

• More ways to chat with people around the world

Create and personalize your profile now to include more about you, what you’re looking for, and more. Within minutes you’ll be ready to connect, chat, and meet.

Looking for even more? Upgrade your Grindr experience to XTRA for more features, more freedom and more fun. Grindr XTRA subscription features include:

• No 3rd party ads

• See 6x the profiles, up to 600 at once

• View only people who are online now

• View only profiles with a photo

• More blocks and favorites

• Access to all premium filters

• Chat easily with saved phrases

• Send multiple photos at once

Scruff

SCRUFF is the top-rated and most reliable app for gay, bi, trans and queer guys to connect.

SCRUFF is an independent, LGBTQ owned and operated company, and we use the app that we build.

We’re proud to give users a private and secure experience, a friendly and diverse community, and more features than any other gay dating app.

We’re dedicated to protecting our members’ data and improving user experience, so you’ll never see banner ads on SCRUFF and we won’t sell your data to shady 3rd party companies.

MAKE REAL CONNECTIONS:

15+ million guys, no spambots.

Find exactly the guys you like by using SCRUFF’s powerful search and filters.

View and chat with guys from your neighborhood or around the world.

SCRUFF connects you with the guys you like.

CONNECT IN ALL KINDS OF WAYS:

SCRUFF gives users all kinds of ways to find all types of connections:

Browse and chat with guys from your neighborhood or around the world.

Use powerful search and filters to find exactly who you’re into.

See a new stack of guys every day on SCRUFF Match – the more you swipe, the smarter it gets about what you’re looking for.

EXPRESS YOURSELF:

SCRUFF makes it easy to show all sides of who you are:

Share your story with multiple profile pics, rich profiles, private albums and more

Let guys know what you’re into with profile details like sex preferences and safer-sex practices.

HOSTING:

SCRUFF hosts the world’s first live queer quiz show:

10 questions over 3 rounds — get all 10 right and get a piece of the cash prize (up to $500)

See who’s playing nearby and see who’s been eliminated from the game

Woof and fav to make a connection during or after the game

MATCH:

Find guys looking for the same thing with SCRUFF Match:

Every day, SCRUFF Match shows you a new stack of guys who are looking for guys like you.

Swipe left to pass, right if you’re interested — if it’s a match, we’ll let you both know.

Choose “Ask later” if you’re not sure about him, and we’ll show him again tomorrow.

SCRUFF EVENTS:

Your social guide to LGBTQ events, curated daily by our team.

RSVP, see who else is going, and find your wingman.

Browse the top LGBTQ parties, prides, festivals, and events near you or around the globe.

Be entered to win free upgrades to SCRUFF Pro when you RSVP and attend “SCRUFF Recommends” events.

SCRUFF VENTURE:

Your global gay travel companion:

Let guys know when you’re visiting and ask locals for tips.

Share your travel plans on your profile, so guys in your destination city know you’ll be there soon.

Chat with local guys at your destination before you arrive.

A SMARTER, SAFER EXPERIENCE:

SCRUFF prioritizes our users’ safety and security:

No spambots, no programmatic advertising

24/7 support for our community

We never share your data with Facebook, 3rd party ad networks or data aggregators.

Unlike other apps, message history, photos, and videos sync across your devices and never get lost.

More Bears in More Places…we are a global community with over 10,000,000 members worldwide. GROWLr allows you to meet other Bears from around the world or around the corner.

GROWLr

GROWLr is free, fast, reliable and easy to use.

A Bear is a gay man who belongs to a very inclusive part of the gay community. Some are hairy, some are muscular, and some are heavy-set and some are none of those things. Being a bear is about being yourself – we are all amazing no matter how we are labeled.

Bear Chasers are the men who love Bears – and if you’re a Chaser you’ve come to the right place! More Bears in More Places.

It’s the perfect way to meet guys and make friends whether you are sitting at home or traveling abroad. Send and receive private instant messages, live video calls, pictures and video.

We also have an amazing Event section with complete and up-to-date Bear Run and Bear Bar listings. Tons of Galleries, Check-in features, Notes and More.

GROWLr allows only males 18 years or older. Photos depicting nudity or sex acts are strictly prohibited.

MR X is the first and only gay chat and gay dating app for men over 30. The guys on MR X are real men: confident, strong, down-to-earth men who have experience in the things that matter. Whether you’re over 30 — or just love grown men — it’s time to meet mister right or mister right now.

