For the Bible Tells Me So

On Friday evening, I went to see "For the Bible Tells Me So" at its opening in Louisville. Village 8 Theater, in partnership with the fairness folks, should be complimented for showing this film. After the movie, one of KFA's Board members asked me for my opinion and I didn't feel I was ready to give it. It definitely was well made and the story that it tells is one that warrants the round of applause and tears it received. I've thought about this movie for a while now and I must say it is probably the best I'll see this year. For those of you that know me, you know I don't go to the movies very much, but I'm definitely glad I saw this and I'm hopeful to see resources become available to partner with other theaters, churches, and schools to get it shown in more rural areas. You know the Bible is misused all the time. A portion of my k-12 education was done in a private Christian school and I have great memories about my time there... however, I can still to this day look back on teachings we received that were indeed supplemental to the facts shown in this film. IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR THE BIBLE TO BE USED AS A WEAPON, BUT RATHER AS A GUIDE FOR LIVING A HEALTHY AND FAITH-FILLED LIFE. The movie is showing at Village 8 in Louisville until Thursday and I encourage any and everyone to attend it. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.village8.com/. Below are a few clips from folk's reviews about the film. I encourage you to post comments about what the film says to you.

~Jody

"Any movie that opens with the classic 1977 footage of singer- turned-gay-basher Anita Bryant getting creamed by a pie—then praying for its hurler's soul as fruit filling plops off her smug face—is okay in my book. This is an impressive, critical film that should be screened for everyone who's ever exploited the Bible to justify fear and prejudice. And who knows, it might even save a life. "
— GARY GOLDSTEIN, Reel.com

"Homosexuality is indeed labeled an “abomination” in the Bible. However, as Rabbi Brian Zachary Mayer reminds us, the term also applied to various other activities deemed against the traditions or rituals of the times. “A few verses above and below it says you shouldn’t plant two different seeds in the same hole, you shouldn’t commingle your crops.” Also discouraged is the wearing of linen and wool together, and the eating of shrimp and rabbit. The list goes on."
- KJ DOUGHTON, Filmthreat.com

"Karslake quotes several scholars on this subject, but none speaks with the simple gravity or authority of Desmond Tutu — who equates homophobia with the injustice of apartheid and decries them both as "contrary to the heart of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." His remarks echo those of parents who can recall their kids singing Jesus Loves Me ("for the bible tells me so") years before they came out — and under fire."
- AMY BIANCOLLI, Houston Chronicle

Giveline

Have you begun your holiday shopping spree? Today is Black Friday and lots of people are out shopping today, but not me. Thursday’s Thanksgiving festivities wore me out. I’m not planning to leave the house at all today. Every year, I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and can’t help, but feel bombarded with the commercials announcing the big holiday sales beginning today at 4 a.m., 5 a.m., and 6 a.m. I did those sales a few years ago, but maybe it was the turkey, maybe the wine, but it’s already mid-day and I find myself sitting here having missed all the early morning sales. So, I’m shopping from home and doing it in a way that channels a portion of the proceeds to the Kentucky Fairness Alliance Foundation.

Giveline.com is an online store that allows people to shop for in-demand items, while designating a charity (KFA is set-up and ready to participate) for a portion of the proceeds to benefit.

I just found “What Dreams May Come,” my favorite movie of all time and I had already planned to give a copy of it to someone special this year. I was able to purchase the DVD just now through Giveline.com and designate the pre-set savings on that item (25% or $3.18) to the Kentucky Fairness Alliance Foundation.

Please join me at http://www.giveline.com/ and see if you find something special to give your loved ones this season, while continuing to support the Kentucky Fairness Alliance Foundation - your statewide fairness organization.

~Jody

PS – Remember you can purchase your 2007 holiday keepsake ornament online at http://www.kentuckyfairness.org/!

Gay clubs put on extinction list?

I saw this come through on e-mail tonight... what do you'll think about it?

~Jody

GAY NEWS BLOG: 11/03

Gay clubs put on extinction list?

