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Natalie Cole Resting "Comfortably" After Life-Saving Kidney Transplant

Excellent news. Natalie Cole is "resting comfortably" at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after undergoing a life-saving kidney transplant operation on Monday, according to friends of the family and the singer's web site.

The Grammy Award-winning jazz, pop and R&B legend emotional search for a new kidney was publicized around the world and included an appearance on CNN's Larry King Live on March 31. Dozens of viewers offered to donate their kidneys and the search ended this week when an anonymous fan with a compatible organ died and their family asked that it be given to the singer, CNN reports.

In July 2008 the singer was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and believes she contracted the liver disease from drug use more than 25 years ago. Cole is now sober but unfortunately the condition lead to renal kidney failure. The singer says she was "on very a long" organ donation list due to incompatibility with relatives.

"Natalie is resting comfortably at the hospital and may leave as soon as next week," says producer, author and pastor Kevin E. Taylor, the longtime friend to Natalie Cole who write the discography of  her autobiography Angel On My Shoulder. "Doctors advised her to postpone her summer tour as she recuperates for the next three to four months."

AFTER THE JUMP, watch Natalie on LKL explain how kidney failure and dialysis changed her life.  And please: Send her good thoughts.

Natalie Cole Needs a Kidney and "Larry King" Viewers Offer Theirs

Last night's Larry King Live featured an emotional hour with Natalie Cole, the Grammy Award-winning jazz, pop and R&B legend. In July 2008 the singer was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and believes she contracted the liver disease from drug use more than 25 years ago. Unfortunately the condition has lead to renal kidney failure. Natalie says she is "on a long list" seeking a kidney transplant because unfortunately neither her son nor sister were matches.

Larry King surprised Cole and announced "dozens" of viewers were calling and emailing on the spot ... to offer to be tested as organ donors. Natalie was almost tearful. From the transcript:

KING: You can go out and sing?
COLE: Absolutely.
KING: You can tour?
COLE: Absolutely.
KING: All right. But let's say you're touring, you're opening in Detroit. There's a center there where they can hook you up?
COLE: Yes. All the facilities are the same. ... I have a wonderful team of people at my facility here in Los Angeles that I tell them where I'm going and they make phone calls and make appointments. And it's really quite amazing. I have been on dialysis in Istanbul, Milan, Indonesia, Manila, London. It's amazing. It's really fascinating.
KING: And we're amazed ourselves. I'm going give this to you. We'll check with it later. We have to ask the question. These are all e-mails from dozens—dozens of people offering to be tested to see if they can match who want to give you a kidney.
COLE: That's amazing. That is really amazing.
KING: What do you make of that?
COLE: I don't know. I always felt that it was just so—so strange, you know, to solicit to strangers, you know, for a kidney. But people—people are really great. There are some great human beings out there. That's all I can say.

AFTER THE JUMP watch Natalie explain how kidney failure and dialysis has changed her life.

Commission Says New Jersey Should Allow Same-Sex Marriages

The New Jersey Civil Union Commission releases its much-anticipated and long-awaited report. The commission finds the Garden State's civil union law "fails" to adequately protect gay and lesbian couples and the state should waste no time passing a marriage equality bill. The Star-Ledger:

The final report of the New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission says it gathered "overwhelming evidence" that the civil union law not only fails to provide the same protections as marriage, it also has created economic, medical and emotional hardships for gay couples.

ThTypePad - Edit Poste commission concluded denying same-sex couples the right to marry is as unjust as government imposing racial segregation laws against African-Americans.

"Separate treatment was wrong then and it is just as wrong now," said the report, obtained Tuesday by The Star-Ledger.

The 79-page report is the product of a 13-member panel whose members include pastor, activist and author Rev. Kevin E. Taylor.  The commission was created to "evaluate the impact" of the 2006 civil union law. That law was supposed to provide the rights and responsibilities of marriage but numerous previous findings argue it has not.

The final report will be forwarded to Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine and the Legislature. The governor and the entire State Assembly face the voters next November. The State Senate has four-year terms that end after November 2011. Gay City News notes Senate President Richard J. Codey (former acting governor) and Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., both Democrats, "have said they support marriage equality, while Corzine has for more than a year acknowledged he would sign a marriage law if it came to his desk."

Connecticut and Massachusetts are the only states to allow gay marriage. Both did so by the order of the top courts in their states. New Jersey could make history as the first state to allow same sex marriage by decree of the legislature.

Panel NJ Should OK Same Sex Marriage [NJ]
Report NJ Should Allow Gay Marriage [NYDN]
Jersey State Commission Urges Marriage Equality [GCN]

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The Advocate: "Blackout on Proposition 8"

Our new piece in the Dec. 16 issue of The Advocate. If you have a print issue, it's on pages 32 and 33 and accompanies Michael Joseph Gross' cover story "Gay is the New Black."

Although most of California’s black politicians opposed Proposition 8, many African-American pastors vociferously supported it. Why does black culture draw different lines on gay rights?

There is also an interview with Archbishop Carl Bean of the Unity Fellowship Church, who takes issue with black pastors who have aligned themselves with anti-gay social conservatives. And more on SCLC's Rev. Eric Lee and his fight against anti-gay black mega-church pastors.

