Why We Fight: Equality Across America For Everyone!

This weekend, thousands of people will converge on the Nation's capital for the National March for Equality, an LGBT equality action led with the intent of training and educating activists to work in every city and state in our good nation.

They will be Bisexual, Gay, Transgender, Lesbian, Un-labeled and Straight. They will be people of color, women, men, non-gendered, older and young -- their only defining trait, a desire for equality and deserved respect. As a mass, we are individual no longer and basic freedoms to live, to love and to be married in the eyes of our state and country is a reason we must fight.

Free to be you and me, such a stunning and simple concept, yet for millennia human beings have fought for the right to turn from old ways and embrace the new ideals. The fight for sexual orientation is like the fight for women's rights and the fight for people of color to have the same access to schools and work. Each time a new battle emerges, and there are people ready to stand on a corner alone with their sign and to march, even in the smallest number as if to say I am here and I cannot wait for my rights to come to me. This weekend, take the time to embrace the new challenges facing humanity -- we will not be equal until there are no fights left!

P.S.
Be sure to cheer loudly for longtime Bisexual, People of Color and Social Justice activist, Penelope Williams who will speak as a representative of the Bisexual community and freedom itself!

Zombies 4 Healthcare Reform, Next Rally 08/29/09, Noon @ LA Federal Bldg

My favorite moment was when you came over to our side near the ned, and walk up with your flesh rotting off, and you dropped character and start talking about your grandfather to the other side. LOL! They were Faith-bergasted! - Zombie 4 Healthcare Participant

We set out to make a small statement, on the stagnation that was becoming the national health care debate. We learned much more about ourselves, the opposition and skin itself. The next rally will be on August 29th, 2009 at the LA Federal Building in Westwood (Wilshire & Veteran) at 12 Noon.

Sign up for the latest updates on http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpfks9

Many thanks to Carsen of http://carsenshairandmakeup.blogspot.com/

Hottest Bisexual Ever: Amber Rose

On the beach, just hanging out and looking amazing. Go 'head with your badass self.

Tom Dekker from Sarah Connor Chronicles and the new Nightmare on Elm Street, Such A Nice Guy!

Walking by the best music shop in the world, Hollywood. Tall, lanky boy comes our wearing the best eff me boots I've seen since Comic Con. He smiles at his DVD at puts his RPatz like sunglasses on. We share a stop light as the walk continues and I grin at him, thinking, dude you are effin FINE. Then I blush because it's John Connor folks, and it's the young John Connor -- gawd, I'm turning into such a damn cougar in the making.

I ask for a photo and he agrees, takes a 2nd one just to make sure it's good. He says he's in the new Nightmare on Elm Street and Jackie Earl Haley is amazing, it's a must see. Nice guys in Hollywood, fo real.

P.S.
He's taller than me, perhaps just under 6 feet.

Read my article on HRC's website!

In 2004, Diane Finnerty, co-director of the Raíces (Roots) project at the University of Iowa wrote an open letter beseeching her white Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender sisters and brothers to recognize the danger of being “enlisted knowingly or unknowingly in [a] racist agenda.” Finnerty advocated against making “statements that diminish the impact of racism” like “I’m surprised that you, as a person of color, wouldn’t understand this is a civil rights issue.” While marriage equality has become a dominating issue for LGBT Americans, according to the Human Rights Campaign’s new study, “At The Intersection: Race, Sexuality and Gender,” LGBT people of color still experience more discrimination due to race than because of sexual orientation. Shedding light on everyday experiences of LGBT people of color, “At the Intersection” exposes a collective truth outside of just anecdotal evidence while suggesting key talking points for discussing social justice across lines we have too long used to define.

- Read the rest on the Human Rights Campaign website, http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2009/08/equality-forward-faith-cheltenham/

YouTube - LGBT African Americans by Faith

Hey what's up, Faith is on truthwinsout.org discussing being an LGBT African American.

Camera + Editing by Sean Hart (seanhart.com)

Soon Google WILL SAVE...your phone (and life)

Google Voice’s Secret Weapon: Number Portability
by Michael Arrington on June 14, 2009
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/14/google-voices-secret-weapon-number-portability/

Google Voice, formerly GrandCentral, is a seriously heavyweight product. When it relaunched in March, just a couple of months ago, we gave Google Voice a glowing review.

