Rod 2.0:Beta

Mother of Slain Teen Jorge Steven López Mercado Speaks Out

"When my son told me he was gay, I told him, 'Now, I love you more'. I want to tell the world that hatred is not born with human beings, it is a seed that is planted by adults and is fostered creating a climate of intolerance and violence. We must change our ways and understand that anyone... could have been my son. And I want everybody to know that Jorge Steven was a very much loved son."

Miriam Mercado, the mother of 19-year-old Jorge Steven López Mercado, who was horrifically murdered last week in Puerto Rico. The funeral began today and he will be laid to rest tomorrow.

There are vigils across the country today.

Houston Chronicle Endorses Annise Parker for Mayor

Annise Parker, the openly lesbian comptroller of Houston, has won the endorsement of the Houston Chronicle in the city’s runoff election for mayor.

The editors of the Chronicle:

"In the general election the Chronicle endorsed both Parker and former city attorney and public agency lawyer Gene Locke, her opponent in the run-off. As we noted then, they each 'offer deep roots in the city and a dazzling range of life experiences and public service.' And our endorsement of Parker should not be taken as a diminution of the skills and qualifications of Locke, whose back story as a civil rights activist, steelworker and successful major law firm attorney offers a compelling narrative. Houstonians are lucky to face such a difficult choice. But Parker's background and experience offer a better fit for the mayor's office at this point in time...In both her public and personal life, Parker has maintained high ethical standards and decorum in her years as an elected official. No scandals have occurred on her watch. As mayor she will present the city's best face to the world, one of tolerance, diversity and compassion for all our citizens. The Chronicle urges voters to allow Parker to take her high standards and solid record of accomplishment to the city's highest office"

Only days ago, Parker was the subject of a vicious mailing sent to thousands of Houstonians that targeted her sexuality.

Parker finished first in the general election November 3rd. The runoff is December 12th. A poll by KHUF found the race nearly a dead heat, with Parker’s 3-point lead within the poll’s MOE. Annise Parker's campaign site is HERE.

Lance Gross Shaves His Beard

And we don't mean model "girlfriend" Eva Pigford.

Not sure do you recognize the babydaddylicious House of Payne actor after he recently shaved all of his facial hair. More of Lance Gross' new sexy WHEN YOU JUMP.

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Plus Size Lingerie

Lingerie

Uganda's Museveni: European Gays are "Recruiting" in Africa

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni ramps up the state-sanctioned, anti-gay hysteria and claims European gays are "recruiting" in Uganda and throughout Africa, reports the Monitor.

He urged the youth to reject the advances. Expressing his homophobia, Mr Museveni said the youth must stand firm and abhor the divergent sexual orientation. “I hear European homosexuals are recruiting in Africa,” said Mr Museveni on Saturday, to an audience of mainly youth at the Kampala Serena Hotel that homosexuality is un-natural. “We used to have very few homosexuals traditionally. They were not persecuted but were not encouraged either because it was clear that is not how God arranged things to be.”

The President’s comments follow efforts by lawmaker David Bahati (NRM, Ndorwa West) who moved a private members Bill last month—The Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009, to outlaw homosexuality in the country. Included in the draft text are not only condemnations of same-sex relations, but a new crime that carries the death penalty, and a criminal sentence for having sex while HIV positive. The President’s comments will enrage Uganda’s gay community which has strongly protested the new Bill, and will put Mr Museveni’s regime on a collision path with several of Uganda’s critical donors who are strong proponents of homosexuality and the ideals of civil liberties. Rights advocates have said the government’s stance on homosexuality is illegal, not to mention an outrage.

The proposed draconian anti-gay bill would make Uganda among the most inhospitable places for gays on the planet. The new legislation creates an offense of "aggravated homosexuality" that would be punishable by death. The bill is said to have a "99% chance" of being passed, a Uganda MP tells the BBC.

Some Background ...
Uganda: Death Penalty for "Aggravated Homosexuality"
Anti-Gay Activists March on Parliament
Uganda Anti-Gay Conference Day Two
UG Anti-Gay Conference
Rare Court Victory for Uganda Gays
Uganda Launches Major Anti-Gay Offensive
Uganda' Muslim Cleric: Exile Gays
Uganda Ethics Minister Advises Gays to Leave

Senate "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Hearing "Postponed" Indefinitely

The Senate Armed Services Committee has "postponed" indefinitely the scheduled hearing on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", the military ban that prevents gays and lesbians from serving openly, AFP reports.

"We do not have a date" for the hearing, said the aide, Tara Andringa. Committee staff have been working on Afghanistan issues ahead of President Barack Obama's decision on whether to send more troops, and more recently on the aftermath of the shock rampage at the sprawling Fort Hood military base. The panel's chairman, Democratic Senator Carl Levin, had said in late October that it would hold a hearing in November and that he hoped to "to find a way to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'.

