tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25563151309330496112023-11-16T11:24:58.831-08:00A Crooked RoadDedicated to ending Bullying, Teen Suicide, LGBTQ hate and Homelessness.Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.comBlogger411125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-17048574192901065112014-03-28T05:55:00.000-07:002014-03-28T05:55:05.817-07:00A New Resource<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.familyfirstaid.org/OLDsite/images/newhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Troubled Teen Help" border="0" height="51" src="http://www.familyfirstaid.org/OLDsite/images/newhead.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a great resource for teen issues, from drug abuse to parental issues and how to walk through the steps of getting back on track at.<a href="http://www.familyfirstaid.org/" target="_blank">FamilyFirstAid</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.familyfirstaid.org/"></a>Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-4952917113594607602013-03-30T20:28:00.001-07:002013-03-30T20:30:20.779-07:00LGBT Crime Survivors of Family & Sexual ViolenceHere is a resource for those who have suffered from family and/or sexual violence.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQboBDTY8dBBwyNs7a6R4aIaEt1bPs3Pud_sCwb_IvTLdQ4Qxh0aLFA8Pzo4ud2IQKa7MYOW3ZALs-E07gYVS4ae8TG_UswitUQ-I5PVEegeUHkCcTGpvivdSoJwtVeH2Vh4cXVtpOw0M/s1600/Tx+Advocacy+Project.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQboBDTY8dBBwyNs7a6R4aIaEt1bPs3Pud_sCwb_IvTLdQ4Qxh0aLFA8Pzo4ud2IQKa7MYOW3ZALs-E07gYVS4ae8TG_UswitUQ-I5PVEegeUHkCcTGpvivdSoJwtVeH2Vh4cXVtpOw0M/s320/Tx+Advocacy+Project.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.counseling.txstate.edu/outreach/LGBTQ-Interpersonal-Violence.html"></a>Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-71380813339554550862012-11-13T13:44:00.001-08:002012-11-13T13:44:50.999-08:00Absolutely Fabulous! We'll date your girlfriends...Want to keep the cause for "traidtional marriage" going? Well, we'll just date your girlfriends.<br />
<br />
Hilarious response from College Humor:<br><br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://www.collegehumor.com/e/6846855" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe><div style="padding:5px 0; text-align:center; width:600px;"><p><a href="http://www.collegehumor.com/videos/most-viewed/this-year">CollegeHumor's Favorite Funny Videos</a></p></div>Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-40889465452471827262012-11-13T12:01:00.000-08:002012-11-13T12:09:50.064-08:00Jon Stewart analyzes Mike Huckabee and gay marriage.Always good for a laugh at the expense of the ultra conservative GOP and it's mother, The Tea Party, this video will make your day just a littel brighter...watch here:<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: black; width: 520px;">
<div style="padding: 4px;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="288" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/embed/mgid:cms:video:thedailyshow.com:421148" width="512"></iframe><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 4px; padding: 4px; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-november-12-2012/mike-huckabee-pt--2">The Daily Show with Jon Stewart</a></b><br />
Get More: <a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/">Daily Show Full Episodes</a>,<a href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/">Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>,<a href="http://www.facebook.com/thedailyshow">The Daily Show on Facebook</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-12683317129992673142012-11-11T08:17:00.001-08:002012-11-11T08:17:50.933-08:00Group Petitions Christian Magazine to Accept Pro-Equality Ad<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
From The Advocate online:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.advocate.com/sites/advocate.com/files/imagecache/stories/faithandequalityadx400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Faith in America Children" border="0" height="240" src="http://www.advocate.com/sites/advocate.com/files/imagecache/stories/faithandequalityadx400.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a>Faith in America, a pro-LGBT religious organization, is petitioning <em>Christianity Today</em> magazine to accept its ad encouraging parents to accept their LGBT children.<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>Christianity Today,</em> a generally conservative publication,
rejected the ad two weeks ago, Faith in America officials say on
Change.org, where the petition is posted. The text of the ad says, “Do
you have a child who is gay or lesbian? Do you fully embrace that child
just as they are? Christ does. Faith and equality. Let’s end the harm
from the misuse of religious teaching.” It is illustrated by the image
of a cross filled with faces.<br />
<br />
This decision is somewhat hypocritical...what else is new...in that they readily approve ads from anti-gay organizations that expressly oppose equality and civil rights. So why not print both sides? We know the answer to that one as well.Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-16632310403628691702012-11-10T18:10:00.000-08:002012-11-10T18:10:13.006-08:00Rachael Maddow reports the election results! America wins!Wednesday's show left no doubt as to the impact this elction year has had on the American people. In it, she tears into the GOP losses with her usual humor and insight while leaving little doubt as to who really won this year.<br />