Once you’ve jumped in head first to the product it will straighten out your phone life forever. You’ll never have to worry about figuring out which phone numbers to give to different people. Give them one number - your Google Voice number - and then use rules to determine where your calls go based on who’s calling and what you are doing...

YouTube - Marching in Leimert

Check out me and other Black LGBT marching in Leimert Park back in Nov 2008 for marriage equality!

If Dustin Hoffman agrees to push his date, can we get Rachelle back in? Twilighters might be able to make that happen.

Dear Summit Entertainment,
It's nearly unheard of to re-cast a role in the 3rd film, but to do so after Comic Con smacks of real hubris. Did you think fans might not be too upset, or that it's such a minor character it didn't really matter? Just to let you know, within hours of this news forces online began to mobilize.

What's intriguing is that it's not just Twi-fans that are hitting the roof but fans of films in general as well as women who have just about had it with the consistent marginalization in media. The Twilight Saga is one of the most female friendly properties released in recent times, yet this is the 2nd negative action Summit Entertainment has taken against women in the business. You're looking for different directors due to timing, fair enough. A cast member's schedule isn't workable with yours, fair enough. But it's all about how you handle your shit. Right now, your company is quickly gaining a brand of MORONIC. It's really unsettling and like the controversy over Avatar: The Last Airbender (racebending.com); I doubt this will blow over quickly.

Since we're here, consider changing up the marketing department as well? You under-promoted Push and targeted the tiny teen set, while over-promoting the lame as hell Sex Drive at Comic Con 2008. Push was wildly better and had so much potential for brand extension it's wasn't even funny. On the flip side you marketed Knowing as a horror film, when it really had a chance to be this generation's Close Encounters with the Third Kind.

Small production companies make it BIG because of their brand; eventually they become a haven for the artist or a well known refuge of excellent content. Your choices so far, are leading nowhere quickly. And it's a shame because there WAS quite the promise for awhile wasn't there?

I'm a LONG TIME Summit Believer (Twelfth Night, Breakfast of Champions, Lock, Stock, Memento, etc) who's hoping you just go ahead and back the F up on Victoria. Bow to fan pressure; everyone's going to love you for it! I saw Breakfast of Champions in the theater and frakkin loved it, shouldn't that count for something?

~Faith Cheltenham
West Hollywood, CA
thefayth.blogspot.com

Get TB: Eric is the hottest!

Oh True Blood, How Faith loves thee!

Alexander Skarsgård, aka the Robert Pattinson of True Blood, was quite the fan hit at San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend.

Dressed all in black, the Swedish hunk was seen mingling with fans in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego before making his way up to Float for the Wrath of Con party Friday night.

Instead of walking the red carpet, A.S. took the time to pose for pictures and sign autographs (but no biting) with eager True Blood addicts outside.

- Ted C., E! Online

Bisexuals Support the Rev Eric Lee in the face of DISMISSAL

CROSS POSTED FROM BINETUSA.BLOGSPOT.COM, LABICENTER.ORG
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a civil rights group partly founded by Martin Luther King Jr., has threatened to fire the president of its Los Angeles chapter because he supports same-sex marriage..."I'm not going to let their inaction handcuff me from fighting for justice," Lee said. - LA TIMES

Unfortunately, a founder of SCLC was removed from office for being LGBT,
Bayard Rustin (see the terrific film on his life, Brother Outsider on LOGO or order it today at rustin.org)

Saddest thing? Even the folks over at jesus-is-sav(i)or.com know Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr. supported LGBT Civil Liberties.
So why is THE MESSAGE OF Love and Tolerance still missing from SCLC?

To deny even established leadership the opportunity to redefine injustice and intolerance indicates this group is erring on the wrong side of their OWN history, so please use your voice and speak up in favor of human rights!

Submit a letter of support for Rev. Eric Lee's involvement in marriage equality visbility on the SCLC website!
http://sclclosangeles.org/contact.htm

LABiCenter.org was recently invited to attend the launch of Rev. Lee's latest book at a Courage Campaign event. We are SOOOOO there!* As Bisexuals, we easily recognize when equality is ill-defined and not held to the same standard that LOVE should be; open, fair-minded and free.

