Are You Joining the Mormon/Utah Boycott?

You've probably heard that in the wake of Prop 8's passage, many gay activists are calling for a boycott of any businesses connected to individuals who supported the measure. We can debate the effectiveness of boycotts all day, but I support them more as a matter of personal growth. If you can stick one out, you learn a lot about yourself and your habits, and I adhere to Socrates' maxim: "An unexamined life is not worth living."

But I may sit this one out and here's why. From the lists of Prop 8 supporters that I've seen, like this one, most of the business serve only California, and I happen to be on the other side of the country. No much I can do there.

There's also a call to boycott the entire state of Utah since it's so heavily Mormon. Honestly, that seems a bit unfair. The state itself didn't have anything to do with this. And there are gays in Utah, too (my condolences), and perfectly welcoming heteros. But again, I live on the East Coast, so Utah isn't on my list of must-visits at the moment. One, I can't afford it, and if I were to attempt snow skiing ever again (that bunny slope was out to get me!), then I can do so much closer to home.

There are a few corporations, however, that I could potentially boycott. The CEO of movie chain Cinemark contributed almost $10,000 to support Prop 8. There's a Cinemark theater near me, but--sad to say--I rarely go out to the movies anymore. So boycotting Cinemark really isn't a big sacrifice for me, and if you're going to boycott something, it should hurt!

Speaking of pain, the real deal may be to boycott Marriott Hotels. I've known the Marriott family is Mormon for a while (why do you think the Book of Mormon is always found in the nightstand along with the Bible?). The company itself didn't support Prop 8, but some activists say Marriott family members did. Here's where it would get tough. I love Marriott Hotels and all its brands. My partner and I have Marriott Rewards Points and, as much as possible, are loyal customers.

Here's where it gets interesting. Marriott has a great diversity program and a highly favorable rating from most national gay rights organizations. The Marriott CEO also wrote a letter supporting the gay community.
Keep in mind that most hotels are franchises and locally owned, so a boycott could backfire on people who may actually support us.

On a personal note, I already booked 2 nights at a Fairfield Inn (Marriott brand) for New Year's Eve. My partner and I desperately need a change of scenery, and if it weren't for our Marriott Points, we wouldn't be able to afford it. Our room will be free. So if I stick to the boycott, I would have to stay home. But we need a weekend away from the distractions of home and work in order to focus on each other.

So there you have it. Call me a traitor, but I'm sitting this boycott out. I'll find other ways to make my anger over Prop 8 known. Where do you stand?

Are You Joining the Mormon/Utah Boycott?

You've probably heard that in the wake of Prop 8's passage, many gay activists are calling for a boycott of any businesses connected to individuals who supported the measure. We can debate the effectiveness of boycotts all day, but I support them more as a matter of personal growth. If you can stick one out, you learn a lot about yourself and your habits, and I adhere to Socrates' maxim: "An unexamined life is not worth living."

But I may sit this one out and here's why. From the lists of Prop 8 supporters that I've seen, like this one, most of the business serve only California, and I happen to be on the other side of the country. No much I can do there.

There's also a call to boycott the entire state of Utah since it's so heavily Mormon. Honestly, that seems a bit unfair. The state itself didn't have anything to do with this. And there are gays in Utah, too (my condolences), and perfectly welcoming heteros. But again, I live on the East Coast, so Utah isn't on my list of must-visits at the moment. One, I can't afford it, and if I were to attempt snow skiing ever again (that bunny slope was out to get me!), then I can do so much closer to home.

There are a few corporations, however, that I could potentially boycott. The CEO of movie chain Cinemark contributed almost $10,000 to support Prop 8. There's a Cinemark theater near me, but--sad to say--I rarely go out to the movies anymore. So boycotting Cinemark really isn't a big sacrifice for me, and if you're going to boycott something, it should hurt!

