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News: ENDA, Rockmond Dunbar, Jared Polis, Methodists Go Trans

· For the second time in as many weeks, a vote has been delayed on the proposed& ; Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Last week, the bill passed a committee on a 27 - 21 vote. The House's only openly lesbian member, Wisconsin's Tammy Baldwin, proposed an amendment to restore transgender protections but it has reportedly been tabled.

· Via Alex Blaze at The Bilerico Project: Jared Polis, the openly gay congressional candidate in Colorado, begins blogging on ENDA at Daily Kos. Look for our upcoming profile of Polis in The Advocate.

· Another month, another hot cover at Dallas-based Krave. Dirty Laundry star Rockmond Dunbar covers the next issue. Rod 2.0 crush object Mehcad Brooks was the October cover.

· In a potentially landmark decision, the United Methodist Church rules a transgender pastor can remain in the ministry.The UMC bans openly gays and lesbians "from serving as clergy, but its Book of Discipline makes no mention of transsexual people."

· Think Progress reports Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter (R) is the only senator to "earmark" federal funds for abstinence education, "quietly [adding] more than two dozen earmarks... totaling more than $1 million."

· Report: HIV first arrived in the United States in 1969 from Haiti, most likely carried by "a single infected immigrant who set the stage for it to sweep the world in a tragic epidemic."

· The Human Rights Campaign gets a thumbs up from Virginia Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine. An HRC field staffer reports that during a speech on the campaign trail, the governor acknowledged their work and said, "We are joined by great groups like the Human Rights Campaign," which "shows that not only our efforts making a difference, but they’re also being noticed by those in power."

Jamaican Parents (Allegedly) Protest Gay Reference in Textbook

Another week and another example of anti-gay hysteria in Jamaica. Actually, let's say another alleged example because some of the facts are not attributed.

According to the island's leading newspaper, the Jamaica Gleaner, several secondary school teachers have been criticized after "trying to explain homosexual unions as a viable family option as presented in a Ministry of Education-recommended textbook."

The controversial clause in the book entitled, C-SEC Home Economics and Beyond (Management) by Rita Dyer and Norma Maynard, reads: "When two women or two men live together in a relationship as lesbians or gays, they may be considered as a family. They may adopt children or have them through artificial insemination."

Documents viewed by The Gleaner news team from one prominent high school in Kingston showed that 'Same sex' was listed among the types of families. The documents also revealed that an assignment was given for the students to find photos that depict the different family types. Two photos depicting male as well as female homosexual unions were submitted as a part of the assignment and the student was given an A+ for her efforts.

The report says "administrators of the prominent institution" investigated the complaints but were satisfied because "the teacher told her class that homosexual unions were not socially accepted." There are quotes from the usual suspects condemning gays and same-sex relationships—in this case, the president of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica and the Catholic school district.

It's challenging to analyze the homo-hysteria reports from this part of the world, which often are a mixture of fact and fiction. (Or, totally fabricated.) In addition to the undisclosed school and anonymous quotes from "administrators", the approved C-SEC Home Economics and Beyond is marketed under a similar title, Home Economics: A Caribbean Approach (2002), and that version is approved (PDF) by the Ministry of Youth and Education. It's also difficult to believe a five-year-old Caribbean home economics text would offer a gay positive passage, let alone receive approval from the government.

Sigh. That analysis of the homo-hysteria requires logic. Unfortunately, there is no logic to the entrenched homophobia and homo-hysteria on Jamaica

You May Want to Read ...
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
"Gay Panic" Defense in Brutal Slaying [R20]
Who Killed Ambassador Peter King? [R20]
"Gay Panic" in Killing of Popular Priest [R20]
"Flaunting Sexual Preference May Incite Violence" [R20]
Angry Mob of 2,000 Jamaicans Attack Gays [R20]
Did Jamaican Cops "Rescue" Gays? [R20]
JA Leading Newspaper Demands Equal Rights [R20]
Justice, Jamaican Style [R20]
Bloodlust at UWI [R20]
"One Gay is Dead, What's the Difference?" [R20]
"Jamaica, Island of Hate" [R20]
Justice, Jamaican Style [R20]

Edwards and Obama Press Clinton in Democratic Debate

In the seventh debate and one of the sharpest exchanges so far on the campaign trail, Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and John Edwards challenged the perceived consistency and judgment of Hillary Clinton in a televised debate from Drexel University in Philadelphia. The heated exchange underscores Clinton's perceived front runner status some two months before the Iowa caucuses.

