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SIOUX CITY, IOWA - Jason Morgan and Chuck Swaggerty have been together for eight years.
They have their own home and they go to church together on Sundays. But most of all, the two Sioux City men said they want to seal their commitment to one another through marriage.
"We love each other," Morgan said. "We want and we need the same protections, rights and responsibilities that come with that kind of relationship, like any loving couple should have."
A lawsuit filed Tuesday by a gay rights organization in Polk County District Court asking for the right to marry for same-sex couples may help that happen. Morgan and Swaggerty are one of six couples listed in the lawsuit, which was filed by Lamba Legal.
Lambda Legal, the organization that spearheaded the same-sex marriage drive across the country, said it wants full recognition of the civil rights of gay couples.
"There are thousands of couples in Iowa who are eager for the protections and security that come with marriage," Camilla Taylor, a staff attorney with Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, said during a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "They are willing to take on the responsibilities and obligations as well. ...They shouldn't have to wait any longer," she said.
The group will argue that the state constitution's equal protection and due process clauses make it unlawful for the state to bar same-sex couples from marrying. They plan to take the case to the Iowa Supreme Court if necessary.
Morgan said he and Swaggerty decided to join the lawsuit because they have been in contact with Lamba Legal for a few years on LGBT equality issues through their work with the local group Community Alliance for Equality, including an attempt to add sexual orientation to Sioux City's discrimination ordinance.
"There are many times in your life where you have to take a risk, to do what is right," he said. "We are seeking equality. For us it's just a very logical thing to do."
One reason the protection of marriage is needed, Morgan said, is so family connections in same-sex commitments can be recognized.
When Swaggerty's mother passed away suddenly this year, Morgan said he wasn't able to take paid bereavement leave from his new job to attend the funeral 10 hours away because Swaggerty and his mother were not technically part of Morgan's family. Upon returning from the funeral, he said he received a mark on his personnel record for an unexcused absence.
"I really don't blame my employer for giving only married couples those rights," said Morgan, who did not want to reveal his employer's name. "I'm saying it's time the government gives us the right to marry so we can have the same rights as any married couple."
Morgan said the case will definitely have an impact on other gay or lesbian couples in the Sioux City area who wish to be married, as well as people who support their efforts for equality.
from Sioux City Journal
Just in time for the release of "Brokeback Mountain," the National Enquirer has published its "Who's Gay and Who's Not!" issue with one glaring problem: It floats the typical suspects and oft-repeated innuendo but doesn't provide any facts.
Take this blurb on John Travolta: "He may have been married for 14 years but he's been dogged by gay rumors..."
So? Is he or isn't he, National Enquirer gaydar editor?
We've all heard the behind-the-scenes titters about Hillary Clintonand Condoleezza Rice (not as a couple, obviously, although that would be a tough 2008 ticket to beat), but when you suck Tattle in with a front-page headline of "Who's Gay and Who's Not!" the implication is you're going to tell us "Who's Gay and Who's Not!"
Thank goodness for the London Sun and the documentary "Angelina - Saint Or Sinner?" which aired last night in England on Sky One.
While the Enquirer talks about Angelina Jolie's relationship with model Jenny Shimizu as a past-tense 1996 kind of thing, yesterday's Sun climbed a bit further out on her tattooed limb, calling Jenny Angelina's "lesbian lover" and quoting Jenny as saying, "There has never been an ending to her and I. I think there never will be."
Jenny added: "I think we will continue to have a deep relationship. It really does go beyond just the sex."
The Sun claims Jenny's relationship with Ange has been hot and heavy since they met on the set of 1996's "Foxfire," and Jenny says of the alluring temptress, "She's always had lovers that she relies on. If she can ring you and you can meet up, then she can take care of her sexual needs."
"She is beautiful," said Jenny. "Her mouth is amazing. I've never kissed anyone with a bigger mouth than Angelina. It's like two water beds - it's like this big kind of warm, mushy, beautiful thing.
"She's a gorgeous woman. We were already sleeping together when I met [Angelina's former beau Jonny Lee Miller] while on 'Foxfire.' She told both of us how she felt and we all went out to dinner one night. She was honest - that's how she's been her whole life."
Added Jenny: "Whenever she calls me up, I visit her. It's not always the case that we have sex. Sometimes we go to her property in Cambodia and explore the jungle."
So that's what they call it.
• Jenny, obviously, is not sure this Jolie-Brad Pitt thing is going to work out.
"Maybe [Angelina] would settle down and be with one person," Jenny said in the Sun, "but I think she goes looking for excitement all the time.
"Her passion is people and it's hard to just settle down with one person when you have a whole world in front of you.
