Gay Bozeman Couple Report Assault

Apr16 by D Gregory Smith

On Sunday evening, two gay men claim to have been assaulted inside a Bozeman bar with the assailants repeatedly using gay slurs. The two men required medical attention at the local hospital.

One of the alleged victims told me,”We simply asked a guy to stop some annoying behavior and he said ‘Don’t tell me what to do, faggot’ and cold-cocked me. It’s all a little fuzzy from there. A woman accused (the other man) of assaulting her and the next thing I know, we’re in the back of the patrol car.”

The man insists that he and his boyfriend were not being antagonistic and denied assaulting anyone. “We just went in to have a beer”, he said.

Both men were released from the Gallatin County Detention Facility today. Both men are facing charges- misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct, and an investigation is ongoing. Local media have not yet picked up the story- although I was contacted by a local reporter late today.

Editorial comments: I didn’t speak to any of the alleged assailants, law enforcement, medical personnel or bar management. I did however speak to several friends and acquaintances of the two gay men and they all concurred with one who said, “If he assaulted anyone, it would be so completely uncharacteristic of him, I simply can’t imagine.”

I want to caution people to not rush to judgment until all the facts are known and an investigation is complete.

I’m writing about this incident because I’m simply worried that if prejudice and hate were in any way involved that it not be discounted- because whatever happened, hitting people and repeatedly calling them faggots is not acceptable.

If you were a witness or have further information, I would encourage you to contact law enforcement immediately.

And finally- please be careful out there.

Gay Marriage – A Mystery – Church History

Mar20 by D Gregory Smith

Scott Terry’s sculpture about Proposition 8 is now a YouTube video:

From his website:

When the religious right campaigned to repeal the right of California gays and
lesbians to marry, I was silent. It’s not that I didn’t care or was uninterested…I
just didn’t care enough to get involved. I don’t ever see myself getting
married, so I did not join the fight.

That was a mistake.

So while I did not voice my opinions or feel alarmed at the potential for
California voters to feel strongly enough about gay marriage to amend the
state constitution, I do have a really short fuse when people take their
religious dogma out of their respective churches and expect everyone else to
adopt it. I get even more impatient with the “it’s the way it’s always been”
argument. I mean, get real. If we lived by the way it’s always been, we’d still
believe in slavery and child labor.

This art piece is my late entry into the argument and an apology for my earlier
silence.
On December 5th, 2008 when I first envisioned the creation of this piece, I
sent an email to the ProtectMarriage group, inquiring where I might obtain
some YesOn8 lawn signs. Here’s the text of that email:

Me: “Hi. I need some YesOn8 lawn signs. Can you tell me where I could get
them?”

The ProtectMarriage folks reply: “Your best option would be visiting your
local church. They might have some leftover from the campaign.”

Powerful message, I think.

Me, too. Thanks Scott!

Screening Tomorrow In Bozeman: “For The Bible Tells Me So”

Mar20 by D Gregory Smith

Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? We’re going to discuss this after a screening of “For the Bible Tells Me So” Wednesday March 21st 7pm at The Procrastinator Theater in the SUB at MSU- sponsored by BridgerCare. From the movie’s website:

Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families — including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson — we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard’s Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

I’ll be facilitating a discussion which will include persons who have ben involved in ex-gay reparative “therapy”, and members of local Christian communities.

From my friend Ted Hayes:

Greg, your audience is in for a great time at this movie. Daniel Karslake, the producer, is a personal friend of about 15 years and a great guy. We had a showing in 2008 at the State University of New York, New Paltz, with both Dan and Mary Lou Wallner, who is featured in the film, on the scene for that particular weekend. It literally poured rain that evening but did not dampen the spirits of the more that 200 persons who braved the storm to be in attendance.

The film is wonderful, the stories are wonderful and the people involved with it are wonderful. Wish I could be there to share in this experience with all my fellow Montanans-in-law (my late partner was from Lewistown).

Hope to see you there!