After this week's interview in The New York Times where Obama promised to play offense and show more aggressiveness toward Clinton—see our analysis at The Huffington Post, as well as Arianna Huffington's—all eyes were on him, especially after Obama compared himself to Philadelphia's own Rocky Balboa. But the sharpest rebukes came from John Edwards who is forcefully trying to position himself to the left of Clinton and as the true progressive alternative.

For Clinton, the most damaging exchange was at the very end of the debate and over New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer's proposal to allow undocumented workers access to driver’s licenses. The proposal has some merit, but, Clinton's positioning straddles the fence and drives home the narrative that she often refuses to answer tough questions. If anything, the Republican contenders may exploit this position for their anti-immigration platform.

The Associated Press: "In the City of Brotherly Love, there wasn't much for a sister. Hillary Rodham Clinton's rivals ganged up on her during a two-hour Democratic presidential debate Tuesday night, putting the front-runner on defense on issues ranging from Iraq and Iran to Social Security and whether she would be electable in the general election."

The Philadelphia Inquirer: “Early and often, on Iraq, Iran and electability, Hillary Rodham Clinton was sharply criticized by her rivals during a Democratic presidential debate Tuesday night at Drexel University. This encounter was much the candidates' most contentious of the year, with the front-runner taking repeated verbal shots, particularly from Barack Obama and John Edwards.”

Adam Nagourney and Elisabeth Bumiller of The New York Times add that "for all the attention Mr. Obama drew to himself coming into the debate, he was frequently overshadowed by former Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, who—speaking more intensely—repeatedly challenged Mrs. Clinton’s credentials and credibility, and frequently seemed to make the case against Mrs. Clinton that Mr. Obama had promised to make."

You May Have Missed ...
Why Obama is Losing Black Voters [HuffPo]
Welcome to the Campaign, Barack [HuffPo]
Democratic Debate Addresses Homopohobia, Race [R20]
Democratic Candidates Debate Gay Issues [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [Advocate]
Hillary: The Advocate Interview [R20]
Obama on McClurkin to "The Advocate" [R20]
Obama Warns of Black "Quiet Riot" [R20]
MSNBC's Tucker: "Is Obama Black Enough?" [R20]
Hillary Clinton Attracts More Black Voters [R20]
HRC/Logo Forum: Obama Conference Call [R20]
HRC/Logo Forum: Morning After [R20]
Obama Warns of Black "Quiet Riot" [R20]
MSNBC's Tucker: "Is Obama Black Enough?" [R20]
Hillary Clinton Attracts More Black Voters [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [Advocate]
Guest Commentary: Rod McCullom [Logo]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
Edwards Campaign Launches 12-City Poverty Tour [R20]

Marcus Hill @ Major Models

Start the day with a little candy, not the Halloween variety that you'll be passing out later, but, eye candy. Major Models releases new images of the Marcus Hill, the flawless "it boy" and one of the models of the moment.

The body may not be immediately familiar to Rod 2.0 readers, but, the chiseled face and the lips should be recognizable. In the summer of 2006, an editorial featuring Marcus was used for this Rod 2.0 banner.

Photography by Gregory Vaughn. Sometimes the best accessory for basic black are tighty whiteys.

Bush to Anti-Gay, Ugandan Dictator: "It's Really Good To See You!"

President George W. Bush takes a moment from his busy schedule of vetoing health care for children and threatening the veto of equal rights for gays and lesbians for this meeting and photo-opp with Ugandan Dictator President Yoweri Museveni. The presidents discussed trade and HIV/AIDS, and, not surprisingly, ignored the many reported human rights abuses of gays and lesbians.