<br />
This video is from the Advocate and tells it the best:<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=10,0,0,0" height="245" id="msnbc1c5461" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" /><param name="FlashVars" value="launch=49736294&width=420&height=245" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed name="msnbc1c5461" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" width="420" height="245" FlashVars="launch=49736294&width=420&height=245" allowscriptaccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><br />
<div style="background: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center; width: 420px;">
Visit NBCNews.com for <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">breaking news</a>, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">world news</a>, and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">news about the economy</a></div>
Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-41014539256392189952012-11-10T15:30:00.001-08:002012-11-10T17:11:07.010-08:00GOP and Their Rantings About LGBT FamiliesSince losing the election and several of their Senate seats, topped off with the surprising victory in the four states for same sex marriage, the Tea Party flopheads have begun to forcefully attack the gay marriage issue. Tony Perkins, well known hater and President of the Family Research Council recently went on record, and outright attack, against legalizing gay marriage.<br />
<br />
As seen here in this video posted by the Advocate, he compares "homosexuality to abortion, saying both 'run counter to natural law,'...", followed by, "I'm telling you what, I think you will create a firestorm of opposition. I think that could be the straw that broke the camel's back.When you look at a nation that is so divided along these moral and cultural issues, that you could have — you know I hate to use the word — but, I mean, a revolt. A revolution. I mean, I think you could see Americans saying, 'You know what? Enough of this.' And I think it could explode and just break this nation apart."<br />
<br />
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xH4PE2QcVp8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
So it begins anew, against the obvious wishes of the populace, and at a time when the opposition could be focusing on more pressing issues...like bipartisanship in Washington...like letting women decide for themselves when it comes to their own bodies...like a lot of issues more pressing than what's already been decided.<br />
Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-85303092398024976162012-11-09T06:46:00.000-08:002012-11-09T06:46:16.573-08:00Exit Polls and the role LGBT voters played...<a href="http://www.advocate.com/politics/election/2012/11/07/go-inside-exit-polling-gay-voters-and-marriage-equality" target="_blank">ADVOCATE Magazine: Nov 8, 2012</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgSs5NLEdFSXtG395o0ANwPH52IuJSwZMWgeGdQQklJDRCGCW08J_97M_sfZ4AvZgf8esp9LsUUpV3cgrtrbO5k0UASV6dqZCiXn4MRN9RMuwOubIBdhw470-t9eJfnyPlku88jlFDHQ/s1600/th_thhomophobia.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgSs5NLEdFSXtG395o0ANwPH52IuJSwZMWgeGdQQklJDRCGCW08J_97M_sfZ4AvZgf8esp9LsUUpV3cgrtrbO5k0UASV6dqZCiXn4MRN9RMuwOubIBdhw470-t9eJfnyPlku88jlFDHQ/s1600/th_thhomophobia.gif" /></a>Exit polls have a lot to say about the role LGBT issues played in the
election, and on how President Obama's support for marriage equality
might have resonated with the electorate.<br /><br />Lesbian, gay and bisexual voters sided heavily with Obama, for example, helping to propel him to a commanding win. Exit polls <a href="http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/results/president/exit-polls?gwh=F139244B27AE0523CFA9D3EFE6F233F0">conducted for <em>The New York Times</em></a> and other media outlets indicated that 5% of voters were gay, lesbian or bisexual. <a href="http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/11/01/trans-voters-excluded-in-election-exit-poll/">(Voters weren't asked whether they are transgender.)</a>
Of those, 76% voted for Obama. While that number is high, it's also a
six-percentage-point increase over the 2008 election for the president.<br /><br />Where marriage equality was on the ballot, exit polls offer insight into whether it helped or hurt the president. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/exit-polls-backers-of-same-sex-marriage-in-md-support-obama-opponents-back-romney/2012/11/06/f6135834-288f-11e2-aaa5-ac786110c486_story.html">The Associated Press reports</a>
that exit polls in Maryland, where voters approved legalizing same-sex
marriage, show those who sided with equality broke strongly for Obama,
while those opposed joined Romney. It was Obama and marriage equality
that prevailed.<br />
<br />