For the Bible Tells Me So (lessfruit.wordpress.com)
5 Reasons We Need to Rebrand Evangelism – Part 4 (richwendling.wordpress.com)
What does the Bible say about OMG? (defendingcontending.com)
I may be lonely, but I’m never alone (sandypineapple.wordpress.com)

Montana Gay-Friendly Health and Mental Health Providers

Feb27 by D Gregory Smith

Looking for a doctor who isn’t freaked out by your sexuality? Or a dentist that will work with you if you have HIV? Or a therapist that has experience with gay couple’s therapy?

The Montana Gay Men’s Task Force has a list of gay-friendly healthcare providers for the State of Montana which they have compiled through a referral and questionnaire network. The providers listed have also given their assent to be on the list.

Check it out here.

Oh, and if you have a fabulous healthcare professional who isn’t listed- you can help them get on the list here.

Advocates: More gay-friendly senior housing needed (mysanantonio.com)
Red Lodge Ski Event to Raise Money for Scholarship (dgsma.wordpress.com)

“Kill every last gay person”‏

Feb26 by D Gregory Smith

Citibank and Barclays could save the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Uganda.

The Ugandan legislature could vote any day on a so-called “Kill the Gays” bill that could result in legalizing the death penalty for any LGBT person in the country. But Citibank and Barclays together have hundreds of millions of dollars invested in Uganda and wield significant influence in the country, just as banking lobbyists wield influence with Congress in the US. If Citibank and Barclays speak out against the “Kill the Gays” bill, Ugandan legislators will take notice in a hurry.

Collin Burton is a Citibank customer — he’s also gay. Collin started a petition on Change.org asking Citibank and Barclays to speak out against the “Kill the Gays” bill. Click here to sign Collin’s petition right now.

Citibank and Barclays are both big supporters of LGBT rights for their own employees, yet they invest money with a government that is threatening to execute LGBT people. “I expect Citibank and Barclays to live up to the values of equality and fairness, not just list them on their websites,” Collin says.

If Citibank and Barclays speak out against the “Kill the Gays” bill, Ugandan legislators will see that they are risking the business relationships that keep their government afloat.

Click here to sign Collin’s petition asking Citibank and Barclays to issue strong statements condemning Uganda’s “Kill the Gays” bill. The bill could come up for a vote any day, so swift action is essential.

Gay Rights Petition: Citibank and Barclays: Condemn Uganda’s ‘Kill the Gays’ Bill (secularnewsdaily.com)
Kill The Gays Bahati Says Uganda Will Not be Blackmailed by the West (oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com)
Archbishop of York challenges Uganda’s Anti-Gay Bill (kiwianglo.wordpress.com)
Ugandan Government Distances Itself from ‘Kill the Gays’ Bill (towleroad.com)

No Talking Points: Gay Skeletons In The Conservative Closet

Feb20 by D Gregory Smith

Arizona Sheriff Paul Babeu, a rising Republican star, publicly admitted he was gay on Saturday, in order to combat accusations from a former boyfriend. He joins a long line of conservatives who came out of the closet only after scandal forced them to do so.Vodpod videos no longer available.

No Talking Points: Gay Skeletons In The Conserv…, posted with vodpod

AZ’s “Build that dang fence!” Sheriff outed, accused (queerlandia.com)
Rob McKenna’s Proposed Gay Marriage Referendum Language Uses NOM Talking Points (slog.thestranger.com)

Pride Foundation: Big Plans for Montana

Feb10 by D Gregory Smith

By Caitlin Copple, Montana Regional Development Organizer, Pride Foundation

During new Executive Director Kris Hermanns’ inaugural visit to Montana, the state’s Leadership Action Team volunteers convened at a retreat center in Red Lodge January 28 to assess the first year of Pride Foundation’s regional expansion in Montana and to help set the course for 2012.

“The Montana retreat recognized, created and harnessed some of the most encouraging energy I’ve been a part of in a long time,” said volunteer and monthly donor Greg Smith of Bozeman. “There is a unity of purpose and vision among us that’s palpable, and we are absolutely committed to LGBTQ equality in Montana.”

Added volunteer and donor Mary Stranahan of Arlee: “It was a good whirlwind of networking and making connections across the state, and I am very glad to have met Kris.”

