Oakland Ground Zero for Prop 8 Hate Speech

(From Mother Jones Blog)

Another night of Prop 8 campaigning in east Oakland, this time with supporters and opponents of the ban on gay marriage verbally battling face to face. At least 150 people packed each streetcorner, spilling out into traffic causing tie-ups in traffic and mayhem (I counted 14 police cruisers at one point) with cars honking and both sides yelling back and forth for hours. There was so much energy and anger in the air, people of all races, ages, and backgrounds, so passionate and fervent in their beliefs, taking to the streets. But I kept thinking, what a tragedy, that such energy is wasted on this fight.

Mormon churchgoers have been rallying for Prop 8 at this intersection for several days now and in response neighbors organized via email to counter the message in person with messages of their own. Their message: "Equality for All," "Don't Discriminate, No on 8" and "Say No to Hate, No on 8." The chants were dirtier tonight on the Yes side, along with "Save Our Children" and the "Protect Marriage" there were plenty of "Don't Hate, Be Straight" and "Stop the Virus AIDS" chorus rounds.

Last night I was surprised when one young woman told me the only mark on the ballot she'll make is for Prop 8. Tonight I heard a chorus of the same. "Gay marriage is an abomination under god and it shouldn't be taught to children in our schools," said Cassandra Jones, 33, a black woman who's also voting for Obama but added, "If it's Obama or McCain, it doesn't matter, this matters, because children are our future."

In fact, there's not a word in the proposition that mentions education or any mandate for schools. So all of the concern for kids in schools, who will be learning they can "marry a princess" is thanks to misleading ads. Unfortunately that scare argument seems to be working, Prop 8 is gaining in the polls.

One pro- woman told me she was from a nearby baptist church. But she wouldn't tell me which one, and I saw her last night with the Samoan churchgoers who said they were there together with their Mormon community. I think she didn't want to tell me she was Mormon, to distance the church from the campaign. "It's not about hate, or civil rights, it's a mentality," she said. "We are here on earth to be replenishing. There can be no future generation if Ann marries Mary."

The No-on-8ers carried banners, crossed the streets when the pros did, a couple of women kissed purposely in a sea of yellow yes signs, some were crying, most were silent, signs held high. Elyse Hochstadt, who organized the response offered this: "I may not agree with the way a lot of people live, but I don't want to take away their freedoms, their right to live as they choose. Once again, here's a religious agenda in our democratic state." She was compelled to act after seeing all of the kids with signs. "They have no idea what they're out here for; it's utter propaganda."

There were A LOT of kids, some as young as six, and plenty of teenagers. They carried banners back and forth and planned to stay till midnight, and come back every night. The No team will likely be back as well. No on 8 protester Molly Kenefick, who yesterday was spit on and told "to die of AIDS" at a Prop 8 rally in a nearby neighborhood is undeterred. "You know what's as strong as an army? An idea whose time has come. Sure," she added holding up her hand-painted "Jesus Didn't Teach Hate" sign, "if Prop 8 passes it will be a setback. But the time for equality is here."

GAY TAHITI

Tahiti and Her Islands can be everybody's haven. Tahitian people are kind, gentle and open-minded. They are ready to share the beauty of their islands with the whole world.

The 2000 edition of the Lonely Planet guide on Tahiti and French Polynesia gives you a pretty good description of gay friendly Tahiti and her Islands: "There are no networks or associations for gays in French Polynesia but French Laws prevail and there is no legal discrimination against homosexual activity. Homophobia in French Polynesia is uncommon. You will meet a lot of very camp mahu working in restaurants and hotels and Rae Rae are transvestites. The Scorpio disco behind the Vaima Centre in Papeete is popular centre for popaa (western) gays as well as rae rae, but it's also frequented by heterosexuals."

For travellers in search of exciting nightlife, Papeete is the place to be. The waterfront and surrounding streets boast an excellent collection of bars and nightclubs, frequented by the local population as well as visitors to the islands. With strong European influences, Tahiti's nightlife is an enjoyable contrast to the tranquillity of other islands.

For those who enjoy shopping, there is plenty to choose from around Tahiti! Shops are opened from Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 11:30 am and from 1:30 pm to 5 pm/6 pm. Most of them are opened on Saturday mornings are closed on Sunday. But in Papeete the market is open every day. The food market is located on the basement but in this 3-floor building, you can find all kind of souvenirs, local clothing, accessories and beauty products: pareos, hats, pearls, perfumes, soaps, creams and body oils, flavoured teas and coffees and all these local items are available at very competitive prices. Tahitian black pearls are world famous for their quality and what better place to buy them than in their place of origin.

