Are we still waiting for Barney Frank to have his day with DADT before pushing for the very legislation that serves as the essence of who we are ? The critical repeal of Defense of Marriage Act? (DOMA;) the legislation that denies our relationships, with the one that calls for its RESPECT- which defines who we are? I believe that Hate Crimes, ENDA, DADT, UAFA, CIR would be a relative breeze if the psycho-politico-socio recognition of our most basic civil right- the de jure recognition of our de facto relationships was at the helm of our struggle!
I wrote this Article for Lez Get Real and have received many anti-gay comments.:Feel free to go to LGR site and comment – thanks for your support
UPDATED: By now we have all heard about the Manhattan Declaration put out by various religious right figures and groups urging, among other things, non-cooperation with laws that in any way recognize same sex couples. It has been condemned in many circles and for good reason. Wayne Besen of Truthwinsout.org said the following:“This is a disturbing call for anarchy from a group of radical clerics and activists who believe they don’t have play by the same rules as other taxpaying Americans.” And according to the blog Instaputz, there is another reason to not only oppose this document but also raise the alarm about it. Some of the names those signing the declaration aren’t a surprise. They are the usual folks who oppose lgbt equality – Tony Perkins, James Dobson, Maggie Gallagher, Gary Bauer, etc.Bill, The Manhattan Declaration- where does it lead? Church’s Hate Gay Agenda, Nov 1940
Shirley tan and Jay Mercado with Melanie Nathan and the Twins
When all was lost and there was no “next step” for Shirley Tan, about to be deported within mere weeks, Molly McKay of Marriage Equality called my office to see if I could be of assistance. Unfortunately Shirley’s was a losing case and she was told that there was nothing anyone could do to help her stay in the US with her partner of 23 years and their twin sons. A native of Philippines, Shirley had been unable to receive any help as there were no groups or organizations that could take this to the next level. Most people do not know how to advocate for themselves at the higest of levels and it is probably a service that is unavailable to most.
Having gone through the pain of being a binational myself, I offered to help and had no idea where this would lead, but was willing to stop everything to keep this family together. The saving of Shirley from deportation took a life of its own. I had the idea that we should ask Senator Feinstein for a Private Bill and against all odds and contrary to the recommendation of those who had more experience , we asked Senator Feinstein for a Private Bill.
During this time, and through my advocacy and coordination, Marriage Equality, Love Exiles , Julie Kruse of Immigration Equality , OUT 4 Immigration, GLAAD, People Magazine, all jumped on Board and helped with advocacy and strategy meetings. Great commendation must go to Congresswoman Jackie Speier for her help and to Senator Feinstein’s office and her extraordinary group of Staffers.
SO who would have thought the utterance of my words on the very first day I spoke to the Family when I said “ This case is going to blow the roof off UAFA. If I take it on, and it will be at no charge, will you be willing to stand up for UAFA.”Jay said, “Melanie, if we can keep Shirl here we will do anything,” would lead to this:-
Shirley and Jay have came through on their word a good many times. In June of this year, Shirley testified at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing; the family have been key note speakers at numerous important conferences in both the LGBT community and Asian American communities, culminating in this week in their meeting with White House Staffers, Senator Feinstein and other members of Congress.
This adventure to D.C., now their second was sponsored by Immigration Equality. Who would have imagined where that one call by Molly could lead. It just goes to show what going that extra mile can do. This should be a lesson to all - there is always hope as long as one takes it to the ‘n-th degree.’
So well done Tan Mercado family you have been true to your word and your community.
This is what we need to see more of – We should urge all those who voted for DOMA to now co-sponsor its repeal under the new Respect for Marriage Act introduced this week by Rep. Jerrold Nadler.
Proudly changing my position on DOMA (Rep. Earl Blumenauer By Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) – 09/16/09 10:22 AM ET - referenced from The Huffington Post and The Hill Blogs. “On July 12, 1996, I cast the worst vote of my political career. Having served in public office since 1973, that says something. While I’ve made other mistakes, this was different: it was a deliberate vote that I knew to be poor public policy and was against my values. I’ve been a strong champion of civil rights and protections based on sexual orientation since I chaired the first legislative hearing on anti-discrimination legislation in 1973. Even worse, this vote was cast after careful consideration.”
