Newt Gingrich Is SUPER Dumb When It Comes To Palestine

Newt Gingrich is basically an unspeakable horror of a person who should just go home and think about what he's done.

The presidential hopeful remarked today, in a statement which has sparked outrage among Palestinian leaders, that the Palestinian people were "invented," citing their former inclusion in the Ottoman Empire as proof that the region has never been a country and didn't really need to be: 

"Remember, there was no Palestine as a state – (it was) part of the Ottoman Empire. I think we have an invented Palestinian people who are in fact Arabs and historically part of the Arab community and they had the chance to go many places," Gingrich said, according to a video excerpt posted online. 

The Palestinian prime minister, Salam Fayyad, demanded Gingrich "review history." 

"From the beginning, our people have been determined to stay on their land," Fayyad said in comments carried by the Palestinian news agency Wafa. "This, certainly, is denying historical truths."

You go, Salam! Because Newt Gingrich does need to review history. While the boundaries of the region known has Palestine have shifted over the centuries, the region was defined as "Palestine" in 1920 by the British Mandate for Palestine and has since declared independence officially from Israel in 1988. Two-thirds of the world's nations recognize the Palestinian people's right to govern themselves. You know how I bothered to learn this? By looking on the fucking Wikipedia page. It's that easy.

Maybe Newt should recall a certain other invented people: Americans. Before 1776, we didn't exist either. We became independent because we chose the path of self-determination. So have the Palestinians.

Also, Newt Gingrich can suck it.

Gay Iranians Come Out On Facebook

Iran recently executed three men for the crime of sodomy, which is defined as "sexual intercourse between men," which is in sharp contrast to President Ahmadinejad's assertion that Iran doesn't have gay people.  With this hypocritical departure to the official Iranian stance, gay Iranians have decided to take matters into their own hands and tell the world in a manner that brooks no disagreement: gay Iranians exist.

A group of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Iranians have posted videos of themselves on Facebook in a campaign to highlight the discrimination against sexual minorities in Iran where homosexuals are put to death. 

Hundreds of Iranians in and outside the country have joined a Facebook page, called "we are everywhere", which encourages members to share their personal stories online. Members of the campaign in Iran have posted audio messages or videos which do not reveal their identity while some outside talked about their sexual orientation freely.

I perused the wall and photos, and they are filled not just with proud statements of Iranians, but statements of support from all over the globe.

Congratulations to the citizens of Iran, and Iranians elsewhere in the world, on taking a stand against homophobia in your home country.

Iran Executes Gay Men, Even Though They Don't Have Any

Does anyone else remember this?

That's right. That's the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, telling a crowd of Ivy-league students, reporters and diplomats that Iran doesn't have gay people.  Naturally, they laughed in his face. 

So why is it that three men were just executed in his country for "Hadd," which translates to sodomy?  From Iran Human Rights:

According to the reports from Iran, six people were hanged in the Karoun prison of Ahvaz (southwest of Iran) early Sunday morning September 4th.

The state run Iranian news agency ISNA reported that three of those executed were sentenced to death by the Ahvaz revolution court, convicted of "unlawful" acts and acts against Sharia, based on the articles 108 and 110 of the Iranian Islamic penal code. Articles 108 and 110 of the Iranian Islamic Penal code are part of the chapter covering the punishment of "Hadd" for "sodomy". Article 108 says: "Sodomy (or Lavat) is sexual intercourse between men”, and article 110 says:”Punishment for sodomy is killing; the Sharia judge decides on how to carry out the killing".

While I am naturally very angry over this, it's nothing new.  Those laws have been on the books (and have reportedly been enforced) for years.  While many are angry over Uganda's pending legislation to begin executing citizens for homosexuality, the ongoing government mandated murder of Iranian gay men begs the question: what's being done to stop it?
 
The quick answer is not much.  One recourse is available to Iranian gays seeking to avoid death:  seeking asylum elsewhere.  However, deportation laws in the UK, Europe, and here in the US have prevented many from finding asylum, dooming the thousands of gay Iranians to a seemingly hopeless situation.

Look At This Cute Ad!

I was a little touched with this Argentinian ad for transgender equality.




Equality has never been more adorable!

