This is the interview from Friday with film historian -- and my partner -- David Gerstner about five films you might want to see while thinking about Stonewall 40, queer culture and history. The five films are listed here by popular demand.Listen to interview to hear why they're important and interesting.
The Boys in the Band
The Life and Times of Harvey Milk
Tongues Untied
Watermelon Woman
Venus of Mars
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Five Films to Watch for Pride
Today's Show: Picturing Global Warming
4:30ET: Gavin Schmidt, Co-Author of CLIMATE CHANGE: Picturing the Science, will join me.
Today's Show: A Memoir of Survival
3:30ET: Norman Ollestad, Author of Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival, will join me to talk about his gripping story of surviving a plane crash in the San Gabriel Mountains in 1979.
Obama Commemorates Stonewall
It was nice to see President Obama commemorating Stonewall on the 40th anniversary and bringing LGBT people into the White House. But we've been here before, and it was the least a new Democratic president could do. Anyone who sees it as a "win" of any kind is setting the bar very low.
Obama pledged nothing more in his speech than what he has promised before, during his campaign speeches. Again, it looked like an important event that the president took time out to host, and the recognition of our history is equally important, by the President of the United States and many others. But this should not be what we see as a measure of our success. We have to listen to his words carefully -- and I heard nothing new, in terms of moving forward -- and still keep his feet to the fire. I will be going over the speech, as well as who was there -- and who wasn't -- on the show today in the first hour.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Today's Show: Still raiding after all these years.
4:30ET: Todd Camp,Artistic Director of Q Cinema, will join us to talk about the raiding of The Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth Texas, on the 40th anniversary of stonewall.
Today's Show: The Gay Man Who Defied Hitler
3:30ET: Dr. Jud Newborne, co-author of the book, Sophie Scholl and the White Rose, will join me to talk about these influential Germans who spoke out against Hitler and ultimately paid with their lives, and how Hans Scholl may have been transformed because of his sexuality.
Gay Bar Raided on Stonewall 40
It was the most blatant example of how, 40 years to the date of the Stonewall riots in which people fought back against police brutality, we are still harassed and attacked by law enforcement.
I will be speaking with one of the people inside the Rainbow Lounge, Todd Camp, a former newspaper reporter who watched the raid of the Rainbow Lounge where seven people were arrested. He'll be joining me at 4:30 ET.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Happy Pride, Stonewall 40
Hope everyone has a great one, and on this 40th anniversary of Stonewall, think about history and the past as we push forward. Andy Towle's done a great job of bringing together a lot of articles about the history and celebration. Check it out.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday Back Talk
These are some of the listener survey comments I read on the show this week. If you're a listener to the show, and haven't take the survey, please do so by clicking through on the right. Thanks!
Austin, TX (XM)
I just discovered your show, and so far, I agree with just about everything I've heard you say. I have always considered myself to be very liberal, but I seem to fall a little to the right of you on most things.
For instance, it is clear that you and others who today categorically stated that no one should "ever" resort to hitting someone obviously never grew up a minority in an ALL-white town of two thousand knuckle-dragging Okies. I endured so many "chink" epithets (and much, much worse) growing up that it finally took a toll on my sanity and my self-image. Although gay (and deeply closeted, for obvious reasons) I was nevertheless already six feet tall and no shrinking violet, so you might think the verbal abuse would have tapered off by high school. But no. I finally snapped one day and slugged one of my longtime abusers. The comments permanently ceased.
I do not advocate violence, but I am also critical of arbitrary and ironclad principles to which there are no exceptions. Perez Hilton is a loudmouth. That, of course, does not alone make him deserving of being punched, but just as you repeatedly reminded callers that we do not know all of what transpired, we also don't know how long his haranguing of will.i.am had been going on or what else he said.Homos can be bullies, too. And bullies only respond to one thing. Again, I'm not advocating violence, but everyone has their threshold for abuse
Las Vegas, NV (XM)
Hi there. I like the show because it has topics I would have never heard about otherwise. Love how listeners get involved with debates. Lets me know how the rest of the community is feeling.
Frisco TX, (XM)
Great show, and you definitely provide lots to think about with discussions and guests that you have on. Looking forward to listening to Cleve Jones interview, as my partner and I are booking our trip in the next week or so to head up there. This will be our first march!
Fort Lee, NJ (Sirius)
After listening faithfully to the show for two years now, I no longer plan to listen due to the rabid, unfair, daily criticism of President Obama by Michelangelo. For the kind of inflammatory hate speech directed at the President after only 6 months in office, I could listen to Russ Limbaugh or some of the other conservative hate mongers. I don't need this from my gay talk show host.
Santa Ana, CA (Sirius)
I love your show. I think you should be one of the main leaders of the national gay movement. We are sorely in need of leadership, and you are one of the most informed and conscientious spokespeople we have.
Carroll County, OH (XM)
I love the program. My only complaint are the half-hearted attempts by the producer to interject SOUND EFFECTS during serious discussions. Leave the (not so) funny effects to the shock-jocks & Stephanie Miller. All these sound effects do is distract from the discussions. Please eliminate this practice.
Wharton, NJ (Sirius)
Today I received an email from the DNC. Of course their emails always end with a request for a donation. How dare they ask any LGBT person for a donation especially after this week when Obama's Justice Department submitted a brief re: DOMA and included offensive Gay language. I responded to the DNC without a donation and requested the DNC to SHOW UP and have Obama stand up for the LGBT community. Keep up the good commentary and informational work - you are doing a good job.
Phoenix, AZ (XM)
I get a little tired of the incessant lefty whining. Not all gay men are bleeding heart liberal overly PC whiners. Some of us are average, middle of the road, centrists.
Concord, NC (Sirius)
Mike I love your show. As a Jersey Girl born and raised but now living in the bible belt, you keep me sane. My only suggestion would be to not talk over your guests/interviews. Its a Northern NJ/NY thing because I sometimes still do it but it can get a bit frustrating listening when a guest is trying to make a point and you step on them.
Portland, Oregon (XM)
I still have both Sirius and XM radios so the actual answer in the survey to where I listen would be "both" - I'll probably drop one eventually; I bought into both when they actually had completely different programming.
Phoenix, AZ (Sirius)
I love the way you can argue both sides of an argument with your callers and interviewees, it's made me re-evaluate my opinions more than once, sometimes I change, sometimes I find myself getting the reasons to hold to my opinions. You are forcing people to think about their positions and why they feel a certain way. You challenge people and that is good, no one should take a position "just because", especially on the important issues. We need to be able to justify or supply some reasons to others sometimes.
Galveston, TX (Sirius)
Michelangelo, thanks to you and your "crew" for all the good work you are doing, keeping us informed and thoughtful to the events that affect the LGBT communities throughout the US. You provide a priceless service to us all.