The time has arrived for a change in Washington and this country. Time for equality for everyone, regardless of sexual preference, gender identity or all other labels society feels obligated to place on people. Help make those changes become a reality by becoming involved.Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-76376544385758007192012-11-09T06:37:00.000-08:002012-11-09T06:37:46.461-08:00Author's Web siteI'm not above promoting my own web site as an author of <a href="http://www.bemattison.com/" target="_blank">LGBT fiction and non-fiction books</a>. Check it out for links to Amazon.com and to read excerpts from the books, or make a purchase.<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSyLF9KdAcPryx-BL1QHA-tzRt32xT3gDg0HyvIBjaw8wlbqCPGuwBQ8_Ncm9yW9ytuF9xxTzmDfxN7-6wwIyvnc57ndOklFg8NUmkGbkSgcnMeR-pXxZUmMemTeEdhIhNccz6uwoMBw/s1600/Top_Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSyLF9KdAcPryx-BL1QHA-tzRt32xT3gDg0HyvIBjaw8wlbqCPGuwBQ8_Ncm9yW9ytuF9xxTzmDfxN7-6wwIyvnc57ndOklFg8NUmkGbkSgcnMeR-pXxZUmMemTeEdhIhNccz6uwoMBw/s200/Top_Header.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-41925142219637017992012-11-09T06:29:00.002-08:002012-11-09T06:32:13.884-08:00Invisible ParentsWatch this new video from the director who was behind the viral "Homecoming" video for the UK's <a href="http://www.c4em.org.uk/">Coalition For Equal Marriage.</a><br />
<br />
From OUT magazine comes this message of love and acceptance for what many consider a "non-traditional" family structure. However, with the results of the recent election leaning towards acceptance of gay relationships and families comprised of same sex parents, the time is coming for at least a greater acceptance of these relationships and the children affected by them. Studies show that children raised in same sex relationships are no different than those brought up in what society considers "normal" situations.<br />
<br />
Normal is no longer the norm, and a new generation of young people has demonstrated a higher acceptance of different forms of the traditional bastion of marriage. This video appeals to the masses of those that are still locked in the old societal norms of traditioon and of what is acceptable, or not.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="260" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aeBy_q4i40s?feature=player_embedded" width="540"></iframe>Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-33138661427142192062012-11-08T06:05:00.001-08:002012-11-08T06:12:24.187-08:00We Win!<br />
Son of a gun...we did it! But rather than me explain it all, here's the post from the HRC site, one that I support and you should as well. <a href="http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/its-official-marriage-victory-in-washington-state" target="_blank">HRC - Washington wins!</a><br />
<br />
HRC President Chad Griffin made the following statement regarding the historic victory in Washington:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Washington voters sent a resounding message that nothing less than
marriage is full equality for gay and lesbian couples. This victory
rounds out a landslide sweep of all four marriage ballot measures this
November..."</blockquote>
Republicans are frantic, afraid (as they should be), and threatening to fight every attempt made by President Obama to move this country forward. Some things never change...like sore losers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-18740496952693454182012-10-09T13:20:00.000-07:002012-10-09T13:23:23.995-07:00Incredible testimony by a gay youth!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe width="440" height="220" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FEt6zE3prNA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-18401725746727148372012-09-11T09:30:00.001-07:002012-09-11T09:30:28.525-07:00We've MOVED!<br />
<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />
Please continue with us at this site:<br />
<a href="http://itsacrookedroad.blogspot.com/">itsacrookedroad.blogspot.com</a>Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-71927152055401430162012-09-10T21:37:00.001-07:002012-09-11T09:29:00.405-07:00Las Vegas Pride<br />
WOW!<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5m_UA3DQx0kVIaeMSGUXZWIgWar85xAQliX2zqobGB0PQTKxHXFwuQiGhXI0ZECIDf6d3OTLKN4l5-HBHYNxxZOS_GNvWrE2_2Pg6f53HQwJnu4NLT54Y82e4jMekweXaL3WVrlWW1hs/s1600/Pride+header.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5m_UA3DQx0kVIaeMSGUXZWIgWar85xAQliX2zqobGB0PQTKxHXFwuQiGhXI0ZECIDf6d3OTLKN4l5-HBHYNxxZOS_GNvWrE2_2Pg6f53HQwJnu4NLT54Y82e4jMekweXaL3WVrlWW1hs/s1600/Pride+header.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's the best description I can offer about the Gay Pride 2012 festivities. Running from Spetember 4th through the 9th and headquartered at several Las Vegas hotels on the strip, this was the best yet. Well organized by Las Vegas Pride, it offered events, parties, parades, festivals, pool parties and other venues that catered to all facets of the gay community.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the highlights of the entire week was the Pride Festival onSaturday. Taking over a whole block in downtown Vegas near the Clark County Government Center, it was THE place to be. Booths with vendors from around the country, music and live performances brought together well over 2000 people from across the country as they enjoyed perfect weather and the opportunity to interact with others from the community.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was also a place for everyone, from young to old, straight to transgendered, to mingle and learn more about each other. Kudos to the Pride committees for putting together this memorable event.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are a few pictures...