*yes, this bi is in cali, can't ya tell ;)

My Boss is on the Tyra Show this Friday!

tyrashow
Originally uploaded by _Faith

Savoy's gonna talk Lovesystems.com, be there or be square!

Iranian riot police tear gas 'Neda' mourners, vow to 'decisively' crush demonstrations

Remember Neda, watch and share the video on Youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o21k4AI2KSE

Poor Cedric Diggory!

Advanced

Oh Heather Graham, We <3 We <3

(Does Bradley Cooper look bored or embarrassed? Either way, cute, yes?)Uber cute, I can't wait to see this Hangover film, wish I hadn't taken in Up last weekend. Great visual art and thank goodness for the hilarious talking dogs...but The Hangover looks like a lot of fun and this shameless but hot photo is only further evidence.

Looking more and more like someone Killed Bill

<3 BRANDI!

At a recent Brandi Carlile concert in Santa Monica, CA, Brandi shared that she'd recorded a song with Elton John! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEW ALBUM!

Loving Emma Watson, All Grow'd Up

Loving that Emma Watson worked with Lagerfeld on this, kinda wacky the white eyebrows but art be art. Check out emmawatsonofficial.com for one of the best celeb sites ever!

Faith Performing @ UCLA, 5/22/09 7-10pm

Outloud is a celebration. An intoxicating night of antics and hijinks, boisterous humor, erotic turbulations, and nostalgic ramifications. We pay homage to those who fought for our rights through a collective expression of dissenting gender,sexualities and opinions!

Come explore the mind fuck, gender queer, ferocious attitude of the queer community.

Scheduled performances:
Drag Kings
Tahitian inspirations.
Queer minded films
Loquacious Speakers.
QueerLesque
Comical Divos
Interpretive dancers.
Live music
AND MUCH MORE!

AND FAITH IS MC!

DIRECTIONS

UCLA De Neve Auditorium
351 Charles E Young Dr W
Los Angeles, CA 90024.

Parking for De Neve Auditorium:
Go to the parking and information kiosk on Westwood Blvd, near its intersection with Strathmore Ave (near the Ackerman turnaround). Purchase a parking pass there. I think it's $9 for the whole day, so you can come in and out. You might be able to park by the hour, but I'm not sure. Tell the folks there you want to park in Lot DD (Dykstra/De Neve).
Drive up Strathmore, under the tunnel and away from the campus. Make a right at the first light (Charles E Young Dr W) and at the first light make a left. Drive past the building that says DE NEVE and the DD parking lot/structure will be on your right.

Directions to De Neve Auditorium:
Once you leave the parking lot, walk into the building that says DE NEVE across the top. There will be friendly people at the front desk to answer any questions you have. You'll see a flight of stairs in front of you. Walk up the stairs, and you'll be directly in front of DE NEVE AUDITORIUM.

LA Bi Center Kickoff Party, Smashing Success!

<---Your co-hosts, Mike Szymanski and Faith Cheltenham

Thanks to everyone who attended the LA Bi Center Kickoff Party! Great times, good times! Among our attendees:
LA's Human Rights Campaign Steering Committee
Courage Campaign
LA Gay and Lesbian Center
Queer Lounge(as seen at Sundance Film Festival)
Bliss Warrior
AMBI Los Angeles.


Some photos are here, more coming soon!

RIP J.G. Ballard

Empire of the Sun is my all-time favorite film. Saw it in the theaters when it came out and it kinda saved my life and led to my ambition as a writer. My childhood wasn't the best, but Ballard made me think I could process it and expand childhood tragedy beyond what happened to me. Anyways, RIP JG!

Black Panther Comic Signing Session!

A Young Mr. President

(thanks indifferenthues.livejournal.com)

Aww...

Michael Stipe and Thomas Dozol's House!

