Category Archives: LGBT

Success! MT Republicans Drop Anti Gay Platform Plank

by D Gregory Smith
Montana Republican Party

Montana Republican Party (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

…and they did it while thousands were celebrating Montana Gay Pride in Bozeman. From Talking Points Memo:

Montana’s Republican Party has dropped a longtime plank in its platform demanding that the state recognize a law banning homosexual activity.

The state GOP had officially declared that “We support the clear will of the people of Montana expressed by legislation to keep homosexual acts illegal,” language that was initially included in 1997 after a state court struck down an existing ban on gay sex. All such state laws were invalidated in 2003 in the Supreme Court case Lawrence v. Texas.

The issue was dropped from the “crime” section of the platform over the weekend at the Republican state convention after the party’s crime subcommittee decided to remove it.

“The folks on the crime committee told me they had a good debate about it,” he said. “I wasn’t there myself.”

But it wasn’t entirely clear why the plank was removed. At least some Republican legislators had openly decried its inclusion as an embarrassment. But Montana GOP Executive Director Bowen Greenwood told TPM that his only direction to party committee chairs was to gut extraneous items from the platform in order to make it shorter and more accessible.

Greenwood declined to offer any opinion on the move.

“I run a servant office,” he said. “I work for Republican officeholders and I represent the platform they choose. I don’t tell them what it ought to be.”

State Rep. Keith Regier (R), chairman of the state party crime committee, did not immediately return a request for comment.

I’ve been harping on this for years now, so whatever the reason, begrudgingly or otherwise, I’ll take it.

Related articles

My Speech: Pride Rally 2012

by D Gregory Smith

From Yesterday’s Pride Rally: 

Last week someone said to me “Why do you people need a parade? Why do you have to make such a fuss?”

Here’s why:

We have been afraid to be who God created us to be. Sometimes it was our churches that made us afraid.

We have been legislated against- made criminals in the eyes of the law that is supposed to protect us.

We have been killed and we have killed ourselves.

We have lost good men and women to HIV/AIDS.

We have been bullied and teased and yes, driven from our very homes and schools and communities- and state.

We have been hurt and maligned right here under this big sky.

 

Why do we need a parade?

 

To remind us that there are people whose bravery has driven away darkness. Whose voices refuse to give in to hopelessness or complacency or fear.

That together, we can be that voice.

 

A voice to proclaim the goodness of our lives and the lives of our brothers, sisters, parents, children and friends- we are here and like it or not- we are not going away.

 

We will not forget the lives that have lived with pain to bring us here- to this place of hope and triumph.

 

Today is a gorgeous day in Montana History, because the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit, Transgender, Intersex and Queer people of Montana- and our allies- are here to proclaim that we will not let our voice die.

 

We will not be afraid.

 

We will stand up when we are told to lie down.

We will speak when anyone tries to shame us into silence.

We will remain when we are told to leave.

We will proclaim the truth.

 

Firmly and gently and clearly and proudly.

The truth that we are light.

And that light makes Montana more beautiful, not less.  More.

 

I want to hear your voice.

Are We Good?

Are We Beautiful?

Are We Going Away?

 

We live in hope that one day all Americans agree.

Until then- we have a parade.

Because we.

Are not.

Going.

Away.

Related articles

Author Bobbie Zenker talks about “TransMontana” on KBZK

by D Gregory Smith

Very proud. You can see it here.

Tonight: “The Argument for LGBT-Inclusive Christianity”

by D Gregory Smith

Get to the Bozeman Library tonight at 7pm…!

Kathy Baldock, a straight, Evangelical Christian and Executive Director of Canyonwalker Connections, will offer the public a chance to consider, discuss and debate the arguments for a Christianity that is welcoming and affirming of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered persons. All are welcome.
For More about Kathy and her experience, please visit http://canyonwalkerconnections.com/about-2/ .

This forum is presented By Montana Pride 2012

 

Related articles

MT Dem Platform Amendment Language

by D Gregory Smith

Following my earlier story, here’s the language:”We support repealing Section7, Article 13 of the Montana Constitution. All adults should have the right to legally marry another adult of their choice regardless of sex or gender. We believe same-sex spouses should have the same legal benefits, protections and responsibilities granted to all those who marry”

Related articles

MT Dems: Marriage Equality Is A Right

by D Gregory Smith

Breaking news this morning- From Twitter: “the Montana Democrat delegates unanimously voted to approve a platform amendment supporting full equality for gays and lesbians”

Formal recognition that marriage equality is such an non-issue for most Montanans that this just makes sense.

Bravo.

Inlaws & Outlaws To Be Shown At MT Pride 2012

by D Gregory Smith

Did you miss Inlaws and Outlaws last month? Well, you have another shot!

Montana Pride presents an encore screening of Inlaws & Outlaws as part of this year’s Pride celebration.

The film is Saturday, June 16th at 6 pm at the Procrastinator Theatre in the Strand Union Building on the Montana State University campus inBozeman. The MSU SUB is the headquarters for Montana Pride this year- and there will be lots of activities available for all ages.

This community screening is FREE and open to all- and DVD sales benefit Montana Pride.