Some queens have complained for decades about the gay nightlife scene being tired, but a business website recently went one step further by placing gay bars and nightclubs on the brink of extinction, predicting they'll become relics of the past by 2017.

Gay clubs were placed on an endangered species list alongside piggy banks, pay phones and record stores as part of Entrepreneur.com's "10 Businesses Facing Extinction in 10 Years."

"Around the country, gay bars have been going out of business as gay men and women have been gaining greater acceptance in society," states the article, which also appeared on AOL's small business website. "What used to be a hangout for people who felt unwelcome elsewhere is becoming less necessary.

"When gauging the gay bar industry's "odds of survival in 10 years," the website quips: "As with many industries, the very best of them will endure; the rest won't."

national dinner

Hey, folks... sorry I haven't posted. I've been swamped. Short and sweet... the HRC national dinner was really good. Speaker Pelosi did a great job and it really cool getting to meet her. I can't think of anyone else on the national scene more deserving of the national equality award. And, a big thank you to one of my friends in DC, that made this weekend possible.

~Jody

Friday night and Saturday's luncheon

Hey, everyone. I made it to DC fine yesterday. Of course, I had a little drama (because - well - I'm me), but nothing major. Have you ever seen an ink pen explode on an airplane? Well, MIND DID! I had red ink everywhere... my hand was stained red all yesterday afternoon, which provided for some interesting conversations. I was able to spend some time with a dear friend of mine, Jeff, yesterday upon arrival. I had never met his partner and so we went for a walk down to his office. Thanks, Jeff, for my gift that you bought me. I really appreciate it and I'll be sure to use whenever you and Jody Shalane bump into each other. Last night, Vic Basile and I joined former HRC president Elizabeth Birch and HRC co-founder and Board member Terry Bean for dinner. We went to a really nice little place called Nage. This was a very interesting and engaging time. Afterwards, Vic, Terry, and I made our way over to the HRC Board dinner for a quick stop for them to talk some business. After that we hung out and got some drinks - had a little fun. Oh, yesterday the Americans for Prosperity group was also meeting at the Mayflower Hotel (where the HRC Board meetings are held). Throughout the day the republican candidates for Presidents were parading through giving speeched. FUNNY, huh? We had a good conversations with one of their folks over drinks last night... nothing like watching folks that have been involved in this movement for 30 years go head-to-head on some of the issues. Can I have another drink, please?

Today, I attended the major donors luncheon at the Mayflower where Susan Stanton, former city manager of Largo, FL, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_stanton) addressed the HRC Board members and major donors. I was able to meet her and talk for a little bit. I'll attach a picture that I got with her and Terry (check out that AMPER&AND). I cried during her talk. Yea, I know, cry baby - but it was really moving for me. I really admire her and can only ask her to remain strong.

Okay, I'm going to rest for a little bit before I have to get ready for the big gala this evening. Chat later...

~Jody

HRC National Dinner

So, bright and early tomorrow I head off to DC for the weekend to attend the National Dinner of the Human Rights Campaign (http://www.hrcnationaldinner.org/). Given all the recent drama surrounding ENDA stuff, I imagine this might just turn into a colorful Saturday evening. I'm planning to blog a little while I travel. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is the keynote speaker for the dinner and I'm excited to hear her. I've always had a great deal of respond for her. So, keep me in your thoughts while I travel and venture into the middle of things... hehe

~Jody

ENDA

Earlier today, the Equality Federation (national), for which KFA is a member state, released the following statement regarding ENDA. What are your thoughts? Please feel free to share and discuss your ideas.

~Jody


STATEMENT ON REMOVAL OF PROTECTIONS FOR TRANSGENDER AMERICANS FROM THE FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT

October 1, 2007

"Equality Federation is the national alliance of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy organizations.

Over the past several days, leaders of these state organizations have been expressing their outrage and dismay that Congress would vote on an employment nondiscrimination bill that would continue to allow discrimination against transgender Americans.

This is not a new issue for state lgbt organizations. Our leaders in the states have worked for years in their state legislatures to end discrimination in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. And here is what we have learned about passing inclusive laws: We know it is possible; and we believe it is morally required.

