Breaking it down Monday

Is it really the last week of July 2011 already? Well heck yeah, plus the summer heat is still kicking without relief and we just got to grin and bear it. So as the weather goes, so does this forum by keeping the sizzling hot issues of day front and center. Are you ready, let's hope so because here we go.....

African Advocate Brings Message to Arkansas

The Rev. Mark Kiyimba fled Uganda in March, fearing for his safety after becoming an outspoken opponent of the proposed anti-homosexuality legislation in that East African country.
Rev. Kiyimba is now in America, attempting to alert this country to the persecution of gay and lesbian Ugandans, including lawmakers’ efforts to lengthen jail terms and expand the death penalty for gay “crimes.”

COP 24/7 has posted about the dastardly legislation that has been promoted by David Bahati as well as his well heeled connections to the U.S based organization, The Family and it's murky "K" Street operations in the shadows of Washington D.C.

The Worship and Faith in Action Teams of UUCLR will co-sponsor a potluck supper, interfaith celebration, and talk by the Rev. Mark Kiyimba from Uganda. This event takes place in Thomson Hall on Sunday evening, August 7, 2011, from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm. The potluck supper begins at 6:00, and the service and presentation at 7:00. Lasagna, bread, and beverages will be served at supper, so please bring salads, fruit, and desserts. Children are welcome for the entire event, and childcare is offered from 6:00 to 8:30. There is no charge to attend, but donations will be accepted. This forum applauds UUCLR for stepping to the plate to educate their members and the local community on this plight of the Ugandan GLBTQ community. As a side note, those wanting to "kill all the right people" doesn't stop in Uganda, but other African countries such as Ghana and Eastern Europe's Croatia. If you can attend this worthy event do so, if not send a contribution to show your support of this mission.

Going to the Chapel

As the clock struck midnight Sunday, those gay folks who made the cut in the marriage lotto rushed to alter to get their nuptial's on. It's reported that some 600 plus couples were ready to get hitched including a couple that did it Gracie Mansion style with Governor Bloomberg officiating. Wow! That's lots of wedding cakes, flowers, limos and all the trappings that it takes to make this celebration special. I'm sure that wedding planners, caterers and everyone connected within that industry are clicking their heels saying "there's no place like New York!" Of course, the marriage shuffle was met with a protest march from locals who believed that it should have come down to a vote from the people. However, this political maneuver was engineered by many factions raging from local gay power brokers to those seasoned politico's sitting in Albany. In case you didn't know and many don't, that their was some significant Benjamin's on the table, supposedly a Million Dollars plus, to assist with campaign donations and other interesting caveats all tied up in nice pink bow. And so, it's on in New York with champagne flowing and marriage decrees being printed faster that you can say "get me to the church on time!"

Black Pride in the City

Black Pride 2011 has come and gone. Did you know? Well, if not, COP 24/7 was on the scene taking it all in and we are still trying to wrap our minds as well as find the words to describe the who, why and the "WTF" of the weekend event. So, stay locked and loaded to this forum as we prepare to report this Wednesday. You will not want to miss it.

Regional Meeting in Little Rock

Don't Forget to save the date for the Welcome to Little Rock Mixer, October 14, 2011 as apart of the Midland Regional meeting of The National Association of Black and White Men Together in Little Rock. The event will be held at the La Quinta Inn & Suites, Clinton Room, 7 p.m.- until.  $5.00 suggested Donation to support local community based organization, The Living Affected Corporation, Inc. which promotes positive sexual health for all.  For more information contact nealix101@comcast.net  In-kind contributions, financial donations and volunteer possibilities available. $35 Early Bird registrations can be obtained at www.regonline.com/fmrock2011  as well as other weekend highlights. More information about NABWMT can be found their website at http://www.nabwmt.org/