Quote Of The Day

"Please know that I am deeply sorry. I am sorry for the pain and hurt many of you have experienced. I am sorry that some of you spent years working through the shame and guilt you felt when your attractions didn’t change. I am sorry we promoted sexual orientation change efforts and reparative theories about sexual orientation that stigmatized parents. I am sorry that there were times I didn’t stand up to people publicly 'on my side' who called you names like sodomite—or worse. I am sorry that I, knowing some of you so well, failed to share publicly that the gay and lesbian people I know were every bit as capable of being amazing parents as the straight people that I know. I am sorry that when I celebrated a person coming to Christ and surrendering their sexuality to Him that I callously celebrated the end of relationships that broke your heart. I am sorry that I have communicated that you and your families are less than me and mine."

- Alan Chambers in an apology to the LGBTQ community.

Chambers is the head of Exodus International, the most recognized "ex-gay" organization in the world.  With the apology, came the announcement that Exodus would be closing their doors permanently as of yesterday.  Founded in 1976, Exodus had 100 office locations within the U.S. at its peak, and over 150 locations worldwide.  They were the leaders in so-called "reparative therapy", the belief that gay and lesbian people could become straight with the help of god.

In the last 12 months, Chambers has changed his position on a number of issues involving Exodus and the LGBTQ community.  He was an ardent supporter of the "ex-gay" movement, citing himself as an example of its success.  In recent months, he's said that he doesn't consider himself gay, yet he doesn't think of himself as heterosexual.  He stated that he was confused about his own sexual identity.  He has questioned whether reparative therapy is effective, and, as we can see, has realized how much damage him and his movement has done in this world.

A documentary will be airing tonight on OWN at 10PM, focusing on the "ex-gay" community and Alan Chambers in particular.  I'm expecting to see a couple of bombshells being revealed.

NOM To Board Of Directors: "Drive A Wedge Between Gays And Blacks"

Some background:  NOM (the National Organization for Marriage) was recently sued in Maine for violating campaign finance laws.  NOM contended that they were not a political organization, and, as such, were not required to disclose campaign and financial information.  The First Circuit Court disagreed.

NOM appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, which refused to hear the case yesterday afternoon.  When that happened, NOM was legally required to make certain information public, such as reports to their board of directors.

The sixteen pages released yesterday show evidence of the organization's mission to pit African-Americans, Latinos, and the LGBT community against each other.  All the while, straight white bigots just sit back and watch it all unfold.  On page 13 of the 2008-2009 report to their board of directors, under a heading called "Not a Civil Right Project", it states the following:

"The strategic goal of this project is to drive a wedge between gays and blacks - two key Democratic constituencies.  Find, energize, equip and connect African American spokespeople for marriage; develop a media campaign around their objections to gay marriage as a civil right; provoke the gay marriage base into responding by denouncing these spokesmen and women as bigots.  No politician wants to take up and push an issue that splits the base of the party."

JAZZ HANDS...

Immediately upon reading this, Ken Hutcherson came to mind.   The vehemently anti-gay pastor from Kirkland, Washington, was one of the most vocal opponents to marriage equality in Washington state.  During one debate on the issue, he even went so far as to say that marriage equality would lead to legalized horse fucking.

"If this law is passed, what is going to happen? Now ask your guests in the studio. Do they believe that if they change the definition of marriage being between one man and one woman, what is going to stop two men one woman, two women one man, one man against a horse, one many with a boy, one man with anything?"

 Also on page 13 of the report, is their strategy regarding the Latino community.  It involves using Spanish language ads to convince listeners that their "assimilation" into American culture is not complete, unless they're against marriage equality.

"Will the process of assimilation to the dominant Anglo culture lead Hispanics to abandon traditional family values? We must interrupt this process of assimilation by making support for marriage a key badge of Latino identity - a symbol of resistance to inappropriate assimilation."

That's right folks...You're not really an American, unless you're an intolerant bigot.  In case you didn't know, these three people are at the forefront of American culture.  They're trendsetters.

Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council and NOM's Maggie Gallagher and Brian Brown

Another interesting tidbit from the report is that it confirms, once and for all, the partnership between NOM and the Mormon church.  Under the section "Donor Protection Litigation", it points out the steps that NOM has taken to support (and publicly shield) the LDS establishment from protests and media attention brought upon them in the wake of Prop 8.