Macedon, NY (Sirius)
Enjoy most of your shows. Feel you give way too much time to the closet case Cedrick. I feel if he doesn't have the balls to be out and true to who he really is then I could care less what he thinks on any issue, so until Cedriick finds his balls and is willing to be true to himself, you need to limit his calls to the following:
""Hi Cedrick, have you found your balls? Are you a man today? Did you come out to yourself or anyone else?" If the answer to all is not Yes then -- click, dial tone, goodbye.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Clips of the Week: "Don't Wanna Have to Use Tweeter"
Our Friday feature on the show, Clips of the Week: the dumb, sometimes smart -- mostly not -- things they said all week, all put to music by our producer, David Guggenheim. This week: “Don't Wanna Have to Use Tweeter”
Today's Show: 5 LGBT films You Should See
4:30ET: Film historian (and my partner!) David Gerstner will join me to talk about 5 LGBT films you might want to see while you celebrate Queer Pride.
Today's Show: Suicide Prevention for LGBT Youth
3:30ET: Charles Robbins, HEAD OF THE TREVOR PROJECT, will be in-studio to talk about the Trevor Project which is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.
Stonewalling
Colbert's take on Obama and the gays. And hey, I'm in the report, check it out.
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| The Word - Stonewalling | ||||
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
Barney Frank: Criticisms "Inappropriate, Unfair"
I interviewed Barney Frank today about his introducing the trans-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act in Congress this week; the LGBT agenda that Congressional leaders met on this week; the Defense of Marriage Act brief by the Department of Justice; President Obama on LGBT rights; and the gay DNC fundraiser in DC tonight.
Barney became very unhappy with me and pretty heated when I played Howard Dean's comments on the DOMA brief, trying to stop me and saying he didn't come on for me to "play records."
He defended the brief, defended the President on LGBT rights, defended Democrats in the House (though he said we need to take on Democrats in the Senate) and defended the DNC fundraiser.
Barney and I have known each other for many years, agree on many things, disagree on others, and often when he comes on the show it can be a spirited discussion. This time I'd say he was a bit more angry about issues, particularly about how some of us have criticized the Democrats and the White House. And like I said, the Howard Dean clip really rubbed him the wrong way. Let me know your thoughts.
Today's Show: Barney Frank Talks
4:30ET: Congressman Barney Frank will be joining us to talk about a lots of issues; his reversal on the DOMA brief, the DNC fundraiser boycott and of course yesterday’s introduction of ENDA into the House by Congressman Frank.
Who's Left in the DNC Fundraiser?
Short answer: People looking for work. As you may know, lots of people have dropped out of the DNC gay fundraiser scheduled for tonight.
Of those who've vowed to attend, even amid protests outside, I contacted a few.
Joan Garry, former executive director of GLAAD, who was looking for a job in the White House, is still going, she told me, after I had to eventually post on her Facebook wall when she didn't get back to me on email for several days. She believes we must "engage" and is going to take a strong message to the fundraiser. I asked if her resume was with administration officials. She said that she had "withdrawn" herself from consideration for a job back in December and that any number of "gay and straight" people could confirm this. I guess we could assume from that she is not looking for, and will not accept, any job in the adminstration or elsewhere in politics, right?
I had Dixon Osburn, former executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, on the show yesterday. He too stressed why it was important to be present and have an "opportunity" to perhaps, maybe, hopefully speak with headliner Joe Biden. And said he supports the protesters as well as those inside, even though the protesters are protesting those inside. He pretty much described himself as working on various projects, including starting a consulting firm (which presumably requires keeping contacts, getting clients, etc.), since he left SLDN in 2007. And he confirmed what he told me in an e-mail that his resume for an actual job in the administration "is in a pile" at the White House but he's "not waiting by the phone" for a call.
Listen to some of my interview with Osburn in the following clips. First one is on why he's going, and the second one is about the issue of his resume:
Today's Show: What Global Warming Looks Like
3:30ET: I will speak with Gavin Schmidt, Co-Author of Climate Change: Picturing the Science.
Interview with Dallas Principles' Paul Yandura
This is my interview from earlier this week with former Clinton/Gore
96 LGBT Outreach Coordinator Paul Yandura, one of the people who came together to form The Dallas Principles.
96 LGBT Outreach Coordinator Paul Yandura, one of the people who came together to form The Dallas Principles.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Today's Show: Defying a Fundraiser Boycott
4:30ET: I will speak with Dixon Osburn, Fmr. Head of SLDN, on why he will be attending the DNC Fundraiser and why others have dropped out.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Today's Show: The Secret Lives of Boys
3:30ET: I will speak with Malina Saval, author of the new book, THE SECRET LIVES OF BOYS: Inside the Raw Emotional World of Male Teens.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Today's Show: The Dallas Principles
4:30ET: Paul Yandura, Democratic Strategist and signatory of the Dallas Principles, will join us to talk about the principles and how he hopes it will prompt all LGBT people to get more involved in the struggle for their rights.
Today's Show: Cocky America
3:30ET: Today, I will speak with Godfrey Hodgson, Author: THE MYTH OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Gay Leaders To Be Feted at White House?
This is pretty outrageous. In the midst of all the anger from LGBT people over the DOMA brief and the inadequate response -- so far -- by the Obama administration, gay lobbyists, executive directors and assorted others who comprise what is identified as the gay leadership apparently have been invited to a party at the White House thrown just for them.
It's another photo-op in which everyone -- the president and the gays -- can look happy and like they're having fun, but more so, it's a way for the White House to wank off the gay leaders a bit while still not delivering. None of them should fall for it -- and that means they should not attend this event -- most all the Human Rights Campaign. We don't want cocktails for high-paid gay and lesbian lobbyists and executive directors looking to schmooze and feel important. We want action on our rights, and at this point it means DOMA and DADT.
The signing of the memorandum by the president to give some benefits to some federal employees was a crumb, which, as I wrote last week, should have been a gesture made five months ago. Nonetheless, unlike some others, I believed it was appropriate for Joe Solmonese of the Human Rights Campaign to be there, along with other LGBT leaders. It was business: The president was signing an order to benefit some LGBT people (in addition to a few partner benefits for some gay and lesbian federal workers he signed an anti-discrimination order banning discrimination in federal hiring based on gender identity). I think they should be there, be cordial, and let the president know it's not nearly enough.
I know some people think Obama should not have been given the photo-op, but really, the story of anger by gays was already out there and wasn't about to be changed by that event. In fact, the next day, the story line in the media was along the lines of "president offers some little thing but gays just are not happy and are in fact more angry." So the photo-op did nothing, but LGBT leaders kept the dialogue open by going, which they should.
