Kentucky's U.S. Senate Delegation Opposed Repeal of Don’t Ask Don't Tell (DADT); U.S. Senate Passes the Bill!

In a move being hailed as a milestone victory in the campaign for homosexual rights, the Senate acted Saturday to repeal the 17-year-old law that prohibits gays and lesbians from serving openly in the U.S. military.

The 65-31 vote, which came after a charged and sometimes vitriolic debate, was surprisingly bipartisan. Eight Republicans joined Democrats in voting to repeal the policy.

Conservative organizations said the vote didn't reflect the sentiments of rank-and-file military members and should not have taken place so close to the end of the current session of Congress. The Massachusetts Family Institute blasted their U.S. Senate Republicans, including U.S. Senator Scott Brown, who broke rank with their party on the vote.

"The American military exists for only one purpose — to fight and win wars. Yet it has now been hijacked and turned into a tool for imposing on the country a radical social agenda," said Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council.

Implementation of the law remains at least a couple of months off. Both U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and Admiral Mike Mullen, who wanted the law repealed, must first certify that policies are in place to conduct the repeal "consistent with military standards for readiness, effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention."

U.S. Senator Jim Bunning (R-Kentucky), did not vote.

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) opposed the move, and characterized the move as "ill-considered," adding that the move "is harmful during a time of war."

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), disagreed, cited a Pentagon study that said the change would cause little disruption within the ranks of the military. Admiral Mullen made it clear that he supports repeal. "From my personal perspective, absolutely."

Admiral Mullen continued: "We value integrity as an institution, asking individuals to come in and lie about who they are every day goes counter to who we are as an institution."

Kentucky's Congressional Delegation in the U.S. Senate are an embarrassment the entire Commonwealth.

When states such as the United Kingdom, the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Commonwealth of Australia, the State of Israel, Argentina, Canada, Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of the Netherlands, all member states of the European Union and every original NATO signatory except Turkey and the United States, allow homosexuals to service openly, what does that say about the people we have elected to represent Kentucky in the United States Congress?

In the area of gay rights, and in human rights, the United States has fallen behind other States, we are no longer the world leader in liberty and freedoms.

The United States recently had to answer to the United Nations for human rights violations.

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Artist shares "Love is Love" music video with Marriage Equality Kentucky

Marriage Equality Kentucky received the following video and message:

I'd like to share with you the music video I just released for the first single of my new CD, "Revelations". The song is called, "Love is Love", and it is a song about equality (especially for the gay and lesbian community). Thanks very much for your time and consideration! - Jay Jacobson

Mr. Jacobson, Marriage Equality Kentucky is happy to post this for our readers. 



---> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

In Loving Memory: World AIDS Day - History and Tribute

Today is World AIDS Day, first established in 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the United Nations Global Program on AIDS at the United Nations World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

This year there is even greater cause for celebration as the United Nations World Health Organization - Joint Program on HIV/AIDS and global scientists unveiled a drug that reduces the chances of infection for gay and bisexual men. (see related official blog post)

However, no one and nothing can replace the millions who have died from this global epidemic, and no apology is sufficient from the United States government for turning a blind eye during the initial stages of the epidemic.

HIV/AIDS was initially called the "gay cancer" and ignored by the highest levels of the United States government. Only the Departments of Public Health in the states of California and New York immediately responded to the initial outbreak of the "gay cancer."

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention couldn't squeeze a dime out of Regan Administration for the "gay cancer" until straight people began contracting the disease, eventually realizing that global blood supplies, ready for patient transfusions during routine surgeries carried the disease and there was no way to test for the disease or know what blood was infected.

Ryan Wayne White, a teenager from the state of Indiana became the poster child for HIV/AIDS in the United States, after being expelled from middle school in 1984 because of his infection. A hemophiliac, he became infected with HIV from contaminated blood.

