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A lot has happened this week during my excessively long absence (due to ridiculous things like, excessive workload). New Jersey fought an awkward battle, and seemed to win…if in that wishy washy way to which, it seems, I must resign myself. But New Jersey’s highest court did rule Wednesday that homosexual couples are due all of the rights accorded to heterosexual couples, and has given the legislature six months to either grant gay couples the right to marry, or come up with another civil-union type system. And that is certainly worth celebrating, even when you have to keep in the back of your mind that, even in states where it may become legal, we can still be denied our rights, as evidenced by late Congressman Studds’ partner being denied death benefits.
 But as we head into the seriousness of election time, and consider the ramifications of new legal rulings such as NJ’s we also need to give ourselves the time to let go. And what better way to let loose and be truly freaky queer than with the costumed mania that is Portland’s Halloween happenings. Just Out’s main article highlights the best places to get costumes, though at this late date I’d also like to point out OregonLive’s own cheeky options. As for what to do once you’re all dressed up check out Just Out’s haunted events calendar. As for me, tonight’s a tough call between Doubledown at Holocene and an amazing sounding Disco party at the Wonder Ballroom (have I talked before about how much I love the 70s and how I was born too late?) As for the night of Haunts itself, I recommend Sissyboy’s take on the religious Halloween "Hell Houses" at the Doug Fir, especially for anyone (like me) who missed their Friday night zombie performance. Although any holiday with Amy Sedaris is tempting too…
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Though American finally one the marriage battle in one state, and one state only, we’ve always known that this was a tenuous one, and that it would create problems with federal law. This is why I laugh, if incredibly sadly, at those that claim gays and lesbians want special rights. Equal rights would give Massachusetts gay spouses access to so many benefits that married people enjoy. One of these is death benefits, which, apparently, we are not entitled to. The first gay congressman died this weekend and he was a married Massachusetts resident. However, his partner has been denied the $62,000 yearly pension to which he would be entitled if he was a woman. While I’m sure this man is not as struggling as most Americans it is important that there be a public outcry on his behalf, because rights are being denied Americans everyday that may not be lucky enough to be heard, and are in much greater need. It’s time we realized and publicized the fact that gay people in this country are over-taxed and under-benefited.
Thanks to Peep, for bring this to my attention.
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 Queerty came up with an interesting post that relates to my post a few days ago on the politics of outing politicos. Seems many agree with Kerry Eleveld (and me) that hypocritical policians need to be exposed. Besides, I couldn’t pass up the chance to use a picture like this… […]
The first openly gay congressman, Gerry Studds, died early Saturday morning at 69. I have to confess I don’t remember his time in office but I was saddened to hear of his passing. I also felt guilty for wanting to giggle that the first out congressman had to be named Studds and his age the puerile joke number 69. But as I read the New York Times article I started to become squeamish about more than my own inappropriate laughter.
 Studds had his own Foley-like scandal that surfaced over 20 years ago.
But in a 1970s world without instant messaging Studds didn’t type flirt, he actually had an affair with a 17 year old page. The scandal broke 10 years after the affair, and yet Studds was reelected the next year. I’m glad that the early 80s saw the first gay congressman, and that something like this was uncovered. But it also gives me shame. And its unfortunate that the first out congressman had to be one such as this. I’m certainly willing to debate that someone who is 17 may be old enough to make their own relationship decisions, however, it is clearly an abuse of power and position for a politician to become involved with an underage page during or near their service in Washington. And while I realize that Republicans have tried to counter the present Foley scandal with this much older one, I’m actually surprised that it hasn’t made a louder noise.
Perhaps Democrats are starting to be able to spin words and cover up difficult realities as well as their opponents…whom I’ve both criticized and envied for this ability.
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In celebration of this national phenomena I just want to give you a mildly amusing little video wherein a woman in a closet suit asks passers-by whether she should come out of the closet. Stick with i… […]
 With the eruption of the Mark Foley scandal, as well as this week’s impending National Coming Out Day, the question of politicians and their personal lives in one that seems to be on American minds. And while outing celebrities has always been one of those sentiments that rings with: "oh let them be, but everyone already knows so I’m going to continue to gossip anyway." But the question of outing does become more serious when talking about politicians that hide in a protective closet of shame and self-loathing that can lead to using their power to deny rights to other gay Americans. Kerry Eleveld has a piece in today’s New York Blade that addresses this issue directly. And though I find it unfortunate, on some level, that politicians must have their personal lives so intensely scrutinized, the reality is that they do, and everyone should be on a level playing field in this regard so hypocrisy is not a secret. It is this concept that makes me want to reproduce Eleveld’s article in its entirety but I will highlight a specifically significant portion near the end (though I encourage you to read the whole thing).
Mark Foley’s problem was not that he was gay, it’s that he solicited teenage boys. The fact that his gayness was only scrutinized in the mainstream press after he was tied to "naughty e-mails" has now inextricably linked his sexuality with his inappropriate advances.
Another interesting media source (as I hope we bloggers are now considered) is BlogActive. Which has come under attack for its outing of gay politicians. And if Eleveld’s article hasn’t convinced you why this is not only acceptable but necessary then BlogActive writer Mike Roger’s many posts just might. This clip seems a good introduction though his most effective points comes near the end. I think its important to note that he specifically says he is not targeting celebrities, or even politicians as a whole. It’s not about gossip or prurient interest, but public interest.
For more on what local bloggers have to say on the Foley issue ORBlogs has a great feed on the whole Foley hullabaloo.
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Just got this note from Todd at the Simmons Equality Network And though I don’t have time to do much research I have heard this before and thought it was important that you be informed of the homophob… […]
I know I’m a bit behind on this but I just wanted to give you the video of everyone’s favorite lezzie mom give her controversial statement of the year on The View the other day. I wholly support her s… […]
 I really don’t have much to say about the greasy looking, smiley, gay ex-Governor of New Jersey. Yeah, the one surrounded in scandal concerning promoting a man for sleeping with him; the one that was on Oprah yesterday. I didn’t watch it. But this little snippet from the boys over at Queerty is pretty funny, and I think, right on the mark.
But for a better overview, and more opinion, check out the rundown at Gay Rights Watch. This seems more cheesey, and without the ounce of cynicism I appreciate from the Queerty entry, yet GRW is always on the pulse and has interesting things to say.
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— Bridezilla! Even lezzie weddings can feature a full out brawl with the Best Man…– Aw…the regning king and queen of gossip-land have got our backs…– I want my gay reality TV…(ok so I know… […]
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