Sunday, September 03, 2006
Not so Gay in Ghana
Ghana bans gay and lesbian conference
.... While we're watching the L-Word and being our free lesbian selves, millions of GLTBs in many countries still have to hide and are being oppressed to say the least. Homophobia is obviously widespread on the African continent, or as a South African lesbian puts it: "It's kind of the spirit of the times in Africa". I actually know a dyke from an influential family in Ghana, in fact she is a Princess, and it took many many years for her family to accept her lifestyle - but eventually they did, so there's hope that the "spirit of the times" will change one day. I wish the gays and lesbians in those African countries that promote homophobia, a lot of strength, courage and worldwide support - after all the African saying (from Zaire) is so true: Tsa ifotekya loolo - FIRE can soften iron.
For more infos on GLBT Africa check out the Behind the Mask Website.
Photo: Camouflage (©) by South African photographer and gender & sexual rights activist Zanele Muholi .
.... While we're watching the L-Word and being our free lesbian selves, millions of GLTBs in many countries still have to hide and are being oppressed to say the least. Homophobia is obviously widespread on the African continent, or as a South African lesbian puts it: "It's kind of the spirit of the times in Africa". I actually know a dyke from an influential family in Ghana, in fact she is a Princess, and it took many many years for her family to accept her lifestyle - but eventually they did, so there's hope that the "spirit of the times" will change one day. I wish the gays and lesbians in those African countries that promote homophobia, a lot of strength, courage and worldwide support - after all the African saying (from Zaire) is so true: Tsa ifotekya loolo - FIRE can soften iron.For more infos on GLBT Africa check out the Behind the Mask Website.
Photo: Camouflage (©) by South African photographer Labels: around the world, gay, lesbian, politics
Monday, August 14, 2006
Sisters are doing it for themselves?
I had mixed feelings when I read this BBC report about Bill Gates - he's called The American philanthropist in this article- stating that women are key to the AIDS policy. I'm sure Billy boy has the best intensions, but saying that "To change the sexual behaviour of men is a question of generations..." and that's why it's up to the women to once again take precautions and change the situation is really depressing. Of course one could say well, he recognizes the intelligence of women and their feeling of responsibilty. And of course it is a noble mission to spend millions on stopping AIDS - whatever way you do it. But if you just give up on changing male sexual behaviour and take the shortcut, making women use some formula/medication, having them take all the responsibilty, not knowing what side effects this might have in the long run (the pill and cancer comes to mind...) etc etc - it's just so typical and actually is an easy way out. Bravo Bill for doing good with all your Microsoft-money, but take a portion of your mucho bucks and start educating men. Oh and take another portion and start educating politicians on humanity - there is another reason why so many poeple in Africa are dying, and AIDS is not cause number 1 by the way. Neglect, ignorance and greed still prevail and that's something women are NOT key to.
photo: www.imcworldwide.org
photo: www.imcworldwide.org
Labels: politics
Sunday, August 13, 2006
The fear of flying revisited
A friend of mine flew in from Dubai to Berlin today. Due to the terror hysteria she was not allowed to take her small suitcase as hand luggage as she usually does, so she had to check it in and with it her laptop battery other important things you need when travelling on business. Of course the luggage got lost - like it has apparently happened to 1000s of suitcases today. Sure we all want to fly safe but if they need to keep it 100 percent secure we would all have to fly naked. After 9/11 Lufthansa made me leave my tiny nail clippers behind... Sure I could clip the capatain's ears and force him to crash the plane! Puleeze... Well, now it's not clippers or forks anymore, but all your valuables... what person on a business trip would be so insane and check in their computer and mobile phone? An estimated 30 million pieces of baggage gets lost every year! And, while reading all about the airport chaos around the world today, I asked myself: what stops people who do mean harm from hiding explosives in their suitcase and then timing it to go off a few hours later? The airports don't even have the resources to scan every piece of baggage.
My friend had a bottle of water with her and actually had to take a sip in front of airport security. I'm sure a terrorist who intends to blow himself up on a plane wouldn't mind drinking whatever he has in that bottle, so what's the point? US and UK airlines of course don't allow you to take any drinks with you, but according to the Transportation Security Administration Website there is an exception: You are allowed to take "Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling;" Thank God for that - the idea of young mummys having to squeeze their breasts until all the breast milk is out is even too absurd for the Bush-Blair-Fear-Alliance. It wouldn't surprise me though if you would have to try the breast milk in front of security too.... after all Mum's milk could be some deadly formula hidden in a silicone boob.
My friend had a bottle of water with her and actually had to take a sip in front of airport security. I'm sure a terrorist who intends to blow himself up on a plane wouldn't mind drinking whatever he has in that bottle, so what's the point? US and UK airlines of course don't allow you to take any drinks with you, but according to the Transportation Security Administration Website there is an exception: You are allowed to take "Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling;" Thank God for that - the idea of young mummys having to squeeze their breasts until all the breast milk is out is even too absurd for the Bush-Blair-Fear-Alliance. It wouldn't surprise me though if you would have to try the breast milk in front of security too.... after all Mum's milk could be some deadly formula hidden in a silicone boob.
