Tag Archives: LGBT
[UPDATED] Mallory Owens Now Fears For Her Life: Lesbian Brutally Beat By Girlfriend’s Brother On Thanksgiving
UPDATE: Saturday, December 1st, 2012 @ 2:00AM – Mallory Owens has released a statement and is no longer claiming that it was NOT a hate crime. In fact, she believes the entire Hawkins family has manipulated her. Here is her statement:
I am represented by attorney Christine Hernandez. I am supported by my family, friends, several organizations including Equality Alabama and GLAAD as well as numerous other individuals who have offered a multitude of support to myself and my family including all of those that have donated to help me with my medical expenses. For all of you that have supported me, I am very grateful.
The last week has been the most traumatic several days I have ever experienced, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Not just for me, but for my family as well. Fortunately, we are a strong family, and we are sticking together as a family. On Thanksgiving Day, I visited the Hawkins’ home, the family home of my girlfriend Ally Hawkins. As I was leaving, I was brutally attacked by Travis Hawkins Jr., Ally’s brother. I believe that he intended to kill me. I was defenseless against him. This was not the first time Travis Hawkins Jr. attacked me and sent me to the hospital.
Travis Hawkins Jr. has been charged with Assault Second Degree by the District Attorney’s office. Although, I appreciate all the efforts of the hospital and EMS staff, police, all the investigators, and District Attorney Ashley Rich, neither I nor my family agree that Assault Second Degree is the right charge. We are very hopeful and optimistic that as Ms. Rich, her office and the police continue to investigate this crime, that the charges will be upgraded to attempted Murder. I was unconscious when the beating ended. I do not know what stopped him. I do know he has threatened to kill me before, he has attacked me with a metal pipe before, and on Thanksgiving Day he launched an unprovoked attack on me that left me unconscious, hospitalized, suffering horrific head trauma, severe injuries and in need of surgery and additional treatment. Since the attack, Travis Hawkins Jr. has been seen following my family and appearing at locations where they have gathered. He has threatened to finish me off. I believe as long as he is free on bond that my life continues to be in danger. Even beyond the physical harm, I am quite traumatized. I am afraid and I feel that I have been victimized repeatedly by the Hawkins family.
The interview at the Hawkins home was not requested by me, nor was I aware that the media would be at the Hawkins home. I was brought back to the home by Ally Hawkins. I wanted to be in my own apartment. Mr. Hawkins Sr. insisted we give the interview and statements were made. I believe Mr. Hawkins Sr. is very manipulative, I believe he organized the family and orchestrated the media representation to portray himself in a better light. I do not feel safe there. I was very uneasy and nervous while I was there. I was still very disoriented, weak, and intimidated. Mr. Hawkins Sr. has also threatened me with harm based on my relationship with his daughter. Travis Hawkins Sr. threatened me with a metal pipe while I was waiting in the car on a prior occasion. Travis Hawkins Jr. used a metal pipe to assault me on a prior occasion. He and his son pose a very real threat. I will not go back there.
It will be a very long time before I feel safe again. This sort of attack whether it is proven to be a hate crime or a crime derived from one man’s hate of another human being should not happen to anyone in this country. No one should have to endure an attack the way that I did. Neither should a mother have to see her daughter in the state that my mom had to see me.
During this investigation, many statements were made to the media, some were premature and misguided. All of us involved have been at the center of a huge media storm. At this time, we want to let the investigation continue and we need to heal. Ally Hawkins has continued to release statements and make arbitrary facebook posts and she has even offered a motive for her brother’s actions. Please know that Ally Hawkins is NOT SPEAKING for me, she is NOT representing me in the media in any way. Her statements and public posts on facebook or any other form of social media are NOT representative of my opinions, beliefs or words.
I am fortunate that my family’s love for me is unconditional. I fell in love with a girl. My family loves, accepts and supports me. They have shown nothing but love and acceptance throughout my attack, my time in the hospital, and the investigation of this brutal attack, they have been there for me, loving me and supporting me. I want to thank and publicly show my appreciation for my mom, my brother and sister, my Uncle Ricky, Linda, my grandma. Besides the countless individuals who have offered their support financially and in words of kindness, I also want to thank organizations like Equality Alabama and GLAAD for offering their direct support to me and my family, as well as working to create a culture in Alabama where people aren’t attacked for being who they are and loving who they love. Thank you to all those who have prayed, supported and advocated for myself and my family. For those of you who pray, we ask you to continue to pray for us as we heal.