The perception that the disease was a "gay cancer" shifted as Ryan White and other prominent HIV-infected people, such as Magic Johnson, the Ray brothers and Kimberly Bergalis, appeared in the media to advocate for more AIDS research and public education to address the epidemic.

The U.S. Congress passed a major piece of AIDS legislation, the Ryan White Care Act, shortly after White's death in 1990.  Until 1990, only States, celebrities, and private companies provided significant funding for HIV/AIDS research. 

The "gay cancer" was officially named Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the final stages of the virus, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the initial stages.

AIDS killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 according to United Nations World Health Organization estimates, and it is estimated that 33.2 million people live with the disease worldwide, including 330,000 children.

In total, the United Nations estimates that 60 million people have been infected, leaving 14 million orphaned children.

AIDS stigma still exists around the world in a variety of ways, including ostracism, rejection, discrimination and avoidance of HIV infected people. During the 2010 Legislative Session, the Kentucky House of Representatives again failed to renew funding for the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program despite pleas from Kentucky Equality Federation and 11 other organizations, placing hundreds on a "waiting list" to die because they cannot afford the life saving medication without government assistance.


WATCH: History Uncut - Ryan White in 1986 In this clip from "History Uncut", Ryan White describes his experience returning to school after being diagnosed with AIDS.

We give thanks to the following celebrities who made significant contributions to AIDS awareness, held fundraisers, or made personal visits to homes or hospitals to visit patients:

• Diana, Princess of Wales, who visited hospitals with HIV patients not only in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations but around the world, and against the advice of her security detail, touched (and even hugged) HIV infected patients.
• Elizabeth Taylor, an international legend (actress), who held countless fundraisers for HIV/AIDS research.  By 2001, Taylor had raised over $60 million dollars for HIV/AIDS research. Taylor helped start the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), as well as her own AIDS foundation, the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation (ETAF).  
• Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop," who visited Ryan White personally and successfully pleaded with the Clinton Administration to increase AIDS research funding.  Jackson also personally donated money to AIDS research and held fundraisers.
• Sir Elton John, an international legend (singer and piano player), who visited Ryan White personally, has held countless fundraisers for HIV/AIDS research, written songs, and created his own private AIDS foundation.
• Tom Burch, Representative in the Kentucky House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee.  Representative Burch, has served the Commonwealth of Kentucky since 1972; Representative Burch sponsored or co-sponsored most of the Commonwealth's HIV/AIDS awareness, education, and prevention legislation. (give special thanks to Representative Burch)

The following celebrities died from AIDS and raised international awareness of the disease:

• Amanda Blake (Died at 60 years old), Best known for playing Kitty Russell in the television series Gunsmoke.
• Tom Fuccello (Died at 56 years old), best known for playing Senator Dave Culver from in the television series Dallas.
• Dack Rambo (Died at 52 years old), best known for playing Jeff Sonnett on the television series The Guns of Will Sonnett, and Jack Ewing in the television series Dallas.
• Larry Riley, (Died at 39 years old), best known for playing Frank Williams in the television series Knots Landing, a Dallas spin-off.
• Rock Hudson (Died at 59 years old), an American legend, starring on over 40 films, as well as popular television series as a special guest star such as I Love Lucy, and Dynasty.
• David Oliver (Died at 30 years old), best known for playing in the daytime soap opera Another World, and A Year in the Life with Sarah Jessica Parker.
• Anthony Perkins (Died at 60 years old), an American legend, starring in over 30 films, but best remembered for playing Norman Bates in the Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho.
• Robert Reed (Died at 59 years old), best known for playing Mike Brady on The Brady Bunch.
• Liberace (Died at 67 years old), an internationally famous American entertainer and pianist. During the 1950's and 1970's, he was the highest-paid entertainer in the world.
• Freddie Mercury (Died at 45 years old), an internationally famous entertainer, and the first major rock star to die from AIDS. Mercury was the lead singer of the rock band Queen.
• Richard A. Heyman (Died at 59 years old), Mayor of Key West, Florida and one of the first openly gay elected officials.
• Larry McKeon (Died at 63 years old), Representative in the Illinois House of Representatives. McKeon the first openly gay member lawmaker elected in the State of Illinois. 

