Author: thequeerav

“Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman" says Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu

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Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu believes that marriage should stay between a man and a women and centuries of tradition should not be overturned by gay marriage. Sentamu, the second most senior cleric in the Church of England doesn’t however, object to Civil Partnerships but in an interview with the Telegraph recently referred to them as being ‘friendships.’ “We supported Civil Partnerships because I believe that friendships are good for everybody” he said. “If you genuinely would like the registration of civil partnerships to happen in a more general way, most people will say they can see the drift. But if you begin to call those ‘marriage’, you’re trying to change the English language.” Peter Tatchell, the co-ordinator of the Equal Love campaign disagrees with Sentamu’s opinions. “It is not a Christian value to demand legal discrimination against gay couples and to treat them as inferior, second-class citizens with fewer rights than everyone else.” For the further information on the story visit The Telegraph and The Gaurdian.

Starbucks: A Supporter of Gay Marriage Legislation

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Starbucks published a statement January 24 showing their support for gay marriage legislation in the state House and Senate, Washington, DC. The growing list of Corporation support also includes Microsoft. Such support is aiding in the attempts for full marriage equality in Washington. The Starbucks statement reads as follows: To: U.S. partners Date: January 24, 2012 Re: A Message from Kalen Holmes: Starbucks Supports Marriage Equality Dear partners, Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Starbucks strives to create a company culture that puts our partners first, and our company has a lengthy history of leading and supporting policies that promote equality and inclusion. This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners. It is core to who we are and what we value as a company. We are proud of our Pride Alliance Partner Network group, which is one of the largest Employer Resource Groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender …

Gay Australian Couples Now Able to Marry Overseas

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The Federal government is now allowing gay couples to marry overseas where ‘gay marriage’ is legal. A ban has been lifted, allowing the couples to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment to marriage (CNI), a form which was once only granted to ‘straight couples.’ This form informs other countries that those applying to marry are of age and not already married (or bound by any other obstacles). The announcement came from Attorney-General Nicola Roxon recently stating that as of February 1, the ban would no longer exist. “This important change will allow same-sex couples to take part in overseas marriage ceremonies, and be considered married according to the laws of that country,” Ms Roxon said. Whilst any overseas marriage is not acknowledged as such in Australia, it can be used as evidence of a de facto relationship for the purposes of federal and state laws. Many have welcomed this decision including Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich. “It’s already painful enough for same-sex partners to have to marry overseas, away from family and friends, without the Australian Government …

Olivia Newton-John: Her Support for Marriage Equality

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Olivia Newton-John; much loved Australian Actress, has publicly given her support for marriage equality recently. She joined other celebrities including Hugh Jackman, film critics David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz, and costume designer Lizzy Gardiner in her pledge. “With respect to marriage equality I believe that no one has the right to judge and deny couples who love each other the ability to make a marriage commitment. Love is love,” Newton-John said. Australian screenwriter and director Stephan Elliott is said to be announcing the support of more high profile Australians at a marriage equality fundraiser this week. Many welcomed the support including Australian Marriage Equality National Convener Alex Greenwich. “Australians admire celebrities like Olivia Newton-John and Hugh Jackman because they reflect our values of tolerance and a fair go for all, values which they are reminding us apply just as much to same sex couples as to other Australians,” Mr Greenwich said.

The Vengaboys Hit Freo with a "Boom"

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Last night I saw the Vengaboys. You remember them, don’t you? The late 90’s Eurodance, few-hit wonders. Of course you remember such classics as “Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!” and “We Like To Party”, spawned from their 1998 debut “The Party Album!” I, for one, remember that my suburban, Australian childhood was filled with these cheesy, Euro, club songs for some reason. The songs were silly and catchy and I suspect that the primary motivation for people seeing them in 2012 is for a dose of pure, sing-along, nostalgia. Apparently the Vengaboys enjoy partying, and party they did at their show at Metropolis Fremantle, in 2012, over ten years since their last release. The sold out crowd was packed into Metro’s, waiting in keen anticipation for their slice of the 90’s. This was only heightened by the support DJs who played an impressive mix of 90’s dance-pop classics. Despite the sweltering heat and the crowd being covered in sweat before the headliners even made the stage, the atmosphere was of fun and anticipation, enhanced by the …