With more than 1 million profiles, gay chatting and dating are only a few taps away. MR X, the gay dating app makes it fun and easy for gay, bi, and curious guys to meet each other. Find great dates and make new friends with this free gay app for dating!

FEATURES

– Multiple Views: More ways to view the men on your screen. See who’s nearby, who’s far away, who’s interested in you and more.

– Adjust Views: Once you’ve chosen a view, fine-tune it to see the men you’re most interested in. Want to talk to someone right now or looking to meet that hot jackd guy you just saw at the gym? See who is closer to you or sort by last login. Use the age filter to zero in even more. Customize to keep things fresh.

– Better Profiles: Upload up to 25 photos to public and private galleries and spend less time sending pics back and forth and more time chatting to gay guys. Get into detail with profile text up to 3,000 characters.

– MR Right feature learns what kinds of men you like and sends you personalized introductions everyday

– Matches: We’ll let you know when you and another member both “Like” each other

MR X MEN

So, what kinds of gay men will you meet on MR X? Suit-and-tie professionals and carefree outdoorsmen; tattooed gay guys and big hairy bears; bearded guys, guys with facial scruff, bald guys, jocks, and muscle daddies. They all share the screen on MR X.

MR X is not another gay hookup style App, MR X men are straightforward, honest and generally friendlier than guys on other apps. They’ll tell you if they’re husky or skinny, if they’re HIV-positive or negative, if they’re 52 or 25. And they’re proud of who they are. Most of our members agree to the Code, a shared set of values regarding mutual respect and safety.

MR X PREMIUM

Get even more features when you upgrade to our premium subscription service:

– See up to seven times as many men as you would on the free version.

– Online-Only Mode lets you check out only who’s logged in and ready to talk right now.

– The Travel Feature allows you to pick any city and scan the MR X scene there.

– Read Message Notifications let you know the second your message is seen by the recipient.

– The Private Photo Bucket gives you the power to send additional photos more quickly and store your photos within MR X. That way, any risqué shots don’t have to sit in your iPhone albums where snooping friends or relatives might find them.

– MR X Premium also gives you unfiltered, unlimited access to misterapp.com where you can do advanced searches on dozens of different criteria.

MR X PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

Visit mrxapp.com/app/magnum to see a list of MR X Premium features. Choose a one-month ($9.99) or three-month ($24.99) subscription. Subscriptions auto-renew until cancelled. Payment for all purchases will be charged to your iTunes account upon confirmation of your purchase. Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your iTunes account will automatically be charged at the same price for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period (one month for monthly subscribers or three months for quarterly subscribers) unless you change your subscription preferences in your iTunes account settings. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during an active subscription period.

MRX is for men over 18 years old only. Photos that display nudity or are sexually suggestive will be removed immediately. Please visit mrxapp.com/app/tos to see our terms of use and privacy policies.

MANHUNT is the most iconic gay social app for gay, bi, trans, and queer guys worldwide. Manhunt is the most direct way for men to meet other men. Being around since 2001 has allowed Manhunt to attract the older and wiser crowd of guys. Narrow your search based on interests, photo filters, and location. Chat with millions of men online now via your existing account or by creating a new one for free. So what are you waiting for? Cut to the chase with Manhunt now.

FEATURES:

* Millions of men

* See who’s checking you out

* Profiles with up to 16 photos

* Message notifications

* Photo editor

* Unlock private photos

* Easy filters

* Buddy & Block lists

* Share your location

* Send winks

* Worldwide search

MANHUNT VIP FEATURES:

* Unlimited full profile views

* Unlimited full-size photo views

* Unlimited Conversations

* Unlimited Starred Conversations

* Unlimited Buddies & Blocks

* Complete Conversation History

* Unsend unread messages

* Additional photo editing tools

* Banner ad-free experience

With loads of free features, ROMEO is the best way to meet new people & friends and have meaningful or more casual encounters.

Get the free ROMEO App now and chat with lots of gay guys, nearby and worldwide. Create your profile and start chatting and video calling within minutes!

