compiled by Howard Israel
"Homophobia, discrimination and victimization are largely what are responsible for these substance use disparities in young gay people. History shows that when marginalized groups are oppressed and do not have equal opportunities and equal rights, they suffer. Our results show that gay youth are clearly no exception."
– Michael P. Marshal, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, in a recent study that reports the odds of substance use for LGB youth are on average 190% higher than for heterosexual youth, MedicalNewsToday.com, Mar. 26, 2008.
"We struggled against apartheid in South Africa, supported by people the world over, because black people were being blamed and made to suffer for something we could do nothing about-our very skins. It is the same with sexual orientation. It is a given. I could not have fought against the discrimination of apartheid and not also fight against the discrimination that homosexuals endure, even in our churches and faith groups."
– Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in an 2004 article in The Times of London, as reported in 365gay.com, Mar. 25, 2008. Archbishop Tutu will receive the prestigious 2008 Outspoken Award by the New York-based International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission] at their "A Celebration of Courage" human rights ceremony on April 8, 2008.
"We were introduced [in 1958] and we found each other attractive and pleasant and nice and so we started going together. Our fondness grows and that doesn't diminish with the longevity of our relationship – it just gets more interesting and more delightful to be with each other each day."
– John Cook and Waverly Cole, celebrating 50 years together, their Golden Anniversary was recognized recently by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network dinner in Washington. Both Cook, an 88-year-old retired teacher and school counselor, and Cole, a 78-year-old retired physician served in the Army during World War II.
"Overturning the U.S. military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy is an issue that is especially important to us. Sexual orientation was never an issue during World War II, Cook said. I can tell you right now if they had fired every gay and lesbian person in World War II, we would have lost the war."
– John Cook and Waverly Cole, celebrating 50 years together, in an interview in Washington Blade, Mar. 21, 2008. Their Golden Anniversary was recognized recently by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network dinner in Washington. Both Cook, an 88-year-old retired teacher and school counselor, and Cole, a 78-year-old retired physician served in the Army during World War II.
"Domestic violence is not a way of life. Protect others. Protect yourself when you have sex. Remember: AIDS still kills. We have gay and lesbian friends and as Azteca Challengers we are respectful of people living their sexuality freely. Gays and lesbians are part of the Azteca Challenger family. We all have the same rights. Do not discriminate against anyone."
– The set of principles that all the "challengers" are required to go on camera and agree to, on the Spanish language TV reality show – "Retador Azteca" [Azteca Challenger], posted by a blogger, Blabbeando.blogspot, Mar. 22, 2008. The show features eight Latino boxers from the U.S. and eight Mexican boxers living in a "reality" home and facing each other in boxing matches.
"This trip was designed specifically for those who have a passionate desire to see the homosexual community come to Christ. Our group will work with a homosexual ministry in Connecticut. After several days of intensive training over specific evangelism techniques, we will participate in one-on-one evangelism to homosexuals in New York City and Province Town (one of the most densely populated gay communities in America) and nightly Bible studies and worship services. Students interested in this trip… must have a heart for the homosexual ministry."
– A description for a student-led spring break missionary group from Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, as reported on GoodAsYou.org, Mar. 21, 2008. The group spent a week in Connecticut under the tutelage of professional anti/ex-homo Stephen Bennett.
The truth is that there is nothing about Billy, or any bullied victim, that justifies or legitimizes deliberate, repeated physical violence. Bullying is learned early and practiced often in schoolyards across America. Everyone involved suffers: bullied kids, like Billy, who feel unsafe and alone; bystanders who learn the code of silence; and even the bullies, who may enjoy that momentary feeling of power, but who long term also pay a huge price, if the primary way they know how to connect with another person is with cruel words and their fists. Parents and schools, in partnership, need to make it a priority to quit blaming the victim. Hang in there, Billy. It's not your fault."
– Carrie Manley, Palo Alto, CA, in a letter to the editor, New York Times, Mar. 26. 2008. The letter responds to an article, titled "A Boy the Bullies Love to Beat Up, Repeatedly" about 16-year old Billy Wolfe from Arkansas, targeted by bullies for years, has been punched, pummeled, kicked and bloodied, for no apparent reason
"While there is increasing acceptance, the world's still a hostile place for gay teenagers. They deal with hostile families, hostile churches, if they're involved, and they deal with hostile schools. Certainly school administrators should be at the top of the food chain, making the charge against discrimination. Many times they're reluctant to take a stand with regard to gay kids until something terrible happens."
– Virginia Uribe, a retired LA Unified School District counselor and founder of the district's Project 10, a support program for gay students, , in an article titled "Kids openly gay earlier than ever", Los Angeles Daily News, Marc. 26, 2008.
