While the gay rights movement in the United States is typically focused on gay marriage, gays in the military and similar civil rights issues, elsewhere in the world the situation is much more dire. Homosexuality is, in some areas, treated as a criminal offense. Recently, Uganda has been in the news with steps taken toward laws that would condemn gays and lesbians not only as criminals, but even impose the death sentence in some circumstances. Other African countries, including Kenya and Tanzania, have anti-gay laws on the books, but there is fear that these may be expanded.

Unfortunately, the Ugandan law, The Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009, is expected to pass, regardless of international condemnation. In its current form, the law will condemn HIV positive individuals, those convicted of same-sex rape or sex with a minor, and serial offenders to death. If found guilty of homosexuality, life imprisonment is the penalty in other situations. Family, friends, and even landlords can face imprisonment if they fail to report someone for homosexuality.

While the international community has condemned this law and is treating it as a foreign policy issue, there are much more concerning ties to America. The initial law came to be after visits to Uganda by conservative fundamentalist American clergy; Scott Lively, Caleb Lee Brundidge, and Don Schmeirer, supporting treatment for homosexuality and religious cures and promoting intensely negative views of homosexuality. During the course of their visit, gays were accused of sodomizing teenage boys and attempting to defeat a marriage based culture. It should be noted that the three have criticized the new legislation, even though Lively met with lawmakers to discuss it.

What is being done and what can you do about gay rights so far away? President Barack Obama has publicly criticized the bill at a morning prayer breakfast on February 4, 2010 and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has phoned the Ugandan president to express very strong concerns. Take a few minutes out of your day and call your senators and representatives to encourage them to voice their condemnations of this human rights violation. If you wish to give money, options are limited to get funds directly into Uganda and Ugandan gay rights activists are largely silenced. You can opt to give to Amnesty International or the Human Rights Campaign to support international attempts to prevent this legislation.

I could think of a few worse things that could happen in life. Maybe a tax on jeans or shoes that would really hurt us. You have to admit that the gays will get hit hard by any kind of tanning or cosmetic tax because we like to stay beautiful.

In a way to make funds to pave the way for the new Healthcare bill our Congress has came up with a creative gesture with a 10% tax on tanning services. This could help create over 2.5 Billion in tax revenues that our government would not normally see but in a span of ten years.

Tanning is something that is similar to our sins that we do not really need. Although some doctors argue that we need it for Vitamin D, but that would only be in certain tanning beds and only for a few minutes a week versus spending every other day in the tanning bed. The light from outside is much more beneficial but only in certain parts of the US and certain times of the day.

Ten percent is really not too bad of a tax on tanning and you have to say that lots of teens spend too much money freely on things such as tanning that they could be spending on better things. Well if they are not spending it on tanning I guess they could spend it on clothes or a new iPhone or music. But we know they will probably trade sin for sin and spend it on cigarettes or beer. Tanning could be made more sexy the more it is regulated.

The indoor tanning industry is already consolidating at a rapid pace as the belts are tightening up with the recession. With companies such as Planet Tan and Palm Beach Tan with many more soon to follow they are worried about the impact of even higher costs in their salons.

Botox treatments were another cosmetic treatment that was being thrown around to be taxed or not. This was going to be called the BoTax which has the potential to generate over $5.5 billion over ten years. This supposedly could generate more than tanning taxes but the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the AMA both opposed the 5% tax on cosmetic procedures. Although, Botox and most cosmetic procedures do not have the skin cancer risk of tanning beds.

They certainly want to tax something related to this industry so we are not sure what it will be yet but what do you think? Do you think tanning salons deserve this new tax or people trying to look younger?

Now that we’ve all recovered from the joys (or horrors) of the holiday season, thoughts turn once again to politics. What is on the gay agenda for 2010? Elections, court cases and international issues all loom in the forefront of the gay rights movement this year.

2009 saw the passage of the Matthew Shepard Act on a federal level, creating an inclusive federal hate crime law. While we can’t particularly expect a lot of growth or change on the federal side of things, there is hope for the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act or ENDA in 2010 according to Barney Frank (D-Mass). Opinions are mixed on the possibilities of a repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) in 2010.

The New Jersey Senate has defeated a gay marriage bill in that state, but supporters are already planning to head to the Supreme Court. New Jersey offers civil unions for gay couples; however, marriage remains out of reach.

