The Vitamin T Show

Our Pre-Grammy Special


Episode 3

Billy Porter for LGBT Gay Youth

Porter, who is openly gay and Christian with strong ties to the Black church speaks from experience regarding the detrimental effects of religious bigotry on LGBT people. "One of the problems that I see with religion as it relates to gay youth and gay in general is that...the bible is used as a tool and a weapon to promote bigotry and to promote hatred. It's a problem because our world is built on the foundation of religious beliefs, and when we sanction bigotry and hatred through religion, we say to the world that it's okay...and it just isn't", says Porter. "There's a history of violence that comes as an outgrowth of the bible. When people who fear something that they don't understand can base their fear on religion it gives them license to lash out. I have been so affected by anti-gay religious discrimination because I longed for a very long time to just be accepted", he adds.
Porter appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2005 on an episode titled 'When I Knew I Was Gay', he explained he had to come out to his mother three times. "I come from a very religious background," he explains. "My mother is a Pentecostal preacher, and she just didn't want to hear it." After two failed attempts, Porter decided to bring home a man he was in love with. "It's not about you," he told his mom the third time. "It's about me. I have to live this."
Billy Porter can currently be seen in the hit Off-Broadway revival of Tony Kushner's Angels In America. Watch his interview with The Advocate below:

Bad Hair makes Bad Call!-What an IDIOT

No, I'm just not in favor of gay marriage. I live in New York. New York is a place with lots of gays, and I think it is great. But I'm not in favor of gay marriage." - Three times married Donald Trump, whose potential 2012 presidential run is being backed by GOProud. Before you dismiss his opinion as inconsequential, consider that Donald Trump is arguably the most famous New Yorker in the world and somebody whose support on this could have been quite useful

San Francisco takes a stand

This video was so powerful and moving to me...take a look:

Janet Sits down with Meredith V...Luvs IT!

PART ONE:

Tha Life: "Atlanta

check out a click of the new reality show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPriEXNlkYo&feature=player_embedded
Thoughts?

Lebianism in now illegal in Malawi...OMG!

Malawi President Bingu Wa Mutharika has signed a bill into law that criminalises sex between two women. Malawi's penal code already prohibited sex between two men and the law was applied in the case of Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza who were sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labour for celebrating their love in what authorities called a traditional same-sex ceremony. Malawi also rejected pressure to comply with human rights obligations by the donor community.


Press Release from International Commission of Jurists:
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) expresses grave disappointment at Malawi’s recent enactment of a law criminalizing sexual relations between women. Such a law is an affront to human dignity and seriously undermines Malawi’s human rights commitments under international law.
The ICJ urges that the Parliament undertake an immediate review with an eye to repealing all laws that currently criminalize sexual activity on the basis of the sex of the partners.
In December 2010, the Parliament passed a bill amending the Penal Code of Malawi. In late January 2011, President Bingu Wa Mutharika assented to the bill, thus completing its enactment into law. The new Section 137A, captioned “Indecent practices between females,” provides that any female person who, whether in public or private, commits “any act of gross indecency with another female” shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a prison term of five years

Michigan HIV Disclosure Forms Legally Inaccurate

HIV advocates and legal experts say that Michigan’s local health departments and the state Department of Community Health are using documents that exaggerate the risks of HIV transmission and misstate the laws regarding disclosure. These “client acknowledgement forms” used by health departments are erroneously stating that it is illegal for an HIV-positive person to engage in unprotected sex and that it is a felony to share needles without disclosing an HIV-positive status. Furthermore, some counties are using signed disclosure forms to prosecute HIV-positive people for failing to disclose their status before sex, but it is never indicated that the forms can be used in criminal proceedings. Advocates are calling for the forms to be recalled.

GLAAD Award for Kristin Chenoweth...CONGRATS!!!!

 We were thrilled to learn that Kristin Chenoweth is the 2011 recipient of the Vanguard Award, presented annually at the Los Angeles GLAAD Media Awards to honor a member of the entertainment community who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for LGBT people. You probably remember back in May when the Newsweek/Ramin Setoodeh soap opera first began that it was K.Cheno who publicly stood up for gay actors -namely her Promises, Promises co-star Sean Hayes- when Setoodeh claimed that they can’t play straight.

Black Gay Trailblazer-Honoring Black History Month

Bayard Rustin

(March 17, 1912 – August 24, 1987) was an American civil rights activist, important largely behind the scenes in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and earlier. He is credited as the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He counseled Martin Luther King, Jr. on the techniques of nonviolent resistance. He became an advocate on behalf of gay and lesbian causes in the latter part of his career. Homosexuality was criminalized at the time, which made him a target of suspicion and compromised some of his effectiveness. Many African-American leaders were concerned that Rustin's sexual orientation and past Communist membership would undermine support for the civil rights movement. U.S. Representative Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., who was a member of the SCLC's board, forced Rustin's resignation from the SCLC in 1960 by threatening to discuss Rustin's morals charge in Congress.[7] Although Rustin was open about his sexual orientation and his conviction was a matter of public record, the events had not been discussed widely outside the civil rights leadership. When Rustin and Randolph organized the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, Senator Strom Thurmond railed against Rustin as a "Communist, draft-dodger, and homosexual." He produced an FBI photograph of Rustin talking to King while King was bathing, to imply that there was a same-sex relationship between the two. Both men denied the allegation of an affair. Despite King's support, NAACP chairman Roy Wilkins did not want Rustin to receive any public credit for his role in planning the march.

