Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, Cuba sent openly gay men to labor camps without charge or trial.

“They were moments of great injustice, great injustice!” Castro told journalist Carmen Lira Saade from the Mexican daily La Jornada. “If someone is responsible, it’s me.”

His comments came in the second installment of a two-part interview. The first half of the interview — a wide-ranging, five-hour conversation at his home — was published Monday.

“We had so many and such terrible problems, problems of life or death, that we didn’t pay it enough attention,” Castro said of the way gays and lesbians were treated.

In 1979, Cuba decriminalized homosexual acts and more recently, there have been efforts to legalize same-sex unions. The former leader, whose popular Revolution seized power in 1959, ruled the island nation until ill health forced him to transfer power to his younger brother Raul Castro in 2006.

In the La Jornada interview, Fidel Castro also talked about the impact of the five-decade U.S. embargo on Cuba.

“The biggest problem was always medicine and food, which is true even today,” he said.

While the embargo prevented Cuba from trading with much of the world, it also encouraged the country to be more creative, Castro said.

“The fight, the battle that we had to carry out, led us to make greater efforts than we would have made without the blockade,” he explained.

The United States imposed the embargo against Cuba in 1961 after Castro’s government began seizing private land and nationalizing private companies, and Havana levied heavy taxes on American goods.

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ICE.com – WEEKLY SPECIAL

Sapphires are one of the “Big Three” gemstones and this is the modern birthstone of September. Another thing worth noting is that they don’t just come in blue either. There is a rainbow of sapphire colors and plenty of affordable jewelry showcasing them all.

The hardness of this gemstone is second only to diamonds making them a great choice for an important piece of jewelry like an engagement ring. Did you know that back in the day sapphires symbolized truth, sincerity and fidelity, that is why it was given as promise rings, wedding and enagement rings.

Back then though, they were also seen as a kind of mood ring. If the sapphire lost it’s shine it was believed that the person wearing it was no longer being faithful to their lover. Can you imagine basing something like that on the luster of a ring? Scary thought right?

I thought I knew a lot about gemstones but I just learned something new today myself. There are sources that say the original Ten Commandments were actually carved onto tablets of sapphire. Huh, who knew?

September’s birthstone has long been a mark or symbol of authority. They were present in the British Crown Jewels and until the 17th century only those born into royalty and the high priests were permitted to wear them.

It’s safe to say that if you are shopping for a gift for someone you love sapphire jewelry is certainly worth taking a look at. And remember this modern birthstone comes in all kinds of colors, pink, yellow, green, blue (of course), red, white and even purple.

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Someone said to me lately that you can’t be spiritual or religious if you don’t believe in the bible. His point was that if you are not an atheist you clearly hate gay people. This of course, is ridiculous. I know countless spiritual people and the closest many of them have been to a bible is when they sleep with it in the motel nightstand beside them.

The bible and religion do not go hand in hand. Most religions don’t even read the “bible”. Sigh.

If you are gay and still feel religious that is nothing to be ashamed of, don’t let any one tell you otherwise. You be true to yourself and if that means believing in god and going to church or something else, it’s no ones right to tell you otherwise.

There are many pro gay churches who believe in openness and inclusivity. You can find Catholic ones, Baptist and even Anglican and I’m sure there are plenty more.

The key to life if following your heart and if that means sharing with the world you are gay, lesbian or transgendered, so be it, if that means believing in your religion, so be it. What you choose to take from religion and what you choose to leave behind is your business.

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Want to FIGHT For LGBT Equality?

by Jordan Rubenstein- Gay RIghts at Change.org

Many animals have intersex members, showing that the sex binary is not all that’s found in nature. It turns out, sex variation isn’t the only interesting thing found in nature; fluid sexuality is natural among animals too. New evidence shows that fluid sexuality is normal — and common — in the animal kingdom, at least among birds.

Sexually fluid behaviors have been examined in a study of hundreds of species of birds. Among the birds studied, the gender that spends less time raising babies is more likely to engage in homosexual behavior. In species where females raised hatchlings, male birds were more likely than female birds to engage in same-sex behavior, whereas species where both sexes raised babies included same-sex behaviors for both females and males.

The study found homosexual behavior in over 100 bird species, including relationships ranging from casual sex to joint child-rearing. In bird species that aren’t monogamous, homosexual behavior is more common. In fact, those birds with same-sex flings in non-monogamous species seemed to have as much reproductive success as those who didn’t engage in same-sex behavior.

Same-sex partnerships even benefited some birds, helping in raising young birds or to defend territories.

Birds are far from the only animal that engages in homosexual activities. Homosexuality has been documented in many animals, including cats, dogs, dolphins, chicken, and several species of fish.

Those opposed to LGBT equality often argue that heterosexuality is the only natural sexuality. But, as it turns out, science proves otherwise.

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Join Me in Taking a Stand for Equality!