Official White House Transcript:

"We talked about other issues as well. I am very proud that the United States taxpayer has supported this President in his efforts to deal with HIV/AIDS. And Uganda is the epitome of how one can implement a comprehensive ABC strategy to achieve concrete and specific results for the sake of humanity. And so, Mr. President, I assure you we'll continue to support you on HIV/AIDS and, equally important, we'll support you on fighting malaria. And I thank you for your determined efforts...Mr. President, thanks for coming. Really good to see you again."

Uganda and its president certainly are determined—to be awarded more of the Bush Administration largess toward social conservative governments and religious fundamentalists. Earlier this month, Rod 2.0 reported the George W. Bush Administration, through its much criticized abstinence-based HIV strategy, is funding religious organizations in Uganda that "actively promote violence and discrimination against lesbians and gay men." Members of one group have threatened Ugandan LGBT rights activists and posted their names, photos and addresses on a website.

Uganda's leading Muslim cleric suggests all gays should be detained, marooned on an island in Lake Victoria and left to die. Not sure if that was one of the President's talking points. It probably wasn't.

More UGANDA
More GEORGE W BUSH

Some Background ...
Uganda Ethics Minister Advises Gays to Leave [R20]
Report: "Abstinence Only" Policy Spreads HIV, Death [R20]
Bush Administration Funding Anti-Gay Groups in Uganda [R20]

Why Obama is Losing Black Voters: Too Little, Too Late ... Too Boring?

Our first essay at The Huffington Post.

It's one of today's featured posts, under Arianna Huffington's column, and also here. We'll be posting—and occasionally cross-posting—regularly at HuffPo.

Monday Off

No posts today—our hands are full with projects for The Advocate and The Huffington Post.

In the meantime, check Saturday's posts for the weekend news, The Advocate exclusive interview with Barack Obama, and, the week in review.

Review 2.0

"Ex-gay" Donnie McClurkin and Obama's gospel series.
Why ignore warnings and reject black gay pastors?
Massive wildfires kill and destroy in Southern California.
Right wing: God hates California and liberals.
The House delays a vote on ENDA.
Tyson Beckford displays his very substantial oral skills.
Hillary Clinton pledges billions to fight HIV/AIDS.
Bush: Billions for Iraq but no healthcare for children.
Giuliani staffer really, really loves the "n-word."
Alabama DEMOCRATS approve Bible-literacy textbook.
Hotness: Practice with our Monday Morning Quarterback.
Michael Jai White: Why did I get married? Why?
More hotness: Subway trade.

Barack Obama on Black Gays and Donnie McClurkin to "The Advocate"

Kerry Eleveld, the news editor of The Advocate, has an exclusive interview with Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Much of the interview focuses on the campaign's controversial decision to book a gospel revival tour in South Carolina and failing to background the performers, especially "ex-gay" (or is it "re-closeted"?) gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin. The often-ignored black gay community is addressed in an excellent set-up on McClurkin, and, in the interview: "McClurkin, an award-winning gospel singer who has also struggled with his sexuality for years, is a one-man personification of the craggy crossroads between black gays and Christians. The fact that he has called homosexuality a “curse” that runs against 'the intention of God' rips open the wounds of so many gay African-Americans who have been 'prayed over' for years by family and friends who endeavor to save them from their 'shameful' fate."

The Advocate: How did this happen? Was Mr. McClurkin vetted?
Senator Obama: Obviously, not vetted to the extent that people were aware of his attitudes with respect to gay and lesbians, LGBT issues -- at least not vetted as well as I would have liked to see.

Having said that, we viewed this simply as an opportunity to have a gospel concert as part of our overall outreach, and since he was singing at a concert along with a number of other artists, as opposed to being a spokesperson for us, probably it didn’t undergo the same kind of vet that someone who was serving as a surrogate for me might have.