T-Shirts Pwn Neo-Nazis At Rock Concerts

Who doesn't love a free T-shirt?

A concert was held in Gera, Germany, this summer, sponsored by the German Neo-Nazi group the National Democratic Party.  For reasons I don't really have to go into, there are many Germans concerned about right-wing extremism, and some of those concerned citizens came up with a novel way to suggest alternatives to extremist haterz.

Free T-shirts were handed out to about 300 Neo-Nazi rock fans which read "Hardcore Rebels—National and Free" with a skull-and-crossbone flag emblazoned across it.  However, when those fans went home and washed the shirts, the right-wing logo dissolved in the wash and a new message was revealed:

"If your T-shirt can do it, you can do it too – we'll help you get away from right-wing extremism," reads the slogan on the shirts after their first washing. 

The shirts were handed to 250 people at a "Rock for Germany" festival in Gera by organisers after they had been donated anonymously. They were provided by Exit, a group which helps people disassociate themselves from the far-right.

This clever idea was suggested by Hamburg-based marketing expert who wishes to remain anonymous.  

Who wants to make T-shirts and hit up the Tea Party Express?

Civil Union Legislation Proposed By Chilean President

Just because ERRBODY has to be better than the US on LGBT rights, Chile's President, Sebastian Pinera, is now attempting to push through legislation granting civil unions to gay Chileans, giving them rights of inheritance and other legal advantages normally solely accredited to heterosexual marriage.

FAB sash, Sebastian.  

From the AP:

"Chile's conservative president proposed legislation Tuesday to recognize gay civil unions, granting them some of the same rights as married couples in the ultra-Catholic country.

"'All forms of marriage deserve respect, dignity and the support of the state,' said President Sebastian Pinera, who signed the proposal and sent it to Congress.

"'This puts opposite-sex and same-sex couples on the same footing, because in both cases it is possible to develop love, affection and respect.'"

However, he is quick to echo a very familiar line by reiterating the full marriage equality isn't something he has "evolved" enough to grant gay Chileans:

"I deeply believe that marriage is by nature between a man and a woman, but that conviction does not prevent me from recognizing that other forms of affective relationships exist."

While I find THAT particular line rather tiring, it's nice to see a step in the right direction, especially in such a heavily religious country.  It's important for social conservatives to realize that many gay people don't give two shits about co-opting their religious idea of marriage, instead wanting a social contract which includes the legal rights and responsibilities inherent in civil marriage.  

DOMA Is Still Alive, Folks

If you have any doubt that there needs to be a lot more work regarding the benefits of marriage for LGBT Americans, look no further than here.

Even though DOMA has seen a decided lack of support from the Administration in recent weeks, one couple still feels the pain of its oppressive policies.  Bradford Wells and Anthony John Makk, who have been together for 19 years and married 7 years ago in Massachusetts, are now slated to be separated as deportation proceedings have been completed against Makk.  He is going to be shipped back to his native Australia, which is doubly sad as he is his husband's primary caregiver.  Wells suffers from AIDS, and Makk's absence is sure to have an impact on his health.

And what is the immigration authorities justification for deporting Makk?  That's right, you guessed it!  The Defense of Marriage Act.

"Bradford Wells, a U.S. citizen, and Anthony John Makk, a citizen of Australia, were married seven years ago in Massachusetts. They have lived together 19 years, mostly in an apartment in the Castro district. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denied Makk's application to be considered for permanent residency as a spouse of an American citizen, citing the 1996 law that denies all federal benefits to same-sex couples.

"The decision was issued July 26. Immigration Equality, a gay-rights group that is working with the couple, received the notice Friday and made it public Monday. Makk was ordered to depart the United States by Aug. 25. Makk is the sole caregiver for Wells, who has severe health problems.

"'I'm married just like any other married person in this country,' Wells said. 'At this point, the government can come in and take my husband and deport him. It's infuriating. It's upsetting. I have no power, no right to keep my husband in this country. I love this country, I live here, I pay taxes and I have no right to share my home with the person I married.'"