See you there!

Related articles

CNN: Majority Of Americans Support Marriage Equality, Have Gay Friends/Family Members

by D Gregory Smith

From LGBTQNation:

A majority of Americans say they support legal recognition of same-sex marriage amid growing evidence that the public has become more comfortable with gays and lesbians, according to a new CNN/ORC International survey released Wednesday.

According to the survey, 54 percent of respondents now say that marriages between gay and lesbian couples should be legal, with only 42 percent opposed.

The results also indicated that the number of Americans who say they have a close friend or family member who is gay jumped from 49 percent in 2010 to 60 percent today, the first time in CNN polling that a majority of Americans have said that.

Looks like coming out is having the positive effects Harvey Milk predicted.

Full story here.

Related articles

Political Candidates Respond To “Big Gay Invitation”

by D Gregory Smith

You may have read about the Openly Gay Elected Officials and Candidates Breakfast being hosted by the Pride Foundation and Women Vote during Montana Pride.

If you haven’t,  it’s here.

We’ve gotten some amazing responses so far. I wanted to highlight a few:

AG candidate Jim Shockley let us know through his assistant that he can’t attend due to the Montana Republican Convention that same weekend.

Legislative candidate from the Flathead Reservation Tom Camel declined because Bozeman is “too far,” but says he “supports Pride in the ways I can.”

“Dear Caitlin,  I would love to come to your breakfast mixer but I work on Saturdays.   I absolutely support equality for ALL and wish I could be there to support you and meet potential collaborators.  If you have any questions of me, please ask.  Keep me up on other events and I’ll try and make it.  Sincerely,  Jessie Nichols for House Distict 14 (Alberton)”

“My wife and I would like to join you for the breakfast mixer.  I’m running for Senate District 36 (Beaverhead and Madison counties).  We’re also the proud parents of a gay daughter. My campaign website is at www.turnerforsenatedistrict36.com. – Richard Turner, Dillon”

“I received your invitation to the festivities in Bozeman, unfortunately my husband and I will be in Germany visiting our son who is stationed there with the Air Force.  I’m sorry to miss meeting all the legislators and many supporters.  Will you be having any events in Billings?  Thank you again for the invitation and I hope the events of that week go well. Best, Debbie Willis Candidate, HD 50 (Billings).

“You can count me in as a supporter of the Gay Community and Women everywhere! – Norma Duffy,  Democratic Candidate of HD72 – Beaverhead County”

“Thank you for your invitation to the June 16th event. Due to the distances I will be unable to attend. Please know that I am a huge supporter of all rights for women. They by the way seem to be more treated then ever.”
Sincerely, Peggy Steffes Candidate for HD 89 representative” (Bitterroot Valley)

I received your invitation to this breakfast and I would like to attend.  I left a message on your cell phone.  I need to know what exit gets off highway 90.  I’ve got a map.  Maybe you’ll be able to point me in the right direction for the parade too.  (I don’t know my way around Bozeman as well as I should).  So this is my RSVP and I look forward to meeting you all.  Marla Clark for House District 83 (Helena)

Awesome support for LGBT’s in Montana! Still time to make it if you’d like- donations accepted but never required!

Please RSVP by Thursday, June 14 by texting or calling Pride Foundation’s Regional Development Organizer in Montana, Caitlin Copple at 546.7017 or by emailing caitlin@pridefoundation.org.

Related articles

Still Time To Be A Proud Producer- And I’m Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is

by D Gregory Smith

There’s only 1 week left!

Montana Pride 2012 and Wet Paint Studios are working to bring a quality film about Montana diversity to life- and we want your help. Films are expensive to make- and every contribution is important. From their Indiegogo webpage:

The LGBTQI community is coming out of the woodwork.  With political gains such as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and the Obama Administration’s affirmation of promoting equality for the LGBTQI community, more and more people are coming out and showing their true selves to the world.

And yet, in rural Montana, sometimes their only opportunity is at annually held Montana Pride.  In a state of just a million people, ideas come in slowly.  For some, Montana Pride, held annually in June, is what affirms themselves in the LGBTQI community, as well as the greater community.

“Outside The Lines” explores what it means to be an LGBTQI in Montana, and why pride is more than a weekend celebration in diversity.  Using Montana Pride as our anchor, we plan on exploring how attitudes towards the LGBTQI community has changed in Montana, how Pride brings people together for a weekend of celebration, and how that celebration needs to carry on through everyday life.

Our filming will take place during Montana Pride, held in Bozeman once again June 15-17.  We are also currently lining up interviews with prominent members of the gay community, such as leaders of PFLAG (Parents, Family, Friends, of Lesbians and Gays), representatives of our legal system, teachers, and activist college students.

Plus, every contribution over $10.00 gets a “perk”- which includes Producer credits (you have to be in for more than 10 bucks to get that). It’s an amazing opportunity- and I’ve already kicked in $50 bucks. 

If they get five more donations today, I’ll kick in an extra $50.00. Come on- even $10 will get us closer to our goal!

To see how you can be a producer, click here: http://www.indiegogo.com/montanapride2012

Related articles