In this year alone, states as diverse as Iowa, Colorado and Oregon have passed non-discrimination legislation that includes protections for transgender people. In fact, since 2003, every state that has passed non-discrimination legislation has included protections for transgender people.

Equality Federation urges Congress to follow the lead of states like Colorado, Oregon, and Iowa – pass an Employment Non Discrimination Act that protects ALL members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community."

AMEN in Washington Today

Sorry for going silent everyone! I've been extremely busy. Last weekend, the KFA Board of Directors met in Ashland, KY for our 3rd quarter meeting. It was a great meeting and I thank everyone involved in that. Today, I proudly held my breathe as the U.S. Senate vote on the Hate Crimes Amendment. It received the required 60 votes to tack it onto the defense spending bill. I must say how let down I continue to be of Kentucky's senators. While President Bush has threatened to veto this measure, I'd encourage him to listen to the International Association of Chiefs of Police when they say it is needed! Continue to stay tuned and take part in any of KFA's e-advocacy alerts regarding this in the near future... we continue to push forward. ~Jody

Former UK Mascot and National LGBT Leader Emceeing Out and About 2007!

Jeff Lutes has agreed to emcee Out and About 2007 in November.

~Jody


Jeff is the Executive Director of Soulforce, a national civil rights and social justice organization with a vision of freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance. He is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the organization and creates, guides, and empowers the “take it to the streets” style of activism which has become the hallmark of Soulforce, and it’s new young adults division, Soulforce Q.

Jeff is also a licensed professional counselor in private practice, and has directed treatment programs in both hospital and community mental health settings.. His clinical expertise is in helping both same-sex and opposite-sex couples to improve the quality of their relationships and, for those with children, the effectiveness of their parenting skills. He is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), and the Council on Contemporary Families (CCF). He has written numerous newspaper columns on issues facing same-gender couples and families, and presents relationship workshops based on the current social-science research.

Jeff grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and was the University of Kentucky Wildcat Mascot during the mid 80’s. For the past 20 years he has resided in Austin, Texas. He and his partner of 10 years, Gary Stein, are the proud fathers of a 10 year old son whom they adopted from China seven years ago. They are also fostering a 4 year old boy and a three year old girl whom they hope to adopt in the near future. Jeff’s partner and two of the children are deaf, so American Sign Language is the primary mode of communication in their home.

HR 2015 Hearing

Today, the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representative held a hearing on H.R. 2015 "the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007."

Below are are some links to prepared remarks given at the hearing. Post comments or ideas to ponder if you have them!

~Jody


Chairman Andrews - http://edlabor.house.gov/statements/090507RAHearingStatement.pdf

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin - http://edlabor.house.gov/testimony/090507TammyBaldwinTestimony.pdf

Police Officer Michael Carney (MA) - http://edlabor.house.gov/testimony/090507MichaelCarneyTestimony.pdf

Researcher Lee Badgett - http://edlabor.house.gov/testimony/090507LeeBadgettTestimony.pdf

General Mills Vice-President Kelly Baker - http://edlabor.house.gov/testimony/090507KellyBakerTestimony.pdf

Think About It

So, there I was yesterday sitting in my office looking through the 2007-8 Almanac edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education that came out this week. It had a couple dozen pages of nothing but hardcore statistics on trends in academics, the administration of universities, and the opinions of students. My highlighter was going crazy trying to flag everything that relates to my Monday-Friday, but two other statistics caught my attention that I jotted down to share with you. Check this out:

61.2% of folks participating "agree that same-sex couples should have the right to legal marital status."

25.6% of folks participating "agree that it is important to have laws prohibiting homosexual relationships."

These statistics are based on survey responses of 271,441 freshmen entering 393 four-year universities last fall. The figures were statistically adjusted to represent the total population of approximately 1.3 million full-time freshman at four-year institutions.

Pretty telling, huh? Tomorrow's leaders are going to be fair-minded - Think about it!