Following are the ending credits of the HBO film "And The Band Played On," based on the best-selling 1987 non-fiction book And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts.



-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

World reacts to new drug that helps prevent HIV/AIDS in healthy gay and bisexual men

Only days after Michel Sidibé, executive director of the United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) praised Pope Benedict XVI for announcing "the use of condoms is justified when intended to reduce the risk of HIV infection," the agency also released information on a new drug that helps prevent healthy gay men from catching it through sex with an infected partner.

"The announcement will make cooperation easier with faith-based organizations, in the fight against HIV and AIDS," Michel Sidibé hold world reporters. "This is an important step forward." The Roman Catholic Church rejects condoms as a means of birth control and had for many years said they are not a means of preventing AIDS.

United Nations' AIDS-fighting agency (UNAIDS) has been an even bigger priority at the United Nations since the current executive director, Michel Sidibé is also an Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, reporting directly to the Deputy Secretary-General of the world organization.

Kentucky Slides Backward with HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention

Nearly one in five gay and bisexual men in 21 major U.S. cities are infected with HIV, and nearly half of them do not know it.

HIV has reached epidemic levels again in the Bluegrass Region of the Commonwealth, especially among the Latino and Black communities.

Kentucky Equality Federation fought hard for new funding for the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program, as well as HIV/AIDS prevention during the 2010 Kentucky Legislative Session.  

Though the legislation also carried the support of Kentucky House Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Tom Burch, as well as the Kentucky HIV/AIDS Advocacy Group, AVOL, Lexington Gay Lesbian Service Organization (GLSO), House of Ruth, OUTsource at the University of Kentucky, and a wide variety of other organizations, the funding was axed by the Revenue and Appropriate Committee, particularly, the House Subcommittee on Human Resources during negations with Kentucky Equality Federation officers.  Why?  Senior citizen programs took priority because of the upcoming election as told to Kentucky Equality Federation negotiators. 

"We need to reinvigorate our response to preventing HIV among gay and bisexual men," Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC's Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, said in a telephone interview with the media giant Reuters. "We can't allow HIV to continue its devastating toll among gay and bisexual men, and in particular, among young black men."

The "Breakthrough"

Scientists announced a "breakthrough" in the fight against AIDS for gay and bisexual men. A pill already used to treat HIV infection turns out to be a powerful weapon in protecting healthy gay men from catching the virus, a global study found.

Daily doses of Truvada cut the risk of infection by 44 percent when given with condoms, counseling and other prevention services. Men who took their pills most faithfully had even more protection, up to 73 percent.

Researchers had feared the pills might give a false sense of security and make men less likely to use condoms or to limit their partners, but the opposite happened — risky sex declined.

UNAIDS warns that condoms remain the first line of defense.

United Nations World AIDS Day is December 1st of each year.  

The results are "a major advance" that can help curb the epidemic in gay men, said Dr. Kevin Fenton, AIDS prevention chief at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But he warned they may not apply to people exposed to HIV through male-female sex, drug use or other ways. Studies in those groups are under way now.

Charles Karel Bouley, a blogger with the Huffington Post slammed the new drug however in his latest blog post, stating: "We need a cure for HIV and AIDS. We've always had a way to prevent it, it's called common sense and responsibility, though of course mistakes and accidents can happen. Condoms, while not easily accessible to everyone, are free at most clinics or Centers in the U.S., minimal at most drug stores and information is everywhere. If one day I turn up positive, I'll know why. It won't be because I didn't take a pill."

---> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Admiral Mike Mullen: "End Don't Ask, Don't Tell" as soon as possible

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Sunday that Congress shouldn't wait to repeal the military's controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy which forces gay, lesbian and trans-gender members to hide their personal lives or face expulsion from the service.