While I blog frequently about marriage equality, I never really felt exceedingly passionate about the struggle for gay couples to get married in this country.  I often felt that ENDA and the repeal of DADT were far more important to LGBT Americans.  In fact, when I get married in March, it will most likely not be a legal ceremony.  Adam and I are happy just confirming our love to each other in front of friends (though Dan Choi, our officiant, recently got ordained just in case).  However, for bi-national couples, the right to get married is an important one and extremely necessary to stay together.

Ghana Intensifies The Crazy, Targets Schools And Educators

Ghana began an anti-gay witch-hunt last month, with the Minister of the Western Region declaring open season on gays, ordering the arrest of all LGBT citizens within his jurisdiction.  While it is unclear whether or not any arrests have actually taken place, various government institutions have ramped up their rhetoric, with the Ghana Education Service now admitting that homosexuality is running rampant through the school system.

From GhanaWeb, an anti-gay news service:

"GES, however says that neutralizing these schools, will not address the issue of homosexuality creeping into the Ghanaian society.

"Teachers in some single sex schools have been reported recently of forcefully having sex with some of their students.

"Students in these schools are also reported to be involved in intimate relationships with their colleagues.

"Critics of homosexuality say these incidents show that single sex schools are promoting the practice.

"The Deputy Director General of the GES, Stephen Adu told Citi News, a holistic approach is required to deal with the situation. He does not agree with calls for such schools to be converted into mixed schools."

I find any attack on the education of a nation's children to be disturbing and reminds me of certain historical precedents-- fears that homosexuals are "infiltrating" schools can only bring to mind parallel tactics used by the Third Reich to ensure that the education system fell into the Nazi Party line.  What's next?  The Aidoo Youth?

Gay Cuban Man To Marry Trans Woman On Castro's Birthday

This couple has decided to celebrate the former Cuban dictator's birthday in a very special way: by getting married, with dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez as matron of honor.

Yoani Sanchez

"Wendy Iriepa, a 37-year-old who underwent a sex-change operation in 2007 on the island, and Ignacio Estrada, a 31-year-old gay man who is seropositive, will marry in an open ceremony that they hope will mark a 'before and an after' in Cuba with dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez as matron of honor.

"'We met on May 13 of this year and we always intended to get married three months later,' Estrada – who considers himself gay but had fallen in love with Wendy, now a woman – said.

"But the couple also decided to tie the knot on the 'controversial' date of Aug. 13 to coincide with Castro’s 85th birthday and emphasize the 'gigantic' step their union will signify for the island’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual, or LGBT, community."

Castro has since expressed regret for his actions against the LGBTs in Cuba. 

While I would argue that Estrada is bisexual and their marriage is a straight one, I'm never one to dictate to someone how to identify their sexuality.  Congrats to the couple.

City-Based HIV Strategies Introduced In China

Chengdu, China hosted a workshop on Friday to address concerns about the rising rates of infection with men who have sex with men (MSM) in the communist nation, specifically within the city.  The session included an important commitment: the commitment of Chengdu to ramping up prevention and education within that community.

The city-level community was a highlight of the workshop, but more than city officials attended the event.  Numerous health officials from China's national government attended, making some hopeful that the nation may see some relief from rising HIV infections through new, city-based strategies.

Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS director, was also present and had this to say:

"'Cities are at the heart of China’s development and progress, and must remain at the forefront of its HIV response, said Mr Sidibé. 'Through bold action to address HIV among men who have sex with men, cities can lead the way to achieving the UNAIDS vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths. We hope that over the next year, many more Chinese cities will implement city-based MSM strategies,' he added."

HIV/AIDS is a dire situation in China, specifically among the MSM population.  One in three new infections is a man who has sex with men, but only 15% of HIV positive MSM are receiving treatment.  This new outreach plan will hopefully mean the government of China is taking measures to including and protecting MSM in years to come.

Former World Leaders: Decriminalize Marijuana

A group of notable former heads of state is presenting their formal report today as part of a commission examining the war on drugs begun, all in all, 40 years ago in the US under President Nixon.  Their finding?  Stop penalizing drug users who do no harm to others.

"'The global war on drugs has failed, with devastating consequences for individuals and societies around the world,' the members of the Global Commission on Drug Policy say in a report.

"'Fifty years after the initiation of the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, and 40 years after President (Richard) Nixon launched the US government's war on drugs, fundamental reforms in national and global drug control policies are urgently needed.'