~Jody

A New Plan

Hey, folks... we made it back to Kentucky! I believe I can speak for Christina and Misty in saying that we are wore out and glad to be home. However, the meeting was really good. A special thank you needs to go out to Equality New Mexico and their Executive Director Alexis Blizman (www.eqnm.org), the Equality Federation and our Executive Director Toni Broaddus (www.federationlgbt.org), and the 2007 Summer Meeting Planning Committee (Alexis Blizman, Stratton Pollitzer, Michelle Penson, Sandy Vopalka, Rhonda White, and myself).

The sessions were really helpful to me. I talked a little about the sessions I went to on Thursday and Friday in previous posts. On Saturday morning, I went to probably the most helpful to me. It was entitled "Build a Better Board" by Mickey MacIntyre, realChange Partners (www.realchangepartners.com). Later on Saturday, the Federation discussed the new strategic plan of the organization as presented by the Catalyst Committee (which Christina serves on). After discussion and a few activities regarding how we activate the new plan, it was adopted!

I have to say that to me the most valuable role of the Federation is the peer-based leadership development and the opportunities for that at the summer meeting is great. I have to send a shout out to my newest friend in this work, Will Carlson, Policy and Strategy Coordinator at Equality Utah (www.equalityutah.org).

I look forward to sharing the informaiton I gathered at the meeting with the other leaders of the statewide movement... some really cool things happening across the country. I plan to have a conversation at the party I'm having this coming Monday (20th) at my home on some of the new information in the movement nationally.

~Jody

Communication Director Misty York discussing part of the Federation Strategic Vision


Mickey MacIntyre leading the Activation of the New Federation Strategic Plan


The Honorable Mo Baxley (Representative in the Assembly of New Hampshire) - GREAT PERSON!


Equality New Mexico Executive Director Alexiz Blizman wearing her Catalyst Committee hat!

Friday with equality

Hey, again, from New Mexico. Today was another filled day here at the summer meeting of the Equality Federation. This morning started out with a meeting on election 2008. Lunch today had a pretty cool presentation, "State of the Movement," by the Movement Advancement Project. I really enjoyed this and look forward to talking about some of the work they are doing. This afternoon Christina was on a panel for "Challenges of Leadership" and did a great job. This panel also included Ian Palmquist, Executive Director from Equality North Carolina, and Paul Scott, Executive Director from Equality Texas. Tonight, we had a pool party and bbq in collaboration with the GSA network.

Oh, we got to meet, share a drink, and chat with Jeff Lutes (Executive Director with Soulforce - www.soulforce.org) tonight. He seems like a cool guy.

~Jody

Thursday from New Mexico

Hey, from New Mexico folks! It's late on Thursday evening at the time of writing this so it's going to be short and sweet. I am attending the summer meeting of the Equality Federation. The EQ is the national network organization of statewide lgbt groups. While there are several sessions running at any given moment, I attended a caucus discussion for Board members this morning. During lunch, everyone took part in a discussion sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute on professional development in the lgbt movement. After lunch, I went to a session on "Research, Targeting, Messaging: New Approaches and New Directions. This included presentation by Arizona and California. I found both interesting, especially Arizona. Finally, this afternoon I went to a session on "Why do Funders do what they do?" This was pretty cool. It included folks from the Gill Foundation and Gill Action Fund, both of which are great organizations. Oh, at this session at got to sit by my ole cute buddie, Jeff (just smile if you're reading this, Jeff, you're looking manly). This evening, Equality New Mexico treated everyone to dinner at Sandia Resort and Golf Course. We watched the presidential forum on lgbt issues, sponsored by the HRC Foundation... I hope you watched it as well! I'm tired and got another full day tomorrow. Here are some images.

