Happy Leap Year Day

Here is to celebrating Leap Day the only true day we should get off in February similar to April Fools but only happens once in a jewel.

"As the jester leaps into the Kings presence, a squire becomes the victim of his sarcasm and wit; however it is the knight who has the greatest plea, for if the Sovereign does not laugh it is off with all three of their heads for all to see."

Bad humor and poetry I know but I didn't have time to write it out four times and proof it so this is extemporaneous titillation.

[Photo Credit] Matt @ Dick Junkie

Hide~n~Seek turns its blue light on for the last show tonite

With information recently attained, I am sad to inform everyone in the Fort Wayne area that, our own Gay Levi and Leather Bar has decided to close, and tonight will be the last ho rah!

The festivities will begin @ Hide~n~Seek's Pub and Eatery on North Wells just right after the Superior Street Bridge in the old Mouse House building around 10:30-11:00 (Gay Standard Time). Jim Simmerman will be giving a conciliatory speech and guest as well as long time patrons will be entertained with a string of performances by Fort Wayne's own nationally recognized Cher impersonator Latina Garrett and the grooves of erotic male performers Dakota and Nick from Michigan.

Before I get too overly emotional I will leave you with that basic info for right now and will write a memorial post later, probably tomorrow.

Thanks Jim and Pete for a great nine years!


[F6 Photo Credit: Bill In Exile]

Moo To Your Niegh Says Environmentalist

I am so hungry! I could eat a cow! Or, should I eat a horse?

Before anyone gawks at the question above pay attention to this:

In recent events an animal rights group took out a packing plant in another state by sneaking video from the packing plant of workers using forklifts to hold up sick or dying cows to enable their slaughter for meat production. Fortunately the FDA stepped in an ordered the recall of most of the product, which includes the beef product supplied to our kids school lunch program. We always wondered why it was still squirming in the cafeteria tray! In other news a known name brand facility, I believe in Kansas, had to shut down its operations of beef production because they were not getting enough head of cattle to keep the second facility open.

Hrrm, One production plant shut down by the FDA with sick cows that should have been disposed of rather than procured for beef production and another plant that had to shut down because there aren't enough heifers to kill, interesting.

Does that mean Americans are reducing there beef consumption? Could it possibly mean that the dairy cows finally went on a white strike and are reducing their productivity rates in order to increase work place conditions and job security? Or could it just be that there is not enough corn to go around for feed and therefore farmers are reducing the size of their herds or limiting how many heads they are producing forward to beef production?

Which the latter of course would thereby reduce and cut the cost and consumption of hay feed and corn by these beautiful beasts of our dinner table and which in turn prices in the marketplace for the delectable, tender, course of red meat (formerly known as, Daisy, and her sister, Bertha!) otherwise soar.

Yes that is market economics 101. What is also market economics 101? The inefficient Ethanol production based on corn crops as currently being touted by politicians and environmentalist everywhere to 'save the world from ourselves' is what is causing the downturn in corn feed availability. Citing an article in REASON, Robert Enders on a post over at the LPAC blog "Sugar and Energy Independence", reminds the readers in fact that: 1. "However, the most efficient source for ethanol is sugar. The catch is that we would still have to import sugar, but we can import it from more countries than we can with oil." and; 2." Another argument against the use of corn for fuel is that it reduces the amount of corn that can be used for food and livestock feed."

Any one that know me personally, is aware that I am very picky about what I feed my four legged son, Bruno. He is a nine year old Australian Queensland Blue Heeler-Shepherd Mixed and only gets the best food I can afford and one of the big no nos in his nutritional plan is corn, and most dog foods are made with... corn as the primary ingredient. So I was wondering, "If it isn't okay for a dog to eat corn, why is it okay for a cow?", besides in all the pictures I have seen aren't they always grazing in the field for hay. Furthermore, and don't misunderstand I loves me some corn cakes, fritters, casserole, meal etc.; but, "If corn isn't safe for the dog, then why do humans eat it when we know we don't digest it properly?"

I did some checking and then I made a late night phone call, for a little more expertise and advice before typing this post, to Elizabeth Krause, my Secretary, since she grew up on a dairy farm in eastern Allen County southwest of Woodburn. The way she put it was simple: cows cant forgo the corn because hay feed and alfalfa make the meat too lean and the milk bitter. The corn definitely adds the necessary fat to a cow's body and allows for the sweet taste to the milk and it loosens the body and makes the working relationship between the farmer and the product so much smoother. That was the paraphrased version, she will be on either this post or the LPAC post, possibly both, to give the full version later today.

So what do cows eat? In an article posted by Robert Cohen we find some insight between his personal rhetoric as he cites another article written on "the 25th of March 2002 issue of Hoard's Dairyman (the dairy farmers magazine) reveals a mixed menu of gourmet foods in a dairy cow's diet." The Hoard's article reveals that cows consume: 2% pork (which would also make them not kosher); 4% feathers; 15% ground-up fish; 33+% zinc methionine, niacin, anionic salts, and tallow (rendered fat) from their deceased brothers and sisters; 39% dried blood from their dead relatives; 48% roasted soybeans; 50+% selenium, yeast, and magnesium oxide; @79% sodium bicarbonate; along with 200 pounds of water per day while only producing a quarter of that in solid product return, eg: milk.

A twenty five percent daily recoup of investment, is Bertha's utter a bad choice for an occupation? Well that in the least explains the water shortages and cattle reductions out west.