He goes on —–
“It should have been obvious to me that we would not be able to quell this assault based on sexual orientation. Far from stopping it, this vote fed the bigotry. Once Congress had put its imprimatur on DOMA, it was a logical step for the homophobes and political cynics to intensify their efforts and make permanent a ban on gay marriage in both the U.S. and state constitutions — spawning many state initiatives and intensifying the assault.” …..
Please read the entire post its a worthy read – then look up the vote of your RE P on DOMA and send them a copy or link to this Post – and ask them to Cosponsor Nadler’s RFA – asap – as a matter of correction and redemption. If your Rep voted NO on DOMA – ask them to ensure their support for RFA.
List of commentary on his issue:
Changing Their Tune On DOMA
President Clinton, Bob Barr and seven sitting members of Congress who supported DOMA, now oppose it.
Barr, Clinton, and Blumenauer – Legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which federally restricts marriage to heterosexual couples, was introduced Tuesday in House of Representatives amid a growing chorus of people who have had a change of heart on the matter.
““When the Defense of Marriage Act was passed, gay couples could not marry anywhere in the United States or the world for that matter,” Clinton said in a statement. “Thirteen years later, the fabric of our country has changed, and so should this policy.”
Barr, who was a member of the House at the time, joined Clinton, saying, “This legislation would strengthen the principle that each state is free to set the definition of marriage the citizens of that state have adopted.”
Melanie Nathan
My own comments to other blog comments on this issue:-
Barney Frank has made a big mistake on this one; it is important that REPEAL of DOMA is tackled in every way possible. This is a MUST DO Bill. There is nothing more onerous to civil rights than a piece of legislation that specifically excludes members of our society- so Barney get off your strategy crap and embrace this legislation – NOW. The question this begs “what is the point of State autonomy on marriage if the Federal government fails to recognize it?
What stops us from the fight? I don’t give a farthing about the numbers in Congress – now or then or then or now…. How could anyone think that not standing up for or introducing a Correction BILL such as Nadler’s RFA is negative to the cause. It is severely a MUST DO!! What fight was ever won without taking the ultimate risks, least of all on civil rights issues. I believe Barney may be right that the Courts will ditch DOMA long before RFA passes. But unlike Barney, strategically I think RFA is a must do nonetheless. It’s mere introduction emphasizes the fight and provides legitimacy to the fight by endorsing the fact that equality on a federal level is a civil rights issue.
Before the California Court ruled I asserted in my blog “The fate of California’s same-sex marriage hangs in the balance, as the Justices prepare their ruling on the challenges to the validity of Proposition 8.” Now is has ruled and the impact is so egregious that the most unlikely suspects are taking it to the highest Courts. I truly believe it will be ditched and we will gain equality. However in my probably lunatic attempt to influence the spiritual and ‘ karmatic’ I remind the Universe of the story of my children….. and republish this article…… first published May 20, 2009. at http://lezgetreal.com/?p=13261
In my house of two married moms, we remain overtly safe from this decision as long as it is not declared invalid retroactively. How will I explain that to my children? If the result is not favorable, I am faced with having to inform my children that gay and lesbians are no longer allowed to marry under the law of this State.
The unfairness of being placed in this bewildering wait triggers memories of the pre-Prop 8 fight and my quest to protect my daughters from the worst pain imaginable “your family is not a family!”
My daughter, HC, is as well adjusted as any child; she has been around the world a few times, hence her sophistication belies her short twelve years. She is engaging and endearing and born to lead. Kind, loving and perceptive, when a toddler she earned the name “little Buddha.” A keen, astute student, each year she adores her assigned teachers and tends to hold them in the highest esteem. They are her heroes and in turn she is their delight. This is a kid who never wants to miss school. She loves it!