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg_6VzcEcyvcnVxCLfrqvxVWavGIlmL45LbTfzWIu1yBl9SZiJyeBzaBU96eLgAKjxGKDy4SAWB6YR9mG7NksCgs1ocXSBwOMrChEtQ5HOkTvlmLhmuvIJ-twJQQyGBYB7gcHnM_B7h8/s1600/Pride+outside1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg_6VzcEcyvcnVxCLfrqvxVWavGIlmL45LbTfzWIu1yBl9SZiJyeBzaBU96eLgAKjxGKDy4SAWB6YR9mG7NksCgs1ocXSBwOMrChEtQ5HOkTvlmLhmuvIJ-twJQQyGBYB7gcHnM_B7h8/s320/Pride+outside1.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn4wW7u6WW0Kjd32b1MNA_0ilqft54ufM8OeXqbzj6pRsEc_tGyk-OeC4SqI2ZLRcJftI0rSciaWfpCKCWH7NZtg6sQACSTx271YtKkdHFjwwFUROzC_JsYrHpf9nKO2yvmNPIzwdxUU/s1600/Pride+ocuple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn4wW7u6WW0Kjd32b1MNA_0ilqft54ufM8OeXqbzj6pRsEc_tGyk-OeC4SqI2ZLRcJftI0rSciaWfpCKCWH7NZtg6sQACSTx271YtKkdHFjwwFUROzC_JsYrHpf9nKO2yvmNPIzwdxUU/s1600/Pride+ocuple.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF4sroy-k-yg6yaOOJTMOclAPEuXD1nWycq4DNUKtFr_Fff-JsEt8c4UOHvcxYVW17a20vhR_K8aFAZLiIAmwGffo7LF-wKfE9BSTlZXIAA-pWdTVp70KH2VEfqsiRZVkDqlyK3HkLNc/s1600/Pride+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF4sroy-k-yg6yaOOJTMOclAPEuXD1nWycq4DNUKtFr_Fff-JsEt8c4UOHvcxYVW17a20vhR_K8aFAZLiIAmwGffo7LF-wKfE9BSTlZXIAA-pWdTVp70KH2VEfqsiRZVkDqlyK3HkLNc/s320/Pride+inside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoAiCHhNcmsHT_xve_Si852jrQ29muNFFLyB0Yk7cMSGK_TnIlYtHa2VaGGlH-Q6zVtgDg_pO41m0Z_fewUuX4N2U0OAHtjdflQK-HtsW_L0npN7xV0ogmH5NeEvtRh9xYKWouOkUQCw/s1600/Pride+outside+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoAiCHhNcmsHT_xve_Si852jrQ29muNFFLyB0Yk7cMSGK_TnIlYtHa2VaGGlH-Q6zVtgDg_pO41m0Z_fewUuX4N2U0OAHtjdflQK-HtsW_L0npN7xV0ogmH5NeEvtRh9xYKWouOkUQCw/s320/Pride+outside+3.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYxhGMQSX500WAvJPnWvinalJ8SLtXADq-IIcrhk7yh-b33m3Kc4JbDYKFo7J5IUssDYhptGcNT362hRJB8x_iPbqaFA_KJzuUqonjDnzpykiVsogjR1nzHUhc-HbyePxWXJSlJ8xojk/s1600/Pride+outside+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYxhGMQSX500WAvJPnWvinalJ8SLtXADq-IIcrhk7yh-b33m3Kc4JbDYKFo7J5IUssDYhptGcNT362hRJB8x_iPbqaFA_KJzuUqonjDnzpykiVsogjR1nzHUhc-HbyePxWXJSlJ8xojk/s320/Pride+outside+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXl0_WNxXh9u2UQt0ssqsvknaD_57sL-eagKXf5eMUTeQUHvQOPIyaUURyPCww18M7RKGyjXqhDObAEub9eaUYCMaFIrv4SwQ-E5eweN4xqhBWkwIALUaniuksqzwAm1_LajxYBTigQM/s1600/Pride+Tents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXl0_WNxXh9u2UQt0ssqsvknaD_57sL-eagKXf5eMUTeQUHvQOPIyaUURyPCww18M7RKGyjXqhDObAEub9eaUYCMaFIrv4SwQ-E5eweN4xqhBWkwIALUaniuksqzwAm1_LajxYBTigQM/s320/Pride+Tents.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-81750629701531101342012-09-10T21:12:00.001-07:002012-09-10T21:12:41.330-07:00Okay...so I decided to come back!<br />
<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have made the decision that in light of current events - the threat to our freedom if the Republicans get into office, the lingering homophobic atmosphere still being purveyed upon the innocent, and so many other socio-economic issues - that I will come back and start blogging again and try to make a difference.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">It will be slow at first as I get back into the swing of daily blogging, but it will happen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Thanks for watching and reading.</span>Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-67621618012190221422012-01-31T23:03:00.000-08:002012-01-31T23:03:35.817-08:00Google Censoring Google Blogs - I am discontinuing this blog!Google, under pressure from other countries (purportedly) has decided to implement a new system of censorship with it's blogspot service.<br />
<br />
This effectively allows Google to block and censor any blog for any reason beyond the practice of already monitoring and deleting posts that the "powers to be" do not like.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE8dNCmMKq680EACllMJRAOJxFZRXhplNnMNy6oPerGvoXPqjpbxZRnbzAs_OYphgefJVL7Bgeks7CA3FZyQkiO2JbtyVLERYM2UBgXWvytnlbu07ygd3MiCNBvG6rBfJvKWjtjK98cw/s1600/blogger_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE8dNCmMKq680EACllMJRAOJxFZRXhplNnMNy6oPerGvoXPqjpbxZRnbzAs_OYphgefJVL7Bgeks7CA3FZyQkiO2JbtyVLERYM2UBgXWvytnlbu07ygd3MiCNBvG6rBfJvKWjtjK98cw/s1600/blogger_logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
It seems that internet censorship is alive and well and growing under pressure from our government and other countries to monitor and block whatever they consider unfavorable.<br />
<br />
Due to this new policy I am discontinuing my blogging and moving to another site where it will not be monitored and/or blocked at the whim of whomever. I will post the link in a few days as soon as I convert to a new blog.<br />
<br />
It's unfortunate that Google has taken this approach and caved to political pressure, but it had to happen sooner or later as they have become another greedy, corporate enterprise with nothing in mind other than to increase profits for self-serving management.<br />
<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />
<br />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-38514174676050071792012-01-15T19:18:00.000-08:002012-01-15T19:18:32.405-08:00London Gay Men’s Chorus kick-starts video campaign for gay youth<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
A new campaign in London against bullying, very similar to the "It Gets Better" project here in the US, the London Gay Men's Chorus recorded a video as part of the Proud2Be Project, which aims to encourage gay youngsters to be proud of their sexuality.