Speaking of pain, the real deal may be to boycott Marriott Hotels. I've known the Marriott family is Mormon for a while (why do you think the Book of Mormon is always found in the nightstand along with the Bible?). The company itself didn't support Prop 8, but some activists say Marriott family members did. Here's where it would get tough. I love Marriott Hotels and all its brands. My partner and I have Marriott Rewards Points and, as much as possible, are loyal customers.

Here's where it gets interesting. Marriott has a great diversity program and a highly favorable rating from most national gay rights organizations. The Marriott CEO also wrote a letter supporting the gay community.
Keep in mind that most hotels are franchises and locally owned, so a boycott could backfire on people who may actually support us.

On a personal note, I already booked 2 nights at a Fairfield Inn (Marriott brand) for New Year's Eve. My partner and I desperately need a change of scenery, and if it weren't for our Marriott Points, we wouldn't be able to afford it. Our room will be free. So if I stick to the boycott, I would have to stay home. But we need a weekend away from the distractions of home and work in order to focus on each other.

So there you have it. Call me a traitor, but I'm sitting this boycott out. I'll find other ways to make my anger over Prop 8 known. Where do you stand?

Protests Against Prop 8 Spreading Beyond California; Gays Speaking Out Against Bigotry

I'm sure my friend Handsome B. Wonderful over at The Political Junkie will enjoy this photo (from Towleroad) of the gay pride flag waving in front of the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Protests continue to spread, so I'll try to be brief and note the high points. Watch out--the gays are coming for you!

Over the weekend, protests against the passage of Prop 8 occurred all over California, with thousands taking a stand. Influential voices are coming to our side, including California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (a Republican!), who told the GLBT community to "never give up" (don't worry, Arnold, we'll be back!), and actress Drew Barrymore, who joined a protest in Los Angeles (we love you, Drew!).

Hundreds in Chicago turned out this past Sunday to protest hate when Christian evangelical leader James Dobson was to be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame for his bigoted "Focus on the Family" radio program.

In Dallas, Texas, a small crowd protested a sermon at First Baptist Church titled "Gay Is Not OK."

Protests sparked by Prop 8 are planned throughout this week, more in California but also in Arizona and New York City (Wednesday 11/12), at the Mormon Temple there.

Don't live in these cities but want to join in? There's a call for nationwide protests this Saturday, 11/15, across the country! Hmmm, wonder if I could get something started here in my little burg? What are we waiting for---let's get organized!

Finally, here's lovely lesbian Rachel Maddow of MSNBC with a good interview about why Prop 8 succeeded. Her guest makes the argument that the same arguments against gay marriage were once used against interracial marriage. Think about that, people---if those laws were still in effect, would we have today a bi-racial president-elect??

Protests Against Prop 8 Spreading Beyond California; Gays Speaking Out Against Bigotry

I'm sure my friend Handsome B. Wonderful over at The Political Junkie will enjoy this photo (from Towleroad) of the gay pride flag waving in front of the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Protests continue to spread, so I'll try to be brief and note the high points. Watch out--the gays are coming for you!

Over the weekend, protests against the passage of Prop 8 occurred all over California, with thousands taking a stand. Influential voices are coming to our side, including California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (a Republican!), who told the GLBT community to "never give up" (don't worry, Arnold, we'll be back!), and actress Drew Barrymore, who joined a protest in Los Angeles (we love you, Drew!).

Hundreds in Chicago turned out this past Sunday to protest hate when Christian evangelical leader James Dobson was to be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame for his bigoted "Focus on the Family" radio program.

In Dallas, Texas, a small crowd protested a sermon at First Baptist Church titled "Gay Is Not OK."

Protests sparked by Prop 8 are planned throughout this week, more in California but also in Arizona and New York City (Wednesday 11/12), at the Mormon Temple there.

Don't live in these cities but want to join in? There's a call for nationwide protests this Saturday, 11/15, across the country! Hmmm, wonder if I could get something started here in my little burg? What are we waiting for---let's get organized!