UPDATE: Wednesday November 28th, 2012 @ 10:30 AM – This story is very confusing. Apparently, Mallory Owens and her fiancé Ally (Alex) Hawkins, do not believe it is a hate crime. They have told news sources that they know why he did what he did, and it would come out eventually. According to Ally Hawkins, it’s too embarrassing to share, but is bound to come out at Travis Hawkins’ court hearing on December 10th, 2012. In fact, Mallory Owens is spending her time recovering at the home where she was allegedly (pretty clear she was) beaten. I will do my best to keep everyone updated as I hear more.
UPDATE: Tuesday, November 27th, 2012 – Mallory and Alex “Ally” are actually engaged. I’ve done a bit of research and they seemed to be very happy about their relationship and had no discrepancies with sharing how they felt with the world. At the bottom of this page is a very sweet photo of the two of them, along with some words they shared with one another. Please wish the best for Mallory Owens, who is still in the hospital. And who knows, maybe one day these two will actually be able to get married 
The other day, I saw a photo being shared like crazy all over FaceBook. I wanted to get more information before relaying it, but I am shocked that something like this could happen to a beautiful young lady who was trying to be optimistic about her relationship and the family on whom she was involved with.
Mallory Owens went to Thanksgiving dinner at her girlfriend, Alex Hawkins’, place in Mobile, Alabama. The brother of Alex, Travis Hawkins, did not approve of the relationship that his sister and Mallory shared, and took it upon himself to punish who he felt was responsible, Miss Owens. After dinner, he approached Mallory and began beating her with his fists. Sadly, some people assumed this may be the outcome, including the victim’s mother.
‘He tried to kill her. He’s lucky he didn’t kill her. She’s lucky to be alive. I didn’t recognize her when I got here. It’s hard to look at her like that.’ – Kristi Taylor, Owens mother.
While this crime is horrific in itself, Travis Hawkins will not be charged with a hate crime. Alabama law doesn’t include sexual orientation among bias offenses, according to the Anti-Defamation League. I was appalled to hear this. Here we are fighting for the right to marry the ones we love, and yet, Alabama and 26 other states are also without hate crime laws that protect the LGBT community.
Mallory Owens has unfortunately already had to deal with abuse at the hands of Travis Hawkins. Earlier this year, he hit Owens over the head with a pipe wrench. Although she was injured, no charges were filed, and I can only assume she was hoping that they could work through that incident and move towards acceptance. Optimism was apparently not such a good idea with this family.
‘I did not want her to go, I begged her not to go, knowing how the family felt about her. But she said, “They’re trying to be nice.”
Shortly after being charged with second-degree assault, the assailant was bonded out. Hawkins also called Owens’ sister on Friday, proving that the charges had no effect on him once so ever.
Miss Owens’ sister Avery Godwin told AL.com that Hawkins called her on Friday to say ‘that he would finish what he started last night with Mallory.’
The fact that this kid has assaulted a female twice, the second time being much more severe, and stated that he wasn’t finished means that the second-degree assault charge is absolutely absurd. How is this not attempted murder?! And how do states not have hate crime laws that include the LGBT community?! If someone is hurting you simply because they dislike something about you, that is a hate crime. Simple. A young girl was BRUTALLY beaten at her girlfriend’s home on Thanksgiving day because she was dating the guy’s sister. This kid, not man, is a complete moron with no compassion. I’m not shocked unfortunately, due to his families history.
Last year, Hawkins was hospitalized after he was allegedly shot in the chest by his father, Travis Hawkins Sr.
Happy Thanksgiving!
[VIDEO] Straight Christian Man Who Believes Homosexuality is Sin Goes Undercover as Gay Man For a Year
Timothy Kurek, 26, is a brave and righteous man because of what he did, all on his own. This straight Christian man was told by a friend of his that she was a lesbian; Thanks to that moment, he started to realize that he may not be right about his homophobia or his religious stance on being gay.