So the next set of questions that remains involve alternatives to cow's milk and cattle beef consumption. There is always the legitimate option of everyone having a family goat both as a lawn care provider and a source of milk and cheese, which is quite tasty (note: some sarcasm)! If we are having a decline in not just the herds but also production of the beef: What is there left for the American people to consume if we run out of beef?

Horse, of course! Yes you heard me correctly, Americans could tragically switch to slaughtering the most regal and rugged animal of all time. But wait we already do! Yes you see in the greatest travesty to the honour of these majestic animals we slaughter and ship at up to $15.00 per pound to other countries the lean flesh for consumption. “The Dallas Morning News reports that of the 6.9 million horses in America in 2001, 57,000 were slaughtered, mostly for human consumption.”(*4) “Two U.S. companies, both in Texas, have cornered a large part of the world's equine flesh market. An Illinois company that sold horse meat burned down last year and has not rebuilt. With 150 workers, Dallas Crown Inc. and Beltex Corp. kill nearly 1,000 horses a week.”(*4) "In 1994, 109,353 pounds of horse meat was shipped overseas. In Sweden horse meat outsells lamb and mutton combined. It is also commonly consumed in Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, but it is most popular in Belgium and France."(*4)

As someone who occasionally watches the 70's television series MASH, I will forever remember the one episode when the second commander of the 4077, Col. Sherman Potter, after finding that the Korean people were immune to our vaccines for polio and something else because their diet included horse flesh, was just about in tears that some one would violate the honour of such a beautiful and majestic creature. (Photo: Adam Sutton)

The fact that we have a block buster movie, Broke Back Mountain; a theme song by Willie Nelson; and an entire queer subculture and community devoted to farmbois, cowbois and their admirers is proof that no matter how limp your wrist may flip there is always an American romance with the idea of strapping on a saddle and ridding into the moonlight with your best friends! The very foundations of our country and its continued growth are established in the service of these noble creatures. (Jack Twist & Ennis Del Mar played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger in Broke Back Mountain, 2005)

The fact that we still base the performance of our cars on the speed of a horse is proof alone that these animals should not be slaughtered for food in this country, no matter how the international markets may desire its tender lean flesh. What would you think if someone from another country came over here and asked to eat a bald eagle? That is not comparing apples with oranges either. Have you ever seen a memorial statue of a cow with a soldier on it? I don't even think the cow that started the Great Chicago Fire has a statue honoring it, but I could be wrong.

So what started Americas love affair with butchering the bovine? Ironically it is our religious and cultural ancestry that is to blame. "Under Mosaic Law horse meat is considered unclean because it conformed to the formula of an animal that was not at the same time cloven-hoofed and cud-chewing"(*4), a cow on the other hoof eats its own shit freely!

[F6 EDITOR'S NOTES:]

The following is my comment left on the LPAC post:

"Now of course the use of Sugar Ethanol, I have no issue with, except for the probability that if the Ethanol Industry is forced to switch it will probably complain and whine to Congress about the cost of rehabbing their factories and ask the American Taxpayer to cover the expenses. If they were smart in the first place they would have built the factories with the ability to convert multiple source products at one time until the science figures its self out, but again they were all built under strict mandates from Congress to receive the tax credits so of course they probably only built the refinery plants for one or two major sources of raw materials, corn and soybeans."

Certain quotes marked with (*4) were direct from Genevieve over at Quoteland

UPDATE: I-35 Highway of Holiness: Ex Gay Youth Recants 700 Club!

In a story that F6 began reporting on in December, recent updates have come to attention which affirm the commentary given by F6's Editor of the purity sieges established by a group of pastors were in fact focused towards direct anti homosexual, political, and theological, politics and appropriations of religious excercises.

In a article by John Wright (copied below), recently updated online and originally published on the 20th of December, 2007 in The Dallas Voice, James Stabile, the young man focused on in a direct interview (@ 2:30 mark in the video) by Pat Robertson's 700 Club Show, has exposed his own deciet in the situation and revealed some very disturbing details of Pure Life Ministries (an ex gay compound in Northern Kentucky) and Heartland World Ministries Church in Las Colinas and the original 700 Club report.

Ex ex gay recants by John Wright

Stabile apologizes for lying, says he was 'badly hurt' by Pure Life Ministries

Representatives from Heartland World Ministries Church in Las Colinas had already uncovered James Stabile’s web of lies. In fact, Stabile had decided to leave the congregation after being confronted by church leaders, and he’d been kicked out of the home where he’d been staying with other members.

But that didn’t stop Heartland from asking Stabile to do an interview for a segment on televangelist Pat Robertson’s “The 700 Club” about the so-called purity sieges organized by the church outside gay bars on the Cedar Springs strip. In his interview for the segment, which aired on national TV and was circulated widely on the Internet, Stabile said he’d had a religious experience at one of the sieges that quelled his desire to be with other men.

“He had come clean, and he had said he wasn’t going to lie any more, and they [‘The 700 Club’] wanted him on there,” said Joe Oden, a Heartland evangelist who’s been helping to organize the sieges. “We just gave him the benefit of the doubt. Hindsight is 20/20. Maybe we would have done things differently.” Oden denied the church exploited Stabile, a 19-year-old who is bipolar but was not taking his medication. “There’s no way we took advantage of him,” Oden said, adding that Stabile stayed at the Heartland member’s home for several weeks before “The 700 Club” requested the interview. “We had no idea we would get publicity on anything, period.”