There is also a section called "Sideswiping Obama".  The mission of this "project" is especially telling:

"Expose Obama as a social radical.  Develop side issues to weaken pro-gay marriage political leaders and parties and develop an activist base of socially conservative and Christian voters.  Raise such issues as pornography, protection of children, and the need to oppose all efforts to weaken religious liberty at a federal level."

Does this sound familiar to anyone?  Calling Mr. Santorum.

Rick Santorum has publicly vowed to ban the distribution of "hardcore" pornography on the internet, by mail, and in stores.  He has claimed that "the Obama Department of Justice seems to favor pornographers over children and families".  He also incorrectly attests that pornography causes "profound brain changes" and leads to violence against women, statements which no evidence has not shown.


Could the National Organization for Marriage have Rick Santorum in their pocket?  He is, possibly, the most vocal politician today in regards to contraception use being against our "religious freedoms".  


The notions presented in yesterday's documents are disturbing, to say the least.  Even more unsettling is the fact that many of this country's most powerful individuals support the ideologies of this disgusting organization.

The NHL Sponsors A Lesbian Engagement

Yes.  You read that correctly.

Between the second and third periods of last Saturday's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators, a lesbian couple got engaged.  On the ice.  In front of a capacity crowd at Scotiabank Place.

Alicia (in the Maple Leafs jersey) was standing on the ice, blindfolded, when she was instructed to remove her blindfold and read the message on the scoreboard.  Moments later, her girlfriend, Christina (dressed in Senators apparel), walked onto the ice.  After hugging Alicia, she got down on one knee and proposed.

What followed is the most heartwarming video you'll see this month.



Something tells me we won't be seeing anything like this in the U.S. anytime soon.

Oh...the video of the proposal is from the NHL's website.  Cool, huh?

Song Of The Day

As many of you know, Chick-fil-A has a history of being an anti-gay company.  In recent years, they have donated millions of dollars to anti-gay, Christian hate groups.  They have also sponsored "marriage training" events, which barred same-sex couples from participating.

In response, millions of progressive and LGBT friendly families (mine included) have boycotted the chain for the last two years.

That brings us to today's song, called 'Chow Down (at Chick-fil-A)' by (Not) Wilson Phillips, a trio of drag queens (Willam Belli, Detox, and Vicky Vox).  I promise.  You'll be singing this tune all day long.



If drag queens endorse Christian-right owned Chick-fil-A, is it still an endorsement?  According to the artists:  "Nope".

You may also want to check out another Willam Belli parody called 'The Vagina Song' (it's in the tune of Travie McCoy's 'Billionaire').  Be warned:  Language is NSFW.



Hilarious.

Elijah Sets Michele Bachmann Straight

What an awesome kid.  In case you couldn't hear him, he said, "My mommy's gay, but she doesn't need fixing."

He's eight years old.

Right on, Elijah.

The Most Difficult Four And A Half Minutes Of Video You'll See Today

This is Jonah.

This is a video that he posted on YouTube in August.

He's entering eighth grade this year.

He has been continually bullied since the first grade.



Parents, it is of the utmost importance that you have an active role in your child's life.  There are hundreds of thousands of children just like Jonah.  Get involved.  Talk to school administrators.  Petition the school board for tougher regulations on bullying.  This isn't just an issue with gay kids.  Just last month, a 10 year old Illinois girl committed suicide after bullies continually taunted her; calling her "fat" and "ugly".

If your kid is the subject of bullying, get them into a structured therapy program.  As someone that was preyed upon regularly for more than a decade by their schoolmates, I can tell you that the trauma has long term effects.  The depression and lack of self worth last many times well into adulthood.  Therapy helps to break the cycle of being the victim.

Lastly, if you are reading this, do me a personal favor:  go to the YouTube link for Jonah's video and leave him a message of encouragement.  He needs a friend right now.  

"I'm Christian, Unless You're Gay."

Bravo.

Security Worker At Zuccotti Park Fired For Homophobic Slur

Unless you're a fan of the Howard Stern Show, you've probably never heard of Joey Boots.  That is, not until this week, at least.

