House of Commons officially passes marriage equality
British Commons Approves Marriage Equality Bill
Email address of Attorney General prosecuting 18 year old Florida lesbian
Gay Man's Murder Sparks Massive Rally
The Daily Agenda for Tuesday, May 21
Connecticut Scouts simply announce that they are accepting gay scout leaders
Church of Scotland allows ministers in relationship
Last Minute Bid to Sink Marriage Bill Fails in British Commons
Featured Reports
What Are Little Boys Made Of?
In this original BTB Investigation, we unveil the tragic story of Kirk Murphy, a four-year-old boy who was treated for “cross-gender disturbance” in 1970 by a young grad student by the name of George Rekers. This story is a stark reminder that there are severe and damaging consequences when therapists try to ensure that boys will be boys.
Slouching Towards Kampala: Uganda’s Deadly Embrace of Hate
When we first reported on three American anti-gay activists traveling to Kampala for a three-day conference, we had no idea that it would be the first report of a long string of events leading to a proposal to institute the death penalty for LGBT people. But that is exactly what happened. In this report, we review our collection of more than 500 posts to tell the story of one nation’s embrace of hatred toward gay people. This report will be updated continuously as events continue to unfold. Check here for the latest updates.
David Benkof: Behind the Mask
At first glance, David Benkof appears to be a young gay man who believes that same-sex marriage will damage the institution of marriage, that there are better options for gay couples than marriage, that the community should join him in prioritizing other more pressing issues, and that the marriage discussion is harming the efforts of gay couples in red states to get recognition for their unions. He also claims that he’s a gay columnist, that he speaks for an influential collection of gay thinkers, and that he is part of the gay and lesbian community and that he shares our goals and dreams. But none of that is true.
“Repeat After Me”: The Reparative Therapy Echo Chamber
The April 2008 edition of the pay-to-publish vanity journal Psychological Reports featured a new report from NARTH. Written by NARTH president A. Dean Byrd, past president Joseph Nicolosi, and Richard W. Potts, the report carries the unwieldy but self-descriptive title, “Clients perceptions of how reorientation therapy and self-help can promote changes in sexual orientation.” While the title describes what the authors meant to show — how clients describe the benefits of reparative therapy — the report itself actually illustrates something very different: the ex-gay movement’s remarkable ability to instill an almost robot-like parroting of ex-gay rhetoric among their clients.
Testing the Premise: Is MRSA The New Gay Plague?
The Toronto Star said that a new study “discover[ed] a new strain” of a super-bug “hitting gay men.” Headlines in Britain screamed, “Flesh-eating bug strikes San Francisco’s gay community,” and anti-gay extremists across America spread the alarm that gays were introducing another plague into “the general population.” But there was a small problem with all of this: None of it is true!
Paul Cameron’s World
In 2005, the Southern Poverty Law Center wrote that “[Paul] Cameron’s ‘science’ echoes Nazi Germany.” What the SPLC didn”t know was Cameron doesn’t just “echo” Nazi Germany. He quoted extensively from one of the Final Solution’s architects. This puts his fascination with quarantines, mandatory tattoos, and extermination being a “plausible idea” in a whole new and deeply disturbing light.
From the Inside: Focus on the Family’s “Love Won Out”
On February 10, I attended an all-day “Love Won Out” ex-gay conference in Phoenix, put on by Focus on the Family and Exodus International. In this series of reports, I talk about what I learned there: the people who go to these conferences, the things that they hear, and what this all means for them, their families and for the rest of us.
Prologue: Why I Went To “Love Won Out”
Part 1: What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Part 2: Parents Struggle With “No Exceptions”
Part 3: A Whole New Dialect
Part 4: It Depends On How The Meaning of the Word "Change" Changes
Part 5: A Candid Explanation For "Change"
The Heterosexual Agenda: Exposing The Myths
At last, the truth can now be told.
Using the same research methods employed by most anti-gay political pressure groups, we examine the statistics and the case studies that dispel many of the myths about heterosexuality. Download your copy today!
And don't miss our companion report, How To Write An Anti-Gay Tract In Fifteen Easy Steps.
Testing The Premise: Are Gays A Threat To Our Children?
Anti-gay activists often charge that gay men and women pose a threat to children. In this report, we explore the supposed connection between homosexuality and child sexual abuse, the conclusions reached by the most knowledgeable professionals in the field, and how anti-gay activists continue to ignore their findings. This has tremendous consequences, not just for gay men and women, but more importantly for the safety of all our children.
Straight From The Source: What the “Dutch Study” Really Says About Gay Couples
Anti-gay activists often cite the “Dutch Study” to claim that gay unions last only about 1½ years and that the these men have an average of eight additional partners per year outside of their steady relationship. In this report, we will take you step by step into the study to see whether the claims are true.
