Ugandan Clergyman Shows Gay Porn to His Congregation

Pastor Martin Ssempa decided to show gay pornography to his church in hopes of gaining support for a proposed law that would give some gay people the death penalty. Noma Padade, from the African gay rights group Behind the Mask accused the pastor of perpetuating violence by his anti-gay campaign. "Showing pornography in church in the presence of minors is twisted homophobic propaganda, where homosexuality is equated to pedophilia and pornography."

Homosexuality is already against the law in Uganda and people convicted of same-sex love are sent to jail. However, supporters of the new bill, including Pastor Ssempa want more severe punishments. He justified his decision to show gay pornography to about 300 people, saying: "We are in the process of legislation and we have to educate ourselves about what homosexuals do."
Although the anti-gay proposal has gotten wide support from Ugandan MPs and conservative groups, President Yoweri Musevini recently hinted that he might scrap the proposals due to international pressure.

Queer Activists Chain Themselves to the New York Marriage Bureau

Last week, we were talking a lot about activism and apathy towards the very real problems that are facing the world. For some of us, the never-ending list of things we need to fix is overwhelming and stops us from going out and doing anything. Where are the angry people that will go out do the radical things that will get attention and spark discussion?

Well, a couple days ago, after 20 same-sex couples were rejected marriage licenses by the New York Marriage Bureau four activists chained themselves to the building, blocking the entry. They were arrested. Following the rejection of the same-sex couples, a lesbian and a gay man applied to be married and were approved as a couple for a marriage license. In protest, between 50 – 100 marriage equality supporters held a rally across the street.

Anyway, I know these activists aren’t our age, but it’s nice to know that there are angry people out there fighting for rights. And remember, it’s really important to remember to exercise the rights that you do have, because if you don’t, they will be taken away from you.

MIQA T-Shirts!

Don't forget to be thinking about designs for the MIQA T-Shirts. Remember, we don't want the year incorporated into the design, that way it'll be timeless. Here's a picture of the T-Shirt we're going to get sans design. Also, remember to vote on what color you want the design to be in. Last meeting I heard some people talking about dark purple, navy, and dark grey. Maybe seeing the shirt will help you choose.

Internship Opportunity

Hey guys, I just got an e-mail about an internship opportunity. The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC) is a rapidly growing and dynamic non-profit organization working to expand the economic opportunity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) business community. They're currently looking for interns to assist in the growth of various initiatives within their organization. Here are some posts: communications/technology, corporate relations, supplier diversity, meetings and events, programs/chief of staff.

If you want more information or an application, please email me at miqamiqa@gmail.com