You can purchase an autographed copy of Anything But Straight by sending a $35 check or money order to:
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Wayne Besen
PO Box 25491
Brooklyn, NY 11202
A recent study by the New York-based organization Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues unveiled an unfortunate problem with gay and lesbian groups across the country, whether they were local or national institutions: Our organizations are woefully underfunded.
Another study by the San Francisco-based Horizons Foundation found that only one in 300 people give $1,000 or more per year to gay and lesbian causes.
Folks, freedom isn't free and our fundamentalist opponents are badly outspending us. In the modern media age, money means access and political power. If you don't mind Rev. Jerry Falwell and James Dobson running this country, than by all means shovel out more money to attend your next circuit party. However, if you want your basic rights and freedoms, it is time to pony up.
You can begin funding the movement now by clicking the "DONATION" button at the top right of this page. My writing and work to combat the ex-gay ministries comes directly out of my pocket. I need more than your letters of support, I need your help. Only you can help me fight the right by making a donation today.
If not me, please give to HRC or NGLTF or any of the worthy state and local gay rights organizations. It is hard to walk the extra mile on a shoestring budget. The underfunding of the GLBT movement in the shadow of crisis is disgraceful and embarrassing. It is time we end our shame and open our wallets to show that we are worthy of our rights and willing to do what is necessary to succeed. Give twenty dollars. Give one thousand, if you can. But it is time to give something.
We need to emulate the Jews and Catholics and begin to fund our movement. We have got to be the cheapest people on earth. We want results - but we want them for free.
If our organizations were more responsible I might give. Plus, discrimination is SO overrated. It is all about raising money. I have a lot of money, but why should I give? I can't remeber the last time I was discriminated against.
Come on Duke, you're in *West Hollywood*, not Kansas anymore! The rest of us who live in the real world DO experience discrimination. Fortunately I live in NJ, but try to imagine what it's like for our brothers and sisters who are stuck in the bowels of some 'red' state?!
posted by Anonymous, at
7/08/2005 1:25 PM
Since you think my sexual identity's fake, perhaps I and other bisexuals should be sending you Monopoly money.
Infighting aside though, there are plenty of organisations who do honest good work to promote freedom matters of sexuality without claiming any particular orientation doesn't exist.
Maybe Wayne annoyed you, that doesn't mean he's wrong in this post.
Duke in West Hollywood *rolls eyes*, please visit Free Z. for one good reason to fight homophobia (there are many). It's your country, man. Do something about it!
posted by Willie Hewes, at
7/10/2005 3:37 PM
Jayelle's incoherent response is typical of people who want to shut down debate. I never said I think her sexual orientation is fake.
Quite the opposite, I stated very clearly that I do beleive that many bisexuals exist, although the number of males may be overstated. I simply drew attention to a study she doesn't like and in response she elects to distort my words. I'll gladly accept the Monoply money, which is in line with such a phony and reactionary response. I expect more from JL than shallow attacks.
posted by Wayne Besen, at
7/10/2005 4:00 PM
My response was coherent, in that it is on-topic and clear. I hope my responses elsewhere in this blog were as well.
It wasn't "phony", either. My anger at "allies" who really aren't is, in fact, quite real.
I am reminded of a bit in Falling Angels, by Tracy Chevalier, in which a maid to a women's suffrage activist is asked by one of her mistress' friends to donate money to their cause. She made hardly any money, like most Edwardian maids, but she thought it was a great cause. Then she found out that the suffragettes are only fighting for women of the higher classes to have the vote. She is justifiably angry that this woman who is actually furthering her oppression is acting like an ally, and clearly lets her know why her pennies are staying in her pocket. I felt a lot like that maid's real-life sisters must have when I read this blog, Wayne.
A charity does not have to benefit me directly to get any money from me--I have recently donated to the Antarctic and Southern Oceans Coalition. I also donate to other LGBT groups that truly remember the "B", such as the Point Foundation. However, I will not knowingly allow my own money to be used as a weapon against myself and my friends, and I'm not clear on whether that would happen if I donated to you or not.
Lastly, I echo your statements: I too have expected more. And I don't want to "shut down debate"; you have your opinion and I have mine. I am, in fact, giving you a debate.