"I'm not saying she sleeps with a lot of people. But I can't imagine her just being married and being happy."
from The Philadelphia Inquirer
The Sofia (Bulgaria) News Agency and 7 Dni Sport are reporting that four soccer players have been expelled from their club in Varna, Bulgaria, for having sex in the team locker room.
Officials with the MAX club discovered the four having sex with one another in the locker room. Coach Georgi Dimov has confirmed the expulsion with 7 Dni Sport, saying that the homosexual players were kicked out for damaging the club's reputation. According to SNA, MAX is presently trying to woo sponsors and enter professional soccer.
According to The International Lesbian and Gay Association, Bulgaria has some gay anti-discrimination laws. However, according to their World Legal Survey, "The Bulgarian Penal Code prohibits "scandalous homosexuality", homosexuality in public, and activities which may "lead to perversion" (whatever that is supposed to mean). Violation of these laws can be punished with 1-5 years imprisonment and/or "social disgrace"."
Early reaction from soccer fans on the SNA Web site range from outrage that gay players would be kicked off of a team to understanding that sex in the workplace, gay or straight, is unacceptable.
from Out Sports
I'm willing to bet money that every mainstream critic wanted to have the bi-line for their Brokeback Mountain review to be "Homo on the Range." Hell, even I wanted to do it. This was before I saw the film. That's right, I've had several interviews lately with key talent behind this film, and I didn't even see it until tonight. But my tune changed once I saw the film. It's definitely one of the best films of the year, and it actually deserves the hype and praise it's receiving. And it's much much more than just a "gay cowboy movie."
Brokeback Mountain tells the story of Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) two ranchers who meet and fall in love while working on the titular mountain herding sheep in 1963 for Joe Aguirre (Randy Quaid in a brief, but well acted role). The two men don't know each other, but need the work and take to the mountainside to tend sheep. Ennis is very quiet and almost inexpressive. Jack is a little more vocal. Eventually, Jack gets Ennis to open up a bit more and the two become friends. After one night of whiskey drinking (which is how I usually begin all my dates) Ennis, trying to escape the cold, joins Jack in his tent. This naturally leads to sex. The next morning is awkward, to say the least. Both men insist they are not gay, but Ennis and Jack can not deny their attraction to each other, physically and emotionally. They have the summer of their lives, but quietly part ways when the job is done.
Ennis goes back to his small town in Wyoming and marries Alma (Michelle Williams, miles away from the Creek of Dawson) and quickly procreates. Twice. There's still something missing in Ennis' life, though, and he knows it. He shows it through apathy and anger towards his wife and children. Jack, meanwhile, has gone to Texas, where he occasionally works at rodeos. He meets a lovely little cowgirl named Lureen (played by Anne Hathaway, very far away from her Disney image as proved by her unexpected nudity) and they, too, get married and have a child.
Both men know what's missing in their lives: Each other. When Jack finally makes contact with Ennis, the spark is rekindled. Soon the men are off frequently for week long fishing trips. (But we know there isn't any fishing happening). Both men want to capture their love and live happily ever after, but know that's impossible. Jack tries, but Ennis is reluctant. The movie chronicles their ups and downs of love that can not be over 20 years, as they try to go back to their time on Brokeback Mountain. 
The movie is outstanding. On every level. Far and away the best thing in the film, though, is Heath Ledger. He plays Ennis perfectly, conveying the many conflicting emotions of a man who cannot express them. Ennis speaks in low, grumble tones that are difficult to make out. He's prone to fits of rage, which is actually a major step for him seeing as how internalized he is. He wants the love of Jack, but knows it can never happen in the world they live in. Sure, he could drop everything and move away with Jack far far away from judgmental eyes, but he dares not. Ledger does a tremendous job with the character, and deserves every award he'll no doubt be showered with.
Jake Gyllenhaal is quite good as well. Jack is definitely the more vulnerable of the two, but he's also the more willing to take the chance, to prove to Ennis that their love can work. Plus, he sports a really bitchin mustache in the late 70s section of the movie that make him look like he should be auditioning for Smokey and the Bandit. Or a porn. I kid, but he does a good job with the role he's given. Still, Ledger is the more fascinating of the two.
The supporting actors are also quite good, particularly Williams and Hathaway as the put upon and forgotten wives. And the actress that plays Ledger's daughter is really good as the only woman it seems Ennis can love with all his heart, regardless of Jack. But this is Ledger's show above all. That being said, there wasn't a bad performance at all.