~Jody

Fancy Farm

The 127th annual Fancy Farm picnic was hot in more ways than one. The food was hot, the temperature today had to near 100 degrees, and the politicians were borderline boiling. Governor Fletcher and all the other republican candidates took shots at the democrats (with the possible exception of Trey Grayson) over expanding gaming. That was pretty much the lay of the land at Fancy Farm this year. Are you folks serious? Is there not more to talk about than gambling? I have to say that some of the insinuations made by Rep. Stan Lee (running for attorney general) toward his democratic counterpart were plain crappy! Republicans in the audience (and I can say that because some were standing 2 foot behind me) screamed out comments in response to Rep. Lee’s comments using language like “Faggot,” “Queer,” and “Man Lover” referring to Jack Conway. If that isn’t hate – then, I’m sorry, I must be blind. Check out the video of Rep. Lee’s speech and you can hear the comments from the crowd (it’s blurry, but you can make it out toward the end of video one and the beginning of video two). Video one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwHkvFYEGRM Video two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8rU6HtUt-o

On a more positive note, it was nice to see and chat with fair-minded folks throughout the day. Thanks to the troupe that went with me today and have to thank Wes and Shane for their long drive down to western Kentucky.

~Jody

Other Fancy Farm Recaps:
http://polwatchers.typepad.com/pol_watchers/2007/08/fletcher-beshea.html
http://polwatchers.typepad.com/pol_watchers/2007/08/fancy-farm----s.html

Anthony Jones, MSU Alliance Secretary, Representative Mary Lou Marzian (Louisville), and I

Thank your House leadership

Hey, folks:

Thank your House leadership for standing strong.

~Jody

Dear Friend,

Through a rather transparent smoke and mirrors act, Governor Fletcher has attempted to put domestic partner benefits on the chopping block in a special legislative session ostensibly called to deal with energy policy.

House Leadership has rejected the Governor's attempt to cynically use anti-gay sentiment to boost his re-election campaign.

Visit the Kentucky Fairness Alliance to thank House Leadership for protecting ALL Kentucky families. http://eqfed.org/campaign/ThankHouse?rk=o11aFBY16sOoW

Thanks, Richmond, for the Hospitality!

Thank you, fair-minded folks in Richmond for hosting our summer retreat. I know I enjoyed the hospitality and facilities you provided for us. I'm sure the other state Board members and staff that attended feel the same way. As to the work we accomplished over the weekend, by the time to leave on Sunday... I think we were all worn out, but it was well worth it. Below are a few pictures from the retreat (and pool party).

~Jody

Those great generic responses...

So, I got one of those generic response letters from Representative Whitfield’s camp in response to participating in an online advocacy campaign regarding H.R. 2015, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007. I like the short and to the point nature of the response over the last one of these I received from Senator McConnell’s office. Maybe they should conspire on which staffer writes these letters. McConnell’s last response went so far as to plug the administration’s view on the matter at hand.

Below is what I received back from Rep. Whitfield:

“H.R. 2015 was introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (MA) and has been referred to four House Committees – Education and Labor, Administration, Oversight and Government Reform, and Judiciary. Although I do not serve any of those Committees, I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind should this bill come before the full House for a vote.”

~Jody

Town Hall in Lexington

Thank you, Lexington, for a good town hall gathering on Thursday evening. I enjoyed being able to be there and take part in your discussion on policy goals that you feel are important. As more of these town hall gatherings are held across the state in the coming months, I’m interested to see how the different geographic regions of the Commonwealth identify different priorities.

~Jody

PS – Great job to KFA Communication Director Misty York for facilitating the discussion and thanks to Board members Scotty Saltsman and Nick Wilkerson for attending.

SB5, and a great letter to the editor

Well, the Kentucky Senate did it again. They overwhelmingly passed hateful SB5 today by a vote of 28 to 6. SB5 would ban state universities from offering their equal healthcare coverage. However, there were some great moments today… like when Senator Scorsone had the following to say regarding the Senate having the authority to act on the pieces they did today, "We should not debate this issue or any other measure," he said. "Look at the other end of the Capitol, the lights are off. They've gone home and we should as well." Shortly to follow, Senator Carroll (while being against dp benefits) spoke about Governor Fletcher playing politics saying it was “Fletcher's own appointed university trustees who voted in favor of the domestic partner benefits.” He asked whether the governor had called any university board members and said, "Look, what you're doing is against my personal conviction and I ask you not to do it?" Fletcher's decision to add the bill to the call "reflects a political position he hasn't taken leadership on." Nice job to both these Senators and the other four that voted against SB5 today. The last piece of great news is this letter to the editor in the Herald Leader today by Representative Tom Burch of Louisville.