But now, a cocktail party? No, that's not business -- it's schmoozing and sucking up, and it's all about buying off gay leaders by seducing them, very cheaply, so the White House can help get the money coming back in, since the DNC gay fundraiser for next week is collapsing. The response so far has only been about the money and it's not nearly enough.
What we need now is real action. Not these crumbs, whether it be the census inclusion or some benefits for federal employees. We need something big, and until then, the DNC fundraisers should continue to be threatened, and nobody among the gay leadership should be partying with this president.
Saturday Back Talk
These are some of the listener survey comments I read on the show this week. If you're a listener to the show, and you have not taken the survey, please do so by scrolling down on the right. Thanks!
Buffalo, NY (Sirius)
Signorile show is the most advanced talk show I have heard. It has been my favorite for three years.intelligent gay issue discussion without the smut. what more can anyone ask for.. great job mike and great topics.
Narragansett, RI (XM)
The show is above average, yes, it’s okay. There is little in the way of deep analysis on this show, as the Dems have long sold out the liberal ideas it once had. Don't be so surprised my friend. I listen only because there are few of these types of shows which discuss GLBT issues at all. You have also become a real self-promoter lately and you let your callers know who is boss. Showing callers who is boss can be both good and bad. It is your own fault that you and others put Obama on a pedestal during the campaign as well. Shame on you and other fake liberals and fake progressives who thought Obama was a true liberal/progressive.
Apple Valley, CA (XM)
I think you are missing the point on the gun rights amendment being added to the Matthew Sheppard act. I really believe that the republicans are sending out "feelers" to the gay community. With Cheney talking gay marriage the other day, now with this gun bill I think that the right wing is seriously contemplating shucking the religious right.
El Paso, IL (XM)
Thank you so much for this wonderful radio show. You shed light on topics that are important to the GLBT community that the mainstream media doesn't touch. Keep it up!
Miami, FL (XM)
I know it is a serious show, however a little more light-hearted stories once in a while would also be good.
Los Angeles, CA (Sirius)
Love your show. No more vacations, Live weekend show at least twice a month. Advocating for minority voices on OutQ.
Red Lion, PA (Sirius)
Please stop talking about prisoner abuse at Gitmo! I'm tired of it.
Albany, NY (XM)
Mike, I am 58 and just starting to come out of the closet. My wife passed away two years ago and I knew all the time I was living a lie but I did not have the guts to change things. I will continue to listen to your show for what i consider to be the most objective views of the current issues affecting our community and the world.I appreciate your continuing efforts to make this world a better place.
Boyerton, PA (Sirius)
Did we elect McCain and Palin? Will we be placated by the few crumbs Obama throws us, or by milquetoast platitudes and empty promises that nay be issued, or are we going to take this to the streets? You've said many times, Mike, that we're an easy date, don't you think it's time to stop being such a pushover? Never let up. Never stop holding their feet to the flames. Our lives are not bargaining chips or political capital to be spent.
Miami, FL (Sirius)
Mike, sometimes you just talk too much. You go on and on and on and on, repeating yourself interminably.
Lumberton, TX (XM)
I love the program and feel lucky to have someone so passionate about the issues that i can hear from almost everyday. I live in a suburban/small town which is devoid of almost any open gays. Since i am a young adult (18 yo) I think it would also improve the show to devote a little time to issues that affect the younger audience. thank you!
Fort Lauderdale, FL, (Sirius)
I wish Michaelangelo would be a little more open minded. You can tell in the first 30 seconds of his interviews if he is going to agree with his guests or be hostile to them. Just let them talk, if you give the people you don't like enough rope they will eventually hang themselves. Let them speak, no matter how ignorant you may think they are. We'll be the judge.
Los Angeles, CA (Sirius)
Michelangelo, I’ve been a Sirus listener for about 3 years now. I’ve learned a lot listening, you may say I’ve one of your converts, but maybe not. Now here’s something you did last week that really pissed me off.You brought up the Senate hearing on the Uniting American Families Act. Your comment was that it wasn’t as important as the other issues.You trivializing the issue is a slap in the face to those of us who have been working for years to get this bill passed.
Columbia, SC (XM)
M- love the show. Just be aware, that not all gay people are Left-wingers. So when it comes to issues other that equality many of us disagree with you. FYI. Oh, and David G is doing great.
San Diego, CA (Sirius)
Mike, I really enjoy your show. The only problem I have is I am usually riled up by the time I get home, so my partner blames you. Thank you for your work, your courage and leadership. We need strong, vibrant voices as we work our way to equality. When the battle is won, you will be able to take great pride in what you have done.
Denver, CO (XM)
I like most of what you discuss on your show. Sometimes maybe just a bit too liberal. What I would like to see is more more transgender NOT transsexual information. I understand that a small minority of crossdressers are gay, but because many of us are not gay, we tend to be treated as the "redheaded step children" of the GLBT community. Being as how it is 40 years post Stonewall and (I get slammed by the gay community for saying this) "queens" were central to the uprising, I would like to see CD's accepted more by both sides but especially the gay community.
Ackerman, MS (Sirius)
Mike: I enjoy your show. I am in the closet, and I know that is something you do not approve of. However, given the atmosphere around me, and the fact a coworker was basically fired for being gay, I have made the decision to stay closeted to stay employed and safe. I hope one day to be able to move to an area that is less aggressive towards homosexuals and one day to come out. Until then, I will be a faithful listener.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Clips of the Week: "People Feel Betrayed"
Our Friday feature on the show, Clips of the Week: the dumb, sometimes smart -- mostly not -- things they said all week, all put to music by our producer, David Guggenheim. This week: “People Feel Betrayed”
Today's Show: A March on Washington
4:20ET: Cleve Jones will join us to discuss his plans to march on Washington in October and why, he says he is, "100 percent confident the march will be allowed to proceed.".
Today's Show: Losing Faith in Obama
3:30ET: Stampp Corbin,Former Co-Chair of the Obama LGBT Leadership Council, will join us to talk about his schizophrenic feelings toward President Obama, and how he plans to boycott the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council Democratic National Committee.
A March On Washington
There's been lots of discussion, and some dissent, about Cleve Jones' call for a March on Washington this October. Those who listen to the show know that I have thought we should march since the day Obama took office, having both a Democratic Congress and president, and seeing a window, an opportunity we might not have again soon. The date, however, is something I've been concerned about, thinking October was was too soon and not a good idea that Congress would not be in session (Columbus Day weekend).
But certainly the idea of the march has picked up much momentum in recent weeks, and I think people are less concerned with the date and more concerned with just getting there and being heard. At least that's how I'm feeling. I'm going to hash around these ideas with Cleve and hopefully he can persuade me further, as well as many of you. He joins me in studio at 4:20 ET and we will be taking calls during the interview throughout the hour so call in with your thoughts, ideas and questions for Cleve.
