NYC HOMOPHOBIC BEATER ARRESTED

A Victim of a hate crime that took place on July 29th is hoping to see justice to the man who beat him with an unidentified object.

“We don’t like faggots on Barker Street,” the man is alleged to have told the victim, according to court documents filed by prosecutors.

The man suffered bruises and cuts to his face and head, back and stomach.

Police arrested James Champagne, 24, earlier this week night, police said.

He is charged with third-degree assault as a hate crime, a felony, and second-degree aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor.

If convicted, Champagne could face up to four years in prison. Without the hate charge, a conviction would bring as little as a slap on the wrist.

Neighbors of the victim expressed shock at the attack.

The Rev. Terry Troia, executive director of Project Hospitality and a member of the borough president’s Anti-Bias Task Force, told The Staten Island Advance that anti-gay crimes often go unreported.

“This is really a crime against all of us,” she told the paper. [SOURCE]

How bad is that? lets hope this man is charged with a Hate Crime. I mean if i was the poor victim and saw this disgusting excuse for a human being get released with a slap on the wrist, I would be LIVID..

BERLIN TRIBUTE TO GAYS DURING WWII VANDALIZED

Wow.. People seem to have a lot of time on their hands by the looks of things..

German police said Saturday that the new memorial in Berlin to gay victims of the Nazis was damaged by vandals.

Police said that someone had broken a window - a key part of the memorial - allowing visitors to peer into a gray concrete slab to see an image of a same-sex couple kissing on the monument. They added the monument was vandalized overnight and that they had no immediate suspects.

The memorial was opened in May across the street from the much-larger memorial to Jewish victims of the Holocaust. [SOURCE]

HOLLYOAKS STAR SPEAKS OUT AGAINST MP IRIS ROBINSON AND HER HOMOPHOBIA

Gerard McCarthy, who plays bisexual character Kris Fisher in Hollyoaks has spoken out against Irish MP Iris Robinson (See Below). Robinson, who is married to the First Minister of Northern Ireland, has been criticised for speaking out against gay people and has refused to modify her position that homosexuality is vile, wicked and an abomination, based on her Biblical beliefs.


During a June 17th House of Commons committee discussion on the assessment and management of sex offenders, Mrs Robinson said:
"There can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality, than sexually abusing innocent children."
She claims that she meant that child abuse is worse than homosexuality.

Mr McCarthy, who plays Kris Fisher in Hollyoaks, told the Belfast Telegraph that he regularly receives letters from teenagers who are being bullied because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans.

"There should be no place for hateful and extremist opinion," he said.

"Moreover, to have a Member of Parliament advocate them must certainly be in violation of the MPs' code of conduct.

"The wife of the First Minister should be forced to resign, made to give a formal apology and retract her comments in order to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally under the law." [SOURCE]

I am with Gerard on this. This woman is ridiculous and should not be in the spotlight promoting hatred. I am sure something will happen to her. Karma is a Bitch I hear.

LGBTQ COMMUNITY FEELS THE RISE OF HATE CRIMES IN 2008

Man, I am sorry guys but it seems like all my posts have been all bad news. Well Don't worry i will end up with the Hottie of the Day and you did have my camping pics to make ya smile before reading all the sad stories.

This one comes from New York. Looks like Hate Crimes towards the LGBTQ community is up in 2008 according to The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs.

Since the February murder of 15 year-old Lawrence King and the brutal beating of Duanna Johnson, there have been at least 13 brutal and violent LGBT hate crimes throughout the country. The organization added that the reported crimes only may be a small number of the total, since many LGBT people are reluctant to go to police, and many of the attacks that are reported are not listed by authorities as hate crimes.

The NCAVP said that the growing hate crimes may indicate a frightening trend of increases in both the number and severity of anti-LGBT violence.

“This is extremely disturbing and saddening. We are witnessing what appears to be an increase in both the occurrence and severity of violence motivated by racism, homophobia, and transphobia,” said Sharon Stapel, Executive Director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project. [SOURCE]

Its wierd to find out that many of the incidents occurred in late June and July, when LGBT visibility is high during gay pride celebrations.

To see the list of reported incidents CLICK HERE

CALIFORNIAN PUNKS IN FOR A BIT OF CANDID CAMERA

California: One of Solano County's first married same-sex couples seem to have a pesky problem on their hands. The two lesbians have a rainbow flag outside their home and it has been vandalized several time and nothing is being done about it.

Two weeks after their wedding, vandals drenched the flag in front of Kathryn and Jeani Kayair's home with coffee. They initially thought it was a juvenile prank, but vandals have struck five times in one month, with the attacks escalating from coffee to motor oil.

