Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tomorrow we wear purple

Lexington, KY  (Official Statement from the Founder, Jordan Palmer) --  Tomorrow on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 we wear purple across the Commonwealth in loving memory of the teen suicides and those who have suffered school bullying. We wear purple to announce to the world that we are proud of who we are, and perhaps a child or teenager will see someone wearing purple and realize they are not alone, and that we love them. Our community will be strong for those who cannot be.

As we move forward, we must teach our children about diversity and tolerance.

Every time someone speaks out against the LGBTI community such as Kentucky Whitley County Judge Executive Pat White, Jr., State of New York Governor's candidate Carl Paladino, the Republican Party of Texas, or Montana Tea Party Leader Tim Ravndal, a child is listening.

Children watch TV, listen to the radio, read the news, and have access to social networking.

Tomorrow we wear purple to show our LGBTI children and teenagers they are not mistakes, they are not alone, and that we stand ready to assist them.

Over 1.5 Million people have pledged to wear purple tomorrow through the following Facebook initiatives:

1. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148505385191248&index=1
2. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=159017510783875&index=1
3. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122462384475928&index=1

To me, Bette Midler said it best on her website:
It is a sad, sad day for America when young people would rather die than endure one more day of hatred and relentless persecution. As a mother, I am ashamed of all the parents who have failed to teach even the most basic human lessons to their children, "Live and let Live" and "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The normal, everyday kindness that we took for granted just a few years ago is a thing of the past, and I for one, mourn it deeply. Technology, the Internet, with its anonymity, have allowed people to behave like beasts, pouncing on the weak and howling with laughter when they inflict a wound, that only the strongest could survive. What are we doing to ourselves? How are we to survive as a nation, when hate seems to be the only thing that motivates us??

Four children are dead by their own hand because they just couldn't take any more. How many more are we going to sacrifice to the hyenas? Isn't it time to stop?? -- Bette Midler

Louisville gay couples will remain to make their neighborhood safer after robberies

Louisville, KY -- Two Louisville couples, including Keith McGill and Jim Reeves had personal belongings destroyed and stolen during a robbery. An affectionate letter he and his partner shared with one another was placed on the sofa and urinated on.

These gentlemen live in the Germantown neighborhood known for its diversity and charming homes.

The Louisville Police Department is currently investigating the crimes; this was the second time a gay couple's home has been robbed. Police have stated however that they are not investigating it as hate crimes.

Mr. Reeves told Kentucky Equality Federation that at first glance he was scared, but that fear quickly turned to anger, and disbelieve. The couple stated: "We think that someone thought it was OK because we are gay or that you can enter our home and take whatever you want and it doesn't matter or no one will care." The Germantown couple will stay in their home and work to make the neighborhood and city a safer place for everyone and state that they are not scared.  

Jeff Johnson, a Kentucky Equality Federation Louisville volunteer and Community Blogger stated: "We stand united with the families against those who would try to intimidate us or bring fear to our community."

Richard Jones, Chair of Kentucky Equality Federation stated: "We must rid ourselves of actions through ignorance, we must do more to inform the people of Kentucky, and the world that diversity is a good thing and that fear and prejudice can be overcome through education and understanding."

Kentucky Equality Federation founder Jordan Palmer had no comment and differed to the statements of Johnson and Jones.

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Sunday, October 3, 2010

Statement on God's role in Kentucky's Homeland Security

"Kentucky Equality Federation urges Kentucky lawmakers to focus on improving the quality of life for all Kentuckians instead of trying to force religion on the citizens of the Commonwealth." - Richard T. Jones, Chairman  "This is a clear violation of Kentucky's Constitution."