Raising Kids in the South

"Hetero or homo it doesn't matter, either way it's a great support system", says Gray to CNN.

Much of the segment focuses on the volatile relationship between gays and the church, and of course in an effort to be "fair and balanced" CNN interviews conservative Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin of Potter's House Christian Fellowship in Jacksonville.
"I believe that the couples in the church should have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ that will bring a conviction that Jesus taught and the scriptures teach that marriage is between a man and a woman," says McLaughlin. I'm sure he meant to say between a man and his three wives if we're to follow scripture to the letter, but who's checking facts.
According to the NY Times: About a third of lesbians are parents, and a fifth of gay men are. Advocacy groups argue that their children are some of society’s most vulnerable, with fewer legal protections and less health insurance than children of heterosexual parents.
Married same-sex parents face legal hurdles. Florida does not recognize same-sex marriage, and its domestic partnership recognition, while growing, is an uneven patchwork, and still leaves many spouses uninsured.

I am who I am-Webisode

Lesbian filmmaker Ochi has launched a series of interviews with everyday LGBT people of color as a part of her GriotFilms production company on YouTube.

I Am Who I Am: Darryl offers insight into the life of this 48 years young openly gay man who has been in a loving relationship with his partner Rodney for over twenty years and are now raising a child.
Most children who end up without parents come from straight homes. They come from abusive homes...they come rom neglect. People wanna say that gays and lesbians shouldn't be raising children...well we didn't put these children out here, especially gay men. We didn't put these children out here that need love and attention and guidance," says Darryl.
"I don't look at us as a gay couple raising a child. I look at us as two black men trying to help another black child be successful in life."

Atlanta's LGBT community

Over 80 people from Atlanta's LGBT community gathered last night at Tabernacle Baptist Church, an LGBT affirming house of worship led by Rev. Dennis Meredith to discuss the impact of stigma as it relates to HIV, homophobia, and religion in the Black LGBT community.

The panel consisted of Dr. Edith Biggers (Fulton County Health Department), Pastor Paris Ealey (The Vision Church of Atlanta), Pastor Will Horn(The Power Center) and community activist and artist Anye Elite.
Panelists reiterated the need for prevention but drove home the need to eradicate internalized homophobia and stigma that often leads to destructive behaviors.

I thought this was sooo funny

Commercial about transgender transformation...lol

Hawaii for Civil Unions!!!!!

Last week a Senate committee advanced SB232, a civil unions bill "substantively similar" to the measure passed last year. The Senate overwhelmingly passed the measure on Friday, reports the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

Senators voted 19-6 yesterday to approve Senate Bill 232, a proposal essentially the same as House Bill 444, Senate Draft 1, which passed both chambers last year. The proposal would grant all couples of the same or opposite sex the ability to enter into a civil union with all the rights, privileges, protections and responsibilities of traditional marriage. The House could either approve SB 232 and send it to the governor or pass its own version. Both bodies need to agree on the language before sending a final bill to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who supports civil unions. House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro, with 21 co-sponsors, has introduced a bill similar to a measure that was not heard in the Senate. The bill was crafted by select lawmakers, members of the governor's policy team and civil unions advocates and addresses some concerns about implementation of a civil unions law. The proposal spells out processes such as how the state Department of Health would oversee licensing of civil unions, and ensures that the rights extend to applicable health, insurance and tax codes. The Democratic-dominated House and Senate have promised to move quickly on the legislation. Adds KITV: "Supporters hope one amendment would move the effective date to July 1, 2011, and take effect without government rulemaking, which would mean civil unions could begin this summer." HB 444, the previous Hawaii civil unions bill, passed the legislature in April 2010. Hawaii's twice-divorced and lame duck Republican Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed HB444 last July to "protect" traditional marriage. Democratic Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, the pro-equality former longtime congressman, has "promised to sign whatever civil unions legislation is approved."

Kissing Session????

KISS'ing Sessions are a great way to connect with other black gay men outside of the bars, clubs, and hook-up sites. Sign up for a session and have a real conversation with other young men so you can talk about the issues you face dating and forming relationships. If you're "over" the men in Atlanta? Newly single? This is the group for you. If you just got into a new relationship and you're having issues talking to your partner? This is the group for you. If you're somewhere in between? This is the group for you. Call in and RSVP today. Participants will receive free dinner and a $10 giftcard. For more information email: project.evolution.atl@gmail.com or call 404.981.8976.

HELP BRING NOAH'S ARC BACK!!!!!