When the California Court first ruled favorably for same-sex marriage we were the first lesbian couple to be married by our Rabbi, at our congregation temple. My kids had a great time and together with twenty other kids all dressed in white walked down the aisle toward the ‘Chuppah’ in most traditional fashion. It was a big event for our community and family came from around the world. My children were so invested in the wedding as for them it presented a validation and celebration of our little family of four.
Three months of gay marriage and then enter Proposition 8 together with the egregious advertisements facilitated by the millions of hateful dollars sent from Utah’s Mormon community to California, intent on promoting the proposition that would serve to outlaw same-sex marriage. The very idea of it, least of all a yes vote, served to insult our recently acknowledged family.
About two weeks before the November 2008 election and the impending prop 8 vote, HC and I were driving our route to school. We noticed that overnight what used to be one lone “No on Prop 8” on Central Avenue had morphed into a “NO on 8” at each and every home down our neighborhood’s main street. Later we found out that the lone sign outside the home a lesbian mom, kept getting torn down; day after day she would restore the sign until eventually overnight the entire neighborhood put up the NO sign in support of their neighbor. I remember remarking how amazing it was to see everyone in our midst against prop 8.
As we drove through the reasuring tunnel of “no on 8’s,” our comfort was short lived as we exited the micro and entered the macro – yes that nasty world at large reared its beastly head as amidst our usual morning tussle between Stephanie Miller and Radio Disney, an advertisement popped on the radio.
“……and your children will be forced to learn about homosexuality and gays it will be taught in the schools; ….. your churches will be forced to marry them… blah..”
I glanced at my child and noticed an odd expression on her usually placid face, one which I will not easily forget, and she asked, “Mom I don’t get what is wrong with other kids learning about my type of family?” I was stunned! The advertisement had placed a perspective calling for this very question; but why my child? We have lived our lives so openly and relish the good fortunate of our supportive community, where our ‘same-sex-ness’ is the least of our day to day issues.
It was as if HC had received a slap across her face. The advertisement had clearly hurt my child; its viciousness was not something she had been subjected to before. What could be worse than adults lashing out like that at children? It was direct and personal and having heard it before, was not personally outraged as when I realized the irresponsibility and how damaging those lies were to my babies. Now I had to come up with an answer to this ferocious fanaticism. I explained, “Hun, we live in a world where peoples are often so full of fear which is usually because of ignorance, – there are all sorts of different families – but they have usually only experienced their own. The unknown teririfies them; so they lash out in this way. What you heard on that ad, was unfair and contorted, but that is how the people who are against the idea of same-sex marriage think they can get other people to join their way of thinking.”
I provided more reassurance as best I could. A few more questions and answers later we arrived at school, and went on with the next two weeks, during which time HC and my four year old accompanied me to various “NO ON 8” rallies; “no on 8, no on 8,” a battle cry still performed by my 4 year old whenever she sees the number 8, whether in the market, at school or in the movies.
So came the vote: The “Yes” win was a shock and a huge upset; I had a lot more explaining to do; “mom is our marriage okay are we still married? (Our marriage is clearly viewed by my kids as a family event!) Then came one of the saddest moments in my life, on the day after the election, when HC came home from school and told me that her class teacher had told the group she had voted for John McCain. Living in Marin County California, I do believe the kids found this quite odd, and I explained we all have the right to vote as we choose. But then she announced, “Mom it is sooo weird Mrs. Ray also told the class that she voted “yes” on Prop 8; but I think she must have been just joking!”
Well long story short, she was not joking – and my child was completely and utterly shattered. Trying to hide her emotions for the next three weeks, I noticed a big change. She was not so keen about school. In fact after a week with a substitute teacher she came home devastated that he was leaving. I realized it was less about the loss of the sub teacher and more about Mrs. Ray’s return.
Despite my promise to HC to keep hush, “I flew like a bat out of hell” to see the Principal, who, ironically an “out” lesbian, was not surprised to see me show up on the issue; she mentioned that I was the fourth parent to complain about this lack of discretion on the part of the teacher. I explained that my child was extremely conflicted in trying to reconcile her respect and admiration for her teacher with her love and pride for her family. My child moved classroom and she adores her new teacher.