The couple told CBS 5 that they have not heard anything from Vallejo Police and are forced to report each attack by email, due to the city's recent bankruptcy. [SOURCE]

So what are these two going to do about their problem. They are going to put up cameras to watch over their flag. See if they can catch the culprits themselves.. SNAP!

LIVERPOOL UK: 18 YR OLD LOST HIS LIFE DUE TO BEING GAY

This is some sad news for a Monday, but I wanted to post it because there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. Michael Causer, 18 yrs old (above), was attacked by three youths on Friday 25th July and suffered serious head injuries. Michael was treated by surgery at the Walton Neurology Centre to try to reduce swelling on his brain, however, passed away at 2:30pm on Saturday.

Two men, Gavin Alker aged 19 and James O'Connor, 18, both from the Huyton area, where the attack took place, have been charged with grievous bodily harm.

A third man from the area, aged 19, has been charged with witness intimidation. Merseyside police said the attack was being treated as a homophobic hate crime.

The light being that a local councillor is urging churches to step up and speak out about violence and hate towards everyone: gay, straight, black, white etc.

Steve Radford, leader of the Liberal party, represents Tuebrook and Stoneycroft ward. He told PinkNews.co.uk that it is vital the churches take a stand.

Councillor Radford, who is gay, told PinkNews.co.uk that the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Forum will meet this Wednesday to discuss how to respond to Mr Causer's death.

He stressed the need for all sections of society in Liverpool to speak out.

"I think we have to make sure that what we do must be dignified and inclusive.

"I want the civic and religious leaders to come together, like we saw after the murder of Anthony Walker."

Anthony, 18, was murdered with an ice axe in a racially-motivated attack in Huyton in 2005.

"A protest march may give the wrong impression and we also have to be very sensitive to the personal wishes of the family."

Councillor Radford said that given the importance of the churches in Liverpool he wants the city’s Roman Catholic and Anglican bishops to join with other religious leaders to lead a protest against homophobia "with the same robustness that they showed against racial hatred."

Merseyside Police said today:
"All the people arrested in connection to this incident were known to the victim and no one else is being sought." [SOURCE]

The sad thing is that my Dad is from this area (born and raised). Something needs to be done. This poor guy has lost his life for being himself. He will not be allowed to live a full life like these idiots who did this. I just hope justice will prevail at the end of all this. We don't need this type of hatred in our world!

A HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SUPPORTS BAN ON MARRIAGE IN CALIFORNIA

Ewww.. I Hope people riot this High School. Who does this? Kids are being harassed for their sexual orientation even if they are not gay, so why promote hate?

The Grossmont Union High School District went on record yesterday supporting a November initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California.

The board voted 4-0 to pass a resolution endorsing Proposition 8, which would amend the state Constitution to recognize marriage only between a man and a woman.

Trustee Richard Hoy abstained.

Several board members urged the board not to vote for the resolution, saying Proposition 8 had nothing to do with education.

Grossmont is believed to be the first public school board in the state to endorse the initiative. Supporters of Proposition 8 argue that the state Supreme Court's action clearing the way for same-sex marriage means students as early as kindergarten will be taught that same-sex marriage is the same as a traditional marriage.

Proposition 8 opponents disagree. [SOURCE]

I remember when I was in High School (Not Even Out) and being treated harshly by others because they thought I was gay. I even dated my best friend, Precillia and even though it settled down a bit, I was still teased.

I am absolutely disgusted with this school and I hate to wish badness on people but.. but.. No.. I will just bite my tongue and move on.. Enough Said!

GAYS ARRESTED AT A GAY PARTY IN SAUDI ARABIA

Wow.. Please remind me to thank god that i am living in Canada tonight! Listen to this:

Police in the Gulf kingdom of Saudi Arabia have launched another raid on a so-called gay party, this time in the coastal Qatif province.

TV channel al-Arabiya reports that two young men wearing women's make up and dancing together were among 55 people arrested by religious police.

Last month more than 20 men after a raid on another property in Qatif.

Quantities of alcohol were seized at a gathering of young men. Many were initially arrested on homosexuality charges but later released. [SOURCE]

The article talks about how in Saudi Arabia homosexuality is illegal under sharia, or Islamic Law. The maximum sentence it carries is the death penalty and this is most commonly performed by public beheading. OUCH! That is ridiculous.. Beyond Ridiculous.. I really do hope somewhere in the future things will change for the gays in these countries. Gays are human too silly people!

TENNESSEE: KILLING SPREE ON GAY INCLUSIVE CHURCH

What is this world coming to? Jim D. Adkisson did not agree with a gay-inclusive church’s “liberal movement” and decided he would start a shooting rampage during Sunday services this weekend, said police. Fifty-eight year old Adkisson allegedly killed two and injured seven early morning during mass.