Thanks Rev. Kevin Taylor and Karen Ocamb

Obama in Oregon: Gays Being "Used" to Divide the Electorate

Should have mentioned this yesterday. Over the weekend in Oregon, there is another example of Sen. Barack Obama mentioning the need for LGBT tolerance while on the campaign trail. Speaking at a rally in Medford, the Democratic presidential frontrunner spoke out against the right-wing's penchant for using social issues, such as gay marriage, as "wedges" to divide the electorate. Obama received major applause on this one, watch the CNN video via Page One Q.

"I mean, think about what these last few election cycles have been about," the Senator said. "We argue about immigration, but we don't try to solve the immigration problem. It's an argument that is all about people's passions instead of trying to figure it out.

"We argue about gay marriage. You know, in the meantime the planet is, you know, potentially being destroyed. We've got a war that is bankrupting us. And we're going to argue about gay marriage? I mean, that doesn't make any sense."

Three weeks ago in Texas, the senator told a predominately black audience that it was not "very Christian" to say negative things against gays and lesbians.

There are strong arguments to make for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama since they are so close on LGBT issues—that was the focus of our cover article last year for The Advocate (PDF)—but there is absolutely no question that Obama excels at "framing" LGBT issues for mainstream audiences, such as this example in Oregon, telling Pat Roberston's "700 Club" that hospital visitation for gay couples is not a "special privilege"., or, speaking out against homophobia and antisemitism at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

The Oregon speech hits all the right notes with Obama's expanding LGBT fanbase. "It was his recent conversation with an all Black audience [in Texas] that really pushed me over the top in my support," says the Rev. Kevin E. Taylor, the New Jersey-based author, activist and pastor. "Now to know that he's done it again, in Oregon, is just a breath of fresh air because it shows that he dares to be consistent."

Obama: Campaigns Using Gays to Divide [PageOneQ]

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Rev. Jeremiah Wright, The United Church of Christ and Black LGBTs

There has been some unfair speculation on several LGBT and political blogs that Rev. Jeremiah Wright— Barack Obama's pastor at Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ and the center of the current political firestorm—has made anti-gay comments. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Rev. Wright has an inclusive, gay-friendly ministry and Trinity is one of the few black megachurches to actively encourage LGBT outreach. Several of my gay friends in Chicago attend the church, and, one of the assistant pastors is openly gay. Obama's association with Rev. Wright and Trinty was viewed as a "plus" by several black LGBT leaders quoted in the cover article we wrote for The Advocate (PDF) on Hillary Clinton and Obama's gay supporters.

Rev. Kevin Taylor, the prominent New Jersey-based black LGBT activist and author, also says Rev. Wright was praised last year for including an openly gay father in his congregation during his Fathers Day Celebration last year. The RevKev tells Rod 2.0, "Rev. Dr. Wright's sermon "Good News for Homosexuals" in a book called called Good News is a triumphant source for the LGBT community, especially those who are often conflicted by church and chatter. He's a strong advocate for unconditional love and Dr. Wright has never wandered or wavered on that subject."

Regular readers should already know that we're big fans of the UCC's terrific message of inclusion, and, its willingness to market itself as a congregation that welcomes everyone regardless of race or sexual orientation. The UCC is also the only mainline Protestant denomination to approve same sex marriage, although Trinity does not perform these unions. The UCC was praised by the advertising community and progressives for creating those brilliant gay-friendly "Bouncer" and "Ejector" campaigns were banned by most of the networks—including LOGO. Take a minute to watch them.

Behind the Gay Friendly Faces [The Advocate-PDF]

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Some Background ...
News: UCC Slams Fundies [R20]
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Obama Tries Distance from "Ex-Gay" McClurkin [R20]
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Bishop: "No Faggots or Sissies" [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [Advocate]
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MSNBC's Tucker: "Is Obama Black Enough?" [R20]
Hillary Clinton Attracts More Black Voters [R20]
HRC/Logo Forum: Obama Conference Call [R20]
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News: Obama, Kevin Taylor, Irene Monroe, Black Gays and Marriage

· As advanced yesterday on Rod 2.0, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama receives the endorsement of the 60,000 plus Culinary Workers Union in Nevada.

· While the airwaves are flooded with images of Obama and his picture-perfect wife Michelle, author and openly black gay pastor Kevin E. Taylor asks if the presidential phenom will grant black gay men and lesbians the same rights in marriage.

"I really do like you Senator Obama, and I think you could be a glorious, viable, vicious vessel for change," Rev Kev says in the open letter at Chuma Spirit. "[But] I was deeply and personally devastated when you took the old guard, status quo stance on marriage equality. The thing that is most empowering about a strong leader is that even if they cannot do all things (only God can), it’s nice, it’s invigorating, it’s real to have someone say 'I will do everything in my power to make change.' "

· Vermont: As state officials hold public hearings on whether marriage rights should be granted to same-sex couples, a new group, the Vermont Marriage Advisory Council, "will hold forums and drum up interest through a Web site in hopes of enlightening people about the pluses of traditional marriage."