Fortunately, HC is back to being her happy self, but a deep and profound wound has been inflicted on her free and safe spirit. If proposition 8 is upheld by the pending judicial decision, I truly believe that my child will suffer more emotional harm, through the perceived aberration of her family. It is so unjust and so unfair. Our children do not deserve to be the political pawns of the divisive and fearful bigots and religious right in our country. We arefamily values and we are entitled to equality. My children are facts of life and they cannot be relegated to some second class category that diminishes us as a family. As a Mom I vow to carry on fighting for the sameness my babies, by virtue of their very existence deserve.
I have to show my child that our family is worth fighting for and that anything short of complete equality is simply not good enough. I think this story illustrates the far reaching effects of de jure disqualification and the de facto reality of inequality. Whether we receive equal rights or not, nothing will derogate from the fact that we are here; us, our wives and our kids and nothing can or will ever change that simple fact.
Until such time as DOMA disappears, Prop 8 ditched- every US State allows gay marriage -our children will be marginalized as my daughter was when her teacher basically told her –‘You are not the same – you are not entitled.
So good forces I leave it to you….. remember we are all deserve our little bit of the “right to pursue happiness”
I listened to Rachel Madow’s replays of Obama’s LGBT message yesterday. While sad and disappointed I am hopeful. I once heard someone say, “half measures avail us of nothing..” or something like that. That is how I feel about this token change by giving limited Federal benefits to LGBT.
As I continue to receive letters from the Democratic party and my Senators and Move On Org, et al, asking for donations and my support of a myriad of issues, I have decided that no one , and no issues (except LGBT) will get any support from me until I am treated with dignity by being given equality under the law of my Country. I am asking for nothing more, nor anything special, only equality in every respect for me, my spouse and my children.
The fact that there are laws that EXCLUDE a group is apartheid. It occurs in the USA through DOMA, the Defense of marriage Act,DADT, don’t ask dont tell; and PROP 8. At no time should a legislature take away inherent rights, and at the very least fail in some way to compensate, by special legislation in return. This ought to be a priority and until it is, I ask you all not to send me any letters or requests for support about anything except about MY RIGHTS and the validation of my wife and our beautiful children.
I just received an email addressed probably to all of President Obama’s supporters asking for support on health care. I am not lending my suupport to anything until I get the promised repeal of DOMA. As selfish as it sounds, I am sick of our community being taken for granted. Use us and then abuse us? Look at Clinton signing DOMA. Now what have we done played ourselves for fools again? I would not be his angry but for the recent Department of Justice Brief – see below. If you have homophobic legislation then expect homphobic behavior by the government; if you have dsicriminatory legislation then expect discrimination.
Since Julian Bond’s testimony at the UAFA hearings this month, I thought we would have some recognition beyond fruitless proclamations and shallow promises. Mr. Bond of the NAACP decalred in his historic statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee that gay rights are civil rights. Wake up Mr. President please… now you have to quicker expecially that your adninistration is perpetuating the perverse behavior that results from inequitous laws.
President Obama where are you? This is very serious to the millions of us who voted for you. Now we feel forgotten AND mistreated by your administration. You really need to do something. .
Marty Rouse, the Human Rights Campaign’s National Field Director, pulled his attendance from next week’s DNC $1,000 a person gay fundraiser, is the fundraiser effectively dead? The White House’s homophobic DOMA brief equated gay marriage to incest.
Per GayPolitics.com – Blog:
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin released the following statement today regarding the Justice Department’s filing in a DOMA case that brought condemnation from LGBT advocates:
“Last week the Department of Justice filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of DOMA. I was profoundly disappointed by this action, particularly coming from this administration. I still take President Obama at his word that he is committed to the repeal of DOMA. I also recognize that he cannot do it alone. Congress has the responsibility on its shoulders to pass legislation that would give the opportunity to the President to keep his word and ensure that all married people, including those in same-sex marriages, enjoy the same rights under federal law.”