The news comes only days after the House HELP Committee delayed the markup of the proposed Employment Non-Discrimination Act or ENDA.

Several Democratic House and Senate members have promised there would be a vote on ENDA this calendar year. That increasingly seems unlikely. The 2010 midterm election cycle begins in January and some Senate Democrats have suggested they are unwilling to consider gay rights other "controversial" legislation during their re-election campaigns.

Today is 11th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance

Today is the 11th Annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance, which hopes to raise awareness around the many who are killed in anti-transgender violence and hate crimes. Events marking TDOR are happening around the world today.

Autumn Sandeen at Pam's House Blend: "As of yesterday morning, there are 119 documented deaths internationally that meet the criteria for inclusion for reading the list of the dead. That's just shy of an average of 10 known deaths a month. For those who are interested in U.S. deaths, I count 13 U.S. deaths on the list. For another year, that still averages to about one death a month in the U.S. due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice."

As has been mentioned many times on this page, the vast majority of anti-trans violence in the U.S. targets black and Latina trans women. The culprits of violence against black and Latina trans women are also most likely NOT to be caught or prosecuted. In recent months on Rod 2.0, we've seen plenty of the cases, such as the horrific daylight stabbing of Nana Boo Mack, Lateisha Green case, a transgender shooting in Milawukee, the fatal shooting in New Orleans, and several recent shootings in Memphis. Last week's case of the teen in Puerto Rico who was killed in a horrific fashion was also most likely a case of anti-transgender violence.

In related news: Tampa added "gender identity" to its anti-discrimination ordinance which already included sexual orientation.

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Recap: Clifford Stanley Undersecretary DoD Hearings

On Thursday, the Senate Armed Services Committee held a confirmation hearing for Clifford Stanley, the retired Marine general who has been nominated as the Department of Defense's Undersecretary of Personnel and Readiness. That is the position that oversees the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and will be tasked to implement its repeal—if and when that comes.  Stanley served 33 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and became the Marines' first black regimental commander. He retired in 2002 as a two-star general.

Stanley did not provide much insight into his thoughts on DADT, which was one of the hearing's main points of inquiry. Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, ranking member on the committee, said he believed the current policy is "working successfully" and "would be opposed to any attempt at modifying the existing policy." HRC Backstory reports:

Senator Levin followed McCain’s pro-DADT position by asking simply if Dr. Stanley would provide his best objective opinion over the repeal of DADT, to which Dr. Stanley responded with a simple yes. An opportunity to elaborate was provided with Senator Udall (D-CO), who asked – while noting gays and lesbians already serve in the armed services, and that thousands of gays and lesbians are civilian employees working with military personnel – if Dr. Stanley was prepared to support a push by the White House to include repeal of DADT in policy recommendations in the defense budget next year. Dr. Stanley didn’t quite answer the question, recognizing this is a sensitive issue and that he would be seeking input from all sources, particularly the service chiefs and military personnel “from deck plate to squad level,” and provide a recommendation to Secretary Gates. Dr. Stanley admitted he did not know what that recommendation would be, and will bear no preconceived notions as to the direction he will go in recommending action on DADT. Senator Burris (D-IL) asked what Dr. Stanley would do about pending discharge cases immediately upon confirmation. Dr. Stanley – correctly – responded that the pending cases would fall under existing statute, and that he was unaware that he would have any role in these pending discharge cases (he wouldn’t)."

The Servicemember's Legal Defense Network (SLDN) was disappointed that Stanley "punted" on the issue. SLDN's Aubrey Sarvis remarks: "When given the opportunity by Senator Mark Udall (D-Colo.) to support his commander in chief’s position to overturn the ban, Dr. Stanley did not do so. However, as is the case with most nominees, Dr. Stanley did not delve into any of the policy issues in his portfolio. We look forward to Dr. Stanley becoming fully aligned with President Obama on repeal."

Last week, Rep. Barney Frank suggested the DADT repeal would most likely be an amendment to next year's Defense Authorization. The Administration has not commented on that report.

More at The Advocate and HRC Backstory.

Black Gay Teen Beaten with Pipe; Principals, Bus Driver Ignored Pleas

Sixteen-year-old Jayron Martin, a student at Langham Creek High School outside Houston, was viciously attacked by a group of pipe-wielding students on November 12 because he is gay. The student says he learned the boys were planning to attack him after his school bus ride and asked two principals and the bus driver to help. Martin's pleas were ignored.

After that fateful school bus ride, Jayron was indeed chased off the bus by eight students. "I was just running for my life and nobody was like there at all. Nobody was doing anything for me,” said Martin. The boy was assaulted for seven minutes by with a student wielding a metal pipe while the others watched. The horrific attack was stopped by a property owner who scared the gang away with a shotgun.