Get your Stipe fix over at http://www.theselby.com/12_10_08_michael_stipe_thomas/index.html

I cried, did you? Courage Campaign's Fidelity Video

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

Host Your Own Miracle Fruit Party

What's a miracle fruit? The West African berry known scientifically as "Synsepalum dulcificum" causes sour foods to taste sweet, or salty foods to taste tartly sweet. Miracle Fruit doesn't change a food's chemical makeup, just the perception of taste (Wikipedia). This odd little berry makes for a great hosting opportunity with little clean up and at an affordable cost.

5 tips to make your Miracle Fruit Party Miraculous!
1) Use Evite.com to send specialized invitations and include links to the New York Times Miracle Fruit story (NY Times) or to the store you're purchasing from (www.miraclefruitworld.com, www.miraclefruittab.com).

2) Ask that each guest bring an item to taste! With Evite.com all attendees can browse the offerings -- this way not everyone brings lemons, Tabasco sauce and olives!

3) Schedule your party during the after-lunch or after-dinner time of a weekend day, this way people don't fill their tum up with acidic or spicy foods! You can even include a note cautioning party goers to eat before they come as only "limited refreshments" will be available.

4) Order online and early! Fresh Miracle Fruit's availability depends on the season and once arrived has a short shelf life so plan your "flavor tripping" party accordingly.

5) Consider freeze-dried Miracle Fruit or even Miracle Fruit tablets, they're just as good as the berry and last longer in the freezer!

4 Find 'Em Online Beauty Products For Under $15

Target.com Has Clairol's Perfect 10 Hair Color
With an easy to use comb applicator, Clairol's Perfect 10 Hair Color delivers 100% gray coverage for those pesky "resistant" hairs and who can resist a 10 min application time?!

A helpful tip: As the directions indicate, comb-as-you-squeeze the attached applicator bottle but for "trouble spots" squeeze gently just before applying to hair for highest saturation.

Never Miss a Sale at Sephora.com
This beauty superstore also has offline locations (find a store near you) with great deals. Don't forget to sign up for the Sephora.com mailing list so great deals and free shipping coupon codes come straight to you! Instead of shopping the beauty aisle with the kids and a full shopping cart, take a mom moment and go online. Your purchase and 3 free samples will arrive shortly! Try the Sephora brand for especially good bath and body deals.

Go Vegan with your Lipcolor, Mascara, or Foundation.
Ecco Bella, a pioneer in the creation of "luxurious natural beauty products and skin care" sells wonderful organic night creams, foundations, and all natural mascaras. A favorite of vegan celebs like Alicia Silverstone and Natalie Portman, Ecco Bella is must-have for sensitive skinners, vegan or not.

FLOWER POWER with Ecco Bella Flower Color Lipsticks which mix flower wax and bright, beautiful natural pigments for long lasting lip color.

Keep the Possibilities Endless!
Endless.com, the latest offering from Amazon.com offers an amazing selection of shoes but the FREE Overnight Shipping (w/ Free Return Shipping!) will keep this site in your top "bookmarks".

Shop by Size or Brand for quick access to the hottest looks, whether you're looking for "Sex and The City"-style Gladiator Sandals or a new pair of the most comfortable Keds.

Three Tech Tips That Can Keep Your Teen Safe Online

RULES!
Work with your teen to schedule internet time, just like video game or phone call time; internet time can also be used as a reward for great behavior or good grades.
TRACK!
With so much adult content on the internet, prevent accidents by installing a "net nanny". Free (and easy to install) software, like K9 Web Protection makes keeping your kids safe but not "locked down" a breeze. When a site pops up that K9's not sure about, the screen will freeze until a parent enters a safety code. K9 will keep a list of all the sites approved or not, that way science class inquiries on breast cancer make it through along with chicken recipes -- you never know when your teen might surprise you with dinner!

ADD!
Become friends with your child...online! Join Facebook.com and add your teen as a friend; do the same with MyYearbook.com, Myspace.com or other social networks your teen has chosen to join. Recently, Myspace hit the news with their efforts to keep the under-18 crowd protected, and more parents are coming online too. Instead of tracking actions and new friends (30 year old guys in Minnesota add everyone!) use the status updates on Facebook to keep up with your lil wonder's latest trends. This way you'll know she liked "Slumdog Millionaire" before she even gets home.