Congressman Jared Polis today said he is outraged by language in a Justice Department filing in a case involving the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. The brief infuriated gay rights groups when it came to light late last week. In a statement released this afternoon, the openly gay freshman characterized the filing as a serious error:
“I was shocked and disappointed to learn that President Obama chose to defend DOMA in federal court, especially given his campaign promise to call for a full repeal of DOMA. My sadness turned to outrage when I read the Justice Department’s brief that not only defended this hurtful law but seemed to embrace it. Comparing my loving relationship with my partner, Marlon, to incest was unconscionable coming from a president who has called for change…. Read further at
Since this filing, I have called on the President to issue a statement or give any sign that would clarify his position and am disappointed in his lack of reply.”
The first hundred days are neigh!Liberal, yes; strong, yes; accomplished, time will tell; refreshing, yes!But, what about us?Given the historic scrutiny of the ‘first ONE HUNDRED’ – maybe laying low about LGBT issues- remains the call of political expediency – but quite frankly I, for one, am sick of laying low, when, everyday in the course of my work, I see the suffering of my brothers and sisters and their children.
Now we have a friendly President, one who has given his word to our community, we have a Democratic Congress and a majority in the Senate – it is time for all the LGBT organizations to issue a synchronized and well crafted statement to President Obama and Congress, asking that issues such as UAFA (Uniting American Families Act) be dealt with forthwith. ‘Carpe diem’ – seize the 100th day!
The President’s Agenda… Now is the time –
“Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples: President Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples. Obama also believes we need to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions. These rights and benefits include the right to assist a loved one in times of emergency, the right to equal health insurance and other employment benefits, and property rights.”
I am in touch with the litigants who are about to let leash, or so I have been told. Any queries please contact me directly at nathan@privatecourts.com and watch this space for updates.
Universal Life Church MonasteryFights for Minister’s Rights to … The Universal Life Church Monastery (www.TheMonastery.org) has announced a legal defense campaign that will take action in all states that have enacted unconstitutional same-sex sacramental marriage restraints. The Universal Life Church Monastery reports that it has retained two constitutional law firms, which include Arizona-based DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy, and Seattle-based Carney Badley Spellman. I spoke with George Freeman yesterday and he mentioned that none of the Gay organizations had been contacted with regard to this litigation. I was wondering if any of the activists and representing organzations knew about this and what hey thought about this move. I am curious how it impacts the current endeavors and if this is viewed in a positive light.
This picture was taken before Shirley Tan knew that she was in fact out of legal status in the USA. The family had requested a visit to the White House and were apparently cleared – while there was an deportation order in effect. They had no idea! LESBIAN MOTHER FACES DEPORTATION
IMMIGRATION RIGHTS IN THE USA - Why should our Children Suffer? by Melanie Nathan - breaking news…
Shirley Tan will be deported on April 3rd 2009. The only way she can stay in the country is if a private bill is passed by congress or her case is adjudicated to be reopened, the latter which may not happen in time to prevent the deportation. (see erlier post on 3.27/09) http://oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com/2009/03/27/family-to-be-torn-apart-due-to-failure-the-us-laws-to-protect-equally/
We now are hoping for the passing of a special private bill by congress. If you are in support of this, and want to help this family, please send a supporting letter via e-mail to Senator Feinstein c/o Melanie Nathan -at
The Court has taken the matter, as submitted. Prop 8 is on the decision block. It seemed to me by listening to the questions of the esteemed Justices that proposition 8 may be adjudicated, valid. I feel despondent.
Yet, I thought Ms. Stewart’s argument was articulate and clear and its jurisprudential profundity seemed to outweigh that of the opponent, I think his name was Star… The inability of the opposition (my opinion) to address the harm to already married gay couples, may serve to enlighten a teetering Justice. Their Counsel relied on semantics that did not in effect serve to answer the questions posed by the Judges.I could not understand the difference between retroactivity as opposed to asserting that our marriages are simply invalid; but not ab initia?What is the difference – the effect is the same and surely the Justices will see that. This is where I am proud to be one of the 18,000 and that is why it mattered so much to get married as soon as we all did.
As far as I am concerned, my marriage counts even if a mere statistic at this juncture. But it is indeed a statistic that by virtue of its proportion engenders conscience and significance by exacerbating the potential for possible prejudicial treatment. No group of 18,000 or more or less has ever had their valid marriage taken away from them.