Says Martin: "All they kept saying was, ‘We going to get you. We going to fight you,’ and all that and so when they started coming after me they were like, ‘You’re not going to be gay anymore.’ They just kept hitting me."

Jayron Martin suffered a concussion, cuts and bruises. He fears for his life and does not want to return to school. The 16-year-old who beat him has been arrested. There have been no other arrests. 

Martin's mother is considering a lawsuit against the school and administrators. I'd say add the parents of the students, and the bus driver. 

Watch KHOU's report AFTER YOU JUMP.

Many Questions After Brutal Slaying of Baltimore Black Gay Teen

A popular black gay Baltimore teen was laid to rest Wednesday but the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. Fifteen-year-old Jason Mattison Jr. was known for his skin-tight jeans and funky sweaters. The flamboyant, openly gay teen was a star student at the Vivian T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy and hoped to become a pediatrician. Little was known about his family life until his body was found, viciously stabbed and stuffed into a closet. A 35-year-old ex-convict who previously served time for murder has confessed to killing Jason—a man who apparently lived at Dante's home and forced the boy into a sexual relationship, reports the Baltimore Sun.

Last week, at his aunt's house, one of the few occupied homes on a block boarded and sagging, he was found dead - raped, gagged with a pillowcase, stabbed repeatedly in the head and throat, and shoved into an upstairs closet. Jason's killing left his teachers, classmates and relatives in tears and family members asking questions of one another even in the days leading up to today's funeral. Did Jason leave his mother's house and move in with his aunt, as his grandmother suggested? Or was he just visiting on that fateful day, as a cousin said?

[Jason's grandmother] said Jason left his mother recently and moved into the house on Llewellyn Avenue, though family members there said he only visited. A Baltimore police spokesman would say only that Jason "was staying at his aunt's house." It was there that Jason met Dante Parrish, with whom the spokesman said the teen had a "forced sexual relationship." Whether Parrish went from prison to live at the rowhouse on Llewellyn Avenue or frequented it could not be determined. [Jayson's cousin Laquanna Couplin] would not elaborate beyond confirming that the man was a longtime family friend.

The day Jason's body was found, it was Couplin who called police, at 3 a.m. Nov. 10. She reported that someone had broken into the house and stolen a television from the living room. A police officer came and wrote a larceny report. Couplin called police again at 5:09 a.m., saying that she saw blood on a banister leading to the second floor. She also reported Jason missing.Police found his body in the back of a second-floor closet. Charging documents say that "several witnesses were identified and positively identified defendant Dante Parrish as the person responsible for this act." Couplin said she now believes the missing television was a diversion to make it look like a break-in.

Police arrested Parrish two days later at a convenience store. Parrish confessed and is being held without bail. In the meantime, many questions remain about Parrish's relationship with the family. How many people at the boarding house knew Parrish forced Jayson into a sexual relationship but looked the other way? And why did the family allow Parrish into the home? Jason's grandmother, Wanda Williams, questioned how other relatives could have allowed the boy to be in the same house with Parrish. "I haven't cried so much this entire life," Williams said. "My grandson hollering for help and there is nobody there to help him.

Thanks BALTIMORE FEMME and RJ!

Semenya to Keep Gold Medal

There is good news to report on Caster Semenya, the South African 800m world champion whose victory was overshadowed by an international controversy over her gender. Semenya will be allowed to keep her 800-meter gold medal and the results of her gender tests will be kept confidential, the South African sports ministry says.

The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) has ruled that the 18-year-old, who stormed to victory only for questions to be raised about her gender immediately after the race, was innocent of any wrongdoing. Semenya's victory was overshadowed by the revelation that the IAAF had commissioned a gender test on the teenager. However, South Africa's government, Semenya's lawyers and the IAAF had reached total agreement that she should retain her medal, title and prize money and confirmed that gender tests conducted on Semenya would remain confidential.

The results of complex gender tests were leaked in August that revealed Semenya is intersexed with internal testes and no uterus or ovaries. Several South African sports officials, who were recently dismissed, were apparently aware of Semenya's medical condition but did not tell her. The 18-year-old later went into hiding and reportedly received trauma counseling.

Semanya is awaiting a further decision on whether she may continue to compete as a woman.

R20's Coverage on Caster Semenya ...
SA Athletics Chief Admits Lying About Tests
Semenya In Trauma Counseling After Tests Leaked
Semenya Withdraws from Race After Intersex Reports
SA Sprinter Caster Semenya Gets Makeover
"Elevated Testosterone" Levels in Caster Semenya
Gender Testing Ordered for Gold Medalist Semenya
Report: Semenya Intersex, Internal Testes, No Ovaries

Back Up to Speed

Thanks so much for your patience and well wishes this week. Feeling so much better today. Posting resumes within the hour.

Not Feeling Well

Not feeling so well and need to take another day off. Thanks so much for the kind words and support. Hope to be well rested and up to speed later Wednesday.