Finally, here's lovely lesbian Rachel Maddow of MSNBC with a good interview about why Prop 8 succeeded. Her guest makes the argument that the same arguments against gay marriage were once used against interracial marriage. Think about that, people---if those laws were still in effect, would we have today a bi-racial president-elect??

Christina Aguilera Supports the Gays and Doesn't Care if Mormons Don't Buy Her Album

Honestly, are most Mormons big Christina fans? Regardless, Christina lends her support to the GLBT community in the Prop 8 aftermath. And she puts it very well, talking about how ridiculous it is for this country to have elected a bi-racial president, and yet bigotry still reigns supreme in some areas. I love Xtina.

Here's an excerpt below, or watch the video here.

"Last night, there was a whole rally that I saw for Prop. 8," she told MTV News. "A lot of people came out with their signs, and I think [Prop. 8] is discrimination and I don't understand how people can be so closed-minded and so judgmental. We chose an African-American president, and it means so much ... [it's] a time in history of great change and open-mindedness. Why is this any different? It just doesn't make sense to me. Why you would put so much money behind something [aimed at] stopping from people loving each other and bonding together? I just don't understand it. It's hard for me to grasp. But I would've been out there with my rally sign as well."

A few moments later, she added, "Mormons aren't gonna buy my album but, you know, what are you gonna do?"

Christina Aguilera Supports the Gays and Doesn't Care if Mormons Don't Buy Her Album

Honestly, are most Mormons big Christina fans? Regardless, Christina lends her support to the GLBT community in the Prop 8 aftermath. And she puts it very well, talking about how ridiculous it is for this country to have elected a bi-racial president, and yet bigotry still reigns supreme in some areas. I love Xtina.

Here's an excerpt below, or watch the video here.

"Last night, there was a whole rally that I saw for Prop. 8," she told MTV News. "A lot of people came out with their signs, and I think [Prop. 8] is discrimination and I don't understand how people can be so closed-minded and so judgmental. We chose an African-American president, and it means so much ... [it's] a time in history of great change and open-mindedness. Why is this any different? It just doesn't make sense to me. Why you would put so much money behind something [aimed at] stopping from people loving each other and bonding together? I just don't understand it. It's hard for me to grasp. But I would've been out there with my rally sign as well."

A few moments later, she added, "Mormons aren't gonna buy my album but, you know, what are you gonna do?"

Help a Queer, Harass a Mormon!

So I've donated to the LA Gay & Lesbian Center to help repeal Prop 8. Here's the text of the postcard that will be sent to President Thomas Monson of the Mormon church on my behalf:

"Dear President Monson:
A donation has been made in your name by [name] to “invalidateprop8.org” to overturn California's Proposition 8 and restore fundamental civil rights to all citizens of California. The money will be donated to legal organizations fighting the case and to support grass-roots activities in support of full marriage equality. Although we decry the reprehensible role the Church of Latter Day Saints leadership played in denying all Californians equal rights under the law, we are pleased a donation has been made on your behalf in the effort to overturn the discrimination your church members helped enshrine in the California Constitution. Given that throughout its history the Mormon Church has been subjected to bigotry, we hope you appreciate the donation in your name to fight religious bigotry here in California."

Help a Queer, Harass a Mormon!

So I've donated to the LA Gay & Lesbian Center to help repeal Prop 8. Here's the text of the postcard that will be sent to President Thomas Monson of the Mormon church on my behalf:

"Dear President Monson:
A donation has been made in your name by [name] to “invalidateprop8.org” to overturn California's Proposition 8 and restore fundamental civil rights to all citizens of California. The money will be donated to legal organizations fighting the case and to support grass-roots activities in support of full marriage equality. Although we decry the reprehensible role the Church of Latter Day Saints leadership played in denying all Californians equal rights under the law, we are pleased a donation has been made on your behalf in the effort to overturn the discrimination your church members helped enshrine in the California Constitution. Given that throughout its history the Mormon Church has been subjected to bigotry, we hope you appreciate the donation in your name to fight religious bigotry here in California."