Listen to The Michelangelo Signorile Show weekdays live from 2-6 pm ET on Sirius XM's OutQ. Sirius 109, XM 98. Not a subscriber? Not a problem! Listen online any time with a free three-day pass.
Obama Cheerleader Now Excoriates the President
Stampp Corbin came on the show back during the Democratic primaries, representing the Obama campaign in our LGBT Caucus (you many remember Hilary Rosen came on as a supporter of Hillary Clinton, debating the issues).
Stampp was the co-chair of Obama's LGBT Leadership Council and was a committed and fierce advocate for Barack Obama. I saw him at the Democratic National Convention, and he was doing his usual cheerleading for Obama. But no more.
Stampp Corbin has written a piece headlined, The DOMA Brief Ruined Everything, attacking the President for the DOMA brief and also pulling out of that DNC fundraiser, which is getting pretty damned lonely these days.
Says Stampp:
Mr. President, your DOMA mistake awakened a sleeping giant. He is mad as hell and is not going to take it anymore. You better get LGBT affirming legislation moving quickly or the coffers of the LGBT community will be slammed shut on the fingers of your administration and the DNC. You and the DNC may find themselves asking about our donations “if not now, when” as we have been asking about our rights for the last few months.
Indeed, the anger is only building, and the president and Democrats need to do much more.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Congrats to Pam!
Pam Spaulding has been honored by Women's Media Center, along with Christiane Amanpour, Rachel Maddow, Tina Fey and others.
Pam is one of the most committed LGBT bloggers I know, and I am privileged to have become a friend in recent years. I rely on her point of view and, honestly, we also have a lot of laughs! I love, above all, people who not only are committed to the work we all do, but who also have fun doing it.
Pam, you are a great asset to us all and I salute you.
Today's Show: Finding the Answer to Global Warming
4:30ET: Jamais Cascio will be joining us today arguing an idea many considered science fiction until very recently. Cascio says that cutting greenhouse-gas emissions is no longer enough to deal with global warming. He advocates a form of geoengineering called temperature management, which moderates heat by blocking or reflecting a small part of the sunlight hitting the Earth. Is this the answer to Global Warming?
Today's Show: The Truth About Ronald Reagan
3:30ET: I will be joined by, William Kleinknecht, author of the book, The Man Who Sold the World; Ronald Reagan and the Betrayal of Main Street America.
Today's Show: Inside the Same Sex Benefit's Memorandum
2:30ET: Last night Joe Solmonese, the President of the Human Rights Campaign was in the Oval Office witnessing President Obama signing a Memorandum giving additional (if not minimal) benefits to gay and lesbian Federal employees; today he’ll be joining us to talk about the significance of that memo and to discuss where we go from here.
Barney Frank Now Supports DOMA Brief
It's hard to fathom how Barney Frank went from criticizing the DOMA brief -- after being silent for five days -- only to say he finally read it and and now supports it.
Comments Americablog:
Well, it seems a trip to the Oval Office is all openly gay congressman Barney Frank needs to stab his community in the back. After criticizing the DOJ's anti-gay DOMA brief this morning, Frank did a 180 this evening and lauded the brief, which invoked incest and pedophilia. Frank now thinks the brief is just super.
Frank claims that he gave a newspaper reporter his negative opinion of the brief without actually having read it.
Did you catch that? Barney Frank, our senior gay elected representative, and a lawyer himself, claims that he was giving legal opinions on a legal brief that he hadn't even read. At least Joe and I, who are also lawyers, read the brief before commenting on it. How many other issues has Barney opined on about which he's been knowingly willfully ignorant? (Of course, I don't believe Frank for a minute - he read the brief, but the president got him to recant.
I'll certainly have a lot to discuss with Barney when he comes on the show next week.
Signorile Show to the iPhone
You can now listen to the show on your iPhone or iPod Touch, if you have either or both. The Sirius XM app is free, and if you're not a subscriber there's a 7-day free trial.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
We Have Made Our Point
President Obama signed the memorandum giving some federal employees a few benefits (a clip of the event is below), having scrambled to respond to the outcry over the DOMA brief. It's too little, too late to a constituency that has felt like it is completely off the radar for months, and then suddenly felt under attack rather than protected by the man who promised so much.
The administration did itself a lot of damage, likely following overcautious advice that is out of step with the world today (a throwback to the 90s and the Clinton era -- yes, the presence of Rahm) and just being disorganized at the DOJ and not paying attention to a very political case. Surely, they didn't want to wake up to a New York Times lead editorial pointing to the president's apparent lack of sincerity. Let's hope it's shaken them up enough that today's event was the beginning of a new direction and more action, as lacking as the action today itself was.
A couple of things I want to clarify:
1) a memorandum apparently is, as Rachel Maddow noted, relatively interchangeable with the term executive order, in that both expire when the president leaves and do not have to be followed by the next administration. (Some of the thinking out there was that a memorandum expires but an executive order does not). My understanding after speaking with some people who know about this is that a memorandum is in fact broader (ordering a directive in a broad sense to an agency) while an executive order is specific to one, more narrow action. (Obama, by the way, used the term executive order when he signed the memorandum today, as well as the word memorandum.)
2) Health care benefits are not being given, as reported and predicted all day, but Obama did today back legislation in Congress that would give such benefits to federal workers. So yes, the actual benefits these federal workers got from his signature -- and it doesn't include members of the military -- are relatively little, and far below most of the Fortune 500 companies, which give full health benefits to domestic partners. The big thing the admistration is touting is that the federal workers will get the ability to pay into a long-term care insurance program -- woo hoo!
Why can't they be given health benefits and retirement benefits by executive order/memorandum? My understanding -- and if it's not correct I'm open to being corrected -- is because the statutes covering such benefits for federal workers specifically uses the word "spouse" while the long-term care insurance only specifies a beneficiary, who can be anyone. Thus, legislation is needed to specifically deem "domestic partners" as covered. (And in those few states where gays and lesbians do have "spouses" because they can get married, the Defense of Marriage Act prevents them from being recognized by the federal government.)
Obama needed to do this event five months ago. Now it is just not adequate to quell the anger, and he really needs to move fast on something else, be it DOMA or DADT. We made our point, got their attention, put the DNC fundraiser in jeopardy, got a lot of media focused on the president's broken promises and lack of passion on our issues. That's all good. And we have to keep the pressure up.
Today's Show: The Despicable DOMA Brief.
4:30ET: Richard Socarides, former adviser to the Clinton administration on gay issues will be coming on the show today. We’ll be discussing the continuing fallout since Obama’s Justice Department filed a sickening brief defending DOMA. We’ll also discuss with Richard, Obama’s intention to sign a presidential memorandum that will extend some form of benefits” to same-sex partners of federal employees.
Today's Show: How the World became a Corporation
3:30ET: I will speak with Douglas Rushkoff, Author of, Life Inc.; How the World Became a Corporation and How To Take It Back.
