Saturday, August 9. 2008Our Beef with Beefalo Bob's Catering We have to question the taste level of anyone who picks a place called Beefalo Bob's (and whose mascot is a cow dressed up in a cowboy hat) to cater his or her wedding reception, but it turns out that the Baltimore, Maryland company might be even more judgmental than we are! Laura and Leah, friends of Big Queer who were set up on a blind date by Leah's sister after Laura answered a furniture ad in the local paper three years ago, hired Beefalo Bob's to cater their reception in September. The company allegedly told the couple that they were fine with serving a same-sex "commitment ceremony" but refused to cater the event if Laura and Leah pursued a legal marriage in California. Their reason? According to Laura, Beefalo Bob's doesn't want to participate in any "politically-charged" or "unlawful" practices. Funny, we thought the role of a caterer was to bring the food, serve it and keep their mouths shut, and the last thing Laura and Leah want to do is politicize such an important personal moment in their lives. The pair withdrew their contract and got their deposit back. Continue reading "Our Beef with Beefalo Bob's Catering" Friday, August 8. 2008"This Is the Voice I Want to Use"Thursday, August 7. 2008Obama Addresses Gay Families Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama has responded to an open letter (view the PDF) sent to both presidential candidates by the Family Equality Council regarding John McCain’s statement to The New York Times that he does not "believe in gay adoption." (Side note: Is that like not believing in Santa?) In his letter, Obama acknowledges the needs and desires of families of all stripes and, of course, outlines his plan to strengthen American families—by doubling spending on after-school programs for children, expanding the Medical Leave Act and encouraging flexible work schedules for parents—but he doesn't really address issues facing LGBT families specifically until the final paragraph. Obama pledges to stand up for all American families and we should demand that the next president, whoever he is, keep that promise. Contact Obama here. Contact John McCain here. Friday, July 25. 2008Comrades in New York We Chinese queers have reappropriated the term comrades, or tong-zhi (同志), to describe ourselves for almost 20 years. Literally, tong-zhi means "having the same will." It's used to describe not only homos, but also bisexuals and transgenders. It's more like the term LGBT, or in fact, "queer", which really embraces everyone who have the same intention and goal to reach equality for the LGBTs. Four Chinese queer films will be coming to New York later in September during the Chinese LGBT Film Festival, titled "Comrades," during which we can get a glimpse of the lives of queers through the lens of a bunch of Chinese filmmakers. It's worth mentioning that the first tong-zhi film festival in mainland China in 2001 was shut down by the Chinese National Security Agency. For more information, visit Asia Catalyst. Tuesday, July 22. 2008John McCain Should Talk to the Real Expert on My Family-Me
Op-Ed
By Alan O'Brien-Myers As someone who was adopted by two lesbian moms, I was certainly disappointed to find out that John McCain, a candidate for President of the United States, doesn't "believe in gay adoption." What's not to believe in? Many gays and lesbians adopt children and create wonderful, loving families. My moms adopted me out of foster care when I was eleven years old. I'm seventeen now. I love my family. My moms provide for me in all the ways that other parents provide for their children. We have our problems just like everybody else, but in the end we take care of each other. We believe in each other.  View larger version. Cartoon by Mikhaela B. Reid. What we don't believe in is John McCain and any other politician who is out of touch with the reality of American families. Not all families are married moms and dads with their biological children. Many children are raised by single parents, unmarried parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and more. What makes these families real is the love and care they have for each other, their commitment to seeing each other through good times and bad. Continue reading "John McCain Should Talk to the Real Expert on My Family-Me" Saturday, June 21. 2008Facebook Us! Okay, okay we're a little late but hey that doesn't mean you still shouldn't join the party now that we've officially launched the Big Queer Facebook Group. Let us know what you think. Tuesday, June 17. 2008Call for entires: Queer Literary & Arts Journal Last year I pranced over to merry 'ole England for a little R&R and and ended up meeting with the editor of the fantabulous queer literary journal Chroma. If you're a writer or fancy yourself one I got good news for you. I just got word that Chroma has announced their second annual International Queer Writing Competition. The categories include short fiction, poetry and Transfabulous Prize for the best short story by a trans writer or exploring trans themes. Also Chroma is taking submissions for Issue 9 America, from writers and poets from the Americas or by others about the Americas (North, Central or South) but hurry the deadline is August 15, 2008. Monday, June 16. 2008Justin Bond - Delicious! Later this month, Tony-nominated performance artist Justin Bond will bring his critically acclaimed Lustre to the Abrons Playhouse. Lustre was hailed by Time Out New York as "dizzying, riotous and unexpectedly moving... a glitter-encrusted extravaganza" and I'm going to do everything I can to go see it. Justin Bondis one of my absolute favorite performers. Years ago just after I moved to New York for graduate school, we had a brief chat after one of his performances at The Cock (the old one) and he was absolutely charming (I have a memory like an elephant) and I can't wait to see Lustre. There are just six performances scheduled: June 25 at 8pm, June 26 at 8pm, and June 27 and 28 at 7:30pm and 10pm. Tickets are $20. The tickets will probably go fast so get more information or buy your tickets online at: https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/209 |
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Comments
Tue, 12.08.2008 21:31
If I'm ever in Baltimore, I
now know where NOT to eat.
Benjamin Beebe about Gay Porn Blogs & The Michael Phelps Bulge Photo- Sexy or Just Spam?
Sat, 09.08.2008 02:59
thats soooo frakin
hot.......but here is the
funny thing look at the kid
staring at it hes all like
"damn thats big i [...]
jul about "This Is the Voice I Want to Use"
Fri, 08.08.2008 14:12
I'm glad that finally people
are starting to talk about the
importance of gender issues,
the non-binary world we live
[...]
Lesbilicious about Comrades in New York
Fri, 08.08.2008 12:32
"having the same will." -
that's so awesome! really
inclusive.
Sascha about Facebook Us!
Sat, 19.07.2008 01:42
I totally know what you mean
Mel.