"And saying that restrictions on marijuana should be loosened, the report urged governments to 'end the criminalization, marginalization and stigmatization of people who use drugs but who do no harm to others.'"

This report is interesting in that many of the commission's members come from countries heavily affected by the illegal drug trade, to include Kofi Annan, former Colombian President Cesar Gaviria, and Brazilian Fernando Cardoso.  Their argument, essentially, is that if drug reform can decriminalize low-impact substances such as marijuana, then the drug-money fueled cabals would lose power and violent crime related to that trade would drop.  

I can't say that I disagree.  

Video: Dan Choi, Speaking In Support Of Russian LGBT Rights

An excerpt:

"I am here in Russia, solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are fighting for the basic right to express their identity. Here, it's on such a basic fundamental level of living a life of truth and integrity. I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them. This is a different kind of battlefield than all the battlefields I've seen."

Dan is in Russia for the weekend in order to demonstrate in solidarity with Muscovite LGBT activists in their banned Gay Pride celebration.  More details as it develops.


Watch:

Dan Choi: Making Trouble In Moscow

Every year, gay Muscovites attempt to hold a Gay Pride event and every year the city bans the event from taking place, once memorably referring to Pride as "Satanic."  This year is no different, however, American gay rights activist Dan Choi has flown to Russia in order to show support for Russian activists combating homophobia in Moscow.

Along with Russian activist Nikolay Alexeyev, French Louis-George Tim (who created the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia) and British activist Peter Tatchell, Dan reports via Pam Spaulding:

"Dan reports that he, along with about 20 activists from the U.S. and Europe attended Russia's version of Meet the Press. Russian LGBT rights activist, lawyer and journalist Nikolay Alexeyev debated their version of Maggie Gallagher, and the opposition (anti-gay) side was stacked with government officials and a 'sexologist' demonizing LGBTs.

"According to Dan, the first two segments were very contentious; at the end of the second segment it became so heated that Alexeyev stormed off of the set -- actually damaging part of the set -- and refused to come back for the third segment.

"Instead, Alexeyev and all of the pro-LGBT attendees left the set and audience. This program aired live, so I'm sure clips will surface. Dan will have a report later; they are also planning direct action in protest of the cancellation of Pride by homophobic officials and it's likely there will be arrests."

Good job to Dan and Co. on supporting gay rights in Russia.  Good luck this weekend with Pride celebrations.

Exploding Melons In China Raise New Concerns About Food Safety

You know you're farming wrong when your fucking crops start blowin' your farm up.

About 120 acres of crops have been affected in the eastern city of Danyang, with melons exploding in the fields.  This bizarre phenomenon has been blamed on unchecked use of the growth hormone forchlorfenuron.

"'On May 7, I came out and counted 80 (exploded watermelons), but by the afternoon it was 100,' farmer Liu Mingsuo told state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) in a report that aired Tuesday.

"He said he had sprayed them with the chemical just a day before.

"'Two days later I didn't bother to count anymore,' added Liu, who admitted using forchlorfenuron and saw three hectares of watermelons -- more than two-thirds of his crop -- laid to waste."

The state-controlled media is trying to blame heavy rainfall followed by dry conditions.  While this has in the past led to burst melons, it didn't near approach the level of this rash of melon bombs.

Right.  Rain did it, not the nasty-ass chemicals y'all spray on your fruit.  Uh-huh.

[TheRawStory]

The Berlin Patient: First Man "Cured" Of HIV Speaks

I first wrote about the Berlin Patient in December on Hivster.  Timothy Ray Brown was suffering from leukemia and living with HIV when he received a bone marrow transplant from a donor who was immune to HIV.

He hasn't taken his HIV meds since the day of his transplant and doctors haven't been able to find any trace of HIV in his body for years now.

Watch:

Brazilian Woman Wins Right To Wank At Work

Ana Catarian Bezerra has... a problem. 

Suffering from severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, Ana found herself trapped in a cycle of repeating the same comfort ritual up to 47 times daily.  Desperate to break this unhealthy mental trap, she turned to psychiatry and is now receiving treatment.  She's down to about 18 times a day.

