Been a lot of press on Obama’s opinion on “homosexual marriage.” The only opinion that counts is God’s: see Romans 1:26-28 and Leviticus 20:13. Anyway you slice it, it is sin. Not to mention horrific social policy.

Mr. Gipson is wrong when he states the only opinion that counts is his god’s. As a representative of Mississippi, the only opinions he should be concerned with are those of his constituents. While his particular god may play an important role in his life, it is not his job to impose his beliefs and faith upon the people he represents.

Later, on May 11, 2012 at 11:45am, Representative Gipson responded to criticism of his initial post:

Sorry I’ve been busy and not had a chance to reply. David, in addition to the basic principal that it is morally wrong, here are three social reasons it’s horrific social policy: 1) Unnatural behavior which results in disease, not the least of which is its high association with the development and spread of HIV/AIDS; 2) Confusing behavior which is harmful to children who have a deep need to understand the proper role of men and women in society and the important differences between men and women, and fathers and mothers; and 3) Undermines the longstanding definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, a definition which has been key to all aspects of social order and prosperity. Anytime that definition is weakened our culture is also weakened. And yes, that is also true for other conduct which weakens marriage’s importance in society.

Point by point, we’d like to respond to Gipson’s response:

1. Unnatural behavior which results in disease
   Disease is a ridiculous argument. Being gay does not equal disease just like being straight does not equal disease-free. A heterosexual person with HIV or terminal cancer can still get a marriage license, but a loving gay couple of 20+ years cannot. To argue that disease is a legitimate reason to deny marriage to loving same-sex couples is absurd. Humans spread disease not sexual orientation.The unnatural talking point is a tired and desperate argument since it has no science to back it. It’s clear Representative Gipson hasn’t kept up with biology since his high school days. To be fair, he studied law; it’s very possible biology wasn’t his strongest suit. To suggest being gay or lesbian is unnatural goes against basic science. Homosexuality exists in over 500 species; homophobia exists in one… Which seems more unnatural?
2. Harmful to children
   Research shows children who grow up in households with gay parents have normal self-esteem. Also, churches, governments, and individuals telling children and adults they are unnatural is what’s harmful to children. Love is a simple concept for children to grasp; bigotry and hate are what confuse and harm children (and adults).
3. Culture is weakened:
   A culture divided by bigotry is a weakened culture. When the LGBT community has full equality under the law, our society and culture will be stronger. Our youth will recognize that all Americans are equal and respected by our government. It’s really quite simple.

Mr. Gipson needs to realize he represents all of his constituents. He should not cherry-pick which constituents he wants to work for. He should also realize his positions are neither popular nor Republican. LGBT individuals, couples, and families help pay Gipson’s salary. It’s important that he remember that.

If you live in Rankin, Smith, or Simpson country, we urge you to contact Representative Gipson and let him know he represents you. If you choose to contact Gipson, please be respectful. His contact information is below.

• 601-847-0417 (Home)
• 601-359-3770 (Capitol when in Session)
• gipson.andy@gmail.com
• agipson@house.ms.gov (e-mail)

Screenshot of Gipson's Facebook

While this changes the dialogue in America, it’s important to remember that his support does not remove the work we must do.

To learn more about President Obama’s evolution on this issue, click here.

iO Tillett Wright, the artist from NY, has been working on a photo project with the HRC, documenting anyone who feels they sit anywhere on the queer spectrum. We aim to show that queer people look just like anyone else – your banker, teacher, brother etc in an effort to ‘humanize’ the face of LGBT for equality.

We’ve currently taken portraits of nearly 900 people across NY, Palm Springs and an initial LA lot, including Amber Heard, JD Samson, Tegan Quin, Terence Koh, CocoRosie & more.

Here is the site if you would like further info: selfevidentproject.com

We have now raised funds to extend another two and a half week tour and we chose the South states, and we would love to your organization involved.

This just means being photographed if you’re in any of the cities on our current tour, and using the information below on the project to share with your members, social networks, mail database, and encouraging them to be represented in this project.

Please have anyone potentially interested in our project include the city, day, and time that works best for them.

We would love to hear back from you on this – and thank you for your time today.

The Self Evident Truths Team

This post was submitted by Self Evident Truths Project.

Many well-known artists faithfully donate works for the auction including Lea Barton, Anthony DiFatta, William Dunlap, Tony Davenport, Lucy Mazzaferro, and H.C. Porter. The art includes paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and pottery in a broad range of styles and prices. Dozens of local restaurants cater the event and there will be live music before and during the auctions.

Mississippi HeARTS Against AIDS is a non-profit, 100% volunteer organization. The February benefit is the largest fundraiser in the state for HIV & AIDS related issues. Since 1993 HeARTS has raised more than $955,000 for these causes.

This post was submitted by Coral Edelen.

We are marching (or dancing) from Cups espresso cafe in fondren to the capitol building. We are advocating gay equality. We hope to inspire enough people to push for laws that allow homosexual couples in mississippi to adopt and marry.

Event Details

This post was submitted by Bob Gilchrist.

Phone Number: (601) 291-4922

Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jxngaylife

This post was submitted by M.C. Walker.

Phone Number: 228-235-9958

Website: http://www.jacksoncountyhope.webs.com

This post was submitted by jacksoncountyhope.

$20.00 per person all you can eat!

We ask you to please RSVP by November 1st

Please pass this on our Goal for raising at this event is 2,000.00

www.jacksoncountyhope.webs.com
And check us out on Facebook!

This post was submitted by Benjamin W. Hood.

As noted, this announcement comes with mixed emotions. We would love to continue OUToberfest, but without financial support, a $10,000+ event is next-to-impossible, especially when the goal is to make it a free event for the community.

By becoming Mississippi Pride, we will be able to do the following: secure marching permits for a parade/march; increase sponsors from national and local businesses; fundraise more; and celebrate National Pride Month.

By making this bold change, we hope to re-energize the festival and the community, and our much relied on donors and volunteers.

Our vision for Mississippi Pride takes the best from OUToberfest and expands it’s potential and reach. The Pride Festival will occur in the first week of June 2012 and serve as a kick-off for Pride Month. We hope to partner with organizations, individuals and businesses throughout the state to ensure that Pride is a success. Throughout the rest of Pride Month, we envision smaller events – from movie screenings to picnics to workshops – happening in the Jackson metro area and statewide.

It’s time for us to unify and take our state’s movement to the next level. To do so, we need your commitment. Whether you are an individual, a non-profit, a GSA, a local business, or a national corporation, there are several ways you can pledge your support:

• Get involvedonline
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mailing List
• Sponsor Mississippi Pride, early. With early resources, the festival can become bigger and better! Sponsor levels and opportunities will be announced in September on the site, Facebook, Twitter, and through our email list.
• Participate – march, present, perform, vend, table, host, attend, market, etc. Look for ways to get involved very soon.
• Volunteer your services, time, venues, and other opportunities to fundraise and raise awareness. Email volunteer@mississippipride.com to get involved.

This is not the end… It is a new beginning.

Now is your opportunity to help our festival evolve and grow by getting involved. Together, we will take another step towards increased visibility, growth, acceptance, and equality in Mississippi.

With Pride,

Knol Aust
Chairman, Unity Mississippi

But the movement’s success here could prove difficult to replicate. Twenty-nine states have constitutional bans on same-sex marriage, while 12 others have laws against it. And many of those states where support for same-sex marriage is high have already acted on the issue.

Continue reading the article at NYTimes.com