The Supreme Court's latest ruling that a website creator doesn't have to create a website for a gay wedding that nobody asked her to create is a frightening reminder of how this conservative court is rolling back civil rights in America.
In a 6-3 decision, the justices sided with the website creator, who claimed that her religious beliefs prevented her from creating a website that would celebrate a same-sex marriage. The court ruled that the website creator's free speech rights outweighed the state's interest in preventing discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
This ruling is not only absurd but also dangerous. It sets a precedent for allowing businesses to refuse service to anyone based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, or any other protected characteristic. It also undermines the dignity and equality of LGBTQ+ people, who have fought for decades to secure their right to marry and to be treated with respect.
The court's ruling is based on a false premise: that the website creator was asked to create a website for a gay wedding. In fact, she was not. She preemptively sued the state of Colorado, claiming that its anti-discrimination law violated her rights. She argued that she would not create a website for any same-sex wedding, even if she was never approached by a potential customer.
This is not a case of free speech, but of discrimination. The website creator is not expressing her views, but denying service to a group of people based on who they are and who they love. She is not engaging in artistic expression but in commercial activity. She is not being forced to endorse a message she disagrees with, but to comply with a law that applies to everyone.
The court's ruling is a slap in the face to LGBTQ+ people and their allies, who have worked hard to achieve recognition and protection under the law. It is also a threat to the civil rights of all Americans, who deserve to live in a society where they are not discriminated against because of their identity. The court's ruling is not only wrong but also shameful.
Today marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most tragic events in LGBTQIA+ history: the UpStairs Lounge Fire of 1973. On that fateful night, a gay bar in New Orleans’ French Quarter was set ablaze by an arsonist, killing 32 people and injuring 15 more. The fire was not only a horrific act of violence but also a stark reminder of the discrimination and indifference that the LGBTQIA+ community faced at the time.The UpStairs Lounge was a popular gathering spot for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender people, and their allies. It was also a place of worship for the Metropolitan Community Church, a pro-LGBTQIA+ Protestant denomination that held services in the bar’s back-room theater. The bar was a safe haven where patrons could laugh, love, and celebrate their identities without fear.
On June 24, 1973, Pride Sunday in New Orleans, the bar was hosting its regular “beer bust” drink special from 5 to 7 pm. About 90 patrons were enjoying themselves, singing Broadway tunes around the grand piano and discussing an upcoming fundraiser for a local hospital. At 7:56 pm, a buzzer from downstairs sounded, indicating someone was at the door. A patron opened the door and found the front staircase engulfed in flames and the smell of lighter fluid.
Panic erupted as people tried to escape the inferno. The windows were covered with metal bars, preventing most from jumping out. The bartender, an Air Force veteran, Buddy Rasmussen, led about 20 people out of a back exit to the roof, where they could access a neighboring building and climb down to safety. Others were not so lucky. Some died from smoke inhalation or burns, others from falling or jumping from windows. One man, Duane Mitchell, had escaped but went back inside to look for his partner, Louis Broussard. Their bodies were found fused together.
The fire was extinguished in 16 minutes, but the horror was not over. The bodies of the victims were left on display for hours, attracting gawkers and photographers. Some were so badly burned that they could not be identified. The media coverage was insensitive and sensationalized, often mocking or blaming the victims for their fate. The police investigation was sloppy and inconclusive, never identifying a suspect or a motive. The primary suspect was Roger Nunez, a gay man who had been ejected from the bar earlier that day and had a mental illness history. He confessed to several people that he had started the fire, but later recanted. He committed suicide in November 1974.
The public response was equally appalling. Many politicians and religious leaders ignored or condemned the tragedy, refusing to offer condolences or support to the survivors and families of the victims. Some churches refused to hold funerals or memorial services for the dead. Some families refused to claim their relatives’ bodies out of shame or fear. Only one public official, City Councilman Joseph DiRosa Jr., attended a memorial service held by MCC at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on June 25.
The UpStairs Lounge fire was a devastating blow to the LGBTQIA+ community and the Metropolitan Community Church, in New Orleans and beyond. It exposed the hatred and bigotry they faced daily and the lack of protection and recognition they deserved as human beings. It also galvanized some activists to fight for justice and equality, demanding accountability from authorities and respect from society.The Upstairs Lounge Fire will always be more than a page in the history books to me. To me, it is a childhood memory. I was twelve at the time, and everybody knew I was gay… except me. I remember the jokes told by radio shock jockeys and repeated on the playground. I might have even laughed at one or two of them, I was so closeted.