Supporters of gay marriage in California may have another chance to be heard at the ballot box. Speculation suggests that the issue may see the ballot this November rather than in 2012. All three possible Democratic candidates for California’s gubernatorial race support full gay marriage rights, making 2010 seem the year to try and try again in California. Gay marriage may also be on the ballots in Colorado and Maine this year.

Internationally, news of anti-gay laws in Uganda have worried many in the gay community worldwide. These laws show the clear influence of fundamentalist Americans, of the type to support the “pray away the gay” theory. In their original form, Ugandan law would have put gays at risk of execution; however, as the law stands now, the penalty for homosexuality is life in prison. International pressure reduced the penalty, but this news provides a harsh glimpse of reality for many of us. Take the time to phone and write your senators and representatives to express the clear need for the US to condemn this and similar laws worldwide.

In a recent blow to the gay community, Window Media has closed down the operation of a number of gay and lesbian publications nationwide. Among the gay and lesbian newspapers closed are the Houston Voice, the Southern Voice, the Washington Blade, David Atlanta, the South Florida Voice and 411 Magazine. Window Media had been put into federal receivership earlier this year; however, the staff and employees of the various publications had no knowledge of the closure until it occurred. These publications have all served an important role in spreading news and providing information to gay and lesbian communities around the country.

Print media across the board, not just in the gay and lesbian community, is struggling in today’s economy. More and more people opt to get their news and community information online, rather than purchasing magazines and newspapers. Advertising revenues have dropped for both mainstream and queer publications. Even long standing and well known magazines like the Advocate are struggling, and many mainstream publications have gone under in this economy.

Several of the newspapers and magazines in question are expected to resurface under new names and ownership in the relatively near future. Mark’s List has expressed an interest in 411 Magazine and the South Florida Blade, with 411 Magazine set to publish as Mark’s List Magazine starting with the next issue. No significant changes to the magazine are expected. The Washington Blade will return as DC Agenda on December 4, 2009.

What is the impact of this on gay media? Given that several of the publications will be reborn from the ashes of the fall of Window Media, it does seem that leaner operations are likely. They will, however, be able to operate without corporate control, gaining more independence and a greater ability to serve their individual markets. While many of former Window Media websites are offline, as the publications themselves resume, expected web activity should as well.

This is just months after Planet Out’s stock went to nothing (at least I see none in my E*Trade account) and turned into Regent Media or Here! Media. I assume Logo will end up eating up all of that at some point because I see no changes so far. Mainstream media is buying up the badly managed gay media and bleaching it out pretty well.

With the end of Esquire magazine it was a sign of things to come. Employees seem to blame it on bad management not the bad economy. It could be a bit of both and the fact that sometimes companies have to merge to save on expenses and survive in trying times.

In other news today we noticed that Blu Media, Inc bought over Just Us Boys. Justusboys.com is a highly popular gay destination and community with over 1.5 million unique users per month and enjoys almost 1 million page views per day. It is not just big corporations and banks that are merging but the gay media is coming together and forming bigger alliances than ever.

In today’s harsh economy, fewer people can afford to give to charity and more people are coming to charities for assistance. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford to make charitable donations, think carefully about what you do with your money to make the most significant impact within your community. Giving locally can make a big difference to your friends and neighbors.

One of the best places to give in these hard times is your local food pantry. If you are able, make a cash donation. You can also consider using coupons and shopping sales to accumulate toiletries and other items at a very low cost. If you do give food, make smart choices. Shelf stable protein sources are an excellent choice, as are easily prepared dry goods. Choose foods that can be combined to make healthy meals without many additional ingredients. You may want to give some items that do not require cooking, as these foods can be used by those without access to cooking facilities. Even small donations can be a significant help to those in need.

Local children’s charities are also in need in this economy. Look for organizations that provide children with clothing, shoes and school supplies. These items are critically needed and families that could once get by without assistance may not be able to do so right now. Many schools do coat swaps and school supply drives on their own, making it convenient to give within your own neighborhood.