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbSIj_rpzpjJHjLx6K4Ta826YCFnCPoM3qSK3NbK21cbnI9kxeOb01goXj0bDKrCD5uOaG6Iap2Bc0vl-sHx1x_ooDJdpAq3xdYugyyvebKTcd3Ve4P5VwCEQmVnSZ_HeiHuWU3QpjU4/s1600/jonnyproud2be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbSIj_rpzpjJHjLx6K4Ta826YCFnCPoM3qSK3NbK21cbnI9kxeOb01goXj0bDKrCD5uOaG6Iap2Bc0vl-sHx1x_ooDJdpAq3xdYugyyvebKTcd3Ve4P5VwCEQmVnSZ_HeiHuWU3QpjU4/s1600/jonnyproud2be.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
Proud2Be Project, which was founded by Matt and Jon Price last year,
aims to include more videos from organisations and individuals as well
as continuing to petition for change. It is hoped the project will also
put on workshops, produce documentaries and exhibitions, and initiate
Proud2Be centres.</span></div>
<div style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
founders encourage anyone who supports the project to send in videos and
the identical twins explain their reasons for initiating the project on
their website: “As children, the overriding message we received from
our school, our church, the media and society was that being gay was
something to be ashamed of. Although many would argue that times our
changing, for us change could not come fast enough,” they say.</span></div>
<div style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">“Still
the messages our LGBT youth receive are not too dissimilar to the ones
we heard as children. When a child is told at school to ‘act less gay’
to avoid being bullied, the message is loud and clear. When a teacher
fails to challenge a student who uses the word ‘gay’ as a put down, the
message is loud and clear. When public figures continue to use
derogatory and offensive language to describe the transgender community,
the message is loud and clear.</span></div>
<div style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">They
add: “Our desire is for our LGBTQ youth to access a new loving message
and for that message to be as loud and as clear as the rest.”</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="font: 11.0px Verdana; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We wish them all the success that the same project has achieved here in the states and hope that this movement will spread to the corners of the globe. There is a long road ahead, especially in view of the upcoming elections and the potential for a backslide in LGBT rights should the GOP gain control of hte government.</span> </span></div>
<div style="font: 11px Verdana; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-21030961391334709622012-01-12T20:51:00.000-08:002012-01-12T20:51:01.072-08:00Suicide claims another LGBT youth: Trevor Project intern Eric Borges – LGBTQ Nation<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYdglKQJ95iZQUK9jkSR4ij8dRHalGFuzkR70Btu3UtNhrYfSPWuD5Wx0jB4GU1qbu98Uv1JSTs4EOWFjkj8cKvzx815ABnA8nh7PMfS8vDt4GOTNCrQQ7QzIvhqUh733-wa5g-NBlc0/s1600/eric_james_borges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYdglKQJ95iZQUK9jkSR4ij8dRHalGFuzkR70Btu3UtNhrYfSPWuD5Wx0jB4GU1qbu98Uv1JSTs4EOWFjkj8cKvzx815ABnA8nh7PMfS8vDt4GOTNCrQQ7QzIvhqUh733-wa5g-NBlc0/s200/eric_james_borges.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facebook photo-EricJames</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sadly we say goodbye to another young person who thought the only way to end the pain was to take his own life. And once again, I have to add another picture, another name to the page of those who have preceded him.<br />
<br />
EricJames, a young filmmaker, intern at The Trevor Project, and a Supplemental instructor at the College of the Sequoias took his own life January 11th after trying to be on his own, dealing with personal issues.<br />
<br />
A young film maker, EricJames posted this video on November 10, 2011, in
which he also appears — the subtext of his video was described as “love
is universal.”<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OCKrBcPU1PA?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Update:</strong> Laura McGinnis, Communications Director at The Trevor Project sent <em>LGBTQ Nation</em> this statement:<i style="color: yellow;"><br />
</i></em><br />
<i style="color: yellow;">
</i><blockquote style="color: yellow;">
<i>We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic death of
EricJames Borges, and our hearts go out to his family and friends, and
his community. EricJames was a dedicated, trained volunteer. Our main
concern right now is that those affected by his death feel supported and
can get the care they need. If you or someone you know needs support,
please don’t hesitate to call the Trevor Lifeline at 866-488-7386.