My MSNBC Appearance
This is my MSNBC appearance from earlier, with Carlos Watson interviewing me and Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor of The Nation, and openly gay Washington Post editorial board member Jonathan Capehart.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
On MSNBC this Morning
I'lll be on MSNBC this morning speaking with Carlos Watson on Obama and the DOMA hate brief flap, 11:30 ET to noon.
It's All About the Money
The New York Times story today on the scramble by the White House to do something in response to the DOMA hate brief flap notes, according to unnamed White House officials, that it's all in response to the possibility of the DNC fundraiser collapsing. The story goes on to say the benefits for federal workers do not include health benefits -- thanks to DOMA -- and that the details were still being ironed out as they'd obviously not even thought this through. This was something that should have been done on day one, but here they are, going on the fly, trying to quell a furor. And why? Because it may cost them money, as the DNC fundraiser is imploding:
With the administration’s decision to stop short of extending full health insurance benefits or calling for legislation to do so, it remained an open question how significant the presidential announcement would be, Mr. Socarides said.
But administration officials said the timing of the announcement was intended to help contain the growing furor among gay rights groups. Several gay donors withdrew their sponsorship of a Democratic National Committee fund-raising event next week, where Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is scheduled to speak.
It's pathetic that taking away their money is what moves them to throw some crumbs. But as Pam Spaulding notes, it's working. We must shut down that fundraiser and all future events until they fork over something real.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Are You For Real, President Obama?
UPDATE: It doesn't even include health benefits and perhaps even retirement benefits, because of DOMA (gee, what do you get? the right to visit your dying partner in a hospital? Woo hoo!) and there is some discussion that as a "memorandum" and not an executive order, it expires when Obama leaves office. Gee, thanks.
Scrambling to do damage control re: the DOMA brief the Obama administration is throwing us a pathetic bone: benefits for federal workers. Wow. Give me a break! Says Alan Van Capelle of Empire State Pride Agenda: "Welcome to 1999." I mean, is Barack Obama for real? Check it out:
The executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, a large state-based gay rights group, Alan Van Capelle, greeted today's announcement sarcastically.
"Welcome to 1999," he told POLITICO. "How revolutionary of the White House to give benefits to same-sex couples, when two-thirds of conservative Wall Street are already doing it. What an achievement."
"It's just one of the things that should have been done in January," Van Capelle, who was among those taking his name off the Biden event, said, calling for a "comprehensive strategy." "If the President makes the announcement tomorrow, it will still fall short of what LGBT people are expecting from this administration."
DNC Funraiser in Total Crisis
More and more people are pulling out of the DNC fundraiser, and DNC treasurer, Andy Tobias, tries to keep it together. Cut off the money flow!
Today's Show: Rockstar Energy vs. Gay Blogs
4:30 ET: I will speak with Bill Browning, of The Bilerico Project . The site like been threatened by Rockstar Energy Drinks with lawsuits because they launched a boycott of Rockstar, owned by hatemonger Michael Savage's son.
Today's Show: Behind the DOMA Brief
3:30ET: Joe Sudbay, D.C. based political consultant and contributor to Americablog, will join us to talk about the Obama DOMA Brief and the comparisons it makes between arriage and pedophilia and incest.
NY Times Slaps Obama
In an editorial headlined "A Bad Call on Gay Rights," The New York Times calls the DOMA brief "disturbing," and slaps Obama for using the excuse of political expediency for denying gay and lesbian Americans their rights:
The Obama administration, which came to office promising to protect gay rights but so far has not done much, actually struck a blow for the other side last week. It submitted a disturbing brief in support of the Defense of Marriage Act, which is the law that protects the right of states to not recognize same-sex marriages and denies same-sex married couples federal benefits. The administration needs a new direction on gay rights.
Yes, I'll say they need a "new direction on gay rights." Forward rather than backward would be a start.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Howard Dean: DOMA Brief a "Huge Mistake"
Howard Dean, on The Rachel Maddow Show, called the DOMA brief a huge mistake on the part of the Obama administration, said Obama couldn't have known but will have to "dig himself out of this" and that they must do something. He said you "cannot talk about gay Americans the way they were talked about in this brief." How will the White House respond? That will depend on if and how the media jumps on this.
Cut Off the Money Flow
It boggles the mind that any self-respecting LGBT person would give money to the Democrats at this point, with Obama's DOMA brief and Harry Reid's announcing that there's no movement on repealing"Don't Ask, Don't Tell." That's why I'm glad to see, as Americablog reports, that DNC fundraiser planned for later is month is falling apart. Way to go Andy Towle and David Mixner. We need to just cut them off completely. No money, period.
HRC Slams Obama:" We are Human Beings"
The Human Rights Campaign came out full force in a polite but strongly-worded letter to President Obama from executive director Joe Solmonese, taking on the president for defending the Defense of Marriage Act with a heinous, homophobic DOJ brief that does enormous damage to our efforts:
Last week, when your administration filed a brief defending the constitutionality of the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act,”[1] I realized that although I and other LGBT leaders have introduced ourselves to you as policy makers, we clearly have not been heard, and seen, as what we also are: human beings whose lives, loves, and families are equal to yours. I know this because this brief would not have seen the light of day if someone in your administration who truly recognized our humanity and equality had weighed in with you.
The three-page letter goes through all the most offensive parts of the brief, including the comparisons to incest. Solmonese concludes:
As an American, a civil rights advocate, and a human being, I hold this administration to a higher standard than this brief.
Go read the whole thing.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Saturday Back Talk
These are some of the listener survey comments I read on the show this week. If you're a listener to the show and haven't taken the survey, please do so by scrolling down and clicking through on the right. Thanks!
Atlanta, GA (XM)
As a charter XM subscriber (originally just for Air America 167), I was aware of OutQ and your show, but could not justify subscribing to another satellite radio provider for one channel. When XM picked up OutQ a few months ago, I felt like I had been let out of jail! Michelangelo Signorile was now mine, on my own XM receiver(s). You are a breath of fresh air - impeccably prepared, extremely articulate, and always always courteous and thoughtful. I particularly like the extended 4-hour format which give you the luxury of taking your time on in-depth issues that require detailed coverage, while allowing the freedom to let down once and a while on lighter subject matter. While representing the gay community, herding us like cats, I consider you a mainstay in the voice of America's gay leadership. You're out there everyday slogging it out in the trenches - not sitting in 1640 Rhode Island Ave behind a bunker planning dress-up dinners for each other.