That said it is now another waiting game.If this works we are okay if not I guess we will be back as second class citizens looking for a PROPOSITION to validate our existence.Lets pick a number; How about PROPOSITION 3 FOR EQUALITY… whereas …. PROPOSITION 8 WAS ALL ABOUT HATE…
http://www.hrcbackstory.org/
Today was an exciting start to the re-launch of UAFA – Uniting American Families Act; with all that has been written about the separation of couples, American citizens living in exile to be with their loved ones, very few have mentioned our American children who are the most vulnerable their best interests cast aside by the very authorities who purport to be their “upper guarndians.” Imagine being an American child, and unlike children of different-sexy parentsm our American parent cannot petition for your other non American parent to remain in the USA? Its abhorant! Most here in the US have no idea that this is a problem for their fellow citizens, and that it is so prevalent- with 30,ooo or more couples impacted by this failure in the immigration system. http://www.loveexiles.org/
Join the voices for change and justice and tell our stories to your friends. call your reps and have them VOTE the vote for immigration equality. Please contact Senator feinstein and ask where she is on this matter.
This 12th annual Freedom to Marry Week is BIG especially in the wake of California’s ferociously destructive Proposition 8. Freedom to Marry events are being held all around the country (listed on LGBT Web Activist websites.)
Today, as part of a nationwide protest, hundreds of same-sex couples seeking to wed demonstrated at marriage bureaus and county clerks’ offices from New York City to California, in communities large and small.
They were, of course, turned away, and albeit expected, some emoted with signs, “Just Not Married,” (Source :SFGATE; online…, V. Dobnik.)
On November 19, 2008, the California Supreme Court agreed to hear the legal challenges to Proposition 8 and set an expedited schedule. The California Supreme Court must issue its decisions within 90 days of oral argument, which is now set for March 05, 2009.
On January 15, 2009, 43 ‘friend-of-the-court’ briefs urging the Court to invalidate Prop 8 were filed, arguing that Proposition 8 drastically alters the equal protection guarantee in California’s Constitution and that the rights of a minority cannot be eliminated by a simple majority vote.
The numerous supporters represent a broad spectrum of California’s and national civil rights organizations. Included are legal scholars, as well as California legislators, local governments, bar associations, business interests, labor unions, and religious groups.
“In May of 2008, the California Supreme Court held that laws that treat people differently based on their sexual orientation violate the equal protection clause of the California Constitution and that same-sex couples have the same fundamental right to marry as other Californians. Proposition 8 eliminated this fundamental right only for same-sex couples. No other initiative has ever successfully changed the California Constitution to take away a right only from a targeted minority group. Proposition 8 passed by a bare majority of 52 percent on November 4.” (quote; Equality California)
The ACLU, NCLR, Lambda Legal, filed this challenge on November 5, representing Equality California, whose members include many same-sex couples who married between June 16 and November 4, 2008, including yours truly; and six same-sex couples who want to marry in California. The California Supreme Court has also agreed to hear two other challenges filed on the same day: one filed by the City and County of San Francisco (joined by Santa Clara County and the City of Los Angeles, and subsequently by Los Angeles County and other local governments); and another filed by a private attorney.
The case is Strauss et al. v. Horton et al. (#S168047).
Legal Challenge: Prop 8; California Supreme Court
Oral Arguments to be heard on March 05, 2009. Good!!!
O-blog-dee-o-blog-da is authored by Melanie Nathan, a citizen, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a niece, a cousin, a friend, a wise-fool, a volunteer, in the box, out the box, whats the difference its still planet earth, comparative privelege, ever-grateful, trying to feel the pain of others, measured guilt, abhorred by injustice, my glass is half full half the time, too well-read and traveled; lived in Africa, live in USA, mediator, advocate, dreamer, doer, doner, good- better -best, lawyer, CEO, entrepeneur - Vice President of Board – Fair Housing of Marin California; http://www.fairhousingmarin.org ; Volunteer: Superior Court of California / Mediator Panels, Commissioner on Marin County Human Rights Commission. Quote late mother:”the softest part of Melanie – her teeth!”