</i></blockquote>
<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-62035395861954022572012-01-11T09:59:00.001-08:002012-01-11T10:00:38.989-08:00Socialshield Announced at CES in Las Vegas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCTJFe-ihlfKQlUZdaw4-yzawGLxoYG62Uo48kEany1toA6XB60ao18VWTrqDJQsHRm0uovTLvJBP_rsEbj_JBCsLNT3Zaau2Wvve_SYKriwx6lbkAslJ7usvrmHtpN1Cx2FpR1ykBj0/s1600/socialshield.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCTJFe-ihlfKQlUZdaw4-yzawGLxoYG62Uo48kEany1toA6XB60ao18VWTrqDJQsHRm0uovTLvJBP_rsEbj_JBCsLNT3Zaau2Wvve_SYKriwx6lbkAslJ7usvrmHtpN1Cx2FpR1ykBj0/s1600/socialshield.JPG" /></a></div>
A cloud-based program called <i>SocialShield</i> has introduced an application that can track your child's language, posts, etc. on most of the social networks. The idea behind the program is not to snoop on anyone's personal information but to give a heads up to parents about possible issues that could affect the health and welfare of their child. It watches for certain words commonly associated with bullying, harassment, etc. and alerts the parents that there may be a problem with their child being cyberbullied, have improper postings, and other problems that possibly need intervention.<br />
<br />
Here's a short video about the program.<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/26296111?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/26296111">General Overview for Homepage</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/socialshield">SocialShield</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />
<br />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-15719348576365137722012-01-06T01:37:00.000-08:002012-01-06T01:37:20.358-08:00Tennessee Bill: It’s OK To Bully Gay Kids If You’re A Christian Or A Republican<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6BRHaoL6DrQojZY6z2qs3NyJ9Q0A6Ps8fWF-MP43llIs1qG2x9H0UuYcgiMi_V5E9Cf0ucpJuWZYXeb48wURQkAsxHPq2hfXnc0TLAgX03mUMXsWY9yl3SXBy-G9rHtz3u5TXSzUIMQ/s1600/bullied-children_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6BRHaoL6DrQojZY6z2qs3NyJ9Q0A6Ps8fWF-MP43llIs1qG2x9H0UuYcgiMi_V5E9Cf0ucpJuWZYXeb48wURQkAsxHPq2hfXnc0TLAgX03mUMXsWY9yl3SXBy-G9rHtz3u5TXSzUIMQ/s200/bullied-children_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Seems that our bigoted friends are at it again in the great state of Tennessee. With an anti-bullying law already on the books, the bigots in charge (spelled GOP/Republicans) want to pass an amendment that will allow just about any person the right to bully anyone else, for just about any reason, and be lawfully covered in doing so. The hatred and bible-toting "Christians" (spelled GOP/Republican) just have to make sure that the serfs perform according to their plan of worldwide domination... or else!<br />
<br />
via <a href="http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/01/tn_bill_would_give_anti-bullying_laws_a_religious.php" target="_blank">TPMmuckraker</a>:<br />
<blockquote>
The proposed bill would amend the state’s current
anti-bullying laws to specify that the anti-bully policy should “not be
construed or interpreted to infringe upon the First Amendment rights of
students and shall not prohibit their expression of religious,
philosophical, or political views” as long as there’s no physical threat
or threat to another student’s property.</blockquote>
I personally think that 2012 is going to be a very backward year concerning LGBTQ rights and the return to the days of open hatred, physical beating, law-enforced bullying, and so many other anti gay actions returning to life. Hopefully not, but it seems that state by state, the GOP gay-hate agenda is marching forward one step at a time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-75445273992336966762012-01-03T07:26:00.000-08:002012-01-03T07:26:22.248-08:00How do I cope with my 14-year-old son being gay?Here's some advice from Daily Mirror writer Coleen Nolan (London) about a father who thinks his son is gay. Unfortunately, it's a fairly typical reaction from parents as their "dreams and hopes" for their sons/daughters are dashed when they realize that they might be gay. But Coleen offers some good advice (although short on offering information) on how to handle the surprise.<br />
<br />
If you are having the same thoughts or your parents are responding in the same way, contact a local LGBT , PFLAG or other gay-friendly organization for more information. If you need to talk to someone you can call The Trevor Project anonymously and talk to a trained counselor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkLDdJrzLsWwUjgYYkA85yU3TdZfxldaspgXnG292OmFIx6h5TIftMBY4Dh0kf7NmF9oeyX87aNX600DoIU0GgTsq2KvlFVtY3rUnAtCi7PYyeDjjlm8WeUYc9JhEMiWCLue9A910AjE/s1600/Trevor_call.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkLDdJrzLsWwUjgYYkA85yU3TdZfxldaspgXnG292OmFIx6h5TIftMBY4Dh0kf7NmF9oeyX87aNX600DoIU0GgTsq2KvlFVtY3rUnAtCi7PYyeDjjlm8WeUYc9JhEMiWCLue9A910AjE/s1600/Trevor_call.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
by Coleen Nolan, Daily Mirror 3/01/2012
<br />
<br />
<b>Dear Coleen,</b><br />
My 14-year-old son is displaying strong homosexual tendencies. I
discovered he’d been looking at gay porn on the web and I approached him
about it verbally then via email (I’m divorced from his mum and he
lives with her).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xKTHh2D6xlWMdnLvOMJvg6MW8UiGzjP5iljCIsemTOHnMzBr_Obrtm_vhMjYYL4SZvkOSNeB2tYsfBbnbqjB4Fi2l2W67Fv9HQrSfrAut5Tu1Qymt9ppPRbeuV1pJUNt6G8MfQTQXz4/s1600/gayson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xKTHh2D6xlWMdnLvOMJvg6MW8UiGzjP5iljCIsemTOHnMzBr_Obrtm_vhMjYYL4SZvkOSNeB2tYsfBbnbqjB4Fi2l2W67Fv9HQrSfrAut5Tu1Qymt9ppPRbeuV1pJUNt6G8MfQTQXz4/s200/gayson.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