While filming at the newly vacated Zuccotti Park yesterday, a security officer taunted him, on camera, saying, "Your fly's open, faggot".

Little did the security officer know that Boots was indeed gay.  He came out on the Howard Stern Show in June of 2007.

Chalk this one up to the power of social media.  Within 24 hours, the video went viral, and many online news sites carried the story.

Today, the guard, who was employed by Brookfield Properties (the owners of Zuccotti Park), has been fired.  According to Matthew Cherry, a spokesman for Brookfield:

"His comment was offensive and inexcusable, and we have a policy of zero tolerance for such behavior. In accordance with our code of conduct he's been terminated from his work with Brookfield."

When pressed for further information, Cherry confirmed that he was a security subcontractor, but refused to comment as to whether a contract was still in place with his employer.

Looks like the guy has more in common with the demonstrators than he thought.

Remembering Matthew

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Matthew Shepard today.  Thirteen years ago, on the night of October 6th, at approximately this exact time in fact, Matthew was offered a ride home from the Fireside Bar in Laramie, Wyoming.  Shortly thereafter, the two young men that were driving him home, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, tied Matthew to a fence and mercilessly beat him.  They took the twenty dollars and the credit card he had from his pocket, and left him to die.

Matthew was found more than 18 hours later by a passing cyclist and admitted into the hospital after spending the previous night in near freezing temperatures.  He was in a coma at the time he arrived at the hospital.  He never regained consciousness.  At 12:53AM on the morning of October 12th, he was pronounced dead.

While family and friends mourned his passing, Fred Phelps, and the members of Westboro Baptist Church protested Matthew's funeral.

The murder of Matthew Shepard became a catalyst for hate crimes legislation across the nation.  His mother, Judy, quickly became one of the country's most vocal spokespersons for LGBT rights.

It wasn't until 11 years after Matthew's death that hate crimes legislation was adopted on a federal level on the basis of sexual orientation.  The Matthew Shepard Act was signed into law by President Obama on October 28, 2009.

Matthew would be turning 35 on the first of December had he still been alive.  So much has happened in the way of gay rights, just in the last few years, that it makes you wonder what Matthew may have been doing today.  He could have been a father.  He could have been married.  He could have lived a life that seemed impossible for a young gay man in 1998 Wyoming.

Such a heartbreaking loss.

Fox News' Chris Wallace Calls Out Rick Santorum On His DADT Arguments (Video)

After Sunday morning, I want to know, how in the hell is Chris Wallace still on Fox's payroll?

Wallace asked Santorum, a Republican candidate for President, and perhaps the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell's most outspoken critic, for some clarification on his position.  Democrats have compared him to those in the 1940s that have rallied against the inclusion of African-Americans in the armed forces.  Santorum insists that the repeal of the statute is experimenting with social policy.

In the clip below, Wallace asks the former Pennsylvania Senator if he would agree with the following words:

"The army is not a sociological laboratory.  The experimenting with army policy, especially in a time of war, would pose a danger to efficiency, discipline and morale and would result in ultimate defeat."

Watch the impending fail...



Rick Santorum is using the same line or reasoning concerning gays and lesbians in the military that many people used when it came to blacks in the armed forces nearly 70 years ago.  At that time, critics argued for segregated barracks, showers and restrooms.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.  Bravo to Chris Wallace for going against the status quo at Fox News and calling out Santorum on his bigoted, naive and backwards mindset.

The more sound bites I hear from Rick Santorum, the more I start to believe SNL.  He "seems confused and flabbergasted by modern day life.  It seems like if there were a time and place in history that best fit your values, it would be Salem, Mass, in 1692".

"Why stick your neck out and run for President, little guy?"

Today Is National Coming Out Day

If there is someone in your life you could safely tell, today would make a great excuse to break the ice.

I publicly came out two years ago today, in an article on this site.  I firmly believe that you should never be forced to come out of the closet.  You should only do so when you are at a point in your life where you feel safe and secure enough to do so.  (I was 34 when I came out.)

On a personal note, coming out was the most freeing feeling I have had in my life.  It was as if a two ton weight had been lifted from my chest.  Your life changes so dramatically once you're out.  It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Be safe, and remember:  Whether you them or not, there are millions of people supporting you.