~Jody

UK benefits plan no threat to marriage
Opponents of the University of Kentucky's new benefits plan argue that making health insurance accessible to domestic partners is harmful to the common good -- that is, an employer who provides an employee and a sponsored dependent with the same health insurance benefits as married-couple families somehow contributes to devaluing marriage.

Many factors have contributed to the increase in the divorce rate, the higher rate of single-person households and the rise in the rate of single-parent households. However, providing health insurance benefits has never been cited as one those factors.

In fact, it could be easily argued that the provision of health insurance benefits by employers is extremely helpful to the common good. Better health care and more access to health care for more people is a good thing.

Furthermore, even though studies show that marriage is correlated with many positive characteristics, it does not necessarily follow that if everyone is married, all the negatives sometimes associated with divorce and single parenthood would disappear. Staying in a violent or destructive marriage or marrying for the wrong reasons are likely to be highly correlated with negative consequences.

Additionally, a combination of economic and demographic changes in the United States has made the traditional, "ideal" family household a less-frequent occurrence. The proportion of married-couple households with their own children declined from 40 percent of all households in 1970 to 28 percent in 2006.

The number of families whose head of household was living with children or other relatives but had no spouse present increased from 11 percent of households in 1970 to 17 percent in 2006. An even greater change has been the increase in the proportion of one-person households: up 9 percentage points between 1970 and 2006, from 17 percent to 27 percent.

The bottom line is that there is a much greater diversity in household arrangements than in the past and that the provision of health care in our society needs to change to reflect that reality.

Fairness in the Session and Thanks to Lexmark

This has been a busy week for fairness in Kentucky. The anti-fairness folks across the state have geared up for the special legislative session, but it seems fair healthcare is safe for the moment. It seems now that there is some talk between the Governor and House leadership lined up for tomorrow. The beat goes on… stay tuned to the KFA website for informaiton about how you can help protect healthcare for all of Kentucky's families.

With all the stress this week, there is good news. I am pleased to say one of Kentucky’s corporations with a history of supporting fairness has again agreed to sponsor the statewide fairness gala. Lexmark (www.lexmark.com) agreed to become a Patron of the 3rd Annual Dinner of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance. THANK YOU! Your support is greatly appreciated and I look forward to seeing you on Nov. 10th.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the annual fairness gala, please contact Executive Director Christina Gilgor at cgilgor@kentuckyfairness.org or myself for a prospectus.

~Jody

Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Action

So, I completed the HRC action alert urging members of the United States Senate to vote in favor of H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Here is a portion of the text I received back in the (cough, cough), “thank you for writing” response from Senator Mitch McConnell’s camp. “In my view, all violent crime is malicious or hateful. Victims of violent crime suffer regardless of the motive of the criminal. I also am concerned that the creation of federal hate crimes will result in an ill-considered allocation of resources. State and local law enforcement are trained to respond to violent crime, but federal authorities are tasked with investigation of uniquely federal matters such as international terrorism or organized crime. Therefore, I believe that instead of creating new federal hate crime laws, we should devote our resources to effective enforcement of existing criminal laws. I am also mindful of the concerns of many who feel that the bill will lead to an expansion of federal authority that could chill or eventually prohibit many forms of speech protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I support the First Amendment’s freedom of speech and freedom of religion and will carefully scrutinize legislation that might infringe these protections.” The letter went further to reference the administration’s stand on the bill violating the U.S. Constitution and that “state and local criminal laws already provide sufficient penalties for the violence addressed by the legislation.” So, what’s your opinion? Is it going to happen?