Ang Lee directs with a steady hand. He lets the story take it's time, and doesn't present the love scenes for shock value. In fact, the film is your basic story of love that can not be, that just happens to be between two men. These two characters love each other so much, it hurts. When the two are finally together, you get happy for them, because you know that they belong together. Lee deftly tells the tale as if it were Romeo and Juliet. With cowboy boots. No scene is overplayed to prove a point, and nary a frame is wasted.
The film looks beautiful, especially the opening scenes on said mountain. Gorgeous vistas, gorgeous framing. Well shot by Rodrigo Prieto, who also shot the fantastic 21 Grams. Also borrowing from the 21 Grams crew, Lee managed to get Gustavo Santaolalla to provide a haunting, spare, elegant score to match what's happening on screen.
The film is not exploitation, and it is definitely not what people would expect. I expect there will be a lot of nervous, juvenile giggling by audiences who are uncomfortable watching a love story between two men. It's their loss, as they're missing out on a great story of love that can be applied to everyone, regardless of sexual preference. It's a beautiful film. And it stays with you. Especially Ledger's amazing performance.
Get over any preconceived notions you may have and check this movie out. I believed this love story more than countless others told on celluloid before it. (It makes the love story in Titanic look like the love story in Speed 2. I hope that makes sense). Believe the hype, because this movie really IS that good.
Agree with this review? Disagree? Share your own Opinion by writing your own review for this movie. Write your own Review Return to the main Movie Reviews page.
from Movies Online by The Dude
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - A man who deliberately infected his gay lover with the potentially deadly HIV virus delivered a bizarre monologue from the dock yesterday minutes before he was sentenced to 10½ years' jail for the crime.
Mark Kenneth Reid, 37, took Brisbane District Court judge David Robin, QC, up on his offer of speaking directly to the court – saying he was still concerned about his ex-partner's health and would not repeat his crime.
Reid has been HIV-positive since 1987.
"I consider myself to be a good person, not a perfect person, but – over 17 years of growing and maturing through having a life-threatening illness – I consider myself as growing into a person who is an asset to my friends, my family, my employers and myself," Reid said. "I don't wish HIV on any person . . . I only hope that (the victim) grows and matures to the degree I have."
Reid told Judge Robin he was remorseful for putting his victim and his family, as well as his own family, through the ordeal.
On Thursday, a jury found Reid guilty of committing a malicious act with intent over the incident, the first successful prosecution of its type in Queensland.
The court was told that, after meeting at a hotel in 2003, Reid and his partner immediately began a live-in, sexual relationship and engaged in regular, unprotected sex.
The relationship ended in acrimony less than two months later when the partner discovered he had contracted HIV and suspected Reid was responsible. The only other possible contributors – the victim's former lover, intravenous drug use and needlestick injury – were all ruled out.
The man, whose name cannot be published, told the court this week Reid had repeatedly reassured him he was free of the virus. Reid denied the allegation in his police record of interview and claimed he was always honest about his condition.
He claimed their decision to have unsafe sex was mutual, often made after excessive drinking.
But Judge Robin told Reid yesterday he was satisfied that he had kept his HIV status from his lover.
Prosecutor Ross Martin, SC, asked for a sentence in the range of 12 to 15 years' jail – likening the effects of the crime to cases of attempted murder, given the grave consequences of contracting HIV.
"This case involved a grave breach of the most fundamental trust," Mr Martin told the court yesterday. "There is no remorse."
Defence barrister Bruce Mumford appealed for a jail term of eight years, telling the court while HIV was a chronic illness, medical evidence given during the trial had shown that it could be managed and controlled in a large number of cases.
Mr Mumford said his client had a limited criminal history, had his own health considerations and would be serving his jail term in protective custody because of his HIV status.
"So there is no doubt he will do his time hard, and harder than most," Mr Mumford said.
In sentencing Reid to 10½ years' jail time, Judge Robin said he had some difficulty in accepting the Crown's proposition that the case was on the same level as attempted murder.
from News.com.au
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Growing numbers of advocacy groups are campaigning to steer shoppers away from certain retailers and products -- citing causes from gay rights to getting the word ''Christmas" more prominently in the public eye.
These groups come from both the left and right, some urging boycotts of retail chains, others seeking to influence buyers though company-by-company ratings or critiques of specific products. Some campaigns have little impact; others have prompted swift changes by companies, encouraging advocates.
This year's high-profile targets include retailers Sears and Target. In the eyes of some conservative activists, the companies have made insufficient use of the word ''Christmas" in ads and store signs.
''When you take away 'Christmas' and replace it with a generic term like 'holiday,' you take away the very essence of what is being celebrated," said the Mississippi-based American Family Association, which spearheads the Target boycott.