The FRC’s Briefs Are Showing
Tony Perkins’ Family Research Council submitted an Amicus Brief to the Maryland Court of Appeals as that court prepared to consider the issue of gay marriage. We examine just one small section of that brief to reveal the junk science and fraudulent claims of the Family “Research” Council.
Review: The Gay Report
When Karla Jay and Allan Young published The Gay Report in 1979, it quickly a favorite source of statistics for many anti-gay extremists. But before you accepts these statistic at face value, you should examine the inner workings of this survey very carefully. What you learn might surprise you.
Daniel Fetty Doesn’t Count
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News, analysis and fact-checking of anti-gay rhetoric
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Levi’s loves the gays.
Emily K
May 21st, 2010 | LINK
well timothy, gross generational stereotyping aside, I wear jeans when they’re fitting to me.
additionally, if we ARE doing the stereotyping here, gay WOMEN will DEFINITELY wear jeans. The more rugged, the better.
Mike
May 21st, 2010 | LINK
I’m wearing Levis right now.
NARNC60AC
May 21st, 2010 | LINK
loungin n my 505′s right now :P
guess i better go buy another pair of levi’s this weekend
tim
May 21st, 2010 | LINK
I’m wearing the same Express jeans I wore to a wedding a few months ago in Mexico (straight couple). One of the best weddings I’ve been to since it dispensed with the formal ceremony and attire bullshit found at so many ceremonies.
(and you will never catch me wearing Levis)
Ted
May 21st, 2010 | LINK
All I wear are jeans… what else is there to wear? Plaid? Khaki? Slacks? One they’re boring, and two, you can’t make a mess with them. Jeans are classy, durable, and comfortable. Wear jeans. Period. Duh. Go Levi’s!
TampaZeke
May 21st, 2010 | LINK
I wear blue jeans often and when I do they’re Levi’s 501′s.
They still make them but they’re harder to find.
This is a good reason for gays to start a new fashion trend (as we do very well) with a retro look that includes Levi’s jeans.
Timothy Kincaid
May 21st, 2010 | LINK
I should clarify.
I live in jeans… but my brand of choice hasn’t been Levi’s. Now I think I’ll make a change.
Burr
May 21st, 2010 | LINK
Yeah I wear jeans but I was never particular about brand. Perhaps I should start.
Jeremy
May 21st, 2010 | LINK
Of course people still wear Levis. And of course Levis is on our side. Did you miss this ad campaign a little while ago, with Walt Whitman poetry narrated by Walt himself (supposedly, in the first one) and Will Geer (in the second), and featuring a print camaign with photography by Ryan McGinley:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdW1CjbCNxw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAXpJSvW5mA
They’ve been the only jeans I wear for a while now. Personally, I prefer the 511 slim fit jeans to the classic 501s, but I do miss the button fly. The 510 super slims are a bit too skinny for me to pull off, but I do like seeing them on other people.
Dave
May 21st, 2010 | LINK
I have always been partial to Levi’s jeans, they have always fit me well, and I’m delighted they fought to defeat Prop H8. I’m wearing a pair of 517′s at the moment, have 559′s and Silvertabs in the closet. I’ve abandoned the 501′s, not for me. Go Levi Strauss!
Mike Camardelle
May 22nd, 2010 | LINK
Guess I’m one of the strange ones. I have more 501′s and 550′s and SilverTabs in my closet than any other brand. For one, I love their fit. If I do say so myself, my butt looks better in them than any of the others. Two, they leave a lot of room in the legs without buying loose fits. And three, I have a couple of pair in there that are 15+ years old and look better than the day I bought them.
I just found out recently how much they support our community after a few commercials on LOGO and some research on their website.
We should spend out $$ with LGBT supportive companies, as long as we like their products.
Cowboy Billy
May 22nd, 2010 | LINK
Ok, that’s it! I have worn a competative brand for years….Now I am switching to 501′s…Cowboy up!
gregory brown
May 22nd, 2010 | LINK
You can find 501s at JCPenney. They cost a bunch more than in the 80′s, but there are sales regularly I really like button flies but age and a desire for comfort has moved me to 505′s.
Ben in Oakland
May 22nd, 2010 | LINK
As a long time connoisseur of boy butts, and having come of age in the ’70′s, I can tell you that there is nothing like a pair of 501′s to show off what God created. sometimes I want to scream at boys I see: “Why are you wearing those things?” They either make you look like an overweight hausfrau at Walmart, or a 2 year old girl on a softball team.
BobbyInBeaverton
May 22nd, 2010 | LINK
Last time I saw someone gay wearing Levis? Last time I looked in the mirror! And, yes, they stil sell 501s and they’re still hot (wish I still had the body for them–we’re in 505s now…). And Levis has always been very gay-supportive–go buy some!
Most expensive place to buy: Levis stores.