A group of American LGBT Catholics have created a new organisation to promote gay political causes and help bridge the gap between the traditional wing of the Church and the more progressive followers of the faith.

Catholics for Equality say that they seek to empower “pro-equality Catholics to put our faith into ethical and effective political action on behalf of the LGBT community and their families”.

Their website, which is currently under construction, is to have a tool for reporting “anti-equality political activity in your parish”. Equality issues they plan to devote their attention to include equality in the workplace, the military and the family, plus marriage equality and related issues around immigration.

The website states that the Catholic “heirarchy” favour political campaigns to oppose LGBT equality at the ballot box, and that “Catholic-elected officials who support legal equality for LGBT people are under increasing pressure from the hierarchy”.

They add that they wish to mobilise and educate Catholic voters and that Catholics who support full LGBT equality are in the majority in America.

In addition, the not-for-profit organisation hope to branch out with a non-political sister project, allowing them to engage in campus outreach programmes and engage “prominent pro-equality Catholics in the entertainment, civic, business and sports areas, providing them [with] a national platform as leading American Catholics to voice their support for LGBT equality”.

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Love and Pride Jewelry – New arrivals

I dunno about you but I have walked past many a women wondering how on earth she has such a unique and stylish look. How the f*ck do people do that sh*t?? Does everyone but me have their own personal stylist? I mean, seriously! That sexy layered jewelry look is way beyond me.

One of the hottest looks right now is this layered look and let’s face it, it can be kind of tricky figuring what gay and lesbian jewelry goes together and what doesn’t. Some of us just don’t have the ability to work this kind of stuff out no matter how much we try. You have taste or you don’t right? Brutal but true.

Good thing there are gay and lesbian jewelry stores like Love and Pride that make it easy. They have put together pieces that have the hottest layered jewelry styles in one single necklace. It’s sexy and most of all easy. No thinking involved, just put it on and watch people look at you the way you used to look at others on the street. Woohoo!

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For thousands and thousands of years seashells have been used to decorate not just people but their boats and hones as well. They have been inlaid and carved into so many different symbols, all filled with meaning.

The first recorded evidence of shell jewelry comes from over 50,000 years ago. In a Swaziland mine in Africa the skeleton of a child was found with a sea shell pendant. And in Greek and Roman times shells were the symbol of regeneration and prosperity, this was due to their association with the sea.

Even today we have a deep appreciation for sea shell jewelry and artifacts. They are beautiful, they have depth and such a wide rainbow of colors that there is simply no reason not to be draping them all over yourself.

Love and Pride gay and lesbian jewelry has a bunch of new pieces that are so exciting. They have shells of all different colors and shapes and in unique designs that you simply cannot find anywhere else.

The fact that they donate a hefty chunk of their sales to LGBT equality charities doesn’t hurt either.

I bet your wardrobe could use a little shell jewelry, especially these pieces with their funky edgy style.

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(CNN) — A federal appeals court in San Francisco, California, has blocked same-sex marriages in that state from resuming immediately, until the three-judge panel hears broader questions over the constitutionality of such marriages.

The brief order from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals late Monday set aside a federal judge’s decision earlier this month that would have permitted same-sex marriages to resume in California as early as Wednesday. That came after the judge ruled a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage violated federal civil rights laws.

The appeals court also set a fast schedule to hear the merits of the constitutional challenge to Proposition 8, the 2008 initiative defining marriage as only between one man and one woman. Oral arguments will now be held the week of December 6, meaning a decision on whether same-sex couples can legally wed likely will not be decided until sometime next year.

Opponents of Proposition 8 seeking to overturn the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriages will not appeal Monday’s ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to spokesman Yousef Robb with the American Foundation for Equal Rights. Opponents could ask the Supreme Court to intervene on the narrow question of whether to allow the stay to be lifted, but both sides of the debate agree the odds of the justices getting involved at this stage are very slim.

The case has had an up-and-down series of rulings and referendums. The state’s high court had allowed same-sex marriage, but then the voter referendum two years ago passed with 52 percent of the vote. The California Supreme Court subsequently allowed that initiative to stand, saying it represented the will of the people.

Opponents of the law next filed a federal challenge, saying the law violated 14th Amendment constitutional protections of due process and equal protection.

Judge Vaughn Walker on August 4 agreed, issuing a 136-page opinion that concluded, “Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license.” The Reagan-appointed judge added, “Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples.”

Same sex marriage is currently legal in five states and in the District of Columbia, while civil unions are permitted in New Jersey. The five states are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Iowa, and New Hampshire.

Walker’s landmark ruling assured a swift federal appeal that ultimately may reach the Supreme Court. One sticking point could be whether Proposition 8 supporters in court — all private citizens and groups — have legal “standing” to continue appealing the case. State officials, including the governor and attorney general, support individual same-sex couples challenging the law. Such state “actors” traditionally defend voter referendums and legislation.