Stabile, meanwhile, apologized to the LGBT community this week and said he hopes his story will discourage others from entertaining ideas that they can change their sexual orientations. Stabile also provided a glimpse inside the ex-gay treatment facility where he went before returning to his parents’ home in Richardson in early December. “If I could, I would take back everything I’ve said,” Stabile told Dallas Voice. “I’ve hurt a lot of people in the gay community, and I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart. “I’m not here to get any attention,” he added. “I’m here to say to people that I want to help prevent other young gay guys from experiencing what I experienced, because I don’t want them to be hurt, and I was hurt really badly.”

Stabile, diagnosed with bipolar disorder about a year ago, said he hadn’t taken his medication in 2 and-a-half weeks and had been drinking when he encountered the group from Heartland on the strip Friday, Sept. 28th. Stabile said he told people from the church what he thought they wanted to hear because he’d decided he didn’t like being gay. He said he lied about his family and his past. He even continued to go to gay bars after joining the church and moving in with the Heartland members.

Stabile said it was one of those members who advised him not to resume taking his medication, a claim which Oden denies. In any case, Stabile said being off the medication caused him to act impulsively. He bought a new car that since has been repossessed and maxed out a $5,000 credit line.

After admitting his lies to church leaders, Stabile said he returned to his parents’ home in Richardson briefly before getting word that he’d been accepted into an ex-gay program. Stabile said he went to stay with a family from another church while $2,100 was raised to send him to Pure Life Ministries, which operates a residential facility in Northern Kentucky for those struggling with “sexual sin.”

A representative from Pure Life did not return phone calls seeking comment for this story.

At Pure Life, Stabile said he was given a bunk bed in a room with 15 other men at a ranch house. He was also given a minimum wage job hanging clothes at Ameripride Services Inc., a work apparel rental company. “We called it Amerihumble because it would break any sense you had of worth,” Stabile said. Stabile said his earnings were barely enough to pay his $150 weekly rent at Pure Life, plus laundry, food and transportation expenses. As a result, he lost three pant sizes in the time he was there.

When he wasn’t working, Stabile said there were counseling sessions, prayer meetings, Bible study, reading assignments and workbook exercises — all geared toward making him believe that if he didn’t stop being gay, he was going to hell. Any touching, including handshakes, was strictly prohibited, Stabile said. So, too, was communication with other men at Pure Life to cure their homosexuality.

Stabile said people in the program had to be fully clothed from the neck down at all times, including when they went to bed. There was no radio or television, he said, and only certain types of music were allowed. It was a few weeks into the program when Stabile began to question whether he could change his sexual orientation. He said he decided to pray for the answer. “I said, ‘God, am I going to be gay when I come out of here?’ And he said, ‘Yes,’” Stabile said. “I don’t want to be gay, but I am gay, and because I’m gay, I’m going to have to accept it.”

This latest information establishes that F6 Editor's original analysis; and secondary commentary, still stands as truthful and now with even more evidence to the intent behind the original story and the movement its self. Additional thanks to Right Wing Watch for the video clip and GayNewsWatch for the tip off on the article. To view news feeds check the bottom left corner of F6.

As the Editor @ F6, I wish to convey my heart felt concern to James on his journey of self discovery, adventures in life, and desires for the best future possible.

FAQs: Why are YOU a Libertarian?

It started out Last Sunday as an an interesting debate and slowly turned in to rapid slapping of a 'certain cylindrical piece of anatomy' on the table contest. And then afterwards, I was asked the above question by two individuals with valid personal concern. Actually it went something more like this: What the hell! We know some of what you believe and stand for; so, why are YOU a Libertarian?

My response was simple, "I am not a Libertarian. I am a modern traditionalist philosophically; and because of that, I identify with and associate myself politically as a Libertarian."

After they recovered from the quantified paradoxical mental anguish in regards to my statements they proceeded to inquire further, "What the (edited) is a modern traditional idealist?" and "Why does that make you identify as a Libertarian?"

modern traditional idealist

The easiest way to explain it is by using the common definitions. I am modern because, I live in the this time and place, choose to examine my traditional beliefs (both secular and religious) according to contemporary philosophy, criticism, and historical writings; however I am traditional because, I give creed and deference to the derived traditions and historical doctrines of both cultural and religious practices and thoughts; but yet still I am a modernist because, I don't believe that all knowledge is derived from original Divine revelation and is transmitted by tradition alone. I am a walking, living, breathing, oxymoron which makes defining my idealistic tendencies so much easier to explain. My conduct is influenced by ideals that often conflict with societal considerations, I'm very much so the non realist but I can still be down to earth and occasionally practical (the modernist side), which in turn is a perfect fit for Libertarianism.

libertarian

Libertarianism is commonly referred to as "a political philosophy maintaining that all persons are the absolute owners of their own lives, and should be free to do whatever they wish with their persons or property, as long as they allow others the same liberty. Libertarians emphasize equality before the law rather than equality of outcome." While the political philosophy varies by which type and cast of Libertarian you speak with the core of individual responsibility and limited government still ring true.

President Thomas Jefferson once said, "...rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others...." as the primary purpose of government to protect it.

my personal thoughts

Taxes: Lord Joshua-Emmanuel of Nazareth asked one of his disciples "(paraphrased) Whose image is on this coin? Then give to Cesar what is his and return to your GOD what is HIS." Now of course, why the government thinks they can get anything more than ten percent of your income off the top is beyond me but what is even more erroneous is that the People have allowed the government to take more than GOD requires from a tithe and offering combined on a weekly basis. ... That is why I am a Libertarian!