· Meanwhile, in neighboring Massachusetts, the only state where same-sex marriage is legal, a new statewide effort hopes to increase its support among black residents. "Having grown up in Boston and experiencing all of the discrimination as a young boy growing up in the '60s, and now as a gay man, it was a high priority for me to reach out to my own community," says David Wilson, one of the plaintiffs in the landmark case that made gay marriage legal in the Bay State.

· Finally, please send thoughts, prayers and good vibes to the Rev. Irene Monroe. In a moving essay at Bilerico, the author and columnist reveals she has breast cancer. "As each day goes by I get a tad stronger facing this daunting health crisis," she says, explaining the higher risk factors for black women, lesbians and bisexual women, such as access to health care and insurance. "I didn't wake up dead but I woke up still suspicious as to why so many women are confronted with this disease.... My cancer is Stage 1, my nodes are negative, my tumor is the size of a blueberry and there is no sign of metastasis. Whew! This is perhaps as good as it gets for a person diagnosed with breast cancer."

We love you, Irene. Stay strong.

After Elton on Breakthrough Film Roles for Black and Latino Gay Men

With the exception of Maurice's Jamal's soon-to-be-released independent feature Dirty Landry—which we profile in the next (?) issue of The Advocate—the cinematic landscape for black gay men has been practically barren. "It’s barely a landscape," notes veteran television producer Kevin E. Taylor at a comprehensive new analysis at Logo-owned After Elton. "It’s a window garden at best."

The editors After Elton asked us to survey and analyze the more important roles for black gay men and Latinos on the big screen. The piece went live last last week and has caused a strong buzz in comments and across the e-telligentsia. Was Brother to Brother more important than Patrik-Ian Polk's PUNKS? Should Isaiah's role in Get On on the Bus be reevaluated give recent developments? Rev Kev, director Maurice Jamal and critics such as Keith Boykin ,J. Brotherove, and author Fred Smith express cautious optimism.

On the other hand, several Latino voices say they have even fewer choice and are largely unimpressed with their portrayals in Hollywood, including the well-received Quinceañera, seen above. "There are actually very few instances where Latino gay life has been depicted in American film,” says Andrés Duque, the well-known New York City-based advocate for Latino LGBT issues at Blabbeando, Repoter and novelist Johhnny Diaz and poet Emanuel Xavier agree, saying some of the most complex portrayals of Latino gay men are seen in Spain and Almodóvar movies. “It's interesting that countries supposedly plagued by religion are putting out the most provocative cinema [for gay Latino roles]," adds Xavier.

After Elton's Breakthrough Black and Latino Roles on the Big Screen is easy to read, but, clocks in at some five jump pages. Grab your morning coffee (or two) and enjoy the article. It's important issue and thankfully is getting some much-needed recognition.

More After Elton HERE.

New Jersey Couple That Sued for Marriage Gets License

An update to one of our most favoritest couples, Saundra Toby-Heath and Alicia Heath-Toby of Newark, New Jersey. You'll recall, the black lesbians were one of seven gay and lesbian couples who sued New Jersey for the right to marry and their landmark lawsuit led to the historic civil unions law in the Garden State. Now, they take advantage of that legislation...

Tuesday morning at a quarter to nine, Alicia Heath-Toby, 44, and Saundra Toby-Heath, 53, walked away from Newark City Hall with their civil unions license. "It was a very nice morning," said Saundra Toby-Heath, "a lot different from the first time when we went almost five years ago." Toby-Heath is referring to being turned down for a marriage license, which led to the lawsuit, court ruling and legislation.

Toby-Heath and Heath-Toby have been together for some 18 years and legally changed their names to reflect their commitment. The couple held a commitment ceremony in 1999. On Saturday, their pastor, the Rev. Janyce Jackson of Newark's Liberation In Truth Unity Fellowship Church, will officiate their civil union ceremony on at their Newark home. Alicia is an ordained minister in the same denomination and an outreach coordinator and HIV educator for their church's HIV prevention program.

"For us, marriage is not a political issue or an academic issue," the couple says. "This is a real issue about our lives."

In related news, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) has named Rev. Kevin E. Taylor to the New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission. In addition to being a veteran television producer and gay rights activist, the Rev Kev is pastor of Unity Fellowship Church in New Brunswick and author of the new novel, Jaded.

Couple That Sued for Gay Marriage Gets License [Newsday]

Some Background ....

News: Reaction to New Jersey Ruling [R20] Corzine Signs "Civil Unions" Law [R20]

Crossing the Gay Color Line

After Elton conducts a virtual debate on race and sexuality.

The panelists should be familiar to Rod 2.0 readers: Besides you-know-who, AE talks with director Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer), producer-author-pastor Kevin. E. Taylor and Patrik-Ian Polk (Noah's Arc). Topics covered include perceived racism within the gay community, the lack of diversity in advertising targeting gay media, blacks and homophobia, and, dating across the color line. Kevin deconstructs Will & Grace, and offers some spot-on analysis on the "Will Truman syndrome."

Thanks to writer James Hillis.