And what is this comfort ritual?  Masturbation.

Her problem is so severe that if she doesn't find her... uh, release... she succumbs to a severe panic attack.  That could make things a little uncomfortable in the accounting firm she works at.  Of course, her less forward-thinking coworkers objected to her nonstop frottage, so she had to go to court to defend her need to fap.  And won.

"As a result of her debilitating dexterity, Ana ended up in a legal battle and even had to go to court. I’m guessing no-one badgered the witness, since she was probably busy doing that herself. Now she’s receiving professional medical help and has been prescribed with a ‘cocktail’ of tranquillisers. The good news is that she’s now down to eighteen wanks a day, and has full legal protection every time she gets the tingle in the office. She’s also allowed to watch porn on her work computer to help her along."

I don't really think I need say more about this.  It kind of speaks for itself.

[SabotageTimes]

Thanks to Michael Sebastian Lux for the... hot... tip.

International Day Against Homophobia And Transphobia

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, and political leaders worldwide are releasing statements in support of LGBTs globally.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:


"In every part of the world, men and women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or whom they love. Homophobia, transphobia and the brutal hostility associated with them are often rooted in a lack of understanding of what it actually means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). So to combat this terrible scourge and break the cycle of fear and violence, we must work together to improve education and support those who stand up against laws that criminalize love and promote hate. As we mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this May 17, let us resolve to redouble our efforts.

"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am proud to reaffirm our support for LGBT communities at home and abroad, and to call for an end to discrimination and mistreatment of LGBT persons wherever it occurs. Whether by supporting LGBT advocates marching in Belgrade, leading the effort at the United Nations to affirm the human rights of LGBT persons, or condemning a vile law under consideration in Uganda, we are committed to our friends and allies in every region of the world who are fighting for equality and justice. These are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights.

"Despite these gains and hard work, there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, know that the United States stands with you and we are unwavering in our commitment to ending this cycle of hate."

UK Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne:



Not every government is supporting their LGBT citizens, sadly.  Moscow city government has once again banned a gay pride rally today, in a move echoing previous politician's statements that such events are "satanic."

Rally organizers have sworn to go ahead with the demonstration anyway. 

[UKGayNews]

Canadians Cure Cancer, No-one Pays Any Attention

This is craziness.

So you would think, should there be a cheap, effective, and low impact method of killing cancer cells, the world would rejoice, right?

Ha!

Scientists at the University of Alberta in Edmonton have discovered that a cheap drug used to treat metabolic disorders has the ability-- not the potential, but the ability-- to activate mitochondria in the fight against mutated cancer cells, killing the cells while leaving healthy cells alone.

"In human bodies there is a natural cancer fighting human cell, the mitochondria, but they need to be triggered to be effective. Scientists used to think that these mitochondria cells were damaged and thus ineffective against cancer. So they used to focus on glycolysis, which is less effective in curing cancer and more wasteful. The drug manufacturers focused on this glycolysis method to fight cancer. This DCA on the other hand doesn’t rely on glycolysis instead on mitochondria; it triggers the mitochondria which in turn fights the cancer cells."

So why aren't pharmaceutical companies trumpeting this new "cure" for cancer?  Easy.  It doesn't require a patent.  It's a cheap drug, and therefore less profitable.  Heaven forbid that the most profitable industry on Earth actually start marketing cheaper and healthier methods of defeating the leading killer disease of just about every demographic.

[Hubpages]

Thanks to Wesley Darling for the tip.

UPDATE:  OAQ's readers have been the subject of a bit of misinformation.  Click here.

Russian Newscaster Reports on Pot Bears; Can't Keep a Straight Face

I haven't laughed at a video this hard in ages.

Tatiana Subbotina was reporting on a Canadian marijuana plantation guarded by a troop of bears but seems to be hitting the green shit herself.  Watch, via Towleroad:

Oh, That Cheeky Bryan Fischer

The things he says! 

In his latest attack on Muslims, Bryan Fischer outlines a bizarre and rambling plan in which the American armed forces convert Islamic populations by the sword.  Yeah.  Because evidently the only way we can build democracies in Middle Eastern nations is by sending in the Marines and then the missionaries. 



This guy just makes me gag.