He took himself on a year-long journey where he ‘came out’ to friends and family, despite the fact that he was not actually gay. Although he told his mom and heard her reaction, he wanted to know how she really felt, and got his answer after reading some of her journal. (which is sneaky, not wrong, according to the 10 commandments)
‘I’d rather have found out from a doctor that I had terminal cancer than have a gay son,’ she’d written.
Ironically, this is what he should have expected, seeing as he grew up in this household, where this was what being gay meant, utter disappointment and disbelief. For him, he was able to overcome his fear and hatred to learn a valuable lesson in life.
The Cross in the Closet, the book that Kurek wrote, is being released today, National Coming Out Day. A percent of all the sales will go to an organization that helps homeless LGBT youth, which shows the transformation that has come from his year undercover.
The young journalist even went so far as to ask a man to be his pretend boyfriend. Shawn was a ’big, black burly teddy bear’ and Kurek was able to confide in him and even care about this man, his new friend.
‘I needed protection to keep me balanced and teach me the nuances of gay culture and how they flirt, and to give me an excuse when guys hit on me,’ he said.
[He was] ’the first gay person that I let into my heart. He was totally there for me through emotional turmoil. I trusted him.
Before Kurek embarked on this journey he said that the idea of even being around gay people repulsed him. After the journey, he said there is no lingering homophobia once so ever.
Sadly, Kurek wasn’t quite ready for the loneliness he felt and the sheer abandonment of those he loved.
‘The thing that struck me most was the isolation,’ he said. ‘Before I came out as gay, I had a very busy social life. After I came out, I didn’t hear from 95 percent of my friends.’
DailyMail: Rev. Connie Waters, a protestant minister and supporter of LGBT rights from Memphis, first met Kurek online while debating his church’s stance on homosexuality.
She called his year undercover a life-changing transformation.
‘It’s what you hope for – the goal of the Christian walk of faith,’ she said. ‘It’s enough for me that he transformed, but if others learn from him, what an extra blessing that is.’
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The Real Reason We Should Be Boycotting Chick-Fil-A
There have been many differing views when it comes to the Chick-Fil-A controversy, the statements made by Dan Cathy and the financial support he gives to anti-gay organizations. For me, I could care less about what he has said or what he believes. In fact, I respect his opposing viewpoint, I just don’t agree with hatred that has been ignited by religion. The problem that I have with supporting Chick-Fil-A is that it not only means we’re keeping them in business, but giving money to groups that I find disgusting, immoral and based on pure hate.
Their money has been used in an attempt to fight for Ugandan’s government’s right to kill people who are found out to be gay?!?! This is murder; Murder because of who they, we, are. Chick-Fil-A supports and provides finances to organizations that would like to see gay people killed, not just deny them the right to marry who they love. This is sick. For anyone who thinks that supporting them because of Dan Cathy’s right to freedom of speech or because of their religious ties, I would be ashamed if I were you. Wanting to deny someone something is one thing (albeit, pretty fucked up), but wanting them dead is absolutely absurd.
Chick-Fil-A’s corporate “charity” arm WinShape has donated millions of dollars to groups like Family Research Council. FRC doesn’t just oppose marriage equality, they really do HATE gays. Its president Tony Perkins has said of LGBT people:
“They are intolerant. They are hateful. They are vile. They are spiteful…pawns of the enemy.”
And in 2010 Tony Perkins’ Family Research Council claimed in federal forms they had spent $25,000 to lobby Congress on “CIVH.Res.1064Ugandan Resolution Pro-homosexual promotion.” This proposed Congressional resolution condemned the Ugandan government‘s legislative efforts to make “homosexuality” an offense punishable by death.
How can anyone oppose condemning that? But Family Research Council apparently did.
And Family Research Council gets money from Chick-Fil-A. Joe Jervis was the first to break this story, more details can be found here.