Angry Gays Fill LA Streets Over Prop 8; Protests Spread Across California

(photo from Towleroad)

The GLBT community IS getting pissed, and I'm so excited. Yesterday, thousands protested the passage of Prop 8 in front of the Los Angeles Mormon Temple. Several protests are planned for today and this weekend across the state:

• San Francisco
• Long Beach
• Santa Barbara
• San Diego
• Laguna Beach
• Sacramento
• Even one in Salt Lake City, Utah!
  

Towleroad has a great report, more links and photos of Thursday's protest.

I sincerely hope this anger spreads and people begin to demand that this climate of discrimination changes.

If you'd like to support efforts to repeal Prop 8, donate here, to the LA Gay & Lesbian Center. I'm going to give a small donation myself.

It's also a way to harass the Mormon church, since it supported the legislation. For every donation, the Mormon church will receive a "thank you" card in the mail.

There are also calls to pull the church's tax-exempt status, but I just don't see that happening. It appears the church followed the rule of law but certainly not the spirit.

Even rocker Melissa Etheridge is pissed, saying she may just refuse to pay her California state taxes as a result of this discrimination. I hope she follows through, and I hope more people with influence take a stand.

Angry Gays Fill LA Streets Over Prop 8; Protests Spread Across California

(photo from Towleroad)

The GLBT community IS getting pissed, and I'm so excited. Yesterday, thousands protested the passage of Prop 8 in front of the Los Angeles Mormon Temple. Several protests are planned for today and this weekend across the state:

• San Francisco
• Long Beach
• Santa Barbara
• San Diego
• Laguna Beach
• Sacramento
• Even one in Salt Lake City, Utah!
  

Towleroad has a great report, more links and photos of Thursday's protest.

I sincerely hope this anger spreads and people begin to demand that this climate of discrimination changes.

If you'd like to support efforts to repeal Prop 8, donate here, to the LA Gay & Lesbian Center. I'm going to give a small donation myself.

It's also a way to harass the Mormon church, since it supported the legislation. For every donation, the Mormon church will receive a "thank you" card in the mail.

There are also calls to pull the church's tax-exempt status, but I just don't see that happening. It appears the church followed the rule of law but certainly not the spirit.

Even rocker Melissa Etheridge is pissed, saying she may just refuse to pay her California state taxes as a result of this discrimination. I hope she follows through, and I hope more people with influence take a stand.

Uppity Queers to Protest Prop 8 at L.A. Mormon Temple

Based on these photos (from Towleroad), lots of other sisters feel the same as I do! Love it! There was a protest/vigil held last night in West Hollywood as a reaction against taking away the GLBT community's right to marry in California.

I don't know that any of this will make a difference, but at least we're once again "acting up!" Another protest is planned later today in front of a Mormon temple in Los Angeles (Mormons being heavy backers of denying us the right to marry).

Legal actions have also been filed to try and stop the measure from actually taking effect. Probably won't help, but again, at least it's raising a stink.

Wish I could be at that protest today. I'd throw on my best marriage/wedding drag and grab some boy to kiss right in front of those self-righteous Mormons.

Uppity Queers to Protest Prop 8 at L.A. Mormon Temple

Based on these photos (from Towleroad), lots of other sisters feel the same as I do! Love it! There was a protest/vigil held last night in West Hollywood as a reaction against taking away the GLBT community's right to marry in California.

I don't know that any of this will make a difference, but at least we're once again "acting up!" Another protest is planned later today in front of a Mormon temple in Los Angeles (Mormons being heavy backers of denying us the right to marry).

Legal actions have also been filed to try and stop the measure from actually taking effect. Probably won't help, but again, at least it's raising a stink.

Wish I could be at that protest today. I'd throw on my best marriage/wedding drag and grab some boy to kiss right in front of those self-righteous Mormons.