10 ROMEO App features you’ll LOVE:

● A fresh and intuitive design

● There is no limit to the number of guys you see around you

● Free chat and video calling

● Browse profiles with lots of pictures and information to find your match

● Create your customised profile and share what you are into

● Plenty of filter options for you to find the guys you like

● Discover new guys in your area

● See who recently came online

● Hide your real GPS position

● Set your location to anywhere in the world with our travel feature

● Share your private pics for a limited time

● Connect and chat with LGBTQ+ guys around the world

ROMEO, also known as Planetromeo or Gayromeo, is one of the world’s most exciting dating app and social network for the gay and bi guys and trans people. We embrace diversity and support our global LGBT+ family. Our apps and website provide a friendly online space for gay guys to hang out, chat, meet and date.

ROMEO

Dates Friends Love

● Website version also available

● ROMEO App is for guys aged 18 and over.

Thanks for considering the free ROMEO App! We’d love to hear from you guys, so don’t hesitate to leave us a review!

Gay dating has never been easier. Chat with your date, find love and make friends. Happy dating!

Jack’d

Diverse. Inclusive. Fun! This is what distinguishes Jack’d from all other queer dating apps. With 5 million people spanning 2,000 cities in 180 countries, we’re proud to be the most inclusive dating app for QPOC.

Jack’d is an independent, LGBTQ+ owned and operated company, and we use the app we build. We believe in the power of technology to create community and to connect with each other. Whether you’re looking to chat, make friends, find love, or keep it casual, you’ll find it on Jack’d.

New and improved Jack’d features you’ll love:

REDESIGNED PROFILES:

Swipe through multiple pics and quickly message, favorite, or unlock private photos

DISCOVER:

A new way to connect with other people based on recent activity

BROWSE:

See everyone nearby or expand your view to people around the globe

SEARCH & FILTERS:

Search by who they are, what they’re into, relationship status, and more

VIEWERS:

See who’s viewed your profile for free

MESSAGING:

Streamlined design makes it easier to chat and connect

PRIVATE ALBUMS:

Easily organize and share your photos and videos

VIDEO SHARING:

You can now send and receive unlimited private videos

MATCH:

See a new group of compatible matches every day and swipe up to view their full profile

UPGRADED EXPERIENCE:

Updated technology, improved stability, better spam protection, and fewer ads

SAFE & SECURE:

We never share your data with Facebook, 3rd party ad networks, or data aggregators.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT:

Our support team is available 24/7 to help with any questions or feedback.

Ready for more? Upgrade your Jack’d experience for more features and more freedom. With a Jack’d Pro subscription, you get:

* 1,000 people in your Nearby grid

* Unlimited favorites & blocks

* Unlimited Matches

* Unlimited private album photos

* More search filters & profile insights

* See everyone who viewed you

Question? Comments? We’re available any time at support.jackd.com.

Jack’d Privacy Policy: jackd.com/privacy

Jack’d Terms of Service: jackd.com/to

Posted on by Queer News

Tim Cook: Being Gay is God’s Greatest Gift

Tim Cook, who has made history as the first CEO to announce that he is gay among the top 500 companies in the world, mentioned being gay as the ‘greatest gift of god’ and stated that he made the statement to support those who were oppressed because of their sexual orientation.

“I explained it because kids who read the rumors that I was gay on the internet started writing to me. In the letters and emails they told me that they were ostracized, bullied and abused because of their sexual orientation,” said Apple CEO, who emphasized privacy, but ultimately helped others by revealing his sexual identity. He said he decided it would be selfish to remain silent while he could.

“I had to do something for them,” said Cook, adding that he wanted to show gay kids that they can move forward in life the way you are and achieve great things.

Expressing that he was ‘shocked’ when he learned that Fortune was the first CEO to announce his homosexuality in the 500 largest companies index, Cook expressed his satisfaction that other CEOs followed in his footsteps.

“I learned what it means to be a minority. The feeling of being a minority gives people a certain level of empathy for other people who are not in the majority. This is also very useful for a leadership role, very instructive. gave the message.

Underlining that he is ‘proud of being gay and explaining it’, Cook emphasized “God’s greatest gift to me”.

Posted on by Queer News

Lesbians, women of genius

Lesbians, women of genius: Hong Kong star Denise Ho, who is mobilizing for democracy, iconic football player Megan Rapinoe who refuses to meet Trump, Adèle Haenel who broke Caesar: lesbians are making history, says activist Alice Coffin popularizing the concept of “lesbian genius.”