If you do not have the financial resources to give money to help others, consider what you can offer. Mow an elderly neighbor’s yard or offer to fix a car for a friend. See if volunteer groups in your community need help in hospitals, crisis nurseries or soup kitchens. Offer up your skills through your church or community center. If you want to help, but aren’t sure where to start, call a local food pantry or other organization and ask what you can do to help. Charities themselves can often use support services behind the scenes, ranging from a handyman to computer repair. Hard work, a caring ear or a helping hand can be just as appreciated as money in hard times.

Top 5 Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender charities include the following:
1. Human Rights Campaign, HRC.org – most popular and they do great work to ensure we have equal rights
2. Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center
3. SAGE, sageusa.org – advocacy for elders
4. Soulforce, soulforce.org, freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance
5. GLSEN, glsen.org – ensuring safer schools for LGBT

I would also research the top HIV/AIDS related charities to make sure they are going to the proper places such as research and care instead of all marketing.

One charity that you should not donate to is the Salvation Army due to its intolerance of gays and lesbians.

This story is so painful to type that I am literally in tears just thinking about it but I want to get the word out there. This boy only 19 years old in Puerto Rico was decapitated, dismembered, and burned over the weekend and his body found at the side of the road. George Steven Lopez Mercado was left for dead ina town called Caguas, Puerto Rico. The police investigator suggested that he deserved what he got because of the type of lifestyle he was living.

This teen was dismembered by both his arms, legs, head, and torso. This is so heartbreaking. A hate crime so disgusting that it deserves major media attention. Hate like this needs to be stopped and we better damn sure pay attention to this.

The investigator needs to be punished by being forced to resign. The Superintendente’s name is Figueroa Sancha who seems to be biased and too prejudice to be investigating this hate crime. Please take action and send emails to Attorney General Holder asking him to have the FBI investigate this possible hate crime. The local police investigator, assigned to the crime, said because the kid was gay he should have expected this to happen.

Hate crimes seem to be up this last year in some cities in the US. A report released Friday from the California Attorney General’s office says more gay and Jewish people were victims of hate crimes last year. The incidents targeting gays and lesbians rose by 28 percent in 2008. A sharp increase to hate crimes to LGBT.

Read about bullying in schools and how to respond.

This is a major milestone for HIV research in my book. My hero, President Barack Obama said today that on Monday he plans to lift the 20-year-old ban on HIV positive people entering the United States. The ban should be lifted in 2010 after a 60 day waiting period.

No major international AIDS conference has been held in the U.S. since 1993, because HIV-positive activists and researchers cannot enter the country.

The ignorance and fear about HIV led to ban of people from entering the US who was considered positive. This kept out students, tourists, refugees, and children who could have been adopted. HIV was the only medical condition explicitly listed under immigration law as grounds for not entering the US.

The turning around of this ignorance will help other countries and people realize HIV should not be quarantined or discriminated against. These are humans who have HIV/AIDS and we really need to stop the harsh discrimination.

Obama also signed a bill today to extend the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program which started in 1990. Ryan White was a 13 year old teenager who caught the virus from a blood transfusion who turned into an AIDS activist but died at the age of 18. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS program will help provide medical care, meds, as well as support to half a million people who normally would not be able to afford or survive without it.

These steps today mark major milestones along with the Hate Crimes bill he signed this week. We are finally moving along in a positive way after years of hate and discrimination and hope we continue down this path of success for our health and future.

Gay bashings can happen anywhere, at any time. Unfortunately, safety isn’t assured even near home. In many states, hate crime laws do not provide protection on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender presentation. Oklahoma is one of those states. While federal hate crime legislation encompassing sexual orientation protections is pending, it didn’t come fast enough for one young man in the Midwest.

A young man in Tulsa, Brandon Patrick, suffered a vicious assault on the evening of October 18th as he walked from his home to visit a nearby friend. Three people, a woman in her 40s and a younger man and woman in their late teens or early twenties approached him, shouting homophobic insults. The verbal assault escalated into a beating after the individuals got into a maroon Ford Mustang and followed the victim. Physical injuries sustained in the attack included bruises, knife wounds and bite wounds. Three staples were required to close the wound on Mr. Patrick’s scalp and three stitches were needed for a stab wound on his knee.

Brandon Patrick fought back, defending himself against the assault once the man began punching him in the head. He continued to fight back and the three returned to their vehicle and fled. The three assailants are still at large; however, due to Oklahoma’s weak hate crime legislation, they will only be charged with felony assault.