Among the highlights were the notable increase in the number of LGBTQ events around the state, feeling more connected as a statewide community, giving away more money than ever, and feeling like we are working to create a better world through social change. Wishes from team members included the need for more political and legal change, more visibility to reach people outside the “choir” of progressive and LGBTQ activists, and to diversify in fundraising strategies.

LAT Members with Pride Foundation's Amy White

The team, which functions much like a statewide board, decided to split into three subcommittees focusing on fundraising, visibility and communications, and leadership development. The fundraising committee, co-chaired by Aaron Browning of Billings and Ginny Furshong of Helena, will focus on major donor and monthly giving development and donor retention, as well as connecting with Montana’s many “expats” who have left the state for either coast but remaining committed to social justice here.

The communications committee will develop Montana-specific “talking points” about the impact of Pride Foundation and its grantees in Montana, and work to present to businesses and service clubs.

The leadership development committee will focus on power-building by providing capacity building and technical assistance to grantee organizations and allies, as well as providing greater volunteer support to grantees, especially those focused on advocacy and education.

“Volunteering with and donating to Pride Foundation means being a part of something bigger than myself without losing my individual identity – or my voice,” explains LAT member and monthly donor Greg Smith of Bozeman. “In fact, Pride Foundation amplifies my voice because it is the vehicle for change in the Pacific Northwest for all LGBTQ persons and our allies, urbanand rural. Pride Foundation’s investment in my home state of Montana couldn’t be clearer- it’s professional, it’s consistent and it’s becoming stronger every day.”

Moving forward, the Leadership Action Team plans to meet quarterly in person and monthly in subcommittees. If you have feedback or suggestions for how Pride Foundation can better serve your community, please contact Caitlin@pridefoundation.org or one of your local LAT members.

Montana’s Last Best Chance (dgsma.wordpress.com)
“Quit Flaunting Your Lifestyle” Goes National (dgsma.wordpress.com)
Bozeman Letter To The Editor: Gays, “Just live the lifestyle you’ve chosen and keep quiet.” (dgsma.wordpress.com)

Prop 8 Ruling: Now What?

Feb7 by D Gregory Smith

You’ve probably heard about the decision by the Ninth Circuit invalidating Proposition 8. But if you’re hungry for more information, I want to simplify your search a bit.

I’ve read a lot of articles today about the decision, and I think Phil Reese of the Washington Blade has the best broad, yet in-depth analysis. And he does it without getting too wonky. Excerpt:

Image via Wikipedia

In a two-to-one decision, a panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional in a federal case challenging California’s marriage ban.

The opinion, authored by Judge Stephen Reinhardt, affirms Judge Vaughn Walker’s 2010 ruling that the law passed by California voters at the ballot violates the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution because it “serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples.”

The court also rejected the argument that Judge Walker should have recused himself from the case because of his sexual orientation and relationship status.

Legal experts began to weigh in on the meaning of the decision immediately.

“I think the biggest story is how narrow [the majority decision] really is,” Douglas NeJaime, associate professor at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, told the Blade Tuesday. “Which in some ways I think that might disappoint some folks who were hoping it would expand to more states, but I think in terms of setting it up for a Supreme Court review — either the Supreme Court not taking it, or approving it — for supporters of same-sex marriage, this is actually the most strategically sound way for the case to proceed.”

Legal experts agree that the decision represents a big win for same-sex couples in California, even though it was a narrow decision limited to California. The Ninth Circuit encompasses multiple Western states and some Prop 8 opponents had hoped the court’s decision would impact a wider swath of the country.

He also goes in to the likely next steps, which I find an excellent resource for those of us who wonder what kind of impact this will have across the country.

Read the full article here.

Ninth Circuit Court Of Appeals Rules Prop 8 Unconstitutional (lezgetreal.com)
Celebs Tweet Their Support for Prop 8 Ruling! (ecorazzi.com)

Often Overlooked, Sisters Are At Equality Forefront

Jan24 by D Gregory Smith

What do you know about nuns?

Image by neil1877 via Flickr

I’m not talking about the caricatured, stereotyped and ridiculous portrayals by movies, television and popular culture (Dead Man Walking and a few others excepted). You’ve probably seen pictures of nuns marching for civil rights in the sixties. You may heard of the selfless sacrifices made by sisters in the missionary field. And you may know a sister (or two) who have changed your life for the better.