But it wasn’t until I read Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation by Robert Fieseler that I realized just how close to home the fire hit for me: a boy I knew in high school lost his father in that fire. Considering how the community treated the victims of the fire, I can understand why it was such a well-kept secret.
Fifty years later, we remember and honor those who perished in the fire and those who survived it. We acknowledge their courage and resilience in the face of adversity and violence. We celebrate their contributions and legacy to the LGBTQIA+ movement and culture. We also recognize how far we have come since then and how much we still have to do to achieve full acceptance and inclusion for all LGBTQIA+ people.
The UpStairs Lounge fire was a tragedy and a turning point in LGBTQIA+ history. It is our duty to never forget it and to learn from it.
Video Credits: House of the Rising Sun (traditional song) Lyrics by Joshua Shank Performed by the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus Dr. Gerald Gurss, artistic director Timothy de Prey, principal accompanist Video by Matt Butts
This is a time to celebrate our diverse identities and expressions, to honor the pioneers who fought for our rights and dignity, and to reaffirm our commitment to equality and justice for all.
The history of the LGBTQ+ movement is rich and inspiring, full of courage and resilience. From the Stonewall riots in 1969, to the first Pride marches in 1970 and the Upstairs Lounge Fire of 1973, to the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015, we have witnessed remarkable progress and change in our society.
But we also know that the struggle is not over. We still face discrimination, violence, and stigma in many parts of the world. We still have to defend our rights and freedoms against those who seek to erase or silence us. We still have to educate and empower ourselves and others about the diversity and beauty of our community.
That's why we need to keep raising our voices and sharing our stories. That's why we need to support each other and stand in solidarity with other marginalized groups. That's why we need to resist the attempts to ban books that feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes or to prohibit teachers from discussing LGBTQ+ issues in schools. These are forms of censorship and oppression that aim to deny our existence and dignity.
We will not let them succeed. We will not let them erase us. We will not let them silence us.
The upcoming trials of former president Donald Trump have been one of the most hotly debated topics in American politics since the beginning of his term in office. The controversy surrounding the former president has been brewing since he took office in 2016, and now that he has been indicted it has reached a fever pitch. It is therefore essential that the trials of Donald Trump be televised, as it would be a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the man who has been at the center of so much controversy over the past four years.
The importance of broadcasting the trials of President Donald Trump is twofold. Firstly, it would provide an unprecedented look into the person behind the public persona. For the past four years, the American public has only been able to see the showman version of Donald Trump, the one that appears in front of the cameras at press conferences and rallies. What we haven’t been able to witness is the man in the Oval Office, the man behind the scenes, the man making the decisions that have left a lasting impact on our country.
Televised trials would allow the American public to finally have an up close and personal look at the man behind the mask, the man who is not afraid to take risks and to make decisions that go against the grain. It would be an opportunity to witness firsthand how the president makes decisions, how he reacts to difficult questions, and how he deals with pressure. By having these trials televised, the American public would finally get to see the real Donald Trump in all his complexity, his flaws and strengths, and his motivations.
The second reason why the trials of President Donald Trump must be televised is to ensure that justice is served. For the past four years, the American public has watched as the former president has been accused of a variety of crimes, from obstruction of justice to inciting violence. If the trials are to be conducted in a fair and impartial manner, then it is essential that they be broadcast for all to see. By having the trials of President Donald Trump televised, it would ensure that no information is hidden or manipulated and that the American public is able to get a full picture of the evidence and arguments presented.
Furthermore, having the trials of Donald Trump televised would help ensure that the proceedings remain impartial and that the former president receives a fair trial. By providing a public platform for the proceedings, the trial would be more likely to remain unbiased and would help to guarantee that justice is served. The American public would thus be able to witness firsthand the evidence presented and the arguments made and would be able to determine for themselves whether the former president is guilty or not.
The trials of President Donald Trump are sure to be one of the most high-profile events in American history, and it is essential that they be televised. Doing so would provide the American public with an unprecedented look into the person behind the public persona, and would help to ensure that justice is served. The importance of broadcasting these trials cannot be overstated, and it is something that the American people deserve.
Ukraine has finally started to fight back against the invading Russians. This is long overdue. Ukraine has the right to defend itself.
For months, Ukraine has been under constant threat from Russia, which has amassed tens of thousands of troops and heavy weaponry along its border. Russia has also been supporting separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, who have been fighting against the Ukrainian government since 2014.
Ukraine has tried to resolve the conflict diplomatically, but Russia has ignored its calls for dialogue and de-escalation. Instead, Russia has escalated its aggression, launching cyberattacks, spreading disinformation, and violating Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ukraine has had enough of Russia's bullying and intimidation. It has decided to take matters into its own hands and fight back against the invaders. It has mobilized its army and its allies to counter Russia's military buildup and deter further attacks.
