Warren protest planned at King church

(Atlanta, Georgia) A coalition of activists is planning to protest The King Center’s choice of the Rev. Rick Warren as keynote speaker on the federal observance of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.

The Jan. 19 event in Georgia is the day before the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, who …

More than 140 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied Groups to Hold “Equality Summit” to Win Back Marriage

Representatives of over 140 organizations will join together with elected leaders, including members of the California LGBT Legislative Caucus, for the California Equality Summit, to collaborate, share best practices, and plan next steps in the struggle to win back marriage for same-sex couples in California. In addition, researcher David Binder will release and present the results of a study on Prop. 8 voting patterns and influences.

A variety of groups will attend ranging from leading LGBT-rights organizations like Equality California to pioneer allied civil rights groups such as the N.A.A.C.P to new internet activists like Join the Impact and Equality Action Now. The Summit’s keynote speaker, civil rights attorney Eva Paterson, founder of Equal Justice Society, will discuss moving beyond myths about race and moving forward with an inclusive movement. Elected officials confirmed to attend, include State Assemblymember John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles), State Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), and State Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego). For a complete list of event sponsors, visit www.eqca.org.

“We want to bring together the largest and most diverse group of organizations and leaders possible so we can work together to win true equality for all Californians,” says Geoff Kors, Executive Director of Equality California, who conceived the summit as a way to coordinate efforts, maximize resources and foster activism.

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Black gay activists: Ebenezer should dump Warren as MLK Day speaker

The Atlanta Black LGBT Coalition last week called on Ebenezer Baptist Church, the historic church where Dr. Martin Luther King served as pastor, to remove Pastor Rick Warren as the keynote speaker for its upcoming MLK Day service.

“Rev. Warren’s hateful opposition to civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and reproductive rights for women, and his intolerance of diversity contradict the values of freedom and equality that this day represents,” the group said in a Dec. 24 press release.

The coalition called on Ebenezer’s pastor, Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, to rescind the invitation to Warren to speak at the Jan. 19 service.

The church did not respond to an interview request by press time.

“Bestowing Rev. Warren such a prominent role does not foster greater understanding between divided communities. Instead it drives more wedges between disenfranchised communities that are continually pitted against each other by the agents of racism and homophobia,” the gay coalition said.
See Black gay activists: Ebenezer should dump Warren as MLK Day speaker
Southern Voice, GA

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Margaret Cho was in a Zoo for GAPA

Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) held their 20th anniversary celebration, “Urban Jungle,” at the SF Zoo on Dec. 6, featuring keynote speaker, comic actress Margaret Cho, and some lively singing and dancing. Tita Aida emceed the awards banquet and introduced F.U.S.I.O.N. (Funky Unique Styles In One Nation); GAPA Dance Company performing “Korean Fushion” to Madonna’s Music” and “Fan Dance” to “Please Don’t Stop the Music;” and the GAPA Men’s Chorus singing “My Romance” and several other songs.

“There are many civil rights milestones to be reflected upon,” said Co-chair Francis Tsang. “Forty years ago, Martin Luther King changed history with the Civil Rights Movement; thirty years ago, Harvey Milk changed history with the Gay Rights Movement; and twenty years ago, GAPA changed history for the Asian and Gay Community.” He said the purpose of establishing GAPA was “empowering the Asian and LGBT community, breaking stereotypes and fighting against the status quo, so that we can live our lives out loud and proud.” Co-chair Raphael Buencamino said, “In a time when HIV was devastating our communities, and a time when same-sex marriage was a fantasy, and when gay API people were turned away at bars and clubs, GAPA fought to bring our community out of the shadows to stand up and fight all those forces against us.” He added, “GAPA continues to lead the fight against HIV, especially among the API community at large. Now is the time to fight in courts, stand up, protest, and do what we can to bring change that we have dreamed of.”

See Margaret Cho was in a Zoo for GAPA
San Francisco Bay Times, CA