For lovers of fine food and romantic dining, Tahiti and Her Islands have a huge variety of restaurants to choose from, offering world class cuisine bringing together the influences of the South Pacific and France to create a uniquely Tahitian experience. What could be tastier than an eclectic meal, combining the delicious fresh produce of these lush islands, accompanied by delightful French wines to compliment the flavours, whilst, gazing across the lagoon to the silhouette of an island in the distance, as the sun drops to the horizon creating a spectacular light show to dine by. A romantic toast to a magical encounter...



The outer islands are much quieter and they are mostly renowned for their relaxing atmosphere and romantic sceneries. Each island has its own magical beauty, character and charm, from the volcanic mountain peaks of Tahiti and Moorea, to wild, rugged islands of Huahine and Marquesas, to the world's most beautiful island of Bora Bora. Each one offers some of the most private resorts and islets on earth while offering a wide range of activities: water sports, hiking, 4WD safaris, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Whether you're alone, a couple or a group, Tahiti and her Islands is the ultimate in a get-away-from-it-all destination. You can charter a boat, go with your friends on an exclusive lagoon cruise or chill out with them in the privacy of your own secluded island paradise such as the Vahine Island Resort. Tahiti also caters to gay groups, offering exclusive hotel book-outs at many resorts, providing full and private use of all services and facilities.

Men playing nose flutes as an example, the gay-friendly, gay-run 'pension' Raimiti in the Tuamotu atholl is very open and accommodating. For complete packages contact your local Tahiti specialist or for information visit RAIMITI.

The Case Of A White Gay Male Accused Of Abducting Polynesian Children

From: Voice Of Deseret
August 6, 2008


Vigilante justice apparently has just received the endorsement of the Salt Lake County District Attorney's office, who announced on August 6th, 2008 that they will decline to file the felony charges of aggravated assault and burglary proposed by South Salt Lake Police against against the parents of two children allegedly kidnapped by their next-door neighbor, David James "DJ" Bell, although they said the case would be referred to the South Salt Lake City Prosecutor's Office to be screened for possible misdemeanor charges. Full story published August 6th by the Deseret News. See previous post HERE.

During the early morning of July 4th, two girls, ages 2 and 4, were found in Bell's house next door. Friends and family of Bell claim the children were found wandering by themselves and Bell took them in for protection until the parents could be alerted. The girls' parents, along with some friends, were engaged in an all-night drunken party, and they claim Bell took the girls without permission.

We now have an updated account of what happened next. When the mother found the children inside Bell's house, she got into a verbal altercation with Bell that was loud enough to wake up his partner, Dan Fair, who was sleeping in another room. The mother began hitting Bell before taking her children and leaving. As she was leaving, the mother warned the men they had better lock their doors. Moments later, at least five adults from the children's house, including their father, broke into Bell's home from several points, breaking through the locked door and some windows. Some of the adults were rumoured to be members of the Tongan Crips, although this has not been verified.

Bell and Fair were beaten, with Fair getting the worst of it. At one point, the attackers smashed a TV set onto Fair's head. He suffered a broken eye socket and his forehead was split open badly enough that doctors had to use staples to put it back together.

Now here's what we didn't know before. Bell ran out of the house to escape, but was caught in a neighbor's yard and beaten. He suffered two black eyes, the side of his head and an ear were heavily injured after his head was repeatedly pounded into the pavement and his neck was cut with shards of glass.

After police came, Bell was arrested and later charged in 3rd District Court with two counts of child kidnapping.

The attack has sparked outrage among Bell's family and members of the gay community who are calling the incident a hate crime. However, Valerie Larabee, executive director of the Utah Pride Center, is now satisfied that law enforcement and the judicial system has taken its course and uncovered the facts in this case.

The mother of the two girls told the Deseret News she doesn't deny people in her house were responsible for beating the two men, but said they were only trying to protect the children. She said she knew Bell was gay, but said his sexual orientation had nothing to do with the attack. She insists that if the couple who took their children were a man and a woman, she would have reacted the same way. But she now regrets the fact that Bell and Fair suffered such a severe beating. Part of the reason the neighborhood may be so edgy is because seven-year-old Hser Nay Moo was kidnapped and killed not far away in April 2008.

But there was still no reason for the five men to come over to Bell's house after the girls were recovered. And there is definitely no excuse for them to have continued to physically attack Bell after he fled his house to get away from them. With the girls safely recovered, the family simply should have called the police at that point.