I do. Several, in fact.

Sisters have been on the cutting edge of social issues (it can be argued) for over a thousand years- much of the hierarchy cannot claim even a fraction of the social justice work these women have accomplished. They have been working (often very quietly) to keep the fundamental message of Jesus alive- the message that compassion, dignity and respect is the only response to every human person.

What you may not know is this: they are also some of the fiercest advocates of social justice for LGBT persons.

New Ways Ministry, a Catholic organization dedicated to promoting understanding and dignity for LGBT persons, has an excellent blog post about the work of religious sisters for LGBT equality. Excerpt:

It’s no secret–though it’s not well-known, either–that high on the list of Catholic supporters of LGBT equality are nuns. Communities of women religious have consistently been supportive of education, dialogue, and justice activities for LGBT people since the late 1970s.

After Vatican II, when nuns’ communities re-evaluated their charisms and ministries, they quickly realized that the church had long neglected lesbian/gay rights and that this was an issue that cried for justice. They responded positively and actively.

Johnson’s article highlights the reason that nuns can be so steadfast:

“American nuns don’t want to fight the official church, but neither are they likely to sacrifice the integrity of their consciences for the sake of peace.”

At New Ways Ministry, we are indebted to our Sisters for financial, spiritual, and practical support over our 35 year history. More New Ways Ministry programs have been held in convents and motherhouses than in any other type of Catholic facility by far.

Read the full post here– and follow their blog on Twitter– it’s a heartening voice in a religious climate that is often far from charitable.

So if you have a negative view about nuns, consider changing your mind. And if you know a sister who’s braving the forefront of equality- thank them. Send them this post, in fact.

We owe them more than we think.

Related articles

Nuns at forefront of corporate activism (mumbailaity.wordpress.com)
What You Probably Didn’t Know About MLK (subzinfo.wordpress.com)
The Church vs. the church (newwaysministryblog.wordpress.com)
ALL ARE WELCOME: Say the Words (newwaysministryblog.wordpress.com)
Some Good News (dgsma.wordpress.com)
Marriage Equality Gaining Momentum in Two States with Catholic Governors (and Among Catholic Mayors, too) (newwaysministryblog.wordpress.com)

Some Good News

Jan14 by D Gregory Smith

The Heartland Proclamation

by the Heartland Clergy for Inclusion

As Christian clergy, we proclaim the Good News concerning Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons and publicly apologize where we have been silent. As disciples of Jesus, who assures us that the truth sets us free, we recognize that the debate is over. The verdict is in. Homosexuality is not a sickness, not a choice, and not a sin. We find no rational biblical or theological basis to condemn or deny the rights of any person based on sexual orientation. Silence by many has allowed political and religious rhetoric to monopolize public perception, creating the impression that there is only one Christian perspective on this issue. Yet we recognize and celebrate that we are far from alone, as Christians, in affirming that LGBT persons are distinctive, holy, and precious gifts to all who struggle to become the family of God.

In repentance and obedience to the Holy Spirit, we stand in solidarity as those who are committed to work and pray for full acceptance and inclusion of LGBT persons in our churches and in our world. We lament that LGBT persons are condemned and excluded by individuals and institutions, political and religious, who claim to be speaking the truth of Christian teaching. This leads directly and indirectly to intolerance, discrimination, suffering, and even death. The Holy Spirit compels us:

to affirm that the essence of Christian life is not focused on sexual orientation, but how one lives by grace in relationship with God, with compassion toward humanity;
to embrace the full inclusion of our LGBT brothers and sisters in all areas of church life, including leadership;
to declare that the violence must stop. Christ’s love moves us to work for the healing of wounded souls who are victims of abuse often propagated in the name of Christ;
to celebrate the prophetic witness of all people who have refused to let the voice of intolerance and violence speak for Christianity, especially LGBT persons, who have met hatred with love;

Therefore we call for an end to all religious and civil discrimination against any person based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. All laws must include and protect the freedoms, rights, and equal legal standing of all persons, in and outside the church.