This is a courageous and justified move by Ukraine. It has the right to defend itself and its people from foreign aggression. It has the right to preserve its independence and democracy from Russian interference. It has the right to seek peace and security in its region.
Ukraine's fight back is long overdue. They should have done this sooner, before Russia became too powerful and confident. They should have acted more decisively and forcefully, before Russia took over Crimea and parts of Donbas. They should have shown more resolve and unity, before Russia exploited its weaknesses and divisions.
But it is not too late for Ukraine to stand up to Russia. It still has a chance to turn the tide of the war and restore its territorial integrity. It still has a chance to secure its future and join the European family of nations. It still has a chance to prove its strength and dignity to the world.
Ukraine has finally started to fight back against the invading Russians. This is long overdue. Ukraine has the right to defend itself, and Vladimir Putin is just a bully who needs to be put in his place.
It has finally happened. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been indicted on seven counts related to his mishandling of classified documents and his attempts to obstruct justice. His crimes have finally caught up with him after years of evading accountability and justice.
One of the most serious charges against him is that he mishandled classified documents seized at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, exposing national security secrets and violating federal law. He was indicted by a grand jury in June 2023, becoming the first former president to face criminal prosecution.
Another major case involves his role in the 6 January 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol, where he incited his supporters to storm the building and stop the certification of Joe Biden's election victory. He is accused of seditious conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and aiding and abetting violence by several civil lawsuits and a congressional committee.
He is also under investigation for various financial crimes, such as tax fraud, bank fraud, insurance fraud, and campaign finance violations. He allegedly falsified business records to inflate his assets and conceal his debts, as well as to reimburse his former lawyer Michael Cohen for hush-money payments to women who claimed to have had affairs with him.
These are just some of the legal troubles that Donald Trump faces as he tries to maintain his influence and relevance in the Republican Party and American politics. He has denied all wrongdoing and called the cases against him a witch hunt and a hoax. However, he may soon find out that he is not above the law and that he will have to face the consequences of his actions.
The bottom line here is that serious crimes have been charged, and there is evidence to support prosecution. If Trump is guilty, we deserve to know before voting. If innocent, he should prove it in court like anyone else. He's not above the law.
No one mourns the Wicked No one cries, “They won’t return!” No one lays a lily on their grave.
—Stephen Schwarz
The passing of televangelist Pat Robertson marks the end of an era of hatred, bigotry, and intolerance that he so often espoused as religious piety. For decades, Robertson has used his platform as a minister to spew a message of exclusion and intolerance that has been deeply damaging to the fabric of our society. The consequences of his actions will continue to reverberate for years to come.
Though Robertson started out as a relatively moderate figure, as the decades passed his rhetoric became increasingly vitriolic and extreme. He used his platform to advocate for numerous controversial policies, from advocating for the death penalty for homosexuals to calling for the assassination of foreign leaders. In 2006, he even went so far as to suggest that the U.S. should launch a preemptive nuclear strike against Iran.
Robertson’s career was also marked by numerous instances of racism and xenophobia. He frequently made sweeping generalizations about immigrants, Muslims, and other minority groups, and once famously described Native Americans as “savages” who were “literally freeze-dried out of existence.” He even went so far as to suggest in 1993 that the US should consider reinstituting slavery as a way to combat “social ills.”
Perhaps most disturbingly, Robertson also used his platform to promote a dangerous and false narrative about LGBTQ people, claiming that they were mentally ill, ungodly, and morally depraved. He regularly disparaged LGBTQ people in the media, suggesting that they were a threat to society and that they should be treated with suspicion and disdain.
In addition to his hateful rhetoric, Robertson was also known for his conspiracy theories and outlandish beliefs. He frequently made unsubstantiated claims about the government and various world events, and was even known to peddle dangerous medical advice, such as suggesting that viewers should use anointing oil to cure their ailments.
Robertson’s influence extended far beyond his television programs. His words and actions served to embolden his followers and give credence to their own hateful beliefs. He was a loud and powerful voice in the political arena, and his words often had far-reaching consequences.
Though Robertson’s death marks the end of an era of hate, it is important to remember that his legacy lives on in the many people who followed his lead and embraced his message. The damage he wrought will continue to reverberate for years to come, and it is important to recognize the harm that he did to so many people.
The passing of Pat Robertson marks the end of an era of hate, bigotry, and intolerance that he so often espoused as religious piety. Though his words and actions had far-reaching consequences, it is important to remember that his legacy lives on in the many people who followed his lead and embraced his message. We should take this moment to recognize the harm that he did to so many people and to continue to fight against the hate and intolerance that he so often championed.