~Jody

"Fairness is a Kentucky Value"

Hey, folks. If you haven’t taken a moment to watch “Fairness is a Kentucky Value” then I encourage you to do so by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXjarj1eoKA. The film was produced by the Kentucky Fairness Alliance and Kentucky Digital Media. I’m very proud to brag on everyone that contributed to the making of this film. Several people deserve public recognition for working on this project. Aaron Hutchings, KY Digital Media Executive Producer, dedicated his technical and artistic talents to making this project happen, but it would not have been possible without the time and energy of Misty York, KFA Communication Director, Wes Wright, KFA supporter and former staff member, and Christina Gilgor, KFA Executive Director. Following the film’s production, Mr. Hutchings wrote to me and said, “The mission of KFA is something I believe in and your staff was an amazing team with great focus on the product… I have made a great many documentaries over the last 14 years for KET and found your team one of the best.” Mr. Hutching’s comments made me smile as it would any Board chairperson. Also, I would be missing a big group if I did not thank the individuals that were willing to volunteer their time to play a part in the film by telling their opinions, views, and sharing in the work of the organization.

I look forward to the KFA using it to tell the story of fairness, which is about the KFA’s direction for the future. Check out “Fairness is a Kentucky Value,” it’s up for your comment.

~Jody

After Stonewall

Have you ever watched After Stonewall? Last week, I received my own copy as a belated birthday gift from a dear friend entrenched in the lgbt movement at the national level. I was planning to get a copy, but thanks to him – I can save that $25, which is about what you can purchase it for via Amazon (www.amazon.com). I bedded in Friday evening with my bowl of ice cream and man oh man was it inspiring to me as someone that hopes to see progress continue.

Amazon.com’s editorial review describes the film as such: “The companion film to Before Stonewall, After Stonewall, narrated by Melissa Etheridge, explores gay history in the U.S. from the 1970s through the 1990s. Like its predecessor, After Stonewall attempts to cover much ground in a short amount of time; however, with only three decades to span, the assignment is more manageable. The film covers the predictable highs and lows of the last 30 years of the 20th century. On the side of triumph, it explores the declassification of homosexuality as a disease; the growth of gay presses and writers; gay wins in political office (notably Harvey Milk and Elaine Noble); and the formation of a national gay lobbying presence in the Human Rights Fund. On the flip side, we witness the antigay hysteria evoked by Anita Bryant; the rise of AIDS, the blind eye of the federal government; and the growth of the Christian Coalition. Perhaps the most significant contribution of this film is its mapping of a gay presence within popular media. Through TV shows such as South Park and covers of Newsweek and Time, as well as "out" popular performers like k.d. lang and Ellen DeGeneres, the case is made that gay culture has "arrived" in America--a huge leap from the days before Stonewall when the common idea of a gay person was someone to snicker at or otherwise dismiss as a lunatic. --Katy Ankenman”

I would recommend this video to anyone interested in the lgbt community, how it first organized, and where it may be headed next.

So, have you seen it? What did you think? I’ve heard from at least one person involved in the making of the film that another might be in the works. Comments welcome!

~Jody

Let's Go Back To Creation...

How many of you have visited the new Creation Museum (www.creationmuseum.org) in Petersburg? Well, I haven’t been and probably won’t be attending to tell you the truth. However, if I get a personal invite from Mr. Ham, President of parent company Answers in Genesis, I’ll post it for I’ll need someone to ride up with me. I have been reading the media coverage on the new museum and it looks like a hot discussion point. Last week, a KFA staffer received an e-mail from a fairness supporter sharing an article published in Salon magazine (www.salon.com). I debated whether or not to post a blog entry on the topic, but given the public dialogue taking place I figure what the heck. I was asked one time while attending one of the many receptions I get invited to what my opinion was on organizations such as ours crossing topics and becoming involved in other controversial issues (such as abortion). Depending on the topic and how deep you want to argue the issue, one can find ties that link what some consider controversial issues together. I have never involved myself, personally, in debating religious ideology as they relate to the lgbt movement; it’s not my strong point. However, I can proudly say a portion of my education was from a private religious school and I can tangle in it for a while before loosing my cool. This ole boy received a Daniel Award for Christian character one time too.