Labels: politics
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Apple Lebanon Mel Gibson
These are the most popular search words of the day, so I decided to find out if it's true that adding popular words brings thousands of visitors to your blog.
Dear new visitor, I'm sorry but you are part of my experiment, and as you came in search of some information on either of the terms above I might add: I use an Apple Macintosh and have done so ever since the second one was on the market. I feel for all the innocent non-fighting people in the Lebanon who surely do not want war or violence but would really love to live a peaceful life and see their kids grow up happy and without fear. And Mr Mel Gibson already frightened the hell out of me with his horrible Jesus movie - which being a thought through project and probably not something he spat out while drunk is more disturbing. Finally a cool site to find interesting blogs with different views on the Middle East and from the Middle East is this Dubai blog.
If you weren't looking for a Mac but actually for an apple as in fruit check out All About Apples.
And finally, if you were looking up Mel Gibson - well why don't you go outside, get some fresh air, think of something wonderful, plant a tree, donate to a good cause or just hug somebody. That won't be a waste of time! Thank you for being part of my how-many-hits-will-I-get-experiment and have a lovely day...
Dear new visitor, I'm sorry but you are part of my experiment, and as you came in search of some information on either of the terms above I might add: I use an Apple Macintosh and have done so ever since the second one was on the market. I feel for all the innocent non-fighting people in the Lebanon who surely do not want war or violence but would really love to live a peaceful life and see their kids grow up happy and without fear. And Mr Mel Gibson already frightened the hell out of me with his horrible Jesus movie - which being a thought through project and probably not something he spat out while drunk is more disturbing. Finally a cool site to find interesting blogs with different views on the Middle East and from the Middle East is this Dubai blog.
If you weren't looking for a Mac but actually for an apple as in fruit check out All About Apples.
And finally, if you were looking up Mel Gibson - well why don't you go outside, get some fresh air, think of something wonderful, plant a tree, donate to a good cause or just hug somebody. That won't be a waste of time! Thank you for being part of my how-many-hits-will-I-get-experiment and have a lovely day...
Labels: Celebrities, politics
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Condy might be mad but not stupid
Not long ago someone tried to spread the rumour that Condy is gay. Now Ms. Condoleezza-I-almost-was-a-lesbian-Rice is accused of having an affair with da Boss Bush.... paleeeze! That woman is many things but not stupid and would never choose such a dumbwitt to be her toy-boy!
I've read some comments in various blogs stating that the notion of Condy and Dubya hitting the sack is just too scary. Above all it's totally bizarre and the more you think about it the more obnoxious phantasies it spins off. That's why I won't go there and just leave it to your imagination as to what kinky role-playing sex and war games these two would come up with....
For me, Condy alone is scary enough. That woman gives me the creeps and if you look closely you will see that she is one hell of a mad lady with an evil look. Maybe she started out with a lot of ideals and definitely a lot of chuzpe, but she turned into a mean angry power-obsessed bitch along the way. Watch the video and you'll see what I mean. Her official White House photos are of course all friendly - your smiling Secretary of State, a trustworthy WOC bound to save the world - but many snapshots have caught her off guard, showing her true colors - and that's really scary!
I've read some comments in various blogs stating that the notion of Condy and Dubya hitting the sack is just too scary. Above all it's totally bizarre and the more you think about it the more obnoxious phantasies it spins off. That's why I won't go there and just leave it to your imagination as to what kinky role-playing sex and war games these two would come up with....
For me, Condy alone is scary enough. That woman gives me the creeps and if you look closely you will see that she is one hell of a mad lady with an evil look. Maybe she started out with a lot of ideals and definitely a lot of chuzpe, but she turned into a mean angry power-obsessed bitch along the way. Watch the video and you'll see what I mean. Her official White House photos are of course all friendly - your smiling Secretary of State, a trustworthy WOC bound to save the world - but many snapshots have caught her off guard, showing her true colors - and that's really scary!
Labels: Celebrities, politics
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Gay Marriage and not so gay marriage
.
So Dubya did it again - he opposes gay marriage, what else is new? I actually just read the proposed amendment text for the first time which is:
"Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the Constitution of any state, shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon any union other than the union of a man and a woman."
Ok, so what's so damn great and exclusive about heterosexual marriage? I can tell you after doing a bit of research:
It's not working:
The total numbers of U.S. divorces (excluding the non-counting states) reported finalized annually are 957,200 in 2000.
(The total numbers of U.S. marriages (including those states) reported celebrated annually are 2,355,005 in 2000.)
It can be a dangerous union:
Two million spouses (mostly women) are threatened with a deadly weapon annually, according to the US Department of Justice. One half of all American homes are affected by domestic violence at least once a year.
This holy union does not always result in a loving family:
The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) reported an estimated 1,400 child fatalities in 2002. In 2002, more than one-third (38 percent) of child maltreatment fatalities were associated with neglect alone. Physical abuse alone was cited in more than one-quarter (30 percent) of reported fatalities. Another 29 percent of fatalities were the result of multiple maltreatment types.