Before you support and boycott someone, something, please be sure to get all the facts. Again, Dan Cathy can speak about his beliefs all he wants, but my money will NOT be used in an effort to allow people to be murdered based on who they are and who they love. My fiancée is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and I will fight for our rights as long as I possibly can. If I ever thought that she or I could be murdered because of this love we share, I could only hope that someone, everyone would be willing to stop eating the damn chicken and stop supplying these groups the money they need to even put up a fight.
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[VIDEO] The Most HILARIOUS Speaker at Lincoln Nebraska Proposed LGBT Protection Ordinance
Please don’t let the boring look of this video deter you from watching, because I can guarantee you will laugh your ass off. I can’t even be offended by her ridiculous claims, because I highly doubt anyone took this woman seriously. I mean, she claimed that Hilary Clinton is a lesbian (okay, that’s not so far-fetched), brought Whitney Houston into the argument and explained how the only ages people can live to are either 40-year-old or 80-years-old. Before I give too much away, enjoy!
PS. Love the kid behind her. He knows what a comedian she is.
For more information on this woman or what people are saying, you can visit the facebook page, a blog, and see where she is a registered lobbyist.
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[VIDEO] Mormon’s Going Soft in Regards To LGBT
The Mormon church has continuously changed it’s views on political issues throughout the years; Polygamy is no longer acceptable and hasn’t been since 1890, whereas ordaining black men to the priesthood was banned from holding a priesthood until 1978. In fact, people of African descent were considered to be “cursed”. Funny how now that it’s not socially acceptable to discriminate the church openly allows black and white men to be ordained and makes no mention of the black men being cursed. So it makes sense for many participating Mormon‘s to change their stance considering we are obtaining more and more rights and have more of a voice.
Above is former Mormon Bishop Kevin Kloosterman, and not only does he show his support, he extends an apology during this conference in November of 2011.
“I came out and basically made a personal apology to [LGBT] folks for really not understanding their issues, not really taking the time to understand their lives and really not doing my homework,” said Kloosterman.
I’d like to think that there was nothing behind this sudden kindness to the LGBT community, but unfortunately, with everything that has occurred with Prop 8 (which is closely tied to the Mormon church), I can’t say that I’m too sure. I do feel that the younger generation has more open-minded, free-thinkers and that as a whole, the church is growing friendlier, but I don’t feel those in charge are simply remorseful. And, I’m not the only person who feels this way.
“The church’s image is still heavily associated with the 2008 Prop. 8 campaign in California, and even though many Republicans oppose gay marriage, it’s not helpful for the Mormons to be tied to such a politically-charged issue at a time when it’s about to be under a lot of election-season media scrutiny,” wrote Commentary Magazine’s Alana Goodman, after noting that the CNN story felt like “part of some sort of Mormon church rebranding campaign.”
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[VIDEO] BYU LGBT Students: ‘It Gets Better’
“A couple of years ago, my sister told me she would never let a gay man watch her children because, she said they were deviant, and more likely to molest them; Today, she’s my strongest advocate.”
To me, religion and sexuality shouldn’t conflict with one another because choosing what to believe in and being who you were born to be, are two completely separate issues. I am an atheist and I am a lesbian; The students in this video are Mormon‘s and they, too, are homosexuals. Sexual orientation, in my mind, is something that you’re born with (for most people), and trying to deny that part of yourself could turn you into someone you don’t recognize. And how could you possibly love someone who you don’t even know or understand? In order for us, humanity, to be happy, we have to first love who we are as individuals, and then be willing to share that love with anyone and everyone.
To be honest, I was very shocked by this video and what USGA is doing, because I would have never expected so many open BYU students, who didn’t judge or condemn a fellow classmate for being a homosexual. Luckily, they made this video for people like those who are still struggling, Mormon and gay, as well as myself and the general public. Only a few years ago did BYU change their honor code, which allowed LGBT students to even enroll. This is a great step in the right direction for both the Mormon church and those who practice Mormonism.
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High School Principal Tells Gay Students They’re Going To Hell
A high school principal in Tennessee had told students during an assembly that gay students would be going to hell. Haywood High School principal Dorothy Bond, is responsible for informing these students that gay students would be going to hell, based on her religious beliefs. A student has said that she singled out both pregnant and gay students:
“At first she was talking about PDA and she turned around and she directly pointed to the gay people and said: if you’re gay you’re going to hell and if you’re pregnant, your life is over.”