Later on, a letter was found 4 pages in length indicating that Adkisson was planning this attack for a week.

The shotgun-wielding suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church was motivated by a hatred of “the liberal movement,” and he planned to shoot until police shot him, Knoxville Police Chief Sterling P. Owen IV said this morning.

Jim D. Adkisson, 58, of Powell wrote a four-page letter in which he stated his “hatred of the liberal movement,” Owen said. “Liberals in general, as well as gays.” [SOURCE]

This is nuts. I just heard in Toronto, a church here had a shoot-out as well. Whatever happened to fearing God? Man, I dunno guys.. This world is getting nuts!

TEEN WHO SHOT LAWERENCE KING BEING TRIALED AS AN ADULT

Lawrence King and Brandon McInerney

Most you all know about the tragic story about a young 15 yr who was shot by a classmate because he was gay. The judge in charge of the case wants to have Brandon McInerney stand trial as an adult for his actions.

A judge in California has ruled that that a 14-year-old boy who is to stand trial for the murder of his classmate be dealt with as if he were an adult.

As a result of Ventura County Superior Court Judge Douglas Daily's ruling, Brandon McInerney could face life in prison. [SOURCE]

But.. Get this. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans activists had urged that the boy be dealt with by a juvenile court. Crazy stuff eh? I dunno where I stand. I do believe when you're at that age you know what you are doing and maybe he should be charged as an adult. Killing someone is serious stuff so it should be dealt with in a serious manner.

DEATH OF TRANSGENDERED TEEN - HATE CRIME?

Some sad news comes our way from Colorado. An 18 yr old transgender teen was found murdered in her apt last week. The police are still stumped with who could be accountable for the crime.

Friends are wondering if this could be considered a Hate Crime because of how the victim lived her everyday life. Justin David Zapata, the victim, used to go by the name of Angie and lived his life as a woman.

It should be important to recognize that this is one aspect of Angie’s identity, and it should be factored in very seriously into the investigation," Kelly Costello of the Colorado Anti-Violence Program told MyFOX Colorado.

Police are still searching for Zapata's car, a 2003 dark green Chrysler PT Cruiser with the Colorado license plate 441ORN.

"Why would anybody even dare do something like that?" friend Alicia Portillo told MyFOX Colorado. "Why?"

On Wednesday, friends remembered Zapata as a caring friend who didn't care what others thought of her.

"She was beautiful and she wanted people to accept her for who she was,” Portillo said. [SOURCE]

Sad news. Even if this is not a Hate Crime, it should still shed light to the public how Transgendered individuals can be treated on a day to day basis. Rest In Peace Angie!

MICHIGAN: HATE CRIME LAW TO INCLUDE GAYS

In Michigan, Gays are finally going to get some justice. They are now being included in the hate crime law.

Michigan’s hate crime law would expand to include intimidation of gays and lesbians and people with disabilities, and would make hanging a noose or burning a cross on someone else’s property specific crimes, under changes urged by civil rights groups today.

Those changes will be put on a fast track in the House next month, said Rep. Paul Condino, D-Southfield, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. He said he would introduce a bill today to strengthen the state’s ethnic intimidation law.

Condino said the hate crime law changes will be debated during the Legislature’s lame-duck session this fall. He said the proposed changes would toughen Michigan’s hate crime law and bring it in line with those of 31 other states.

The changes are supported by a wide array of civil rights organizations and law enforcement. [SOURCE]

I am honestly surprised that gays still are fighting to be included in Hate Crimes in the U.S.! That's nuts! Its like they are saying their not equal enough to be saved from hate.. Whatever.. That makes my blood boil..

GAY BLOOD BAN - OUCH!!!

This sign isn't the real deal but activitst put it out there to show how the American Red Cross Discriminates. I was in disbelief when I first saw the "No Faggots Allowed" but was happy this was not a real sign. Crazy Message though eh? [SOURCE]

MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT GAY BOYCOTT

Who Doesn't Love a Good 'Ol Boycott. Owner of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, Doug Manchester, is being slammed by Gay Right Supporters. Seems that Doug contributed $125,000 to Proposition 8, an amendment to ban same-sex marriage on the November ballot, which is not sitting well with the gays.

Organizers of the campaign, which is expected to be announced at a news conference today, say they believe it is the first time that gay rights supporters have boycotted a business whose owner seeks to ban same-sex marriage.

Leaders will urge the public to avoid the downtown hotel because they say that support for Proposition 8 amounts to unfair treatment of gays and lesbians.

“Manchester's contribution to this anti-marriage initiative is discrimination plain and simple,” said Brigette Browning, president of Unite Here Local 30, which represents 4,500 hotel and restaurant workers. [SOURCE]

Hmmm.. We will have to keep our eyes on this boycott and see how it does. I agree! Why should i give my money to a company who is against my rights. I hope this has a negative impact on the hotel!!! Is That Bad To Say?