He’s reacted well and I’ve taken a comforting, supportive approach,
advising him that he must have found this confusing and it doesn’t
necessarily mean he is gay, it’s all part of experimentation.<br />
<br />
But while I’m trying to tell myself it’s just a phase, he’s told me
other things – that he masturbates to gay images and has urges to kiss
his mates at sleepovers.<br />
<br />
I told him not to worry about the urges to kiss his friends, as this
could just be the excitement of having a good time. I also advised him
to be wary of acting upon the urges to protect his friendships. And I’ve
tried to encourage him to immerse himself in activities away from sex
and relationships.<br />
<br />
My problem is I’m hiding my real feelings. I know I might sound
homophobic and I am not anti-gay or judgmental, it’s just that most men
have hopes for their sons and this was never on the agenda.<br />
<br />
I haven’t told his mum and don’t know whether I should. And should I
block the porn sites or just monitor what he’s looking at? I don’t want
him to think there’s anything wrong with himself.<br />
I have considered trying to stir up heterosexual feelings by
encouraging him to visit regular porn sites. This is probably a daft
idea but I’m confused.<br />
<br />
I am beating myself up that I’ve facilitated this situation by leaving my wife and children. I feel it’s my fault.<br />
<br />
<b>Coleen says..</b><br />
<br />
The way your son is feeling is nothing to do with what you have or
haven’t done. You should be patting yourself on the back because you’ve
handled it brilliantly.<br />
<br />
And I don’t think you’re homophobic – I think this has just come as a
shock and all parents tend to map out a future for their children. Your
son’s life is simply taking a direction that you didn’t expect.<br />
<br />
I don’t think he should be looking at any porn at 14, so I would
block those sites, but explain to him that it’s to do with his age, not
his sexual feelings for boys. While we’re on the subject, pictures of
topless women are not going to stop him from being gay!<br />
Keep lines of communication open, tell him you love him and I do
think you should talk to his mum. Talk about it as a family. If your son
is gay, it has nothing to do with you leaving. Carry on doing what
you’re doing.<br />
<br />
<div class="append-html">
Havea problem with this response or another question for Coleen? </div>
<div class="append-html">
Email her at <a href="mailto:dearcoleen@mirror.co.uk">dearcoleen@mirror.co.uk</a> or write to Coleen Nolan, The Daily Mirror, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP</div>
<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />
<br />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-51704363515027392562012-01-02T16:17:00.003-08:002012-01-02T16:21:09.944-08:00Warning Signs of Suicide | The Trevor ProjectNow that the new year has begun and the festivities are over, it's time to get back to talking about the pressing issues of LGBT bullying, suicide and homelessness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnkYijyhK89LYbu8GWqfpQH9FKbf6A90vNJmbi5n06Dg3Vh2xwt-jw8Lz6SSgemHKoSwSTk9zqdlwXYdmA_vScoOOGDvXLdyRJsOYX8xwjoB-5gkXO0gFq_FmMXM91DGa4sVl7KYvnsk/s1600/New_Trevor_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnkYijyhK89LYbu8GWqfpQH9FKbf6A90vNJmbi5n06Dg3Vh2xwt-jw8Lz6SSgemHKoSwSTk9zqdlwXYdmA_vScoOOGDvXLdyRJsOYX8xwjoB-5gkXO0gFq_FmMXM91DGa4sVl7KYvnsk/s320/New_Trevor_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We present here information from <b style="color: orange;">The Trevor Project</b>, one of the nation's leading non-profit organizations for teens that offers many services for LGBTQ teens and others who are struggling with emotional issues surround gender identity, family crisis, bullying and being homeless. That's what this blog is about and the more information I can get out about these socio-economic problems in our society of throw away kids, the better chance I have of saving at least one life.<br />
<ul style="color: orange;">
<li>Nine out of 10 LGBT students (86.2%) experienced harassment at
school; three-fifths (60.8%) felt unsafe at school because of their
sexual orientation; and about one-third (32.7%) skipped a day of school
in the past month because of feeling unsafe (GLSEN National School
Climate Survey 2009).</li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: orange;">
<li>LGBT students are three times as likely as non-LGBT students to
say that they do not feel safe at school (22% vs. 7%) and 90% of LGBT
students (vs. 62% of non-LGBT teens) have been harassed or assaulted
during the past year. (GLSEN From Teasing to Torment 2006)</li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: orange;">
<li>Sexual minority youth, or teens that identify themselves as gay,
lesbian or bisexual, are bullied two to three times more than
heterosexuals. (Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 2010)</li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: orange;">
<li>Almost all transgender students had been verbally harassed
(e.g., called names or threatened in the past year at school because of
their sexual orientation (89%) and gender expression (89%) (GLSEN: Harsh
Realities, The Experiences of Transgender Youth In Our Nation’s Schools
2009).</li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: orange;">