The five men who invaded Bell's home and attacked Bell and Fair are guilty of home invasion and are common thugs who need to be punished for taking the law into their own hands. Just because Bell is a queer doesn't justify this type of action against him. We're lucky the local gay rights lobby isn't raising hell and demanding more hate crimes legislation. I dislike homosexuality and find it abominable, but I find vigilante justice even more abominable. Then again, when you consider that Lohra Miller is the Salt Lake District Attorney, it should be no surprise that they apparently endorse vigilante justice. Miller is infamous for making up the rules as she goes, breaking them at her discretion, and turning the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office into her own personal fiefdom, with her as liege lady.

Gay marriage in Samoa, a "big no-no"

From:

http://www.samoalivenews.com

Written by Cherelle Jackson
Wednesday, 25 June 2008

The recent legalizing of gay marriages in the State of California has not stirred the hopes of local fa’afafines in lobbying for the same rights.

In fact, if anything they are adamant that they do not go down that path, at least not yet.

President of Samoa Faafafine Association (SFA) and one of the more prominent voices of fa‘afafines, Roger To’oto’oalii Stanley says gay marriages in Samoa is a “big no-no.”

“It’s hard enough for our cultural values to accept the term gay, let alone gay marriages,” To’oto’oalii said.

According to him although local fa’afafines do have relationships with men, it is not often that it leads to a lifetime commitment or cohabitation.

“There are very few fa’afafines who have live in partners,” To’oto’alii said.

Fa’afafines

To’oto’oalii agrees.
have long been part of the Fa’aSamoa, however they are rarely identified strictly as ‘gay’ but rather ‘transvestite.’

Defining Fa’afafines

Lau Dr Asofou Soo of the National University of Samoa Institute of Education (NUSIHE) has formerly defined the faafafine as: “Men who act like women, feel like women and tend to do work done by women.”

The Samoan Dictionary by G.B Milner defines it as “a feminine man or youth.”

The Transgender web site, which talks about transvestites in many cultures draws from a definition used in Paradise Bent a documentary about Samoan faafafines.

“When it comes to gender, it seems there is a truly Samoan way of seeing the world. Paradise Bent is a fascinating and entertaining film that tells the story of the Samoan fa'afafines: boys who are raised as girls and take on the domestic duties performed by women around the home, raising the children, caring for the elderly, and bringing the family together.”





Film critic Jane Yu states: “Fa'afafines are born biologically male, but recognized as female.”

A transvestite however is closely defined as: “A person who obtains sexual gratification from the personal style and appearance of the opposite gender and is usually homosexual (but not always). The male transvestite population are more visible and are sometimes called, drag queens.”

Defining Gays

Gays are define differently.

The Oxford Dictionary defines gay as: “Homosexual, intended for or used by homosexuals, generally informal in used but favoured by homosexuals with reference to themselves.”

Dr Asofou Soo defined gay as “person attracted to the same gender and psychologically like the opposite sex attraction. They do the same things.”

Thomas Clough a reviewer of gay literature wrote: “The word “homosexual” has been redefined to mean someone who shares erotic experiences with other adults.”

So for Samoan fa’afafines who are gay, should they pursue the option for same-sex marriage?

According to To’oto’oalii it will be a long time before Samoa is ready to hear about the notion.

Tuilaepas Stance

The Prime Minister has also put his foot down on the issue.

In an interview back in 2006 Tuilaepa said the issue of same sex marriage conflicts greatly with that of the Samoan culture and Christian values.

Although deeply rooted in the Samoan culture Tuilaepa says there is a role for the fa’afafine in Samoa that does not have to end in same sex marriage.

In fact he said: “I personally know of several that have gotten married, fathered children and raised families. But still they have these feminine mannerisms because God made them that way."

Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi said at the time about gay marriages: "It's a foreign concept which of course is not accepted as it is not in accordance with the Christian values Samoa is founded upon."

He added: "And these dictate that a man can only marry a woman and not another man. Same for women."

Crimes Ordinance

But although accepted socially and ingrained in the Fa’aSamoa, there are still laws which discriminate against the transvestite or fa’afafine and gay men.

According to the 1961 Crimes Ordinance it is illegal for a male to impersonate a woman with “the intent to deceive any other person as to his true sex.”

That would mean a man who dresses as a woman, walks like a woman, holds a handbag, uses lipstick or “any other article intended by him to represent that he is female or in any other way is impersonating or representing himself to be a female.”

The maximum penalty for such a crime is six months of imprisonment or a fine not exceeding $200.00.

But local law practitioners say this particular law should not worry local fa’afafines as it was imported from New Zealand and not made to suit the local scenario.

To‘oto‘oalii says this is not an issue: “Samoans accepted Fa’fafines long time ago; we are part of this culture.”