Sadly, this isn’t the first time that this authority figure has bashed students at her school. One parent in the district said that years ago she made horrendous remarks as well.
“A couple of years ago… at an assembly she told the young men if they’re sitting between the legs of a girl getting their hair braided for a few hours, that they must be gay.”
This all happened while the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill is gaining recognition, approval and criticism. Obviously, Tennessee needs someone to stand up for the gay people in their community, especially the youth, that all too often fall victim to bullying.
Dr. King,
I’m writing to you to express my dismay over recent remarks made by Haywood High School principal Dorothy Bond, in which she reportedly told LGBT students they were going to hell. Haywood’s non-discrimination policy does not, unfortunately, protect LGBT students which is why it’s so important that school leaders do all they can to create safe and welcoming learning environments for all their students.
Unfortunately, Ms. Bond’s remarks do the exact opposite and feed an atmosphere of hostility against students who are or who are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Regardless of her personal or religious beliefs, Ms. Bond has a responsibility to protect and nurture all of her students. By singling out LGBT students in such a horrifying way, she has failed in that responsibility.
I urge you to immediately open an investigation into this incident and other allegations of anti-LGBT behavior by Ms. Bond on school grounds in her professional capacity, and take appropriate action.
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[VIDEO] Shit Homophobic (Ignorant And Threatened F***s) Say.
I’m a trapped barbarian who is mad at my father, according to these ignorant assholes. It’s the people in this video that have influence in the world, and that is just pathetic. For someone to believe that an educated person is simply a barbarian holding a grudge about some daddy issues they have, is moronic. If you’re going to pretend your intelligent enough to have a say in the matter, than don’t make it this easy to point out the flaws and ignorance in your argument. The fact that anyone takes you seriously just goes to show how many people don’t think for themselves and open their minds in this country.
Sh*t Homophobic People Say: no spoofing necessary, 100% real commentary by antigay public figures.
Lambda Legal fights for the rights of LGBT people and people with HIV. Follow us on Twitter @lambdalegal and visit http://www.lambdalegal.org to learn more!
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[VIDEO] Gay Dads Realize They’re Going To Be Grandfathers! So Sweet!
This is a remarkable video that captures the reaction of two gay fathers who are just hearing the news that they will be grandpa’s soon! Although some people shun at the “different” lifestyle, this gives me hope that many more families will be able to live normally and experience joys just like this. It gives me hope that by the time my girlfriend and I have a child that they won’t have to deal with bullying nearly as much as some children do today. This is awesome.
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[VIDEO] Mitt Romney: Veteran Gay Basher
He’s at it again.
GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney had interrupted a breakfast that Bob Garon was enjoying at Chez Vachon in Manchester, New Hampshire. Normally his breakfasts were pretty uneventful, but on this morning Mr. Romney was in town to receive an endorsement from Manchester mayor Ted Gatsas.
The irony is so amazing in this story. Garon just so happens to be a gay Vietnam vet and was with his legally wed husband, Bob Lemire, when Romney approached their table. Romney was inquiring about Garon’s military experiences, but the 63-year-old Vietnam vet turned the tables and started asking the Mormon candidate more about his views on gay marriage and benefits for LGBT service members.
Garon asked if Romney would support repealing the New Hampshire law legalizing gay marriage. The flailing candidate said yes, because “marriage is between a man and a woman.”
As ABC News reports:
Garon responded, clarifying that what that meant was that if Romney is elected he would not support any legislation that would change the law so that gay servicemen would get the same benefits as heterosexual couples.
“I believe marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman,” Romney said. “We apparently disagree on that.”
“It’s good to know how you feel, that you do not believe everyone is entitled to their constitutional rights,” the 63-year-old New Hampshire resident responded.
“No, actually I think at the time the Constitution was written it was pretty clear marriage was between a man and a woman,” Romney said, just as one of his campaign aides chimed in that they had “to get going” to another Fox interview.
“Oh, I guess the question was too hot,” Garon quipped to Romney and his aide.
SOURCE
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