Houston, TX (XM)
HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOTHING MORE A MENTAL DISODER AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH. IF YOU CANT BE CURED THEN YOU SHOULD BE UTHENIZED. AS FAR AS YOU SAYING YOU WERE BORN DIFERENT ,WELL MABY YOU WERE BUT SO WERE SYCOPATHS AND SERIAL KILLERS. THEIR BRAINS AS YOURS DOSE NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY . WOULD YOU CALL WHAT HEY DO A ALTERNATE LIFESTYLE OR CALL THEM CRAZY.. ITS THE SAME THING
Pinellas Park, FL (XM)
I think the show is great. Topics are hot and make me laugh and also furious. Proud to have you on my team!
Durant, OK (XM)
I really like your show because it's not overly "gay". I have always been a political junkie like yourself so it's refreshing to hear the news from our point of few. (Although I don't agree with the movie OutRage. Being in the closet myself, but I'm kinda tired of hearing about the movie.) But other then that Mike love the show and keep up the great work!!
Baltimore, MD (Sirius)
I love the show and I listen to it religiously on my drives to and from work. Michaelangelo has a keen ability to facilitate interesting discussions. However, at times, I think he can jump to conclusions and dismiss or trivialize opposing arguments. He does not do this very often, but when he does, I usually yell at the radio! I think it would be fascinating if you were to have someone from the log cabin republicans facilitate the show during one of Michaelangelo's off-days. I, for one, would love to call in and debate (and probably yell at) a guest host from the log cabin republicans. But I think it would make good radio and provide more to the listener than the dreaded "best of."
Cleveland,OH(XM)
You make me think, you make me passionate and angry (sometimes about what you're talking about, sometimes with your opinion). I tend to agree with you more than I disagree, but I consider myself an independent thinker. Keep up the great work you do.
Lincoln, NE (Sirius)
Although I'm straight, I really enjoy your show. You're a great interviewer who asks tough, relevant questions and don't back down. I get a different analysis on popular issues, and am enlightened about topics I wouldn't otherwise hear about listening to other stations.
Atlanta GA (Sirius)
Michelangelo Signorile is a radicalist and a trouble maker. He try's to make a big deal over nothing. He tries to upset the audience, and get them to see thing his way. He trys to be a player, but he is so shallow.
Los Angeles, CA (Sirius)
When I'm angry about something, like Prop 8, so is Michael and I get to shout "Yes!" at my radio. I am seldom interested in the more "pop culture" topics, but Michael is passionate and compelling on the politics and fearless in interviewing politicians and public figures. He doesn't back down and I have stolen a lot of arguments from him. When I don't know how to respond to a stupid religious or political position, I can listen to Michael and he cuts through the bullshit for me.
Cincinnati, Ohio (XM)
I love your show. Watch out for Ted Olson, tho. Isn't he Ken Starr's bud? Obama will come through for equality I feel sure. We (his supporters) will see to it. Please don't give up hope. And why all the attention to Olson, when David Boise should be lauded? Isn't Olson's hair enough to make people see the sham of it all? Trust OBAMA not Olson.
Pinedale, WY (Sirius)
I love the show but I am very displeased with your introductions. I am a BIG fan of your old ways you use to do the introductions. They were harsh and to the point..I love that
Framingham, MA (Sirius)
I like the show, in a very, very large way! Michelangelo does a fine job of analyzing the various daily issues which come up the pike. He tries to be fair. Often times, however, Michelangelo does not go far enough into any one issue. Too, too, many times, Mr. Signorile jumps from one issue to the next in the four-one hour segments, often leaving that topic hanging in the wind. It's almost as if that issue never existed when the next segment comes around. That is my biggest criticism. This being said, does not mean, I don't think he has one of the best political talk shows of all the Talk Left talkers out here.
Oxford, TN (Sirius)
The show's great for getting news normally wouldn't get else where but I do have one problem.Back when you brought up the topic of if it should be ok to carry guns on a train or other such topics where fire arms are involved you seem to just kinda mock the people and just straight to weapons such as uzi to AK-47. Though there are a good deal of weirdos who would love nothing more then to carry such things at all times I kinda just get alittle annoyed since it sounds like you've lost interest and are just heckling a bit with the people and going to extremes with the weapons and all. Though aside from that little issue I think the shows it really great and hope to get a radio for my car so I can listen when I'm not at work in the evenings.
Martinez, CA (Sirius)
Just discovered your show. Excellent discussions on current events. Love your intelligent dissemination of the news, your thoughtfulness and humor.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Gay Groups Express Outrage Over DOMA Brief
A Coalition of LGBT groups has put out a statement on the DOJ brief that defends the Defense of Marriage Act using a kitchen sink approach, throwing in a just about every antigay argument against marriage equality -- and homosexuality -- that you can imagine:
LGBT Legal And Advocacy Groups Decry Obama Administration's Defense of DOMA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2009
Contact: Paul Cates, ACLU
We are very surprised and deeply disappointed in the manner in which the Obama administration has defended the so-called Defense of Marriage Act against Smelt v. United States, a lawsuit brought in federal court in California by a married same-sex couple asking the federal government to treat them equally with respect to federal protections and benefits. The administration is using many of the same flawed legal arguments that the Bush administration used. These arguments rightly have been rejected by several state supreme courts as legally unsound and obviously discriminatory.
We disagree with many of the administration’s arguments, for example that DOMA is a valid exercise of Congress’s power, is consistent with Equal Protection or Due Process principles, and does not impinge upon rights that are recognized as fundamental.
We are also extremely disturbed by a new and nonsensical argument the administration has advanced suggesting that the federal government needs to be “neutral” with regard to its treatment of married same-sex couples in order to ensure that federal tax money collected from across the country not be used to assist same-sex couples duly married by their home states. There is nothing “neutral” about the federal government’s discriminatory denial of fair treatment to married same-sex couples: DOMA wrongly bars the federal government from providing any of the over one thousand federal protections to the many thousands of couples who marry in six states. This notion of “neutrality” ignores the fact that while married same-sex couples pay their full share of income and social security taxes, they are prevented by DOMA from receiving the corresponding same benefits that married heterosexual taxpayers receive. It is the married same-sex couples, not heterosexuals in other parts of the country, who are financially and personally damaged in significant ways by DOMA. For the Obama administration to suggest otherwise simply departs from both mathematical and legal reality.
When President Obama was courting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender voters, he said that he believed that DOMA should be repealed. We ask him to live up to his emphatic campaign promises, to stop making false and damaging legal arguments, and immediately to introduce a bill to repeal DOMA and ensure that every married couple in America has the same access to federal protections.