Marriage: The covenant of marriage was not declared a Sacrament of the Church until 1215 AD at the Fourth Council of Lateran Basilica (articles 50-53) because it prefigures and preordained the Church and existed before as an act of joining between both gay and straight partners. A traditional covenant being formed by: the tearing of flesh, shedding of blood, and a mutual exchange of privilege and rights, with the parties involved. How the government is to declare something an institution when they only started regulating it in the 1880's to stem the tide of interracial marriages and deny the citizens right to freely choose whom they choose to spend the next five or fifty years of their lives with? It is none of the governments business in the first place except the People let it happen. All applicable laws should have been repealed by the Civil Rights Amendments to the Constitution. ... That is why I am a Libertarian!

Religion vs. Politics: The rule of law is sovereign in this country and trumps my pulpit or your pew every time but that isn't why I am a Libertarian. On the third of January, 1797 the Treaty of Tripoli was signed into law and has the same force of precedent as the Constitution which states in Article Eleven, "As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries." So much for the War on Terror, except the People let it happen by not controlling their government. ... That is why I am a Libertarian!

I will shut up now and give everyone else time to respond to the question "Why are/aren't you a Libertarian?" or feel free to berate me for my answers, politely of course.

Blogosphere: Waterbikes? Pretty Fucking Cool!

During my weekly perusals of the local blogs and commentary, I sometimes click on the comment makers to see if there is another interesting blog out in cyberspace that has a great political, local, or gay (sometimes all three) perspective. So while I was getting updated on Eric Fetcho's Fetchy's Bantering and Joe Taylor's Every Life Has A Soundtrack, I happened across a comment on Eric's by Chris Phillips of Greenwood, Indiana. So I got curious, don't know why, but I clicked on the profile. What do y'all know he had a blog, Pages That No One Will Read, sweetness! So I read, and found the following video submission for a GOOGLE "Innovate or Die Challenge", reported on by GIZMODO. The winning Aquaduct Team of Jason Lhi, Adam Mack, Brian Mason, Elanor Morgan, and Paul Silberschatz received $5000 dollars to split between them and their invention is fucking cool as fuck.



The City of Fort Wayne might want to consider investing in The Aquaduct, instead of taking over another utility company (teasing!), in the future. The Aquaduct is pedal powered vehicle that transports, filters, and stores water for the developing world. A peristaltic pump attached to the pedal crank draws water from a large tank, through a filter, to a smaller clean tank. The clean tank is removable and closed for contamination-free home storage and use. A clutch engages and disengages the drive belt from the pedal crank, enabling the rider to filter the water while traveling or while stationary.

Happy Valentines Day: "Now Go Forth And Make Babies!"

....But don't ask for an exemption on them....

*lifts glass of wine* Here is to all those who have someone to snuggle with; and for those whom don't, here is to hoping Cupid hits the right ass cheek with his arrow of love. Cheers!

In other news our Governor encouraged recent graduates of Anderson University by ejaculating, "Go forth and make babies." which University President, James Edwards, dutifully chided him for during his introduction of Mitch Daniels as he came back to the University to clarify his original remarks that were met with "gasps from the parents’ section and cheers from the student section". To which end, Daniels clarified his remarks with circular logic beginning with, "(I meant it) within marriage, of course." followed by a senseless ramble of, "... adults make children, but it’s also true that children make adults." (HT: Jennifer Wagner's Taking Down Words) [F6 Source Text: Justin Schneider @ The Herald Bulletin]

In reports elsewhere, When you get your tax rebate in the mail DONT SPEND IT because they are going to take it back next year. "the rebate is in fact a "prebate", just like the one in 2001. Lake County resident, Buzzcut, over at Blue County In A Red State, citing an article in Forbes, with some authority while still scratching his head that, yes in fact the Economic Stimulus Porkchop the United States Congress recently approved "while diminishing from $800 to $300 per exemption will also have the prebate deducted from your tax refund next year."

Now for the age old question, Whom is to be my Valentine? Gotta love his eyes and smile!

[F6 PHOTO SOURCES: BUTT BOYS and FLIP FLOPS BOY]

John Cameron Mitchell & SHORTBUS @ Cinema Center, Wed 13th, 7pm

We Have Comments!!!!!!

We received an anonymous comment on our last post regarding the SHORTBUS controversy at the Main Branch of the Allen County Public Library this morning which made me sprang almost my right nut as I fell out of the chair in shock and glee. Thank you whomever you are.

YIPPIE!!!

John Cameron Mitchell (trailer for SHORTBUS below), the Director, will appear at the Cinema Center to speak before the screening of his controversial film at 7:00 p.m. with a question & answer session followed by a reception after the film. Advance tickets may be purchased during regular box office hours. Tickets are $7.50 General Admission & $6. for members. Box office opens 30 minutes before each show. The Cinema Center Downtown is located at 437 E. Berry St. within the Arts United complex with a separate entrance on the rear of the building between Berry and Main off of Clay Streets. Consider also reading a really awesome review of the movie by Catherine Lee courteous of What's Up!



Both my ghetto redneck and my inner baptist black woman are coming out at the same time!

[F6 UPDATE via DELLA:] John Cameron Mitchell will be coming to After Dark Night Club at 1601 South Harrison (4 blocks south of the Grand Wayne Center) after the screening of Shortbus and discussion period. He will be Guest DJ at After Dark from around 11:00 until everyone gets kicked out. Miss After Dark, Della Licious, will be on hand to welcome John, and introduce him as he begins his night.