News stories like this worry all of us, reminding us that caution, self defense and activism are all necessary. Know your surroundings, keep your cell phone close at hand, and watch out for yourself and your friends. You can find information on activism in Oklahoma, including information on hate crimes in Oklahoma at from Oklahomans for Equality at http://www.okeq.org/. Federal hate crime legislation, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act has passed the House of Representatives. Call your senator and encourage their support of this important piece of legislation.

What is really disturbing about this is that hate crimes for sexual orientation is not covered in Oklahoma’s hate crime law but that may soon change on the Federal level. Let’s hope these attackers get caught and justice is served.

Find more on this story at http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/1009/670120.html and http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=298&articleid=20091019_298_0_Whatsh4950&allcom=1.

Just as we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel here in the United States we are seeing more hate in the UK. London police have reported to the BBC that the homophobic crime rate has went up almost a quarter fold since last year. This is horrible to hear if you are going to London to visit or live there in one of the best cities in the world.

Ian Baynham, is an example of one horrific attack in Trafalgar Square who died just two weeks after the fatal homophobic act. This has thrust homophobic crimes into the public eye in London and hopefully will bring attention to more laws being passed to prevent more deaths.

This rise could be a positive sign according to the Metropolitan (MET) police in London because it means that more homophobic acts are being reported than before. Authorities claim that people were scared to report these attacks before and now they make sure its reported. That they have been way underreported over the years. This holds true everywhere though we need to report something even if we just happen to see an attack. The police should be notified and help put an end to the violence.

A study by Stonewall, conducted last year, showed one in five lesbians and gay men surveyed in London had experienced a homophobic hate incident in the previous three years.
It also found that three quarters of those experiencing such an incident did not report it to the police. In fact, seven in 10 people did not tell anyone else about it. This is disturbing.

President Obama has the Matthew Shepard hate crimes bill on his desk here in the U.S. Let’s hope this act flows over to the U.K. and they see the trend go backwards and let’s hope we do too. I have noticed more hate crimes here in the states lately.

RELATED:  This hate crime in Tulsa, OK earlier this month has still not received the media attention it deserves and the attackers have still not been caught.

Lady Gaga spoke at the 2009 Equality March or as some call it the gay rights rally in Washington D.C. She opened up the speech saying she was humbled to stand here before us and that it is the single most important thing she has done in her career.. and that she loved Judy Garland. Thanked her generation… the young generation who is continuing to push this movement forward and close the gap and demand full equality for all. Lady Gaga wants this country to be free and not equal sometimes but for everyone all the time. She screamed out and asked if Obama was listening and did it quite dramatically. She screamed loud to alert people that this is needed and it is needed now. An urgent call for action!!

To Barney Frank – we are putting more than pressure on this grass and this grass is ours. We will come away today and continue this war in our backyards to our local politicians said Gaga. Barney Frank basically said we were wasting our time marching in Washington and not putting more time into going directly to the politicians involved but I think he was wrong this time. Barney Frank was seen in the Castro district in San Francisco over the weekend and I am sure he will change his tune once he knew all that went down in D.C. this weekend.

Lady Gaga also called her gays beautiful fans and refused to accept any homophobe lyrics and actions in the music industry that has become filled up with hate over the years. She then ended the speech to bless God and to bless the Gays. Amazing speech from Lady gaga.

This of course is after her brilliant piano performance with the John Lennon song “Imagine” where President Barrack Obama “Opened up for Lady Gaga”, at least he said that in his speech. Lady Gaga came on stage and performed a newly written version of the song she made for the HRC Dinner and it made references to equality and even to Matthew Shepard who was murdered from a hate crime while his mother Judy Shepard was there in the audience.

2009 marked one of the best years I have ever seen for gay rights following President Obama’s speech saying he would sign the hate crime into law and saying he would soon get rid of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DOMA). Obama’s speech also made references to Matthew Shepard and told a great story about 60 years ago with the beginning of Pflag and the story behind it. It was a speech that I could watch a million times. He also promised to get the HIV/AIDS infected people visiting this country the approval to come inside and visit friends and relatives or for even business reasons in which they cannot get in our country now.

This is a great time to be a true American and love and embrace each other more than before and fight for our equality because it will come and come within the next few years.