San Francisco – Equality California (EQCA) will air an ad about the freedom to marry, featuring Pasadena couple Frances and Cynthia with their daughter Mary Kate during the broadcast of the MISS CALIFORNIA USA pageant on November 22.
“We truly appreciate MISS CALIFORNIA USA offering us the opportunity to share the story of this loving California family and how being denied the freedom to marry has hurt them,” said Geoff Kors, executive director for Equality California. “By sharing their story, we hope to shed light on the damage and pain that same-sex couples and their children experience when they are prevented from entering into a civil marriage.”
EQCA previously invited former MISS CALIFORNIA USA Carrie Prejean to meet with leaders from the organization as well as with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and a family headed by a same-sex couple to start a dialogue about who LGBT people are and the harm that is caused by denying LGBT community members equality. Prejean, however, did not respond.
“The MISS CALIFORNIA USA Organization does not endorse either side of the issue but believes in fair play, so we have donated a 30-second spot to Equality California and offered Carrie Prejean an opportunity to pre-tape a brief message,” said Keith Lewis, Executive Director of MISS CALIFORNIA USA and MISS CALIFORNIA TEEN USA.
Prejean declined the offer.
The ad will air Sunday, November 22, on the CW and MY networks during the MISS CALIFORNIA USA pageant. Check local listings for details.
The National Organization for Marriage's mouthpiece, Carrie Prejean, got caught in some hot water when TMZ discovered a sex tape of her. She finally discusses it.
Her main defense? Christians are not perfect. She claims she never was perfect and says so in her no book that she's desperately trying to sell.
Funny. She blames her ex-boyfriend sold the tape and exclaims, "People will do anything for money." Like write a book about a life no one cares to read about? And let a bigoted, anti-LGBT organization hire you as a pawn?
No, Carrie, we all know Christians aren't not perfect. That's what we've been saying all along. But we've also been saying that being a Christian isn't a hall pass for doing whatever you want (sex tapes, pre-marital sex) while condemning others and supporting the stripping of their rights.
Miss USA Pageant co-owner Donald Trump appeared on Letterman Tuesday and insisted the formed Miss California Carrie Prejean faced the controversy over her answer to marriage equality because of "her great beauty."
Letterman said "Anybody who wants to get married ought to be able to get married."
UPDATE: CNN Reports: "I told Carrie she needed to get back to work and honor her contract with the Miss California USA organization, and I gave her the opportunity to do so," Trump said. "Unfortunately, it just doesn't look like it is going to happen, and I offered [Executive Director Keith Lewis] my full support in making this decision."
TMZ reports that Miss California USA Carrie Prejean is fired. Even Donald Trump has had enough of the diva because she has been a no-show for appearances the pageant organization has contracted her to appear at and that "she doesn't play well with others."
The firing, it's being reported, is based on Carrie breaching her contract and not on her extracurricular activities.
Maybe she'll believe in karma now. But unfortunately for us, this will probably free her up more to be NOM's puppet.
Carrie is getting her walking papers this afternoon and the new Miss California USA will be Miss Malibu Tami Farrell.
“It was a very, very difficult decision for me” to step down, Moakler told Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen. “But at the end of the day, I really -- I had to follow my heart. I didn't feel, you know, that at the press conference (with Trump), that Carrie at that time was really taking any responsibility. And for me, it was just very difficult to stand behind.
“ ... There's so many different factors that weigh into this story and that have kind of made it so sensational, from gay rights, to the First Amendment (Prejean has cited her right to free speech in defending the anti-same-sex marriage comments), to the pictures, to big business, and I, you know -- one of the biggest factors was actually the next day ... when she was talking (during a broadcast interview) about the photographs, and she was blaming this photographer, and blaming the wind, and you know , is constantly being a victim and pointing fingers at everybody else and I just couldn't stand behind that...
“I just wanted her to be honest, and just say -- I didn't want her to lose her crown. But I would have loved to have heard her say 'You know what? I was a young kid, and I made a mistake,’ and, ‘Yes, I should have told the pageant officials about (the photos). I never thought I would, you know, be in this position and I made a mistake. Sorry.’ That would have been fine.”
Moakler added, “I think she's a young girl, and I think she was thrown into the spotlight (after the Miss USA pageant). I think she was not prepared. I think a lot of organizations latched onto her. They exploited her. They didn't prepare her. I think, you know, she's very honest when she says she never expected this.
"But at the same time, I think it's wrong to start screaming that you're being persecuted and then you go and align yourself with organizations like NOM that are particularly -- I consider them hate groups. (NOM is) the National Organization for Marriage,” which opposes same-sex marriage.
1. I almost didn't laugh at this great satire because, well, basically, it's plainly stating what was actually said at Miss CA's press conference.
Gag me with a spoon.