This article is from Libé’s feminism and sexuality newsletter L.

Lesbians have genius and we don’t know that. Collective Barbe and activist Alice Coffin from the European Lesbian Conference said, “They play a leading role in many social and political movements, and this is unspoken. There are many examples throughout history. Hong Kong pop star Denise Ho and the Umbrella Democratic movement, iconic American football player Megan Rapinoe. and refusal to see Trump in the White House, Black Lives Matter, founders of the black American movement, or tennis player Billie Jean King, who demanded equal pay to men in the 70s …

Being a lesbian is not only a romantic or sexual trend, but also a way to exist in the world. Doing it without people’s eyes will provide considerable political freedom, greater freedom of psychic thinking. “Lesbian genius is the capacity to think and grasp these mechanisms of society that are completely different from the codes prevailing in patriarchy. This genius is also the power to cultivate them, ”explains Alice Coffin. The concept was born in European militant circles, the French activist made a book for it and it was released by Grasset this spring. Speaking of lesbian genius is fighting one of the biggest discriminations lesbians suffer: invisibility. “The word ‘lesbian‘ is difficult to pronounce even in public spaces. With that word, we had to fight against Google that was sending spam messages directly,” Alice Coffin said.

Posted on by Queer News

The Ongoing Debate of Same-Sex Marriages

Look it up in the dictionary, seriously: it’s “the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law” or “the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage” or even simply put an “intimate or close union.”

You won’t find any inherent ‘Christian’ origin to the word. In fact, according to the Merriam-Webster, the word was first used in the 14th century. Think about the origins of God’s Word, and you can surmise that the actual English word of ‘marriage’ wasn’t obviously used! It’s a translation.

So…. That being said, why are people still arguing like little children over a ‘word?’

You have your traditionals, mostly religious, taking ownership of the institute itself, and same-sex couples wanting the right to use the word as well. The fact is this: a marriage is a marriage, regardless of same sex or traditional man and wife. What you call it doesn’t matter. Look at the dictionary again.

For Lord’s sake, we’re not going to call them ‘unions’ or anything, or else we’ll have to change a bunch of other things: holy matrimony to legal union, getting married to getting ‘unioned,’ marriage vows to union promises (because you know the religious rite would be all over the word ‘vow,’ too).

Get off the high horse with the ‘marriage is from God’ stuff and let it go. Homosexuals have every right to get ‘married’ as anyone else, right? Let’s not twist and confuse the system anymore by injecting more lingo into something that should be simple (after all, marriage is a lot of things but simple!).

Posted on by Queer News

Alternative Treatments for AIDS

Alternative therapies sustain a certain level of support among patients and practitioners. Both allopathic and homeopathic clinicians have a credible place in the treatment of various disorders. But what non-conventional therapies, if any, exist for those suffering from HIV-related maladies?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in America, the best recommendation is to find a balance between conventional and alternative applications. New drugs are being tested regularly in the attempt to find both a cure and a means for slowing the progression of sicknesses related to a compromised immune system. Early diagnosis is crucial to getting the jump on HIV, the virus responsible for the breakdown of human immunity and contraction of full-blown AIDS. The CDC suggests any number of modalities to alleviate symptoms of the disease, with intent to restore an element of vitality to the person suffering.

SPECIFIC THERAPIES

When prescribed a regimen of pharmaceuticals, three additional categories of treatment are typically recommended for nearly all levels of disease: mind-body, nutrition and physical therapies. Certain types of massage have proven effective in alleviating symptoms related to chronic aches and pains, and for assisting circulation of bodily fluids and nerve activity. The ability to maintain control of one’s mind is critical to any approach; a sense of well-being and peace must be actively cultivated. Research has shown that discoveries in biofeedback and thought reinforcement have measurable positive effects on all people. Dietitians agree that the tried and true adages hold up: we are what we eat, garbage in – garbage out. Those suffering with more seriously compromised immune systems will likely benefit from a targeted nutritional supplement approach.

Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Being in good health doesn’t excuse us from keeping vigil; sickness seems always to be looking for a chink in the armor. Regarding the holistic approach to healthiness, be sure to get the opinions and recommendations of qualified practitioners and the people they’ve treated. Such input will prove invaluable to recovery.