Some legal experts say if the appeals court eventually rules Proposition 8 backers cannot bring their petition for relief , the Supreme Court may not seek to intervene further, giving no clear guidance on the larger question of the constitutionality of same-sex marriage nationwide. The high court, in a 1997 unrelated appeal, had expressed “grave doubts” about the ability of such private groups to challenge rulings that strike down ballot initiatives.

Walker’s ruling had given the losing side a chance to appeal, and he held off allowing same-sex marriages from resuming until an emergency injunction request could be decided by the higher court.

Among the federal appeals judges who agreed Monday to block same-sex marriages from resuming immediately was Sidney Thomas, a Montana native who was interviewed this spring by President Obama for the Supreme Court vacancy that eventually went to Elena Kagan.

The case is Perry v. Schwarzenegger (10-16696).

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Gay & Lesbian Commitment Rings

There is so much jewelry surrounding weddings that it is every woman’s dream, some men’s too for that matter. You have the bridal jewelry, the engagement ring and the fabulous diamond commitment rings. I have said it before and I will say it again: you just cannot go wrong with unique wedding rings. They are perfection at it’s finest. These are stones that a bride or groom can wear and still feel great about.

Some men are uncomfortable wearing colored stones, they do not find them manly enough, well, white diamonds solve this problem with ease.

Diamonds are a colorless stone that look great on absolutely everyone. Diamond wedding rings allow any couple to have wedding rings that match. And this is something that most people look for when shopping for unique wedding jewelry. They do not necessarily want them to match exactly, but most do want some of the design elements to be similar for that sense of connection.

Diamond wedding rings are a tradition that has lasted for many, many years and it is also one that is very likely to last for many, many more. Good wedding rings are timeless in their beauty and quality. You will never have to worry about ruining a diamond with everyday wear as they are perfect for such usage. The hardness of a diamond makes them not only a great aesthetic choice but also a wonderful practical one.

Being as that diamond wedding rings will last well over the years they are the most wonderful choice to symbolize your forever love and devotion. And there is a certain romance to knowing that the stone in your ring when you die is the same stone as on the day you got married. Just think of all the things that diamond has seen, just as many wonderful moments as you yourself. Unique wedding rings from gay and lesbian jewelry stores are full of meaning and symbolism, if you have been struggling to find the perfect wedding rings search no longer stick with the tried tested and true diamond wedding rings.

Of course not everyone loves diamond jewelry as much as I do. For those of you who want gay or lesbian wedding rings sans gemstones, there are some unique and affordable commitment rings for you at Love and Pride. You can find them for both men and women, they are perfect!

Your diamond wedding rings can be purchased at any fine jewelers in your area but choosing a gay jewelry store makes your purchase even more special to the two of you. A store like Love and Pride gay and lesbian jewelry is a way to give back to the community (they donate a lot of their earnings) and get the jewelry that will mean the most to you and your partner. The prices at Love and Pride are good too and since unique wedding rings are such an expensive purchase, you need to be able to save wherever you can.

Technorati Tags: unique wedding, Diamond wedding rings, unique wedding rings

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Join Me in Taking a Stand for Equality!

Los Angeles, California (CNN) — A federal judge ruled on Thursday to allow same-sex couples to marry in California, starting on August 18, handing another victory to supporters of gay rights in a case that both sides have said is likely to end up in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker in San Francisco struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage last week, ruling that voter-approved Proposition 8 violates the U.S. Constitution. Walker had issued a temporary stay on his decision, which on Thursday he said he would lift.

The high-profile case is being watched closely by supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage, as many say it is likely to make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. If it does, the case could result in a landmark decision on whether people in the United States are allowed to marry others of the same sex.

Same-sex marriage is legal in five U.S. states and in the District of Columbia, while civil unions are permitted in New Jersey. The five states are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Iowa and New Hampshire.

Same-sex couples in California were permitted to marry, briefly, before Proposition 8 passed in 2008.

“Today’s ruling means that in less than one week, equality under the law will be restored for millions of loving families across California,” said Rick Jacobs, founder of the Courage Campaign.

Proposition 8 is part of a long line of seesaw rulings, court cases, debates and protests over the controversial issue of same-sex marriage. Proposition 8 defines marriage as a union between a man and woman and passed in California with some 52 percent of the vote in November 2008.

Opponents of same-sex marriage have said their best bet lies with higher courts and have vowed to appeal the federal judge’s ruling. The case would head next to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals before possibly going to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In his decision, Walker expressed his doubt that an appeal would be successful.

“Based on the trial record, which establishes that Proposition 8 violates plaintiffs’ equal protection and due process rights, the court cannot conclude that proponents have shown a likelihood of success on appeal,” he wrote.

People in the United States are split over the idea of allowing same-sex marriage. Forty-nine percent of respondents said they think gay and lesbian couples have the constitutional right to marry and to have their marriages recognized by law, while 51 percent say those rights do not exist, according to a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll.

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