[F6 UPDATE via The Cinema Center 13-February-08:] Bad news everyone. This afternoon, as I was trying to reserve my ticket for tonights show, I found out that John Cameron Mitchell got stuck in New York due to the snow. His appearance will be rescheduled in a few weeks and will probably be in the Spring some time. All ticket holders for tonights event will be honored at the new event and the showing tonight will still be followed with a small group discussion at The Cinema Center Downtown. Stay tuned for updates as the situation evolves and as soon as F6 hears something will be reporting it to our readers promptly.

[F6 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW:] To view previous posts regarding SHORTBUS go here, here, and here (newest to oldest). To read Kevin Leininger's article and some of the comments . And to view the original Fort Wayne News post or the WANE TV story or Leo Morris' piece please click the appropriate links.

Begin the week with laughter: Horses Races & Rugby Bois

One day while he was at the track playing the ponies and all but losing his shirt, Mitch noticed a priest who stepped out onto the track and blessed the forehead of one of the horses lining up for the 4th race. Lo and behold, that horse - a very long shot - won the race.

Before the next race, as the horses began lining up, Mitch watched with Interest the old priest step onto the track. Sure enough, as the 5th race horses came to the starting gate the priest made a blessing on the forehead of one of the horses. Mitch made a beeline for a betting window and placed a small bet on the horse. Again, even though it was another long shot, the horse the priest had blessed won the race.

Mitch collected his winnings, and anxiously waited to see which horse the priest would bless for the 6th race. The priest again blessed a horse. Mitch bet big on it, and it won. Mitch was elated. As the races continued the priest kept blessing long shot horses, and each one ended up coming in first. Bye and bye, Mitch was pulling in some serious money.

By the last race, he knew his wildest dreams were going to come true. He made a quick dash to the ATM, withdrew all his savings, and awaited the priest's blessing that would tell him which horse to bet on. True to his pattern, the priest stepped onto the track for the last race and blessed the forehead of an old nag t hat was the longest shot of the day. Mitch also observed the priest blessing the eyes, ears, and hooves of the old nag. Mitch knew he had a winner and bet every cent he owned on the old nag.

He then watched dumbfounded as the old nag come in dead last. Mitch, in a state of shock, made his way down to the track area where the priest was. Confronting the old priest he demanded, 'Father! What happened? All day long you blessed horses and they all won. Then in the last race, the horse you blessed lost by a Kentucky mile. Now, thanks to you I've lost every cent of my savings - all of it!'.

The priest nodded wisely and with sympathy. 'Son,' he said, 'that's the problem with our separated brethren, you can't tell the difference between a simple blessing and last rites!!'
(Photo Credit TOM HULL)

In other news from Andy over @ Towleroad, check out this commercial for the Jawbone Bluetooth headset. It claims to eliminate outside noise from your phone call. How it does so is the interesting part. Can't think of a better way to shut up a loud rugby team.

Which leads to the final part of this post, as previously mentioned, that is in regards to a regular feature of F6: SUPPORT THREE RIVERS ATHLETICS, which F6 also has a link section for on the bottom before the gay videos section. There our readers will find a list of all the different sports teams and athletic associations in the Fort Wayne area.

Our own Fort Wayne Rugby Club had its annual Leather Ball on Groundhog Day @ Columbia Street West. Unfortunately, due to an unforeseen memory lapse, F6's Editor forgot to report on it, so sorry. The schedule for next season hasn't been posted yet so if you want to find out more information contact Jeremy Steele @ 260-438-7776 or email him at jsteele@omnisource.com, to find out how you can participate in this grueling but very fun sport.

On a side note, the International Gay Rugby Association & Board (IGRAB!) Catchy acronym, btw! has a website. Indiana had two gay rugby teams but F6 cant find the websites at the moment. As soon as F6 does find it, the information will be posted here. If anyone knows what they are please leave a comment.

The Chicago Dragons are the closest team F6 can find at this time.

(Photo source: DDS? Ganked from FLIPFLOPSBOY with gratitude!)

AFA and Micah Clark at it again this time on your radio with kids

In a recent press release (copied below), made available to the local bloggers by Dan Turkette of Fort Wayne News, Micah Clark, President of the American Family Association of Indiana Political Action Coalition, has issued a hateful, misinformed, irrational, radio commercial and campaign. Their latest attack on liberty violates the innocence of a child, lambastes GLBTIQAS citizens, and strives to cow toe legislators into pushing this Marriage Amendment to the Constitution, known as SJR7, (which should never be heard by the General Assembly to begin with let alone passed) by the General Assembly, to a referendum by the people. This is bad law and "it don't get mo' simpler th'n that"! (*updated 11 February 08)

"Why shouldn't it be given to the people to decide?" You wonder. Because unlike the common convenient knowledge and presumption by the media, we don't live in a democracy but a democratic representative Republic. Part of the job of a representative government is to stop the idiots within either a majority or minority of the citizenry from having false force in what actually gets signed into law. We elect representatives to not just govern but to protect the individual citizen's Divine endowed rights as well as the collective citizens guarantee of those Divine endowed individual rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The minute you reduce the individual rights of someone based on a social classification or association system you automatically deny their equality and nobility as a human being and relegate them to a status as a beast of burden. That, Mr. Clark, makes you no different than Lucifer to deny the Divine's love for, image in, and likeness portrayed by, all mankind. (ref: Sir Francis Bacon)

Furthermore, and my primary issue with the advertisement, by exploiting the innocence of a child in your commercial, asking him to present outlandish and unfounded questions, and focusing the listener to deny the power of love being more powerful than anything else, you should be ashamed of yourself and "tie the mill stone around your own neck (Gospel of St. Luke 17:1-4)".