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who believe technology will turn on us someday, and those who realize that it already has.
While we expected them to hack our computers, they hacked our minds instead. The nation has been invaded, not by a foreign army, but by an army of avatars, trolls who impersonate American citizens and insert themselves into the national dialogue, and until we find a way to stop them, then America has already lost.
This is the alarming scenario that some experts warn is unfolding as China ramps up its efforts to challenge the U.S. in core technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors. China’s tech ambitions have triggered a full-blown tech war with the U.S., which began under the Trump administration and is continuing under President Biden. The U.S. has responded by blocking China's access to key components and technologies, as well as cracking down on Chinese influence and espionage in American academia and research institutions.
But while the U.S. is focused on protecting its pots and recipes, it is neglecting its most valuable asset: its process knowledge. This is the unwritten, tacit know-how that comes from years of experience and experimentation, and that cannot be easily replicated or stolen. It is what makes Grandma’s cheesecake so special, and what gives the U.S. an edge over China in innovation and creativity.
Unfortunately, the U.S. is putting this asset at risk by alienating and prosecuting its own scientists, especially those of Chinese origin or descent. The Justice Department’s China Initiative, launched in 2018 to combat intellectual property theft and espionage, has resulted in dozens of indictments of researchers and academics, many of whom are accused of minor infractions such as failing to disclose ties to Chinese funding or institutions. These cases have created a climate of fear and distrust among the scientific community, and have discouraged collaboration and exchange with China.
This is a grave mistake. Science advances through openness and cooperation, not isolation and suspicion. The U.S. needs to nurture and support its scientists, not harass and intimidate them. It needs to foster a culture of curiosity and discovery, not paranoia and censorship. It needs to realize that its strength lies not in its patents or blueprints, but in its people.
The US still has a chance to win the tech war with China, but only if it changes its strategy. It needs to invest more in research and development, especially in emerging fields like quantum computing and biotechnology. It needs to reform its immigration system to attract and retain talent from around the world. It needs to engage with China on areas of common interest, such as climate change and pandemic response while competing fairly on areas of divergence. And it needs to respect and celebrate its scientists, who are the true guardians of America's technological supremacy.
For over two years, Donald Trump has been evading
accountability for mishandling classified documents while he was president and
after leaving office. He has claimed that he is above the law and that the
Justice Department is biased against him. He has accused his political
opponents of conducting a witch hunt and a hoax. He has tried to obstruct the
investigation by refusing to cooperate with the special counsel and pressuring
his loyalists to do the same. He has shown no remorse for his actions, which
endangered national security and violated his oath of office.
But now, the time of reckoning may be near. According to
multiple media reports, federal prosecutors are wrapping up their investigation
into whether Trump broke the law by retaining sensitive government materials at
his Mar-a-Lago resort and lying about it to investigators. They have convened a
grand jury and are expected to make a charging decision soon. If they decide to
indict Trump, he will become the first former president in U.S. history to face
criminal charges. There’s a first time for everything.
This would be a momentous and unprecedented event but also a
necessary and justified one. Trump’s conduct was not only reckless and
irresponsible but also criminal. He violated the Presidential Records Act, which
requires presidents to preserve and transfer all official records to the
National Archives when they leave office. He also violated the Espionage Act,
which prohibits anyone from possessing or disclosing classified information
without authorization. He exposed U.S. secrets to potential adversaries and
compromised U.S. interests and allies.
Trump’s defense that he was entitled to keep the documents
as a former president is baseless and self-serving. The law makes no exception
for former presidents, who are still bound by their duty to protect national
security. Moreover, Trump did not keep the documents for any legitimate purpose
but for personal and political gain. He used them to boast about his
achievements, solicit supporters’ donations, and undermine his successor.
Trump’s lawyers have reportedly met with Justice Department
officials to argue that he should not be charged in the case of the documents.
They have complained about perceived misconduct by some prosecutors and have
asked for a meeting with Attorney General Merrick Garland. They have also tried
to invoke a double standard by comparing Trump’s case to that of former Vice
President Mike Pence, who was not charged after a classified document was found
in his Indiana home last year.
These arguments are weak and desperate. There is no evidence
of prosecutorial misconduct or bias in the investigation, led by a respected
and independent special counsel. There is no basis for a meeting with Garland,
who has rightly recused himself from any involvement in the case. And there is
no comparison between Trump’s case and Pence’s case, which involved a single
document that was inadvertently left behind by Pence’s staff and that was
promptly returned to the government without any harm or disclosure.