PRIVATEADVOCACYANDACTION CENTER: Press release quote Equality, USA- Blogging since…. San Francisco, California “This is a good day for this family, but their fight is not over,” said Chris Waddling, Binational Couples Outreach Director for Marriage Equality USA. Shirley Tan, the California mother of two who was to be deported April 3rd has been given a stay of deportation until April 22nd pending the possibility of further action. Thanks to the heroic efforts of her counsel, Melanie Nathan, lawyer Phyllis Beech, Rep. Jackie Speier [CA-12], Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Immigration Equality’s Julie Kruse, Ms Tan, her wife of 23 years, U.S. citizen Jay Mercado, and their two sons will not be saying goodbye to one another just yet.” PRIVATE COURTS, INC. LGBT MEDIATION & LEGAL SERVICES VISUAL CVNathan@privatecourts.com
Advocacy and LGBT Equality Activism - Funding needed for binational advocacy and emergency response; Checks to P.O. Box 1108 Woodacre, CA 94973 payable to Private Courts Inc. (non-tax deductible.)
Sponsorship available- nathan@privatecourts.com
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The dictionary defines a sugar plum as a small round or oval piece of sugary candy. But for most of us, visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads conjures up a far vaster array of sweet holiday treats. From cakes, cookies, and pies, to sugar-laced seasonal beverages, and yes, plenty of sweet confections, the holiday season is arguably the sweetest time of […]
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 7 -- A survey just conducted by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) indicates that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) decision to eliminate consultation codes will force four out of five endocrinologists to reduce the number of Medicare patients seen in their practices. Read more... […]
BOSTON, DECEMBER 8, 2009 -- In a recent study conducted by the Center for Connected Health, a division of Partners HealthCare, new data revealed that parents of children with diabetes were receptive to using novel health technology - such as a mobile phone that could collect and transmit the child's blood sugar readings to a doctor - to help manage thei […]
If you have diabetes and are wondering whether you're prepared for a unexpected disaster, then head for the website of the American Association for Diabetes Educators. There you'll find a Diabetes Disaster Response Toolkit that contains an abundance of information on nearly every aspect of getting prepared and helping your local diabetes community […]
Dear Diabetes Health, I am 57 years old. About five years ago, I saw my doctor because I was feeling tired. My waist size was up, and I was not interested in sex. I almost never got an erection. The doctor diagnosed type 2 diabetes and put me on metformin. He also prescribed Viagra, which helped sometimes, but not all the time. Read more... […]
WORCESTER, Mass., Dec 3, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, an independent review of clinical trials of Generex Oral-lyn(TM) shows that the oral insulin spray has a faster onset of action and shorter duration of action than insulin delivered subcutaneously. Read more... […]
We'd all prefer it if there were no nasty side effects to our treatments, but that isn't always the case. Sometimes it is worth risking a side effect for the greater good of our health. On that note, researchers continue to emphasize that the benefits of cholesterol-lowering statins on heart disease far outweigh any risk that they might slightly in […]
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Explains how various foreclosure rescue scams work, and where consumers can find legitimate help.
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I wrote this Article for Lez Get Real and have received many anti-gay comments.:Feel free to go to LGR site and comment – thanks for your support 
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I listened to ![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=923eaa98-5c0f-4c4c-a4e6-9e8c7494d8a1)
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The first hundred days are neigh!
I am in touch with the litigants who are about to let leash, or so I have been told. Any queries please contact me directly at 
This picture was taken before Shirley Tan knew that she was in fact out of legal status in the USA. The family had requested a visit to the White House and were apparently cleared – while there was an deportation order in effect. They had no idea! LESBIAN MOTHER FACES DEPORTATION
The Court has taken the matter, as submitted. Prop 8 is on the decision block. It seemed to me by listening to the questions of the esteemed Justices that proposition 8 may be adjudicated, valid. I feel despondent. 
http://www.hrcbackstory.org/
“Just Not Married!”
San Francisco Chronicle travel section – please read….. 