Trevor Project Volunteer Completes Suicide

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Eric James Borges, a volunteer with The Trevor Project (a crisis intervention organization) completed suicide January 11, 2012. The death of the 19 year old was very unexpected by all, with Borges having uploaded an ‘It Gets Better’ video on YouTube only very recently. In the video he talked about his childhood, the bullying he endured and the loss of his family because of his sexual orientation. “My mother knew I was gay and performed an exorcism on me in an attempt to cure me. My anxiety, depression, self-loathing and suicidal thoughts spiked. I had nowhere safe to go, either at home or school,” Borges said. “You will love and be loved and I love you. You have an entire life, fit to burst with opportunities ahead of you. Don’t ever give up and don’t ever for one second think that you’re not a valuable and beautiful contribution to this world. It gets better.” Laura McGuinnis, a spokeswoman for the Trevor Project told The Washington Post that because he was working with suicide prevention he knew the counselling …

‘True Colors’ Romney Attack Ad leaves Cyndi Lauper Unhappy

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Cyndi Lauper, has expressed her disapproval after her ever popular hit “True Colors” was used in a negative political campaign ad against Mitt Romney. Not only was she unhappy about the unauthorised use of the song, associated most commonly and positively with the LGBTQ community, but also that it had been used in a negative rather than positive context. “While I am in no way a fan of Mitt Romney, my music is meant to lift people up, especially ‘True Colors.’ The song has been a tremendous source of healing and acceptance for so many people and for it to be used in such a negative way dishonors its history and intention” said Lauper. “I am a huge supporter of President Obama and his re-election, but I have let the responsible party know how disappointed I am the song was used and asked that it be removed from the ad.”

Miriam Margolyes' One Woman Show: Dickens' Women

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Miriam Margolyes is returning to Australia this year to perform her one woman show: Dicken’s Women. You may recognise her from works such as James and the Giant Peach, Wicked (on Broadway) or even Harry Potter (Professor Sprout) among many voice roles throughout her career. She’s just finished filming Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries in Melbourne and is now ready to tribute Charles Dickens 200th bithday with her show. “I’m a huge fan of his works, and I don’t understand why people everywhere aren’t. To me he’s just the greatest there is,” Margolyes said. “I love the characters, I love the story, I love the prose, and I dedicate my whole life really to getting people to understand how wonderful he is. And the show Dickens’ Women is a way of doing that.” In this original stage show, Margolyes plays a total of 23 characters from Dicken’s novels, both men and woman and at times gives insight to the writer himself. Margolyes will be playing a number of shows around Australia. To view tour dates click …

Dresden Dolls Perth 2012 – Review

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Amanda “Fucking” Palmer and Brian Viglione together are the Dresden Dolls. Forming in 2000, they have had a well earned break after their hiatus in 2008 and their choice to leave their record label. They have since reformed in 2010 and returned to Australia, performing in Perth last night. In the cute and cosy Astor Theatre in Mount Lawley, Perth, swarms of intricately dressed beings from all walks of life emerged for the final show of the Dresden Dolls Australian tour. As the last gig of the official tour, they set out to put on an unforgettable show. With back up artists Melbourne band, The Jane Austen Argument and Tasmania’s The Bedroom Philosopher (Justin Heazlewood) warming up the crowd the scene was set for the Dresden Dolls to grace the stage. Amanda Palmer runs on stage sporting a Japanese style kimono, soon to be taken off to unveil a slightly more revealing choice of outfit, followed by a shirtless Brian with his face painted with the usual mime artist style. The lights are on and the music …

Australian Open: A Call for Margaret Court's name to be cut from Melbourne Park

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Gay activist Kerryn Phelps is pushing for tennis great Margaret Court’s name to be cut from Melbourne Park because of her continued opposition of homosexuality. Phelps proposed the name change to the Australian Open using twitter, along with other comments such as ” If Margaret Court didn’t want gay politics at the Aus Open she should not use her tennis fame to spread her offensive views.” Organisers of the Australian Open (an annual event due to commence next week) have released a statement, distancing themselves from the anti gay views of Court because of the pressure from a protest in the works. Gay activists are encouraging people to protest Court’s views at the arena by waving their rainbow flags in support of the LGBTQ community. Court, 24 grand slam singles champion, founder and current pastor at the Victory Life Centre church, Perth told The Australian that she won’t back down on her views and still plans to attend the tournament. “Are they not wanting me to come to the Australian Open? Is that what they are trying to do? I don’t run from anything,” Court told …