Some black gay activists I’ve spoken to say this doesn’t make them question Obama the senator, but it does make them question the campaign -- do they really understand the nuances of these issues, are they really sitting down and talking with gay folks, because it seems like this decision came purely through the lens of faith?
Look, these kinds of issues are going to crop up inevitably through the course of campaigns. It’s important to recognize that these are issues that every Democratic candidate who has African-American ministers as supporters may have to confront. It just so happened that it popped up on the screen in this particular instance. But I assure you, I am not the only candidate who’s got a black minister or a white minister who’s supporting them prominently who subscribes to similar views.

Part of the reason that we have had a faith outreach in our campaigns is precisely because I don’t think the LGBT community or the Democratic Party is served by being hermetically sealed from the faith community and not in dialogue with a substantial portion of the electorate, even though we may disagree with them.

Part of what I have done in my campaign and in my career is be willing to go to churches and talk to ministers and tell them exactly what I think. And go straight at some of these issues of homophobia that exist in the church in a way that no other candidate has done. I believe that’s important. We can try to pretend these issues don’t exist and then be surprised when a gay marriage amendment pops up and is surprisingly successful in a state. I think the better strategy is to take it head on and we’ve got to show up. These people of faith may be operating in part out of unfamiliarity, or they may be insular in terms of how they’re viewing LGBT issues, they may not understand how what they say may be hurtful, and the only way for us to be able to communicate that is to show up.

Obama's position is nuanced, but, that is essentially the nature of coalition politics. The bottom line: Obama is still a viable, albeit slightly wounded, candidate. Obama's advisors did not serve him well—Chris Crain makes a strong argument for this case—and hopefully some staffing changes will be made. The Illinois senator also reaffirms his commitment to LGBT issues and reminds gay voters of the opposition he faced—from the left and the right—when he spoke at the mega-church of conservative pastor Rick Warren.

Pam Spaulding has done a yeoman's job sitting in for Glenn Greenwald at Salon and agrees this is not a deal-killer, but, the inevitable result of courting the evangelical vote: "Once he opened the Pandora's box of personal religious convictions, Obama—or any candidate—cannot then step back and pretend he holds no responsibility for crossing that line when the going gets tough."

More BARACK OBAMA.
More DONNIE MCCLURKIN.
More RELIGION.
More POLITICS.

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Report: Barack Obama Campaign REJECTS Michael Eric Dyson and TWO Black Gay Pastor [R20]
Obama Tries Distance from "Ex-Gay" McClurkin [R20]
Obama Campaigns with Ex-Gay Donnie McClurkin [R20]
Bishop: "No Faggots or Sissies" [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [Advocate]
Obama Warns of Black "Quiet Riot" [R20]
MSNBC's Tucker: "Is Obama Black Enough?" [R20]
Hillary Clinton Attracts More Black Voters [R20]
HRC/Logo Forum: Obama Conference Call [R20]
HRC/Logo Forum: Morning After [R20]
"Would You Let a White Supremacist..." [R20]
Obama Campaign Names Gay Supporters [R20]
Democratic Debate Addresses Homopohobia, Race [R20]
Obama Campaign Names Gay Supporters [R20]
Obama and Edwards on DOMA [R20]
Hillary vs Obama [R20]
Christians" Opposed to Obama [R20]

Tyson Beckford to Host New Bravo Series, "Make Me a Supermodel"

In this week's Tyson Beckford Watch^TM: News that Rod 2.0's favorite supermodel will host his own modeling reality show for Bravo.

This was a good week for Tyson Beckford. First, the stunning model slash actor displayed his impressive oral skills in a mouth-watering, mango-eating performance as a celebrity judge on America's Next Top Model. (More slightly fuzzy screen captures at Top Model Gossip.) The ANTM appearance comes at the same time gay-fave cable network Bravo announces Tyson and former supermodel Niki Taylor will host the new series Make Me A Supermodel. The Bravo version of the hit British reality series is scheduled to launch early next year and "will see men and women compete for a modeling career launch and $100,000 cash prize with viewers voting each week."

Have you ever been jealous of a mango?

More TYSON BECKFORD.