So, this is something that should be protected from us ? Clean up your own mess biggots and put a little love in your life instead of hatred and ignorance!
It's one of these days I'm glad I live in Europe - and could marry my girlfriend if I chose to (well and if she said yes!). After all those horrid figures here's some nice lesbian romance for you - in an Australian Johnny Walker ad from 1997. You can see it at The Commercial Closet
gay marriage
So Dubya did it again - he opposes gay marriage, what else is new? I actually just read the proposed amendment text for the first time which is:
"Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the Constitution of any state, shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon any union other than the union of a man and a woman."
Ok, so what's so damn great and exclusive about heterosexual marriage? I can tell you after doing a bit of research:
It's not working:
The total numbers of U.S. divorces (excluding the non-counting states) reported finalized annually are 957,200 in 2000.
(The total numbers of U.S. marriages (including those states) reported celebrated annually are 2,355,005 in 2000.)
It can be a dangerous union:
Two million spouses (mostly women) are threatened with a deadly weapon annually, according to the US Department of Justice. One half of all American homes are affected by domestic violence at least once a year.
This holy union does not always result in a loving family:
The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) reported an estimated 1,400 child fatalities in 2002. In 2002, more than one-third (38 percent) of child maltreatment fatalities were associated with neglect alone. Physical abuse alone was cited in more than one-quarter (30 percent) of reported fatalities. Another 29 percent of fatalities were the result of multiple maltreatment types.
So, this is something that should be protected from us ? Clean up your own mess biggots and put a little love in your life instead of hatred and ignorance!
It's one of these days I'm glad I live in Europe - and could marry my girlfriend if I chose to (well and if she said yes!). After all those horrid figures here's some nice lesbian romance for you - in an Australian Johnny Walker ad from 1997. You can see it at The Commercial Closet
gay marriage
Labels: gay, lesbian, politics
Friday, March 24, 2006
Bird Flu Caused by Gays
Now this would really be hilarious if it wasn't so outrageously dumb and dangerous:
Kabbalah-Rabbi David Basri, who is under Israeli Police investigation due to his frequent hate speeches, says supporting gay marriage is just another example of Israel embracing immoral ideas.
But it gets better: according to his son he believes that the bird flu which has killed two people in Israel is because the country is ‘strengthening and encouraging homosexuality’.
What????
He explains it of course: "The Bible says that God punishes depravity first through plagues against animals and then in people."
Well the Foot and Mouth Disease epidemic in the UK in 2001 is no surpise then ...looking back: in 2001 the first gay couple in Britain registered their partnership in a civil ceremony organised by London mayor Ken Livingstone. Ahaaaa!!
Back to the bird flu: if it is directly linked to being gay it's a miracle that the gay penguins in the Berlin Zoo (yes, scientifically proven homosexuals and they have become quite famous) are still alive... Zoo vet Dr. Andreas Koch states by the way that gay couples are not rare in the bird world.... Well at least they prove the raging Rabbi wrong who so gracefully enlightens us about homosexuality: "...this is not a disease or a deviation, but a straight-out abomination. Even animals don't behave this way... There is no place in the Holy City for such a phenomenon.”
Now if I were a vengeful woman I would strike back and say: well look what Kabbalah has done to Madonna:
But of course I would never do that... I like Madonna and respect other people's religion... as long as it doesn't do us any harm.... which unfortunately happens far too often.
SONG OF THE DAY: Nelly Furtado - I'm Like A Bird
Kabbalah-Rabbi David Basri, who is under Israeli Police investigation due to his frequent hate speeches, says supporting gay marriage is just another example of Israel embracing immoral ideas.
But it gets better: according to his son he believes that the bird flu which has killed two people in Israel is because the country is ‘strengthening and encouraging homosexuality’.
What????
He explains it of course: "The Bible says that God punishes depravity first through plagues against animals and then in people."
Well the Foot and Mouth Disease epidemic in the UK in 2001 is no surpise then ...looking back: in 2001 the first gay couple in Britain registered their partnership in a civil ceremony organised by London mayor Ken Livingstone. Ahaaaa!!
Back to the bird flu: if it is directly linked to being gay it's a miracle that the gay penguins in the Berlin Zoo (yes, scientifically proven homosexuals and they have become quite famous) are still alive... Zoo vet Dr. Andreas Koch states by the way that gay couples are not rare in the bird world.... Well at least they prove the raging Rabbi wrong who so gracefully enlightens us about homosexuality: "...this is not a disease or a deviation, but a straight-out abomination. Even animals don't behave this way... There is no place in the Holy City for such a phenomenon.”
Now if I were a vengeful woman I would strike back and say: well look what Kabbalah has done to Madonna:
But of course I would never do that... I like Madonna and respect other people's religion... as long as it doesn't do us any harm.... which unfortunately happens far too often.
SONG OF THE DAY: Nelly Furtado - I'm Like A Bird
Labels: gay, lesbian, politics