2. And this doesn't make me laugh at all. It's a compilation from MediaMatters.org of the right-wing media's accusations that same-sex marriage will lead to "triads", interspecies marriage and pedophilia. Y'know, that damn "slippery slope" argument. Ugh.
3. Dan Save gives President Obama an "F" on LGBT issues.
Today, Donald Trump announced at a press conference that Carrie Prejean will keep her crown as Miss CA.
"She gave an honest answer and for that she should be commended," he said in reference to the marriage equality question posed by Perez Hilton during the pageant.
"We have determined that the pictures taken are fine, so we've made a determination that everything we've seen, we've made a determination that they're acceptable and in many cases very lovely pictures...So we made a determination that pictures taken are acceptable, some are risque, and some, are very beautiful."
"It's the same answer that the President of the United States gave," he said. "It's the same answer that many people gave... It was a very controversial question. It was a fair question. If her beauty wasn't as great, many wouldn't have cared."
Trump went on to say in regards to the Miss CA organization, "There has been a miscommunication with Carrie. I believe the miscommunication problem is solved...They are really getting along well... They have met for hours in my office."
When he announced that Carrie would keep her crown, some paparazzi clapped. "When the paparazzi claps, you know you've made a good decision," said Trump.
Carrie Prejean then spoke.
"Three weeks ago I was asked a politically charged question with a personal agenda...I was given a question asking for my opinion, and I stated my honest belief...The president, the secretary of state, and many Americans share with my opinion."
"Being at the centre of a media fire storm isn't what I had planned or what i signed up for," she continued. "But I have learned to stand up for what I believe in...despite the personal attacks."
"Let me be clear - I am not an activist," she stated flatly. "I was thrown into this firestorm." She clarified that she was an "advocate" for marriage.
Whatever that means.
"Although I am not the most vocal in my defense of marriage...I have become the most visible."
She went on to tearfully recount the story of her grandfather being involved in the Battle of the Bulge and how he fought for her right to freedom of speech.
And then she declared herself a victim.
"On that stage, I exercise my freedom of speech and I was punished for doing so...My faith commands us to forgive one another."
She went on to explain that the nude photos were taken by a girlfriend for "application and not for publication" to expand her portfolio. The latest pictures released today were "photoshopped to discredit my beliefs."
"I hope at the end of the day that everyone can respect my rights as I can respect theirs...I'm convinced now more than ever in standing up for your beliefs and your convictions."
She wants everyone out there to be inspired by her story and to "not be silent."
When asked why she didn't tell the pageant officials she had taken those nudes, she used the "I didn't remember I had taken them" defense. She asked the reporter, "Do you remember everything you did when you were 16?"
Uh, if I were sixteen and posed nude, yeah, I would remember. Especially if it were only a few years ago. It's not like it was a long time ago for her.
The issue here now is that she's made herself look like a victim and the LGBT population the evil bad guys. And I have to say, Perez has done more damage than good. But that's my opinion.
However, this girl is no victim. She's lived a privileged life and for the first time, has had to defend what she believes in. She now knows what it feels to defend yourself from a disapproving crowd. Maybe even experienced some unnecessary discrimination. But now she's a victim?
Try doing some research Carrie. Look into LGBT history. You'll see true definitions of victims and discrimination.
Just go back to your pageants, Carrie, and shut up. We'll continue to fight for the rights you take for granted.
Yet today's press conference did provide its own drama when the officials tore into Maggie Gallagher, President of anti-gay National Organization for Marriage : ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today, co-directors of the Miss California USA, Shannon Moakler and Keith Lewis, will hold a press conference in Beverly Hills supposedly to discuss the controversy surrounding the infamous Carrie Prejean. Y'know, the nudes. She was 18 by the way. Prejean is not expected to attend, but Tami Farrell, the first runner up to Miss California USA 2009, is. Hint, hint.
Tomorrow, Donald Trump, co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, is expected to hold a news conference in New York Tuesday to discuss the beauty queen scandal. More...
So at either press conference, it could be announced that she'll be stripped of her tiara.
Some have come to her defense saying that all this dirt wouldn't have come up if she hadn't stood up to for what she believed in. And though I completely disagree with how Perez Hilton has handled the situation, Prejean has gone on to join the National Organization for Marriage in TV ads and, this is new, pre-recorded robocalls.
Oh now you admit you're imperfect after insulting millions of people? Now you're the victim--classic martyr complex. You say that you're against gay marriage because you believe in traditional, Christian values, which say that gays are an abomination to God. Then you turn around and get offended when people look into your personal life and find things that don't match what you say and believe in? It's classic, "Do as I say and not as I do" behavior that has too often defined the Christian religion in America. We don't feel that we have to tolerate what we see as intolerance--why should we? You certainly don't tolerate the gay lifestyle so why should I tolerate that defiance when I firmly believe it stands against basic human dignity and respect?