Signed,
ACLU
GLAD
Lambda Legal
NCLR
HRC
NGLTF
Obama Defends DOMA, Invokes Incest
There's a lot of outrage right now on the gay blogs over the Department of Justice's brief in defending the Defense of Marriage Act in a challenge to the law by a California couple. Obama said he would overturn DOMA after he became president. Instead, his justice department is defending it with some heinous arguments. Americablog has parsed through the brief:
It's pretty despicable, and gratuitously homophobic. It reads as if it were written by one of George Bush's top political appointees. I cannot state strongly enough how damaging this brief is to us. Obama didn't just argue a technicality about the case, he argued that DOMA is reasonable. That DOMA is constitutional. That DOMA wasn't motivated by any anti-gay animus. He argued why our Supreme Court victories in Roemer and Lawrence shouldn't be interpreted to give us rights in any other area (which hurts us in countless other cases and battles). He argued that DOMA doesn't discriminate against us because it also discriminates about straight unmarried couples (ignoring the fact that they can get married and we can't).
He actually argued that the courts shouldn't consider Loving v. Virginia, the miscegenation case in which the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional to ban interracial marriages, when looking at gay civil rights cases. He told the court, in essence, that blacks deserve more civil rights than gays, that our civil rights are not on the same level.
And before Obama claims he didn't have a choice, he had a choice. Bush, Reagan and Clinton all filed briefs in court opposing current federal law as being unconstitutional (we'll be posting more about that later). Obama could have done the same. But instead he chose to defend DOMA, denigrate our civil rights, go back on his promises, and contradict his own statements that DOMA was "abhorrent." Folks, Obama's lawyers are even trying to diminish the impact of Roemer and Lawrence, our only two big Supreme Court victories. Obama is quite literally destroying our civil rights gains with this brief. He's taking us down for his own benefit.
Holy cow. Obama invoked incest and people marrying children.
Go read the whole post and click through to the brief.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Clips of the Week: "Fierce Advocate for Equality"
Our Friday feature on the show (played on Thursday this week, since we're off tomorrow), Clips of the Week: the dumb, sometimes smart -- mostly not -- things they said all week, all put to music by our producer, David Guggenheim. This week: “Fierce Advocate for Equality”
Today's Show: Cutting Deals on LGBT Rights
3:30ET: I'll be joined by Jason Bellini, a reporter for The Daily Beast, about his report that Sen. Chuck Schumer "let it slip" that the Human Rights Campaign told "Senators and members of the U.S. House" to put aside the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and instead focusing on ENDA and the hate crimes act.
Today's Show: Inside the Hate
2:30ET: We will talk with Mark Potock,Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project, about the hate on the right and how the Law Center had monitored Holocaust Museum Shooter, James W. Von Brunn, for over a year.
Today's Show: A Memoir of Gay Activism
4:30ET: I'll speak with author, scholar, historian and activist Martin Duberman, about his newest book,Waiting to Land: A (Mostly) Political Memoir, 1985-2008.
"Proud to Be a Right-Wing Extremist"
The conservative legal group Liberty Counsel (located at Jerry Falwell's Liberty University), in an attempt at mocking the Dept. Of Homeland Security report which surfaced in April and which rightly focused on the threat of right-wing domestic terrorism, began selling cards that identified the carrier as a "right-wing extremist." They believed the report was all a liberal plot to call all conservatives extremists (perhaps feeling a tad guilty?), when in fact it was a real report about real extremism and a real threat of violence.
Well, even now, after the report proved true to be true, they are still selling the cards on their website. Right-Wing Watch has the whole scoop.
Trump: Prejean Treated People "Like Shit"
Pretty hilarious. Donald Trump, who originally defended the "beautiful" Carrie Prejean, is now trashing the breast-baring "opposite marriage" beauty queen on the occasion of her losing her crown, saying she treated people "like shit."
The email from the pageant director to her does show she didn't care about her contractual duties -- she was a star!
How much you want to bet she now becomes the spokesmodel for the National Organization for Marriage and/or a Fox News fembot?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Today's Show: Owning GM, Selling Chrysler
4:30ET: John Voelcker, automotive editor for Spectrum magazine, joins me to talk about the ongoing saga of the car companies and the economic crisis.
Today's Show: The Fight to End DADT
3:30ET: I will speak with Aubrey Sarvis, the Executive Director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, on the latest back and forth with the White House over ending "don't ask, don't tell."
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Hell Has Frozen Over II
The last time I wrote that hell froze over it was when Ted Olson came out for marriage equality.
Now it's happened again, with the former Senate Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, Joe Bruno -- a man who held up a gay rights bill for years, without allowing a vote and has been a fierce foe of gay rights -- now coming out for marriage equality.
What's going on? Today I had Paul Schindler on from Gay City News to make some sense of the chaos in the Senate. (Paul has written a piece, summarizing a lot of what he told me about the ins and outs; it apparently had little to do with marriage equality.) One of the Democrats who bolted and helped give the Senate to the Republicans, Pedro Espada, in his new leadership role, stated that marriage equality will get a vote under the Republicans. (He is also a supporter of marriage equality.)
Then we have Bruno coming out for marriage for gays and lesbians -- a man who still has a lot of influence among Republicans in the State Senate -- and actually agreeing to speak out and try to sway Republicans (we only need four Republicans or so to win this) at Governor Paterson's request on the issue. I think it's clear that they see the handwriting on the wall: The entire Northeast has gone for marriage equality, while, on a variety of issues, the Republican Party is having a moment of truth nationally and surely in the region. There will soon only be two Republicans in New York State's Congressional delegation, as the national party went further to the right and people in New York just weren't going to go there.
They know that they have to either adapt or be extinct. They know that part of what lost them the Senate after all those years was the organizing of gay rights advocates, raising money from around the country and targeting vulnerable Republicans in order to hand the Senate to the Dems and get a marriage vote. The Republicans aren't going to let that happen again, even it means shifting on marriage. At least, that's how it all seems. Listen to Bruno, a man who still probably has lots of things he can get from a Republican Senate in the future, suddenly having an epiphany!
Sweet -- On The Advocate Top 15 List
The Gist (Signorile.com) has been named one of the Top 15 Gay(Ish) Blogs by the Advocate, which is sweet. It's nice to be called "always-intriguing," which is also kind of funny.
Michelangelo Signorile, a founding editor of the controversial, now-defunct magazine OutWeek and a current Advocate contributor, offers his always-intriguing take on the state of gay rights and other political and cultural topics. You can also view clips of his television appearances -- such as a debate with conservative pundit Laura Ingraham -- and get a free three-day pass to listen online to his eponymous radio show, which airs daily on Sirius XM’s OutQ.
Here's the full list, in no particular order:
Today's Show: Will Marriage happen in New York?
4:40ET : I will check in with Paul Schindler, editor in chief of Gay City News, who will be updating us on the still breaking news out of Albany, NY. The Democrats have lost control of the State Senate but there may still be a chance that same-sex marriage will be voted on this year.
Today's Show: The Effect of Communist Paranoia
3:30 ET : Scholar and friend of the show Susan Jacoby, will talk to me about her new book, Alger Hiss and the Battle for History.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Back on Live Show Monday
I was off yesterday, and because I've been taking vacation days for the past few weeks on Mondays and Fridays, we haven't had our usual feature on the show, "Clips of the Week," on Fridays, so I haven't posted them here. Similarly, with the short weeks I haven't read listener survey comments, so I haven't post the "Saturday Back Talk" feature on Saturdays. But next week things should be back to the usual routine. Thanks.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Joe Solmonese Interview: Discusses Obama, Responds to Critics
Joe Solmonese, executive director of the Human Rights Campaign, came on the show yesterday, joining me in the studio. I was glad he came to speak to listeners across the country who want to hear from the people who are actually meeting with White House officials and Democratic leaders in Congress on LGBT issues.
I've posted audio of the interview below, but for background, if you don't listen to my show, you should know that I have been complaining on the show that HRC has seemingly gone underground and has rebuffed interview requests since shortly after Joe Solmonese went into a meeting with the White House weeks ago (after the first complaints of Obama's lagging on gay issues arose) and came out saying to the NY Times that he was "pleased" and that the White House had a "plan."
Many people saw a pattern, a la the Clinton era, in which gay leaders apologize for an administration's inaction in order to protect their access, and then avoid questioning from the LGBT press. I was not the only one who couldn't get the usually responsive HRC to get Joe for an interview. Other gay journalists I'd spoken with lamented to me that they too were being told that Solmonese was "busy" with a tight schedule. Again, I talked about it on the show (sometimes to the chagrin of some HRC staffers), even joking that Dick Cheney has now come out of his bunker and Joe Solmonese has gone in it.
Then, all of sudden, we get a call from HRC yesterday, and they want to have Joe Solmonese come on, literally within a few hours.
What changed? A few things, perhaps. First, I'm not sure that it was a coincidence that the Jason Bellini piece was posted on the Daily Beast on the same day. Bellini reports that HRC has lobbied members of Congress not to move on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and to focus on hate crimes legislation first, following on HRC's incrementalist approach. HRC adamantly denies Bellini's report, which had no named sources, calling it an "outright lie." It's possible HRC wanted to get out front on this and give interviews immediately.
While Bellini had unnamed sources, I, however, have a named source saying exactly what Bellini reports, someone I interviewed several weeks ago on the show: Aaron Belkin of the Palm Center, the research institute that focuses on the military and sexuality, located at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Belkin writes often for The Huffington Post and interacts with members of Congress. (I have included a few-minute clip from that interview here as well). I didn't see or know about the Bellini piece when I interviewed Joe (it either had just posted or wasn't up yet), but I did ask him about what Belkin claimed. Belkin was relatively certain in what he told me:
AB: "...Our major national gay rights organizations -- it would be one thing to say nothing, but there is pro-active lobbying on the hill for Congress not to consider [the "don't ask, don't tell"] issue. And so the community has been appalling on this issue.
MS: Have you seen any response from any of those groups, and I guess we're talking about the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, other Washington groups?
AB:...We've heard from so many offices that not only are they not doing anything but they're pro-actively lobbying against consideration of the issue. I feel very confident in saying that.
NGLTF doesn't lobby on the hill, so the reference was clearly about HRC. Joe Solmonese denied this claim when I quoted it, though for accuracy's sake I should state that I asked him specifically about lobbying the White House on the issue and not Congress.
The other things that have changed which perhaps have made HRC, rightly, realize they need to communicate with the LGBT public about their interactions with the White House revolve around the rapidly shifting political and cultural terrain, in the country but also among LGBT activists in recent weeks. Prominent activists Cleve Jones and David Mixner, joined by many others, have called for a march on Washington. Another group of activists met in Dallas and came up with the Dallas Principles, which challenge HRC's approach. And a group based in Hollywood has formed specifically to back Ted Olson's and David's Boies' challenge to Prop 8 in federal court -- a legal challenge that many gay groups, including HRC, oppose, fearing that is too risky and could result in a setback decision. The director Rob Reiner, Academy Award-winning "Milk" screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and Chad Griffin, a former Clinton administration staffer (who also is an executive producer of the film "Outrage") are among those on the board of the group, The American Foundation for Civil Rights. It's safe to say that a group like this, especially, is somewhat of a threat to HRC because it has access to money and big names.
With all of this going on, and with the criticisms of Obama on the gay blogs and in the media, surely HRC doesn't want to seem completely irrelevant and perhaps is concerned the train is leaving the station, as one blogger said to me. It's interesting that Joe mentions the Dallas Principles and the Ted Olson federal legal challenge without my asking him about them. (It was in the context of a question I asked about something else people are talking about: pushing an omnibus gay civil rights bill that includes everything rather than the incrementalist approach HRC has embraced and which many people feel is outdated.)
This is the Solmonese interview:
And this is a clip of the Aaron Belkin interview which I referred to in the interview with Solmonese; we were discussing the study the Palm Center released which showed that Obama could stop the discharges of gay and lesbian soldiers with an executive order, even with the "don't ask, don't tell" policy still in place. The pertinent statements come at about the 2:10 mark.
UPDATE: Senator Schumer's office has put out a statement refuting the Daily Beast story: "Sen. Schumer has never said the White House didn't consider the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' a priority, and he never said the Human Rights Campaign struck some quote-unquote deal on this issue. Any rumors to the contrary are flat-out wrong." Jason Bellini had tried to get a response from Schumer's office when he produced his piece, but they offered no comment at the time.
Today's Show: The Woman who Brough Marriage Equality to New Hampshire
4:30ET I will talk to Mo Baxley: Executive Director of the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition, about the success of marriage equality in New Hampshire, signed into law yesterday.
Today's Show: The Gay Immigration Bill
3:30ET I will speak with Kerry Eleveld, Washington News Editor of The Advocate, who has been following Uniting American Familes Act hearing and Shirley Tan's personal experience.
Today's Show: Joe Solmonese on Obama on LGBT Right's
2:30ET I will speak with Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign, on how President Obama is handling LGBT issues.
The Best Christian
Finally got a chance to watch Betty Bowers latest, and it's just hilarious -- and so true.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Today's Show
3:30ET I will be speaking with Gay USA TV Host, Ann Northrop & Thomas Krever, the Executive Director of Hetrick-Martin ; about the legacy of Hetrick-Martin, which is in it's 30th year of helping LGBT youth.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Today's Show: "Pro-Life" Terrorists
4:30 ET. I'll speak with, Gloria Feldt, author of The War on Choice, about her Salon.com article, George Tiller needs more than candlelight vigils
Today's Show: Sotomayor's Gay Record
3:30 ET Kevin Cathcart: Executive Director of Lambda Legal - Discussing Sonya Sotomayor. , Senior Counsel for Lambda Legal, on Judge Sonia Sotomayor's record on LGBT issues.
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