The Justice Department should not be swayed by Trump’s
lawyers, political pressure, or interference. It should follow the facts and
the law wherever they lead. It should uphold its mission to ensure equal
justice under the law for all Americans, regardless of their status or
position. And it should hold Trump accountable for his crimes against the
nation.
Prosecuting Trump is not political; not prosecuting him
would be.
You have a reason to celebrate if you love drag shows and
live in Tennessee. A federal judge has ruled that the state’s law that banned
public drag shows where minors could be present was unconstitutional and
violated the First Amendment right to free speech.
The judge who made this historic decision was Thomas Parker,
appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2018. This shows that even a
conservative judge can recognize the value and importance of drag as a form of
artistic expression and cultural diversity.
Drag performers and their supporters have been fighting
against this law since it was passed by the Republican-controlled legislature
and signed by Governor Bill Lee earlier this year. The law claimed to protect
minors from exposure to “sexually explicit” performances, but it was really a
thinly veiled attempt to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and suppress their
creativity and identity.
The law was challenged by Friends of George’s, a
Memphis-based nonprofit that produces drag performances and comedy sketches.
They argued that the law was vague and overbroad and targeted them based on
their content and viewpoint. They also said that the law would harm their
business and their community.
Judge Parker agreed with them and issued a 70-page ruling
that struck down the law as an “unconstitutional restriction on the freedom of
speech.” He also said the law was “unconstitutionally vague and substantially
overbroad” and encouraged “discriminatory enforcement.” He barred the district
attorney of Shelby County from enforcing the law in that county.
This ruling is a huge victory for drag artists and LGBTQ+
rights in Tennessee and nationwide. It sends a clear message that drag is not
harmful but a celebration of diversity, creativity, and joy. It also shows that
no matter who appoints them, judges have a duty to uphold the Constitution and
protect the rights of all Americans.
We applaud Judge Parker for his courage and wisdom and
congratulate Friends of George’s for their successful lawsuit. We hope this
ruling will inspire more people to support drag shows and appreciate the talent
and beauty of drag performers. Drag is not a crime; it’s an art form. And we
are here for it!
This year has been challenging for the LGBTQIA+ community, as we face various forms of discrimination and oppression from different sources. One of the most alarming trends is the rise of book bans that target LGBTQIA+ literature in public schools and libraries. According to the American Library Association, five of the 10 most challenged and banned books in the U.S. last year were flagged because of their LGBTQ content. These books, which include memoirs, novels, and graphic novels, offer diverse and authentic perspectives on the lives and experiences of LGBTQIA+ people. They are valuable resources for educating and empowering young readers, especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+ themselves or who want to learn more about this community.
However, some parents, advocacy groups, and government officials have been trying to censor these books, claiming that they are inappropriate, sexually explicit, or harmful to children. They have launched campaigns to pressure school boards and library staff to remove these books from shelves or restrict their access. These actions violate students' and library patrons' intellectual freedom and privacy rights, who should be able to choose what they read without interference or judgment. They also contribute to a climate of fear and intolerance that marginalizes and stigmatizes LGBTQIA+ people.
The LGBTQIA+ community deserves respect and recognition, not censorship and erasure. Book bans are not only an attack on literature but also on human dignity and diversity. They send a message that LGBTQIA+ stories are not welcome or worthy of being heard. They deprive young people of the opportunity to explore their identities and understand others who are different. They undermine the core values of education and democracy that libraries and schools are supposed to uphold.
As we celebrate Pride Month this June, let us also stand up for the right to read and write freely. Let us support the authors, librarians, teachers, students, and allies who are fighting back against book bans and advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in literature. Let us demand that our elected officials respect the First Amendment and protect access to information for all people. And let us celebrate the power and beauty of LGBTQIA+ books, which enrich our culture and inspire our humanity.
We are thrilled to announce the release of Matt Butts's new novel, Teach Me to Fly, a gripping and heartwarming story of love, courage, and identity.
Teach Me to Fly follows Colin, a gay teenager who has to leave his home in Florida and start a new life in Minnesota with his mother. Colin faces many challenges and struggles in his new environment but finds hope and friendship in unexpected places. He meets Brad Wolf, a basketball star who seems to have it all, but who is secretly fighting his own demons. When a school shooter threatens their lives, Colin becomes the unlikely hero who saves Brad and forever changes their destinies. Teach Me to Fly will make you laugh, cry and cheer for these two brave young men who dare to be themselves and follow their hearts.
Teach Me to Fly is available from Amazon in Hardcover, Paperback, and Kindle™ editions. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to read this incredible story that will touch your soul and inspire you to fly!