Mr. Clark, keep your political religion out of my childrens' personal relationships with LORD Joshua-Emmanuel of Nazareth, aka "Jesus Christ". By the way, just to answer your advertisement's second question, my four sons have three fathers and two mothers combined. You do the math Mr. Clark. That is five times the love and care, for each one of them!

Calling on Legislators to Protect Marriage in Indiana
by Micah Clark, President AFA of Indiana PAC

(Indianapolis) - The AFA of Indiana PAC has launched a groundbreaking radio ad campaign urging Hoosiers to contact their legislators in support of traditional marriage. The ad titled “Confused Children” features children questioning the implications of same-sex marriage in Indiana.

These powerful new 60-second spots are, have or will air on radio stations in the following cities across Indiana: Anderson, Booneville, Elkhart, Evansville, Franklin/Greenwood, Greenfield, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Michigan City, and South Bend. The ads are appearing on talk, country and Christian formats on both AM and FM bands.

The ads are designed to generate phone calls into the Indiana House urging legislators to pass the Marriage Protection Amendment (SJR 7), which recently passed the Senate for the fourth time with broad bi-partisan support. House Speaker Patrick Bauer and House Rules Committee Chairman Scott Pelath hold the fate of SJR 7 in their hands. If moved through the Rules Committee, the amendment would pass with strong bi-partisan support of the Indiana House.

“This ad is designed to urge people to contact their legislators about the importance of protecting our marriage laws. It is also designed to challenge those who mistakenly think that allowing two men to marry is no big deal. Because both mothers and fathers matter, the definition of marriage matters,” said Micah Clark, AFA of Indiana PAC President.

The Indiana House must pass SJR 7 this session, or the amendment dies, and the entire process must begin again leaving Indiana’s marriage laws unprotected until 2012. Twenty-seven states have already enacted Marriage Protection Amendments. Many of those without amendments have faced legal challenges from gay rights groups attempting to use the courts and activist judges to force state governments to embrace same-sex marriage. Next week homosexual activists are gathering at the Indiana capitol for a rally for same-sex marriage, the second such rally in less than four months.

Now that Mr. Clark has gotten his fifteen minutes, let me clarify what Indiana Equality is addressing at its annual rally at the State House. This years rally is entitled “Equality IS a Hoosier Value!” and will be held President's Day, Monday, 18th of February, 2008 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm @ The Indiana Statehouse, North Atrium.

It is more important than ever to help educate your legislators on its hidden dangers. While increasing numbers of representatives are becoming aware of growing problems with “marriage discrimination amendments” passed by other states, we need your help to let them know how they can make the best decision for Indiana .

It is also important to tell our legislators that we want bias crimes legislation to be enacted, and civil rights protections expanded. All Hoosiers deserve not to live in fear for their lives or in fear they might lose their job. Help us cast the widest net possible by ALERTING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS to this important opportunity to make a difference and voice your concerns. Show our legislators that words do matter! Help ensure that Indiana:

· prevents the passage of a DANGEROUS AMENDMENT that HURTS ALL HOOSIERS
· recognizes that HOOSIERS deserve to be PROTECTED from BIAS-BASED CRIMES
· expands its CIVIL RIGHTS PROTECTIONS to include ALL HOOSIERS

The Indiana Senate has once again passed SJR-7, and it now makes its way to the Indiana House of Representatives for consideration in the coming days. The Senate had all but decided to not give SJR-7 a hearing this year, but the so called "pro-family" organizations like Advance America, the Indiana Family Institute and the American Family Association of Indiana put extreme pressure on the Senate leadership, and they changed course.

Indiana Equality continues to work closely with leadership of the House of Representatives to make sure that this harmful bill does not see the light of day again this year. While we expect victory again this year, it's clear, as evidenced by the attempt to put marriage language into the proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, that the proponents of the Marriage Discrimination Amendment will not stop their questionable tactics to keep this hurtful bill in play. Passage of SJR-7 by the Indiana House of Representatives will keep this harmful legislation in play and set the stage for a possible ballot initiative this year.

If approved by the electorate, SJR-7 will forever write discrimination into the Indiana Constitution, affecting thousands of Hoosier families. Other ideas you can do to take action:

· Write the editor of your local newspaper to express your support/opposition to legislation.
· Hand write a letter to your local elected officials letting them know about unfair legislation or practices.
· Talk to your friends, family and neighbors how unfair legislation affects all Hoosier families.

[F6 EDITOR'S NOTES & ADDENDUM:]

+ To hear the statewide version of AFA's new ad, click here (http://www.afainpac.net/Audio/IN-FebAd.mp3)

+ There are many things you can do to stem the tide of the rhetoric of our detractors. For more information, visit Indiana Equality. You will find a wealth of information that will assist you in making a difference.

+ "They that deny a God destroy man’s nobility; for certainly man is of kin to the beasts by his body; and, if he be not of kin to God by his spirit, he is a base and ignoble creature."
(Sir Francis Bacon)

HRC FW asking for volunteers for "IN THE NAME OF LOVE"

Hi all!

If you'd like to volunteer at Saturday's event, it would be MUCH appreciated!!

We need help with:
* taking money at the door
* keeping the food and drink coming
* answering questions regarding GLBT legislation
* just making sure people are comfortable and having a great time!

If you're interested, please contact Linda either here, at
LindaHRCvolunteer@yahoo.com, or at (260) 615-4154.

Thank you so much!!!

Come join us and have a BLAST!!!!!

See you Saturday!!!

HRC Fort Wayne,
The Chorus of Fort Wayne,
EREN of IPFW,
Reality Magazine,
PFLAG Fort Wayne

[F6 EDITOR'S NOTES:]

+ right click on pictures to open in
a new tab or window to view
directions and information.

+ to find more about Ben Walter
also visit his myspace profile

Remember Man, That You Are Dust...

As most of the readers are aware, F6 is a social-political blog with religious tendencies as its core foundation; and so therefore, religion or spiritual practice doesn't usually get directly employed in the discussions unless it is used in response towards current events, the Editor's personal life, glbtiqas issues, life reflections, politics, and historical details being reviewed or commented on. F6 while very traditional is also very modern in its approach to the marketplace and the discussions about this journey we are all on with each other. Living this life in general terms or as the Roman Catholic Bishops said in Sons and Daughters of the Light, their pastoral letter on Young Adult Ministry,

"OUR FAITH IS TO BE LIVED IN THE ORDINARY DYNAMICS OF LIFE.
WE ARE CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL NOT NECESSARILY SUCCESSFUL."

I am getting ready to celebrate a really late Divine Liturgy, this has become a custom over the last several years, the group has grown as friends tell other people about our joining the celebration of the spring time in the spirit. This is a time of introspection and a time of becoming one with yourself, your community, and your divine nature. This is a time to humble oneself not to suffer but better receive and show thankfulness for the blessings we receive everyday and renew the blessing that we are called to be to each other especially our stranger and our enemies.

As a Passionist and a follower of Saint Paul Francis Danei's spiritual discipline I approach this season with eminence glee and joy. For a Passionist this season called Lent is the closest we come to a spiritual foreplay and orgasm. This season is a time where our gifts or charismata flows fully in our celebration of living and journey of faith. I like the quote a while back from Spiritual and Pop recording artist Jason Warner (signifigant other & duo partner of DeMarco DeCiccio - picture @ right) "I AM A SPIRITUAL BEING HAVING A HUMAN EXPERIENCE". And that adventure we are invited to renew every year with three words that we express by the reception of ashes on the forehead,

"I SURRENDER ALL!"

Now of course this wouldn't be an F6 post if I didn't have Jay Brannan singing the song, would it now. Thanks to choupinou69 for the video. BTW, here are the lyrics:

I have wrestled in the darkness of this lonely pilgrim land Raising strong and mighty fortresses that I alone command But these castles I've constructed by the strength of my own hand are just temporary kingdoms on foundations made of sand In the middle of the battle I believe I've finally found I'll never know the thrill of victory til I'm willing to lay down all my weapons of defense and earthly strategies of war So I'm laying down my arms And running helplessly to Yours

Chorus
I surrender all my silent hopes and dreams Though the price to follow costs me everything I surrender all my human soul desires if sacrifice requires That all my kingdoms fall (x 3)
I surrender all!

Written and Composed by David Moffit and Reggie Hamm

Clinton pandering to Gays and Lesbians right before Super Tuesday

[F6 EDITOR'S NOTE:] Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton issued this guest post on THE BILERICO PROJECT to talk about her support for LGBT civil rights.

A message to LGBT Americans: I want to be your President

As I have traveled around the country these past twelve months, what I sensed in my heart has been confirmed – America is embracing its LGBT sons and daughters with an acceptance and understanding as never before. On the campaign trail, a father of a gay son will ask about ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. A woman will ask why she can be discriminated against just because of who she is. Sometimes they wait furtively for the crowd to thin and then whisper their confidences in a soft voice and sometimes they stand up proudly at town meetings and want me to share my views on how I will help lead the change to assure that this country fulfills its promise to everyone.

Let me tell you what I have been telling voters across America. I am fully committed to the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans. For seven long years, the Bush Administration has tried to divide us - only seeing people who matter to them. It's been a government of the few, by the few, and for the few. And no community has been more invisible to this administration than the LGBT community.

I will change that. The best evidence of what I will do as President is what I have already done.

* I am proud of my record as First Lady, as a U.S. Senator and as a candidate for President in working toward the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans.
* I am proud that as Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee in 2006, I worked closely with LBGT community to develop a smart strategy that defeated the Federal Marriage Amendment. I am proud of fighting the FMA as divisive wedge politics at its worst.
* I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation Act which would grant the same benefits (including health insurance) to domestic partners of federal employees that are currently offered to employees’ legal spouses.
* I am proud to have authored the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals living with HIV, and fought to fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act.
* I am proud that I hired a National Director of LGBT Outreach within a month of announcing my candidacy for President and to have openly gay and lesbian staffers serving at all levels of my campaign.
* I am proud to have a National LGBT Steering Committee of over 130 that includes openly LGBT elected officials, Board members and opinion leaders on issues ranging from transgender rights, to HIV/AIDS, to “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”.
* I am proud to have marched in Gay Pride parades as both First Lady and as Senator and to have spoken in front of so many LGBT audiences ranging from the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda, the Hetrick Martin Institute, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis), and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
* I am proud to have fought Republican efforts to demonize and marginalize the LGBT community, and I will continue to do that as President.

We have so much work to do. When I am President, we will work together to make sure that all Americans in committed relationships have equal benefits and that nothing stands in the way of loving couples who want to adopt children in need. We're going to expand our federal hate crimes legislation and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and assure that they are both fully inclusive of all people. And finally, we will put an end to the failed policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice – the traits that define our men and women in uniform – have nothing to do with sexual orientation.

My father was a conservative Republican, who held very traditional views for much of his life. Yet in his last years, it was a gay couple who lived next door who provided much of the compassion and comfort he and my mother needed as he grew ill. And it was that same neighbor who held his hand as he died. If my father can move, America can move.

To each and every LGBT American, I say this. You have done so much to help this country understand your lives by simply being open and honest about who you are and living your lives with dignity. Thank you for your courage. It is time that we recognize your hard work. I know that this country is ready for changes in the law that reflect the evolution in our hearts.

America deserves a President who appeals to the best in each of us, not the worst; a President who values and respects all Americans and treats all Americans equally no matter who they are or who they love. I want to be that President. I want to be your President.

My response is as follows:

No offense intended to the honorable Lady from Arkansas/New York; however your own words on the campaign trail and many of your actions while in office or right next door to it anyway counter this hullabaloo that I am reading now. Madam Senator, I respectfully disagree with your presentation of the record of either yourself or your husband. My condolences in the loss of your father.

Why is this coming out right before Super Tuesday except to pander to your perceived constituents in GLBTIQAS Americans, Mrs. Clinton? This pandering pissed me off so much that I actually created an account on here to be able to post a comment, before I just lurked about.The choice left to Democrats in the primary is for someone who sometimes stands for us or someone who asks us to stand next to people who wish us destroyed and worse yet archaically disenfranchise us. I am sorry Senator neither you or your remaining opponent are someone that this gay boi wont swallow lying down or standing up. Give us a fresh candidate without political baggage and you might get me to vote again for a Democrat.

That failed DADT policy that you so blatantly slipped in was signed by your husband into law and it has caused the honor of 12,000 American men and women to be tarnished and our military to be stretched to its breaking point and beyond when called to serve on multiple fronts. If we cant trust him to veto bad legislation and address direct discrimination as the CIC with an EO how can you ask me or any of my kids who are in the military now silently serving that you wont back down just the same or only come through partially. How many more GLBTIQAS Service Members have to be abused by their command or die for being true to who they are, AMERICANS: the only place on earth where all are created equal.

And just to think, even I as a Libertarian, was willing to consider voting for you three months ago. But this latest attempt, along with some of the fiascoes along the campaign trail, is just showing politics as usual. Rewrite the history when it is convenient, no one will notice. Sorry Mrs. Senator, we noticed and were tired of being pandered to. Give us a real message not just wishful thinking.

WRAP IT UP Y'ALL! (Updated 5x)

"Why don't the Gideons leave condoms in the drawer?
Bibles don't save many people anymore.
We took up quarters in the bathroom there were dollars on the floor.
I looked at you. You said to me, "Jay, we're worth more!"
Jay Brannan, Home
(c) 2006 Great Depression Publishing (BMI)

The Dame Empress, Chi Chi LaRue, owner of Rascal Videos and Channel 1 Releasing and others, has issued a new Public Service Announcement and web page regarding certain sexual practices within the gay adult film industry and its effects on the gay and lesbian community as a whole. It is worth a look at and you can view the video off of the web page or at the bottom of F6's page.

As part of our public service F6 would like to remind our readers that condoms can be retrieved for free locally through the following agencies, businesses, and organizations:

AIDS TASK FORCE OF NORTHEAST INDIANA
525 Oxford Street
(@ Monroe St. between Lafayette Blvd. and Hanna St.)

UP THE STAIRS COMMUNITY CENTER
514 East Washington Blvd (between Clay and Monroe Sts.)
(The condoms are located in the alcove @ side entrance)

AFTER DARK NIGHT CLUB
1601 South Harrison
(just south of Powers Hamburgers go under the viaduct)



[Historic Update = Modern Application (updated 04 May 2008)]

According to Gay Porn Blog's Archive for April 2004:

TITAN Media and Man Play Productions started a huge controversy when they went public with their own prohibition on Performers/Actors whose persona or characters names publicly performed in bareback sex scenes or who had been compromised by high risk environment and activities within the gay adult film industry. Although at the time they limited their restriction to certain criteria but the broadcast of the policy in itself stirred up enough controversy that nothing got settled by the gay adult film industry as a whole.

[EDITOR'S COMMENTARY & NOTES:]

This makes Chi-Chi's tirade at the awards show earlier even more necessary as well as this public service alert even more timely. Maybe soon we will all realize nothing is worth giving up someone's life, even sex or money. It's time for the Adult Industry to police its self before the government does and screws up everything including our liberty to celebrate queer love.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo 1: Nedim Hasanbegovic Mr Gay Norway 2004 showing proficiency with prophylactics
found @ FLICKR courtesy of Bjorn Smestad and used with cite and permission (thank you!)
Photo 2: Safe Sex Merit Badge Boy Scouts of America Style (Source Unknown! Anyone know?)

To further update this post:

(MAY 2008) Chi Chi La Rue did an awesome two part interview with Victor Hoff over @ Men of Color regarding her life and two very important topics: safe sex and racism. To view part one and part two of "UnMascara-ed" click the appropriate links.

STATEMENT OF POLICY:
F6 has and will continue to discuss at length safe sex as well as challenge racial bias/prejudice in the gay community as the black hole and eye that it is to the fabric of our own hard fight for equality.