"The other piece that is out there that is very real is the courts are very active on this, and my concern is that at some point in time the courts could change this law and in that not give us the right amount of time to implement it," Admiral Mike Mullen told ABC's Christiane Amanpour. "I think it's much better done if it's going to get done, it's much better done through legislature than it is out of the courts."

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), currently Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, is by law the highest ranking military officer in the United States armed forces, and the primary military adviser to the the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the Secretary of Defense.

Mullen refused to comment on the leaked results of a Pentagon survey that reportedly says there is widespread support for repealing the policy, and that doing so would cause only "minimal risk" to soldiers.  "We'll have this report done here and to Secretary Gates in the next couple of weeks by December 1st, and I won't make any comments on where I think we need to go until that report is done," he said.

But Mullen made it clear that he supports repeal. "From my personal perspective, absolutely."

"I think it belies us as an institution. We value integrity as an institution," Mullen continued. "Asking individuals to come in and lie about who they are every day goes counter to who we are as an institution." Mullen expressed concern about the head of the US Marine Corps, who said earlier this month it was the wrong time to overturn the ban on gays serving openly.

"There's risk involved; I'm trying to determine how to measure that risk," Gen. James Amos said at the beginning of November. "This is not a social thing. This is combat effectiveness. That's what the country pays its Marines to do."

"What concerned me about his most recent comments, it came at a time where we actually had the draft report in hand, and we had all agreed that we would speak to this privately until we completed the report and made our recommendations up the chain," Mulled said.

But the Join Chiefs chairman is confident that Amos will comply should the "don't ask, don't tell" policy be repealed.

"He basically said that if this law changes, we are going to implement it, and we are going to implement it better than anybody else," Mullen told CNN's Candy Crowley Sunday.

NOTICE:  This post is courtesy of Raw Story.  At the time of this post, it is BREAKING NEWS.

---> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

13 arrested for protesting Don't Ask, Don't Tell; Cindy and Megan McCain blast the Republican Party

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) made some of his strongest remarks yet in defense of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy that prohibits open homosexual service, suggesting Sunday that an imminent Pentagon study on the issue is biased and arguing that a bill that would overturn it should not pass during the lame-duck session of Congress that began Monday.

His wife, Cindy McCain disagrees with him however, as does his daughter, Meghan McCain. Just the other day, Cindy McCain was part of an all-star anti-bullying video in which she criticized the government's failure to let gays be open in the military. Afterward however, Cindy McCain backed down and Tweeted that she supported her husband's stance on DADT. 

Cindy McCain continues to stand by her statement however that the "government(s) [local, federal, and state] treat the [gay] community like second-class citizens."

Today, thirteen gay rights activists handcuffed themselves to the White House fence (pictured above), calling for U.S. President Barack Obama to work harder for repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gay service members serving openly.

Several taunted the president, calling for him to come out of the White House and display more courage supporting equal rights for gays. One man shouted, "President Obama is afraid to act."

One of those arrested was a Catholic priest, the Rev. Geoff Farrow, who has spoken in favor of same sex marriage.

Megan McCain (pictured), the daughter of U.S. Senator John McCain, and the oldest of the four children John and Cindy McCain have has become something of a star to the gay and lesbian community for her many public appearances saying the Republican hatred of gay marriage and its inability to tolerate and grant equality to gay and lesbian people will be the undoing of the Republican Party.

In her recent book, "Dirty Sexy Politics," Megan McCain complains that the base of the Republican Party is becoming narrower and narrower, and is no longer the party of individual freedom promoted by Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan. Megan McCain has also described herself as a Republican who is "liberal on social issues."

"We need to make room for all Republicans," she writes in her book. "That means my gay friends ... shouldn’t have to pretend they aren't gay – or have an unequal, Don't Ask, Don't Tell kind of lifestyle – if they want to find a place in the Republican Party."

Will this family split make for a bit of awkwardness around the dinner table on Thanksgiving?