Target Corp. , in response, said this week it will make specific references to Christmas and other holidays in its marketing. ''Our intention is to make every guest feel welcomed and acknowledged, whether they celebrate Christmas or other holidays at this time of year," Target said.
Target also has been criticized for expanding its long-standing no-solicitation policy last year to bar the Salvation Army from setting up kettles at its stores. This year, Target is providing links on its website so customers can donate to the Salvation Army.
Sears, like Target, has been criticized for allegedly sparse use of ''Christmas," but the retailer insists the attacks by the California-based Committee to Save Merry Christmas are misplaced. Chris Brathwaite, a Sears Holding Corp. spokesman, said the company has a Christmas greeting on its Internet home page and allows use of ''Christmas" at its Sears and Kmart outlets.
''We endeavor to make our stores festive, while respecting that our customers celebrate many different customs throughout the holidays," Sears said.
Some companies respond quickly when targeted. Lowe's Cos. , for example, apologized and took swift action when complaints arose about outdoor banners advertising ''holiday trees."
from The Boston Globe
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - One police officer was suspended and about 20 others faced discipline after making videos parodying life on the force that used racist, sexist and homophobic stereotypes, city officials announced Wednesday. "This is a dark day, an extremely dark day, in the history of the San Francisco Police Department," said Police Chief Heather Fong, who called the acts "egregious, shameful and despicable."
The skits featuring uniformed and plainclothes officers were intended as a spoof and much of the content poked fun at the officers. A lawyer for the creator of the videos denied they were insensitive and said they were art taken out of context.
But the department's brass and the mayor were not amused.
Clips made fun of Asians, blacks, women and members of the gay and transgender communities, Mayor Gavin Newsom said. He was particularly offended by a scene showing a white officer in a patrol car running over a black homeless woman.
"It is shameful, it is offensive, it is sexist, it is homophobic and it is racist," Newsom said. "We're going to make sure that it ends, it ends immediately."
The department's internal affairs division launched an investigation after the videos were discovered on an officer's Web site.
One officer was suspended Tuesday, and more than a dozen others - including Capt. Rick Bruce, who is on leave from the department for unrelated reasons - are under investigation for their alleged involvement, said the mayor's spokesman Peter Ragone.
A special task force, the city's Human Rights Commission and the Commission on the Status of Women would also investigate, Newsom said.
The videos were removed from the Web site, Inside the SFPD, which was created by officer Andrew Cohen, who said the vignettes were produced for the Bayview station's Christmas party.
"The guys on the streets have only one tool to relieve the stress," Cohen told KPIX-TV, "and it's humor."
One video, "The Ladies Man," spoofed the television show "Charlie's Angels," in which three gun-toting police women in T-shirts and blue jeans report to Bruce, who sits behind his desk and suggestively licks his lips.
Through the rest of the clip, a street person, an apparent transvestite and several others lick their lips in a similar manner and say, "Ohhh, captain."
Another video, titled "A day in the life of Hamster and Big Dummy," was a sendup of a lazy pair of officers who ignore several dispatches while reading the newspaper, napping in their cruiser and practicing martial arts in a parking lot. When gunshots are reported, they race off with their lights flashing and siren wailing - only to show up at a massage parlor the driver had spotted in a magazine ad.
Attorney Daniel Horowitz, who is representing Cohen, said some of the content was sophomoric, but he blamed the mayor and police chief for drawing attention to the videos, which had only been viewed by police officers before a city news conference. He said his client had been slandered.
"Maybe it is dumb, and if it is dumb, who is releasing this nationally? The mayor and the police chief," Horowitz, who is a well-known TV legal analyst, said on KRON-TV.
Horowitz also said the officers simply were having fun and mocking themselves.
"Perhaps Mr. Horowitz is the kind of lawyer who thinks that a white police officer running over a black woman is something to laugh at. We think he stands alone," Ragone said.
A similar flap arose in June over the revelation that the San Francisco 49ers had produced a training video that included racist jokes, lesbian soft-porn and topless blondes.
The football team's publicity director, Kirk Reynolds, resigned after the 15-minute film came to light. Reynolds said he made the tape to coach players on handling the news media in a diverse city and that it was never was meant for public viewing.
Cohen, who also made serious videos documenting the work of officers, was transferred to the police records department, Horowitz said.
The Web site included a statement that said he had made videos for years to raise the public's opinion of the force and raise officer morale.
"I believe this was accomplished," the statement said. "However, I think that this is where the road ends."
from One Bakersfield
SIOUX CITY, IOWA - Jason Morgan and Chuck Swaggerty have been together for eight years.