Photo Of The Day

The above photo was taken Saturday of Marine recruiter booth at a Pasadena, California, Gay Pride event.  Yes, the branch of the armed services that were kicking and screaming throughout the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, are the ones that are showing the most initiative in reaching out to the gay and lesbian community since it's repeal.  

Astonishing.  I never thought I would have seen this.

This Is How NOM Publishes A Baby Announcement

On September 30th, Jared Polis, a gay Congressman from Colorado, and his partner, Marlon Reis, announced the birth of their son, Caspian.  No information was disclosed as to the baby's mother, because, honestly, it's no one's business.  This was a notable birth announcement, in that Polis became the first openly gay parent in Congress.  The announcement from Polis and Reis read as follows:

"Marlon & Jared are proud to announce the arrival of Caspian Julius: 8 pounds 12 ounces, Born September 30th 2011

Baby and parents are doing well, baby has learned to cry already!

No gifts please, just nice thoughts for Caspian, humankind, the planet, and the universe!"

Many news websites and political blogs noted the birth.  All reported the news positively.  Many offered their congratulations and well wishes.  After all, how is the birth of a beautiful, healthy baby boy a negative thing in this world?

If you were to believe the news from the National Organization for Marriage, you would think that Caspian's birth was a harbinger of the end of the world.  This was their headline, announcing the baby's birth:

What a horrible way to spin the birth of a child.  This little boy is going to have two parents, in a secure, stable home, that love him.  And, simply because those parents are both male, NOM automatically considers him "at risk" or "disadvantaged".  This is nothing less than hate speech, and it was specifically targeted at Polis.

Rep. Polis is the co-sponsor of the Every Child Deserves A Family Act.  The act "bans discrimination in adoption or foster care placement based on the sexual orientation, marital status or gender identity of the potential parent, or the sexual orientation or gender identity of the child".

It's a wonder they didn't call little Caspian the Anti-Christ.

Video: 'Not One Candidate'

The Democratic National Party has released a scathing new ad, calling out the Republican presidential candidates.  Why?  Specifically, they haven't admonished their own constituents for booing gay soldiers and calling for the uninsured to die.

Quote Of The Day

"I mean has anybody been watching the debates lately?  You've got a governor whose state is on fire denying climate change.  It's true. You've got audiences cheering at the prospect of somebody dying because they don't have healthcare.   And booing a service member in Iraq because they're gay.  That's not reflective of who we are."

- Barack Obama, referring to Texas Governor Rick Perry, at a San Jose fundraiser Sunday night.

Today In "Are You Fucking Kidding Me?"

At last night's Republican Presidential debate, a question was asked by Stephen Hill, a gay soldier serving in Iraq.  At the time his question was submitted via YouTube, he would have had to have asked it anonymously.  However, since the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell went into effect on Tuesday, Hill is now able to serve openly.

He asked, "Under one of your presidencies, do you plan to circumvent the progress that has been made for gay and lesbian soldiers in the military?"

Listen to the reaction from some members of the crowd:



Of course the question went to Rick Santorum, who by far spews the most anti-gay rhetoric of all of the GOP candidates.  He said that "any type of sexual activity has no place in the military", which is true, but has absolutely nothing to do with allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly.  This is the man that said that gay marriage would lead to "man on dog" relationships.  In his mind, the repeal of DADT is an anal rape free-for-all in the barrack's showers.

What's worse?  Not one of the candidates spoke up to defend the soldier.  I don't care if you disagree with someone's lifestyle.  I don't care if you disagree with the policies of this administration.  I don't care if you disagree with the concept of war or the reasons why we are currently in the Middle East.  YOU DO NOT BOO A SOLDIER.  PERIOD.  Those men and women are risking their lives every day, doing a job that most Americans are unwilling to do.  What a vile thing to do.

Well, at least this time the crowd wasn't shouting to let the uninsured die:

It Has Been An Wonderful Two Years. Thank You.

Note:  Please forgive me.  I have a lot on my mind.  This may not be the most well written article, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Tomorrow will be the start of the third year of "The Twitch".  I started the blog as a way to vent my frustrations. It was a journal of sorts.  A hobby that didn't involve shooting zombies.