Posted on by Queer News

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Intersex Lifestyle

Gay lifestyle consists of getting up, showering, get dressed, have breakfast, off to work, get groceries, cook dinner, do laundry, clean house, pay bills, shop online at sites like amazon.com, watch TV, and sleep. Lesbian and gay people live their lives like everyone that have families, jobs, bills, and housework. Lifestyle means your way of living, so why is “lifestyle” applied to the LGBTI community?

When a gay or lesbian person hears someone referring to their life and sexuality as “lifestyle,” “lifestyle choice,” “choice,” or “sexual preference,” it makes them cringe.

Biological studies indicate sexuality is not a choice. Gay people have to cope with prejudice, hostility, discrimination, and rejection from society, making no sense to choose being gay. Willfulness and choice has no part in who becomes homosexual. Besides, who would actually choose to be isolated, ridiculed, bullied, teased, hated, beat up, called names, rejected by friends and family, targeted in hate crimes, murder, and sexual assault and have a risk of anxiety, self- harm, depression, and suicide?

Being a young LGBTI is painful and extremely difficult to admit, even to themselves, let alone to everyone else. No one likes to feel different, rejected, or looked down upon. Most people want to be accepted and fit into our society. Being gay or lesbian isn’t only about sexuality, it’s about culture, relationships, love, and family also. They fall in love, have long term relationships, start families, raise children, and deserve to be validated and respected for who they are. Being shown respect helps raise confidence in themselves and makes them feel accepted.

Posted on by Queer News

Same Sex Marriages & Marriage Equality

A socially or legally recognized union of two people of the same social gender or biological sex is called a gay marriage. Countries have legally formalized marriages of same-sex couples. Recognizing such marriages has become a political, moral, civil rights, religious, and social issue in many countries. Many conflicts have arisen over allowing these couples to marry, whether the term marriage or civil union be used, or be granted limited rights or equal rights.

An argument supporting marriages of the same sex says that denying legal access to benefits and marriage discriminates based on their sexual orientation. Another supporting argument is that physical, psychological, and financial well being are all enhanced by being married. Also the children of these couples will benefit if raised by both parents in a recognized legal union that is supported by society. Court documents state if gay women and men are singled out as being ineligible to marry it stigmatizes them and invites discrimination of the public against them. Other arguments state that there are social consequences of gay marriages, parenting concerns, tradition, and religious grounds.

Gay marriages are legal in Belgium, Argentina, Iceland, Canada, Norway, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, and Sweden. Mexico City, USA and more.. performs gay marriages but has to have recognition of all the Mexican states. Attitudes towards gay marriages range from praise, to indifference, toleration, and prohibition. Some opposers argue that religious freedoms will be eroded, and while good for a couple, the rights of children are undermined. Some supporters think the government should not regulate personal relationships.

Posted on by Queer News

Adoption by Same Sex couples

Adopting by LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) persons may be done by a single person, couples of the same sex, or by a couple’s partner when the other has a biological child (by step-parent). Fourteen countries have legalized adoptions to couples of the same sex. The main concerns of people that oppose LGBTI adoption are if those couples can also have good parenting skills. Legalization takes place often on judicial opinions. Supporters say many children need homes and claim their ability to parent has no relevance to their sexual orientation. Opposition suggest the alleged drug use,

Suicides, domestic violence and promiscuity among homosexuals could affect the child or cause maladjustment with absence of both role models, male and female. Both sides agree the child’s welfare should dictate the policy.

Many organizations have given statements defending the adoption by same-sex partners. The American Psychological Association (APA) cites psychological health of gays and lesbians could be harmed, while their parenting doesn’t cause the children harm. The (AMA) American Medical Association and (ASA) American Sociology Association hold similar positions for same-sex couples adopting.

In Florida in 2008, a statute that forbids gay adoptions was struck down. The judge felt equal rights of protection had been violated, and that prohibiting adoption by gay parents was not rational since they were allowed to be foster parents. The decision was appealed by the state and the lower court’s decision was upheld. In 2010, the governor announced that the ban on LGBTI adoptions will be lifted, allowing their adoptions legal in Florida. In November, 2008, voters in Arkansas approved the measure of banning anyone from adopting children or be foster parents if they “co-habitate outside a valid marriage”. It was mainly written targeting gay people because same-sex marriages was prohibited, making it impossible to adopt. However, single lesbians and gay men could adopt.