Cheapest (here in the Pac NW): Fred Meyers
Richard Rush
May 22nd, 2010 | LINK
Wow, I guess I’m really out of the fashion loop. I’ve been wearing Levi’s all my life (and that’s a long time). My partner, too. We had no idea that we were supposed to feel embarrassed all these years. So now we can feel proud. Who knew?
Full disclosure: Many years ago I once tried another brand, but they didn’t fit right. I’m sitting here now in a pair of Levi’s 505′s as I type this.
cowboy
May 22nd, 2010 | LINK
As a BWA (Butt Watchers Anonymous) charter member I haven’t found a membership record for any Ben in Oakland. I’ll keep checking.
I think the supply of Levis 501s have been bought up just in time for IML this coming weekend. I know I have felt I have kept my local feed & tack store in business with just what I buy in Levis and Wranglers.
I’ve always worn Levis 501s. Shrink to fit. Wear them first the bathtub. They had the size I need. Nothing looks worse than “high waters” or “flood” when wearing boots.
Plus, the advertisement that Brad Pitt did for Levis…along with his Levis in Thelma & Louise contributed to my devotion to Levi Strauss.
And who can remember the Levi commercial when the man pulled on his Levis and up came the ground floor to his apartment. (Special effects). Then he walked off with his date (another guy).
Just one pet peeve: I just wish people would tear off the size tab on the rear patch on the belt loop. It is meant to be torn off. I notice these things when I concentrate so much on…well…you get the picture.
Tom
May 22nd, 2010 | LINK
I have worn Levis all my adult life. I, too, didn’t know I was out of fashion. Have about 75 pairs, mostly 501′s. Although I probably should switch to 505′s, I am firmly established in wearing 501′s. Had my best encounters wearing them. Ah, the memories.
So good to know the brand I support is now making a real effort to support us.
Always check out the thrift stores before I go to the retail stores. A lot cheaper there.
Richard Rush
May 22nd, 2010 | LINK
Oh, I almost forgot: My partner and I have been wearing lots of Dockers (by Levi Strauss and Co) for many years. Actually, a lot more Dockers than jeans. Were we supposed to feel embarrassed about our fashion sense for wearing those, too? I really don’t know.
Well, when I wear T-shirts I still tuck them into my pants. So, there!
John D
May 22nd, 2010 | LINK
I have 501s in a variety of colors. Brown. Green. Black. Blue (of course).
Matt
May 22nd, 2010 | LINK
Looking forward to the post where Jim Burroway wonders if any gay people could possibly be so bourgeois as to shop at Wal-Mart or fly the American flag outside of their houses or eat at Dairy Queen.
Alex H
May 23rd, 2010 | LINK
The only jean brand I wear is Levi’s. They fit great and I love the 511 (skinny fit).
When I found out that the company was supporting our community, I made the conscious decision to always shop Levi’s. :)
Eddie89
May 23rd, 2010 | LINK
I love and support Levis, but I will never buy them or anything else from Wal-Mart:
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.: Does not offer domestic partner benefits except in locations required by law. Wal-Mart is the largest retail seller of books but refuses to carry any LGBT titles in their stores. [HRC buyers guide] Wal-Mart CEO Mike Duke and his wife signed petitions to ban adoption for same-sex couples in Arkansas. [KnowThyNeighbor.org]
Watching this documentary also gave me several more reasons not to patronize Wal-Mart:
Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price
Mark F.
May 23rd, 2010 | LINK
I like Levis. However, I can’t agree that you should support a company just because they have pro-gay policies. I also demand quality and value, which Levis provide.
Timothy Kincaid
May 24th, 2010 | LINK
No, Matt, Jim Burroway doesn’t usually run the fashion police or denigrate Dairy Queen diners. That’s my job.
And I’m delighted that so many readers and commenters have been loyal to Levi’s.
Jim Burroway
May 24th, 2010 | LINK
Matt, who has never met me, seems to think he knows me. He should stop by sometime. I’m in the house that sometimes has an American Flag out front. Maybe we can meet up for chili-dogs and a Blizzard. My treat.
Priya Lynn
May 24th, 2010 | LINK
Mmmmm chili dogs… gghuuhggguh…
Chris McCoy
May 24th, 2010 | LINK
I still have my 501 Reasons Tee, with that eternal truth emblazoned on the front:
“That’s a dangerous place to put a zipper.”
Mike F
November 8th, 2010 | LINK
I’m 6’8″ tall, 210 pounds with a 33 waist…have been wearing Levis 501xx for 30 years…size 34/40. Recently Levis stopped making 501xx in 40 inch inseams….unless you have a 36 inch waist. You can get ‘em in 50+ waist and 30 inseam (THAT image is disturbing). So they continue to make jeans for the average, heavy set and obese customers, but have abandoned the market for us tall guys.
SIGH….am gonna have to switch to Wranglers 13 MWZ. Those can be found in a 44 inseam!
If anyone knows of a source for new old stock shrink-to-fit in 34 or 35/40, I’d be most grateful for the information.
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