Are you gay? Did Noah's Arc help you come out?
Did Noah's Arc help you come to terms with your gay son or daughter?
Were you homophobic before watching the show? Did it change your ideas and attitudes about gay people?
The brass at MTV and LOGO are considering putting Noah and the gang back on the air, but they won't do it without a show of support. Fortunately, some good samaritans have put together this Facebook page where you can share your experiences, memories and thoughts about the show. The more authentic, the more heartfelt, the better the chances that the powers that be will wake up and hear our cries! So post on the wall and share your feelings with the world.
This is our moment, and it would mean a lot to me personally if you took the time to contribute.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_197503003597005¬if_t=group_r2j

But Gays are the sinners???

Authorities say a former Bloomingdale pastor has been charged with embezzling at least $200,000 from his church. The Savannah Morning News reports that 46-year-old Kenneth Terrell pleaded not guilty to charges contained in the federal wire-fraud indictment. Terrell, the former pastor of New Harvest International Ministries, on Wednesday was ordered held without bond. Authorities accuse Terrell of stealing the money over four years, then converting it to his own use

The Life Atlanta

From executive producer Princess Banton-Lofters of The Real Housewives of Atlanta comes 'Tha Life Atlanta', a new reality show featuring five openly gay black men living in Atlanta.

The cast made their first public appearance last weekend at Club Europe in Atlanta and BE Entertained Magazine was on hand and got the scoop.
"While this definitely steps outside of the typical “heels & handbags” gay stereotype, it’ll leave lots of people talking about how they get down in Atlanta. BE ready for the drama, fierce altercations, and a bunch a FABULOUSNESS!," writes Jason Dinsmore of BE Entertained.  "They all come from different walks of life including doctors, dancers, and professional clubbers, but the one thing that they all have in common (BEsides BEing gay males) is that they are all extra FAB!,"he adds. Well let's just hope that Tha Life Atlanta veers from the train wreck of LOGO's The A-List because once this show hits the air the entire country will be watching and black gay men will be judged accordingly.

Interesting Video..female to male coming out

DISHING DEREK'S CARTERING

Are you planning a dinner, party, or event and the menu is the LAST THING you want to think about? If your in the Atlanta area Dishing Derek is only a phone call away! Go to www.dishingderekscatering.com for delicious food that won't break the bank!

*This was just a random night at home...lol

The Vitamin T Show

Check out our 2nd Episode of the Vitamin T Show with an interview with Tae'Morian Black!!!!

Charles Barkey gives shout out to the LGBT community

Shelter Denies Gays

This is just plain wrong...people can be so heartless:

The Dallas Morning News Will NOT Publish Same Sex Marriage Announcements

A gay Dallas couple, Mark Reed-Walkup and Dante Walkup, have been trying like heck to get their paid same-sex wedding announcement into the Weddings section of the Dallas Morning News, the city's largest paper and one of the bigger dailies in the country. But the paper won't allow it. Why?


Because according to the paper's official policy, since the state of Texas doesn't recognize gay marriage, there's no reason for the Dallas Morning News to recognize same-sex weddings as legitimate either. What a shame, and what a missed opportunity for such a respectable paper to set a precedent for other publications around the country.
The logic behind the Dallas Morning News' wedding policy is pretty squishy. Around the country, countless newspapers and publications print same-sex wedding announcements in their Weddings section, even if their respective states don't recognize marriage equality. There's the New York Times. There's the Philadelphia Inquirer. There's even the Omaha World-Herald in Nebraska, which has a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage.
The Dallas Morning News could join the ranks of these papers, and not segregate same-sex couples under a different label that flies in the face of their legal marriage (after all, we're talking about same-sex couples who get married in the five states, or the District of Columbia, where same-sex marriage is legal). But so far, they haven't.
Mark Reed-Walkup told Change.org that pushing same-sex couples into a different section, or calling their legal marriages just "commitments," is another example of how same-sex couples are made to feel 'less than' in our culture.
"Placing a paid same-sex wedding announcement in any other section but Weddings is 'less than,' as well as false advertisement," Mark said. And he's right.
That's one of the reasons why Mark and his husband have filed a discrimination complaint with the city of Dallas, arguing that the Dallas Morning News' current policy of keeping same-sex couples out of the Weddings section violates the city's nondiscrimination ordinance regarding public accommodations. It's a unique take on anti-discrimination law, and should play out in the coming weeks with interesting results.
"Our ultimate goal is to raise awareness about how this is blatant discrimination and send a clear message to the Dallas Morning News," Mark added. Spoken like a dedicated LGBT activist (it's no wonder that Mark is a board member of GetEqual, the direct action organization that has managed to shake things up on a federal, state and local level for LGBT equality).
Lend your voice to this campaign, and help push the Dallas Morning News in the direction of recognizing all of their readers -- whether they're in heterosexual relationships or same-sex relationships -- equally. After all, the Dallas Morning News does seem willing to recognize same-sex anniversaries. Shouldn't they be willing to recognize same-sex weddings with as much dignity, too?