The following two years have been nothing short of amazing.  The more I wrote, the more I started to become a writer.  To look back at some of the dribble that was typed out in the early days is embarrassing.  Please don't read the archives.  LOL.  The entire theme of my website has changed over time.  Looking at my page today, you would have no idea that I started by discussing my issues with Tourette's and PTSD.

I have taken a more active role in politics.  I have also stepped up, and become somewhat of an activist on LGBT issues, especially those that effect the bisexual community.  I even came out on this page.  More than anything, this page has become an outlet for me to discuss my religious upbringing, and the consequences that followed because of it.  I don't know where my mind would be without having this outlet.

Since September 2009, some posts have been more popular than others.  Believe it or not, a story about "Zombie Boy" Rick Genest, the tattooed gentleman in Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' video, is the most popular thus far.  Though the article was written in March of this year, it is responsible for almost 25% of all traffic to the website, since it's launch two years ago.  Six months after it's debut, it is still viewed six times for every click that the next most popular story receives each day.  Insane.

It was around that time that things really started to take off for "The Twitch".  In fact, 82% of my total site views have been since March 1st, and the page has 30 times the monthly views that it did at the beginning of the year.  This is no longer a hobby.  It is a profession.  I tell people that I am a blogger.

That's the reason why you may have noticed some changes to the page recently.  "The Daily Twitch", while a catchy title, was already taken as a URL.  Turns out, there is an advertising blog of the same name in Australia.  So, after 18+ months, it was time for a change.  "The Twitch Online" was born.  There may be a number of additional, minor changes coming soon in the way of layout.

I want to thank everyone for reading my page.  For getting a laugh every now and then.  For those that take time to comment.  Those who share my articles on Facebook and Twitter.

I would like to thank a few of the readers that have followed me early on (Those whose names I know, at least.)  Casey, Rachel and Melissa, thank you for sticking with me through some really shitty posts.  LOL.  To my subscribers, thank you for waking up with me.  Sometimes, I don't know what any of you see in this website, but it's nice to know that you see something worthwhile.

Here's to another fantastic year.

Video: Rise Against - 'Make It Stop' (September's Children)

September 2010 was a horrific month for LGBT youth.  It seemed like every day, there was a report of another gay teen that had committed suicide to escape the bullying from other kids at school.  A year later, the names of some of these young men still are fresh in are memory - Seth Walsh, Tyler Clementi, Billy Lucas and Asher Brown.

With the advent of It Gets Better, hopefully some lives have been saved.  I would like to think the large number of pop songs on the market has helped to bring a positive message to those feeling desperate and at their lowest point.  P!nk released 'Fuckin' Perfect'.  Katy Perry came out with 'Firework'.  And, of course, you can't forget Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way'.

Support also came from the rock industry.  Rise Against, who are activists in their own right, recently released 'Make It Stop'.  In my opinion, it has much more substance than any of the other songs that have come out referencing the issue.  Take a look.

Video: KY Airing National Commercial Featuring Lesbian Couple

For years, we have all seen the clever commercials for KY products.  They all vary to some degree, but usually, they feature a heterosexual couple talking about "the big moment".  Well, starting September 5th, "Alex and Emma", the line's first lesbian couple, joins their ranks.  From KY:

"K-Y® Brand has been a longtime supporter of the LGBT community. Since 1998, it has sponsored dozens of LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations and has also participated at LGBT Pride celebrations and other community events. Gay male couples have been featured in print advertising since 2008 and now the brand is continuing its tradition of support and visibility with advertising that is inclusive of lesbian couples."

Here is the commercial.  Short but sweet.



Why KY Intense?  It's engineered specifically for women.  They like to call it the "Intense Effect".  It has worked on 75% of their test subjects.

I'm curious to see if the commercial will ever see the light of day on primetime television.  If and when it does, I'm sure the boycott police will be in full force.  "Boycott the network that aired this commercial."  "Boycott the program the commercial aired on."  "Boycott every store that KY Intense is sold in."  Great in theory, except KY Intense is sold in every major drug store chain - including Target and the fundie beloved Walmart.

There is only one reason why the evangelical right haven't blown up the airwaves about this already:  This is very low on their radar.  It's not like they're monitoring the advertising campaigns for sex lubricant products on a regular basis.

Dear lord, I hope not.  I'd hate to think that I have something in common with the evangelical right.  ;)

Church Sign Of The Day