en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/586682 Comments by M J http://jaysays.com/2010/05/newsweekboycott/#IDComment75199160 I could so feel your emotions as I read the piece. The point is that I truly agree. Too many people look at the most ridiculous portrayals of queer men and women in movies, etc - and see that as how all of us are. Queer men - too flamboyant to portray a straight role. Queer women - too masculine to be light and feminine. Duh! Acting is portraying someone/something different than who you are as a person. No when choosing the next justice sexual orientation should not matter - but there is nothing wrong with knowing if the candidate is open and wants us to know. I actually chose to stop reading Newsweek several years ago. Now I have another reason. Glad you wrote this!! Thu, 13 May 2010 06:17:32 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2010/05/newsweekboycott/#IDComment75199160 http://jaysays.com/2010/01/better-death-than-gays-donating-blood/#IDComment50442286 I am a person whose life was aided by two separate blood transfusions during one long hospital stay. Before the blood was even handed to my nurse a ritual of red tape was initiated - for safety reasons. Then even before the drip was started my nurse gave me a disclaimer - telling me (in different words) that although the blood is very carefully screened for many many diseases there is still a very slim possibility that a disease might have gotten past the screening process, etc. All I could think about was that I trust the screening and I want to get better. My nurse stayed with me at my side monitoring me throughout the transfusions (each time) - and I had several units each time. When she needed a brief break the desk nurses were alerted to watch for me and I was instructed to notify when and if certain things happened. Fortunately there were no problems. Months later at home and doing much much better I read all I could find on the screening processes. Those processes used include a number of process to screen the blood for HIV/AIDS. From the first time I became aware of the ban preventing any man who has had sex with another man from donating - I have fully believed that that ban was and is completely wrong. Blood is needed for many people who are ill and/or dying. There are always shortages of precious blood. I am truly sorry that your most dear friend Crystal did not survive. I am also grateful that the blood was available for her and that it was available for me two years ago. For those who don't understand why the ban is so wrong I ask - When the shortages happen - who doesn't get the blood??? Tue, 5 Jan 2010 10:02:39 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2010/01/better-death-than-gays-donating-blood/#IDComment50442286 http://jaysays.com/2009/12/man-pays-prostitute-to-fix-his-gay-son-allegedly/#IDComment48870816 This should not be done whether the young man is gay or straight. The comment from Nelson G brought back memories of hearing about a childhood friend of mine - well our families were friends. His father took him to Las Vegas (also in the early 70's) so that his first experience would be with an "experienced" lady. I don't agree with the concept at all. Any sexual experience - male or female - gay or straight - should be consensual and desired. The investigation should continue and in my opinion this is homophobia - but even beyond homophobia. Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:01:52 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/12/man-pays-prostitute-to-fix-his-gay-son-allegedly/#IDComment48870816 http://jaysays.com/2009/12/is-any-publicity-really-good-publicity-adam-lambert-v-uganda/#IDComment45780939 I'm so glad you wrote about this - all of it needs to be public information. This is information that should be made clear to all people. The connections of the "Family" on C St. - are so far reaching that they even can be connected to the new law in Uganda. They are the same who would talk about the sanctity of life and marriage, etc. I'm sick of censors deciding that I would not want to see two people of the same gender kissing on a program - but would want to see projections of limbs being torn apart and blood splashing on another program. I realize somebody said this (and apparently didn't mean it during his campaign) ... but it is time for (many) changes!! Fri, 4 Dec 2009 08:27:43 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/12/is-any-publicity-really-good-publicity-adam-lambert-v-uganda/#IDComment45780939 http://jaysays.com/2009/12/the-little-engines-that-wouldn%e2%80%99t-courage-campaign-and-lambda-legal-refuse-to-fight/#IDComment45506046 I so agree with you on this. This is garbage and it really smells - and it reeks of broken promises. Restore Equality 2010 is about civil rights and the right to express our love to the one we love. Research and studies is simply not going to accomplish this. Yes - in the past Courage Campaign (LA) and Lambda Legal have done some good things - but in my perspective they have turned their backs on what matters. My donation (comparatively small but significant for my income) and my full support is going to Restore Equality 2010. The others can just put duct tape over their mouths and their reputations !! I am really glad you wrote this !!! Wed, 2 Dec 2009 12:29:13 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/12/the-little-engines-that-wouldn%e2%80%99t-courage-campaign-and-lambda-legal-refuse-to-fight/#IDComment45506046 http://jaysays.com/2009/11/stupidthingsadamlambert/#IDComment44698009 Can we say "double standard"? So do some people think it's "cute" when two women kiss on stage during an awards performance - but when two men kiss it is _____?? There have been a lot more things included in performances which are much more sexual than a kiss - during these award shows. Nobody seemed to be complaining when male singers grabbed (or pretended to grab) their own genitals. Reminder to those who said "Adam Lambert is still Gay...." => Gay is NOT a lifestyle choice. It is life. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:33:42 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/11/stupidthingsadamlambert/#IDComment44698009 http://jaysays.com/2009/11/restoreequality2010/#IDComment43525197 Signforequality.com is a very workable website. User friendly. Easy to sign up - easy to download the petition - easy to view the training. Glad you posted this jason! Glad you are a part of this jane! mj Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:42:44 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/11/restoreequality2010/#IDComment43525197 http://jaysays.com/2009/11/stupid-things-people-say-about-gays-i-don%e2%80%99t-want-some-faggot-backing-me-up/#IDComment42185655 Okay... now he got me started. lol with you ! First - I don't think he would be able to make it through boot camp. If I misunderstood and he's already in the service - well then I will keep positive thoughts for those serving with him. Wait.... G-d in the military??? (never mind...) Second - how many want to start a pool that some of the people he already knows are queer? They're just not telling him - and trying to get away from HIM. This person can watch whatever he wants to watch - after all his watching of videos led him to this very important compilation "Why We Marched" ... and that could end up being an education for him in the long run. Let's send him a white knot and let him try to figure out what it is..... can somebody get a video of his reaction when he opens the package ??? mj Fri, 6 Nov 2009 03:10:02 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/11/stupid-things-people-say-about-gays-i-don%e2%80%99t-want-some-faggot-backing-me-up/#IDComment42185655 http://jaysays.com/2009/11/update-from-portland-maine-no-on-1-headquarters/#IDComment42077560 5 stars for covering this - appreciate all your hard work. Really. Was hesitant to give the blog the 5 stars - because the stars were not for the defeat of our rights - but for your coverage !! Thu, 5 Nov 2009 09:57:50 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/11/update-from-portland-maine-no-on-1-headquarters/#IDComment42077560 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/when-wishes-come-true-hate-crimes-legislation-passes-senate/#IDComment40109661 Jason I think the wish you made this morning was just right. Just Right - and it happened. That's definitely a great big birthday surprise. Usually - like you - I fully believe in free speech - but again in this case I agree with you. This is not the time or place for angers. This is a post and a day for reflection and realizing just what this legislation means. Thank-you for presenting this, thank-you to Judy Shepard for all her hard work. ... if you would like to send the comment to me ... on another day... I am curious. mj Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:47:02 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/when-wishes-come-true-hate-crimes-legislation-passes-senate/#IDComment40109661 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/what-is-the-gay-community/#IDComment39132567 Five stars isn't enough for this story - but I did give it the full * * * * *. Wow. Today when there is so much worry about meeting people online - this beautiful story happens. It's really exciting - I'm so happy that Kate got to go to the march. Thank-you to Kate's friends and thank-you to the generous person who left the envelope. (...and of course thank-you for posting this...) mj Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:03:24 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/what-is-the-gay-community/#IDComment39132567 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/closet-talk-author-susan-parker-walking-in-the-deep-end/#IDComment38895858 I highly recommend this show. Susan is a great example of how a person's perceptions can change - with life and new knowledge. I like her wisdom! Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:00:37 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/closet-talk-author-susan-parker-walking-in-the-deep-end/#IDComment38895858 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/louisiana-judge-refuses-to-preside-over-interracial-marriage/#IDComment38895745 That Justice seems to be caught back in a different century where the laws haven't changed - nor have attitudes. I hope his mind opens enough to see what might not have been legal about his own life - back then... Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:58:59 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/louisiana-judge-refuses-to-preside-over-interracial-marriage/#IDComment38895745 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/lgbt-hero-frank-voci-white-knot-marches-for-equality-from-whiteknot/#IDComment37104632 I get you on this Frank - when prop 8 passed my activist/advocate gene activated too! Before it passed I had wanted to do something but I had no idea what. Now I'm involved and feel better about myself. I am not able to be at the march but I will be wearing my white knot in my own way. Here in CA - in my own neighborhood I saw a sign a block away - to vote yes on prop 8. Now I'm waiting for the signs to overturn prop 8 - and it will be proudly displayed in front of my house. Thank-you for writing this blog. mj Sun, 4 Oct 2009 04:25:21 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/lgbt-hero-frank-voci-white-knot-marches-for-equality-from-whiteknot/#IDComment37104632 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/i-love-maine-and-the-real-mainers-by-guest-blogger-janewishon/#IDComment37103536 Jane the way you present this is absolutely awesome!! It's not just the opinions and the emotions - you present it like it really is. I'm putting my hope and wishes into the people of Maine too - and Jane ... I'm also giving my hope and wishes to you. For all that you have done => thank- you so very much. It is so wonderful to have you on the side of Equality. mj Sun, 4 Oct 2009 04:11:24 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/10/i-love-maine-and-the-real-mainers-by-guest-blogger-janewishon/#IDComment37103536 http://jaysays.com/2009/09/why-my-driver%e2%80%99s-license-is-more-powerful-than-a-marriage-license/#IDComment35368752 Wow... didn't realize that driving is more important than marriage.... hmmm something to think about. (Or maybe it's just the State of Texas is sooo powerful...) who knew??? Love this! Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:35:52 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/09/why-my-driver%e2%80%99s-license-is-more-powerful-than-a-marriage-license/#IDComment35368752 http://jaysays.com/2009/09/extremism-and-the-911-terror-attacks-we-didnt-learn/#IDComment34092540 I'm tired of the name calling from both sides. It isn't just religious - it's a lot of people. In terms of dropping gays from a plane - I like Eddie Izzard's idea of a paratrooper unit with full make-up. But back on topic. To me the talk about religion in this issue seems to concentrate on the Church only. There are other religions everybody - other cultures. ...And the other religions and cultures do count and are a part of our society - and are very much part of this country. It is important that those of us who have been able to come out of our closets stay true to who we are - and maybe little by little our normal daily lives will change the minds of even the extreme religious right. I am one of those other religions and unfortunately the most orthodox of my culture don't understand either. My belief and hope is that with time they will come to understand. But rather than being louder than everybody else - I believe that our community needs to make more sense than everybody else (and yeah maybe a little noise couldn't hurt...) ! ;) Sat, 12 Sep 2009 05:58:35 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/09/extremism-and-the-911-terror-attacks-we-didnt-learn/#IDComment34092540 http://jaysays.com/2009/09/if-maggie-gallagher-is-upset-then-so-am-i/#IDComment33935690 Maggie: If those labeled as the far-right were to suddenly change their minds completely - would you? It really seems as though you are hating us and trying to keep our rights away from us because you see it as stylish. Think about it. Hope you sleep better tonight Jude. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:45:13 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/09/if-maggie-gallagher-is-upset-then-so-am-i/#IDComment33935690 http://jaysays.com/2009/09/lgbt-lessons-for-straight-people-you-do-know-someone-who-is-gay-by-bear54/#IDComment33860525 Seems like you have a lot of wonderful memories of Kurt - his good times and his not so good. But mostly his friendship. I knew a girl in high school - Marcie - more than an acquaintance less than a good friend. A really good person and very smart. One school year she really started keeping to herself and being I guess what would now be thought of as goth (before goth had a name and before punk). She lived a block away from me and during the summer after that school year I never saw her at all. I kept hearing rumors that she was studying very hard -then rumors that she was sick - never liked rumors. When the new semester started - no Marcie. I was told quietly (not a rumor) that she commited suicide. Now I wonder if she was gay and was having horrible problems. Fear of people who are different should be abolished plain and simple - then everybody would be the same. Then everybody would have the same benefits and the same rights. Thank-you for sharing this Jude mj Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:30:54 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/09/lgbt-lessons-for-straight-people-you-do-know-someone-who-is-gay-by-bear54/#IDComment33860525 http://jaysays.com/2009/09/lgbt-lessons-for-straight-people-marriage-%e2%80%93-get-another-word-by-bear54/#IDComment33632406 Jude - maybe the straight people you refer to in your post - are concerned that same-sex couples will be more in love and more true to their marriages then they are. Your son has a great point - 50% is a failing grade. Tue, 8 Sep 2009 11:53:09 +0000 http://jaysays.com/2009/09/lgbt-lessons-for-straight-people-marriage-%e2%80%93-get-another-word-by-bear54/#IDComment33632406