<li>LGBT youth in rural communities and those with lower adult
educational attainment face particularly hostile school climates (JG,
Greytak EA, Diaz EM – <i>Journal of Youth & Adolescence</i> 2009)</li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: orange;">
<li>Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents are 190 percent more
likely to use drugs and alcohol than are heterosexual teens (Marshal MP,
Friedman MS, et al – <i>Addiction </i>2008).</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: orange; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdt0u_B9GR0bAP50YxuZGcchqzF6FyKfPxi5bEvuI7TBVdB9NNsIBBZ9K_R1dKqu0fEswanybMYclbWbv3WzicsMW7ohYb47-d0LoP1OkOd-BzufNSnwtXFIbng0yDIcqfZfjJ2y-hxto/s1600/Trevor_call.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdt0u_B9GR0bAP50YxuZGcchqzF6FyKfPxi5bEvuI7TBVdB9NNsIBBZ9K_R1dKqu0fEswanybMYclbWbv3WzicsMW7ohYb47-d0LoP1OkOd-BzufNSnwtXFIbng0yDIcqfZfjJ2y-hxto/s1600/Trevor_call.jpg" /></a></div>
<ul style="color: orange;">
<li>It is estimated that between 20 and 40 percent of all homeless
youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (2006
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force: An Epidemic of Homelessness). 62%
of homeless LGB youth will attempt suicide at least once—more than two
times as many as their heterosexual peers (Van Leeuwen JMm et al – <i>Child Welfare</i> 2005)</li>
</ul>
I encourage each of you to first, VOTE in the upcoming elections. The results are going to have a direct impact on all social services directed towards youth in crisis, and second, volunteer, give of your money or time to help put an end to these problems.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: orange;"><i>Welcome to the New Year 2012 - time to get going!</i></b><br />
<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-77544419305642314262012-01-01T22:56:00.000-08:002012-01-01T22:56:27.185-08:00January 1, 2012 and a New Year Begins!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitK2INl4SqjcdFmK99y8DFAJdXiT8hVHokO9o_9TzDoqO56e_FPM3Bl9YfXHGxPmZqr52DKXAoEitjPrXrNnkImfK3-3DDk2ctW88pxdCDafM61QNqBXMWx-QyCCUSJOlJMvUB0GK8QYA/s1600/Firew5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitK2INl4SqjcdFmK99y8DFAJdXiT8hVHokO9o_9TzDoqO56e_FPM3Bl9YfXHGxPmZqr52DKXAoEitjPrXrNnkImfK3-3DDk2ctW88pxdCDafM61QNqBXMWx-QyCCUSJOlJMvUB0GK8QYA/s320/Firew5.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
News is slow around the holidays as the events surrounding the ringing in of a new year seem to take precedence over the social and political issues we should be watching. However, to give the new year our "certificate of importance", here is a picture from Las Vegas, NV of fireworks from the Las Vegas Strip.<br />
<br />
Our wish is that in this very important election year every eligible voter gets out and votes their conscience for the candidate that will best represent and follow through with their campaign promises, especially as they relate to LGBTQ issues and the Equality of the LGBT community to be legally married, be free from bullying, and to end the horrific consequences of suicide and homelessness among teens in this country.<br />
<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />
<br />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-89939819828366081412011-12-29T21:59:00.000-08:002011-12-29T21:59:04.530-08:00A Very Happy New Year to Everyone from Las Vegas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmIumxc4cBDQjJg5kq1DBe-tjKmqeWzzXt4bUtnMddxJfA0b-WAkUj3_d-yhesTzkxzNXbM_LlpAekrFKwJtYt8DNnbvNPhBmM4YtCUk2FaU2BnSfv9ODAVE2PXRn6o4RJAlQteQna0I/s1600/New_Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmIumxc4cBDQjJg5kq1DBe-tjKmqeWzzXt4bUtnMddxJfA0b-WAkUj3_d-yhesTzkxzNXbM_LlpAekrFKwJtYt8DNnbvNPhBmM4YtCUk2FaU2BnSfv9ODAVE2PXRn6o4RJAlQteQna0I/s320/New_Tower.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope that the new year brings all the joys and dreams to fruition for everyone out there.<br />
<br />
In spite of the sluggish economy the hotels are reporting almost 100% occupancy for the holiday weekend. That's wonderful news to a lot of people needing work, but please remember that Vegas also has a very high rate of homeless teens. So while thousands of people will be celebrating on the Strip, thousands of teens will also be trying to keep warm, find food, and just survive the welcoming new year.<br />
<br />
If you want to help, please visit the <a href="http://www.nphy.org/" target="_blank">Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth</a>, a wonderful organization that provides so many services to homeless teens, by visiting their site and remembering that not everyone is just "getting by."<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />
<br />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2556315130933049611.post-50789167618400013842011-12-25T13:58:00.000-08:002011-12-25T13:58:19.766-08:00Merry Christmas & Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV34vbAlwqkjePRIZUw0T-yddiZqihBkKtEDcm5-tXE9XF5pfnRIpdHhb4Agi7Lg0UoFtD6ByKK3OwTVLldAPktbpMQ3SDAWFzwJl_MxjIG4q3jbPiSRfVMpPYBNqrZLKNHTUUQa7Jh4/s1600/merryxmaslas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV34vbAlwqkjePRIZUw0T-yddiZqihBkKtEDcm5-tXE9XF5pfnRIpdHhb4Agi7Lg0UoFtD6ByKK3OwTVLldAPktbpMQ3SDAWFzwJl_MxjIG4q3jbPiSRfVMpPYBNqrZLKNHTUUQa7Jh4/s320/merryxmaslas.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
Our Christmas wish to you for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
<hr color="Yellow" />
<br />Barry Mattisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04034175887312918524noreply@blogger.com0