As far as my philosophy in the work for fairness, I’ve always believed we should deal strictly with those issues in front of us and let others (scholars, religious leaders, etc.) argue the morality issues that I don’t think have to come into play to show people why fairness is important. However, the opening of this new museum that media reports make me believe is a multimillion dollar compound for confusion does reference homosexuality.

The National Center for Science Education (www.natcenscied.org), is issuing a statement of concern that is being undersigned by scientists (nearing a 1000 last I checked) from Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana about the scientifically inaccurate materials at the Creation Museum. Their statement of concern says that “Students who accept this material as scientifically valid are unlikely to succeed in science courses at the college level.”

So, are you wondering what my opinion is? As Rev. Penneybacker, ordained minister, said back during the SB 152 discussion, “We are seeing mean religion masked in public,” and I believe this is exactly what the Creation Museum is now. I want to hear your opinion about the opening of the Creation Museum. Is this a concern for your statewide fairness organization or not something we should involve ourselves? It’s up for your comment.

Jody

Welcome to "A Leading Light"

Welcome to “A Leading Light.” This new blog is another way for you as Kentucky Fairness Alliance (KFA) supporters to communicate and bounce ideas off me in my official capacity as the chairperson of the KFA Board of Directors. From what we can tell at the KFA, we are the first statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender education and advocacy organization to attempt this type of ongoing dialogue with our membership and community as a whole. However, the concept of an organization’s senior leadership blogging to increase communications is far from new. I, personally, was moved to begin this earlier in 2007 when Murray State University President Randy Dunn, where I am employed, began such a program. I’ve watched the activity of that blog and it seems to be received very well. It is another way for individuals to transmit ideas and opinions to those faced with making decisions on a daily basis. While I might not respond to each and every comment sent on the blog, rest assured I’ll be reading them.

This first blog is simple. It’s an introduction and nothing more. In the weeks ahead, I will be writing on various topics related to our work and seeking your feedback. I already have a running list of items to discuss such as the current threat of a special legislative session threatening fair healthcare coverage and the planning being done toward Out and About, our annual dinner to be held in Louisville this October, featuring HRC Foundation Board Chairperson Vic Basile as our nationally known keynote speaker. The topics will not always be about specific KFA activities. Sometimes, the topics will be regarding national happenings and/or other lgbt issues that are on my mind such as the recent Gallup poll (http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=27694&pg=1) that indicates almost 90% of the American public believes gays and lesbians should have equal job opportunities. That is worth a blog all its own. It is inspiring to see that statistic continue to climb and I’m glad to see Gallop doing that polling.

For those of you that do not know much about me, I’ll share some biographical information. Hopefully, this provides you with some perspective about me and the type activities that occupy my time. Please forgive the “copy and paste” of this information, but I’m a realist in the sense that I try to avoid duplication of effort (I may just be lazy).
“Jody Randall Cofer lives in western Kentucky, although he is originally from the Birmingham, Alabama area. He is employed at Murray State University in the Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity (URSA) office as the Program Specialist. His responsibilities include the coordination of: a statewide program entitled Posters-at-the-Capitol that showcases over one hundred and fifteen faculty-mentored projects performed by undergraduates to members of the Kentucky General Assembly, the annual MSU Scholars Week celebration, Chrysalis: The MSU Journal for Undergraduate Research, and he administers the URSA grant program. Jody has been with MSU since the fall of 2001. He assists the Kentucky Fairness Alliance as a member of their Board of Directors. Jody was selected in August, 2006 to serve a term as their Board chairperson to end in August, 2008. He serves on the Meetings Committee of the Equality Federation, the national organization that is a vehicle for state groups to network and address lgbt advocacy issues. Jody was the founding chairperson of the Marshall County Commission for the Arts and a former board member of the Kentucky Alliance for Arts Education. In his spare time, he enjoys travel, spending time with friends, and involvement in performing and visual arts. In April of this year, Jody was nominated for a Murray State University Staff Excellence Award.”

So, now that you know about my vision for “A Leading Light” and a little information on me, please share with me your ideas on how we might utilize this blog in the future. I plan to post my next entry sometime next week after returning from Nashville’s Pride.

~Jody