ATTACK ON GAY SHELTER - 4 TEENS ARRESTED

Seems to me some people are just haters.. 4 teens were arrested for attacking youth and a priest who runs a Queens shelter for transgender and gay youth. Although its being reported that there were only minor injuries it still caused for alarm in the community.

The priest, the Rev. Louis Braxton Jr., said he was returning to the shelter, Carmen’s Place, on Steinway Street in Astoria, about 10:30 on Monday night when he saw a group of youths hit a resident on the head with a bag of garbage.

Father Braxton, an Episcopal priest who is the shelter’s director, said he shouted at the attackers and they fled. But four youths returned soon after holding a paint bucket, a miter box, steel brackets and a belt. By then other shelter residents had gathered outside, Father Braxton said.

Two residents of Carmen’s Place argued with the four and were punched in the face and body, Kevin Ryan, a spokesman for the Queens district attorney’s office, said.

...Father Braxton said the group used obscenities and homophobic and anti-transgender slurs. He met with detectives from the Police Department’s Hate Crimes Unit on Tuesday to discuss safety concerns.

“We have had other attacks like this from kids in the neighborhood,” he said. “People pushing the kids, throwing things at them, at least once a week.”

Three of the suspects were identified by the police as Shara Mozie, 17, and Tyreek Childs, 17, both of 24th Street, and Trevaughn Payne, 16, of 34th Avenue, all in Queens.

The name of the fourth suspect, a 15-year-old boy, was not released because he will likely be charged as a juvenile, Mr. Ryan said.

The three teenagers faced assault, weapons and harassment charges, Mr. Ryan said. The most-serious count, the assault charge, is a misdemeanor, he said. [SOURCE]

Wow.. I always think it starts with the family.. These kids need parents to teach them about respecting diversity. I hope these kids get what they deserve.

REGGAE ARTISTS WANT SOME "STRAIGHT" PRIDE

So I am not sure if everyone on this blog is up to date with the issue of reggae music and the gay community. Its well known that the reggae community frown on gays and the way they live by proclaiming hate into their lyrics. Known hateful bigots in the reggae industry include Elephant Man, Beanie Man and Sizzla.

Now don't get me wrong, not all reggae artists are like this but its getting to the point where the LGBTQ community are scared of these hateful mongrels. I just don't understand the hate... I really dont.. But read the article below and come to your conclusion about the reggae industry:

A group of reggae artists, backed by their record label, will openly embrace their heterosexuality this upcoming Labor Day weekend.

"The Straight Pride Parade is a chance for Heterosexuals to gather together and proudly embrace their sexuality," said reggae artist Jango Fresh. "The Parade will also allow reggae and dancehall fans who are in New York City for the Labor Day celebrations to get together and celebrate reggae, dancehall and family in love and unity."

Before i leave this one post.. I do have something to say. I am all for Straight Pride if they really want it but only if they are willing to be open to everyone and be inclusive. I find Gay Pride so inlcusive to everyone; Straight, Bi, Gay, Black, Green or Blue.. It doesn't matter.. So if this Straight Pride is to proclaim hate then someone must stop it because its so uncalled for.

One Reggae artist that i do find great and writes actually good lyrics is Juno Award Winning artist Blessed.. Canadian's own Reggae star.

Check him out on his MYSPACE
www.myspace.com/blessedvibes

BUDAPEST PRIDE TURNED U-G-L-Y!!!

In a previous post, I was talking about Bomb threats happening in Budapest due to the festivities of Pride. Well it seems like it did turn quite ugly during their pride festival this past Saturday. 45 people were taken into custody and 10 others were injured during the parade. It seems that the community still has some far steps to take before they will be able to parade like that do here in Canada or the U.S. Its a shame really. Read below:

About 450 people took part in the march in central Budapest when extremists began throwing explosive devices, eggs, cobblestones and bottles at police and the marchers.

Police seized chemicals and Molotov cocktails from a six-member group waiting for the demonstrators in an uninhabited flat along the route of the march.

Liberal member of Parliament Gabor Horn was hit and a police car carrying former undersecretary Gabor Szetey -- the first openly gay Hungarian politician -- and member of the European Parliament Katalin Levai was also attacked, Hungarian news agency MTI reported.

Three media trucks were damaged by protesters.

Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the extremists gathering around the fenced-off marchers in Heroes' Square. The demonstrators could leave the scene in a corridor leading to an underground station. [SOURCE]

If you want to read more of the story click the SOURCE link above. This isn't very Happy Monday stuff to be reading eh? I hope i find more happy stuff as the day goes on.. Stay Tuned!!