Wow. You should definitely read the rest of that post. And like me, they come from a conservative Christian home, so using religion as an excuse to not use your brain hits deep. But I can't claim that just for me - we ALL what it's like to be on the receiving end of that.
To sum it up - if you rush out of the gates into the public sphere without knowing how to make inoffensive public statements but instead judging other people, you better have a squeaky clean past. Especially if you align yourself with a known bigoted organization. (Yes, I said the "b" word - they meet my definition.) Otherwise, it's fair game.
Numerous great videos have been coming out lately at a speed that I cannot possibly keep up with. As result, to save time, I will post them all here.
Lazy but efficient. And once in awhile, we activists simply need some amusement and entertainment.
Video 1: Miss CA's PSA for Opposite Sex Marriage. Oh, and if you're drinking or eating anything - Stop! Or you'll spray your computer screen from laughing.
Video 2: Amazing video with over two dozen YouTubers collaborating. However, WARNING: does contain foul language. Wouldn't play it at work.
Video 3: The wisdom of children. If only the adults listened. More...
Video 4: Who says Los Angeles activists can't have fun? Another Oscar winner.
According to TMZ, the Miss Universe Organization sent a cease and desist order to NOM, demanding they stop playing their anti-gay ad featuring Miss CA.
Why?
Because the ad contains footage of the Miss USA pageant when Miss CA Carrie Prejean gives her infamous response against marriage equality. By using that footage, the organization claims NOM is violating copyright law.
Though they claim they're not taking sides on the issue, they are claiming they don't want to the footage to support NOM's agenda.
It's a fine line they're walking, and they have stated they don't approve of Miss CA's anti-gay response on their show. I say this is a smart move. Otherwise, they would offend half of their employees - gay men.
Unite the Fight has been prepared for the new NOM ad featuring Miss California USA and her opposition to marriage equality.
Well, here it is. Drum roll!
That's it?! This is what the hype was all about? She's not really even it!
Lame.
However, I am sick of hearing people call the opposition bigots, even if it's true. It does us no good. They just turn it around and use it against us like they do in this new ad.
According to Webster's Dictionary, the definition of bigot:
a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.
According to many who oppose marriage equality, they do it through some misguided religious belief that they feel is compelled by love. Is that a true definition of a bigot? The word "deluded" may work. But bigot? More... I feel, personally, that the NOM and the Iowa Family Policy Center do not act out of love but prejudice. Conclude from that what you will, but I also believe that Miss California USA is simply misguided and sheltered and doesn't really know the true nature behind monogamous, committed same-sex relationships. Her only guide to the LGBT community may be Will & Grace. Not much to go on there.
So according to Webster, she's not a bigot. And I don't think she is either.
Whatever you come to believe, I think name calling isn't going to get us anywhere but actually set us back. I know I'm not perfect, believe me. I'm guilty of it.
So let's set the example. If we rise above, it only makes the opposition look all the more worse.
UPDATE:GoodAsYou.org got the scoop that HRC's Joe Solmonese will also be unwittingly featured in the ad. Who knows how they'll twist his words around. They're pretty good at manipulation.
California's most prominent "opposite marriage" supporter of the moment is lending a hand to the National Organization for Marriage, slated to appear in a new ad.
What happens when a young California beauty pageant contestant is asked, "Do you support same-sex marriage?" She is attacked viciously for having the courage to speak up for her truth and her values. But Carrie's courage inspired a whole nation and a whole generation of young people because she chose to risk the Miss USA crown rather than be silent about her deepest moral values. "No Offense" calls gay marriage advocates to account for their unwillingness to debate the real issue: Gay marriage has consequences.
I'm assuming by the press release that they're referring to BAD consequences and not the good ones of marriage equality, such as protecting relationships and strengthening family protection, even if they are within the LGBT community.
It sounds like our friends over at NOM are taking a few cues from the Iowa Family Council on how to twist the truth.
I'm not really interested in reporting on this much more because, honestly, it's pretty petty. And though I don't agree with Carrie Prejean, Miss California USA, at least she's sticking by what she believes, even in the face of opposition. (This story sure gives her so much more exposure than the winner. Can you even name Miss USA 2009?)
One of our jobs, as the LGBT population, is to communicate to those who disagree with us, to show them the truth about who we are. If they still disagree, then so be it.
At least Perez offered Miss Calfornia a coffee date to talk, to which Miss California responded, "No comment!"
See Perez's vlog right after the Miss USA Pageant. He first apologized to Carrie for this rant, but just now on CNN, he told Rick Sanchez he took it back saying, "I'm Perez Hilton! I don't represent the LGBT community. I'm supposed to be controversial!"
The best embedding clip available so far of the Larry King interview afterward. You can see the whole clip on PerezHilton.com.
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From a press release:
