Fort Bragg Army Spouses Club Discriminates (Again) Against Lesbian Couple

A few months ago the story broke about The Association of Bragg Officers' Spouses (ABOS) denying Ashley Broadway, wife of Lt. Col. Heather Mack membership in their organization. The reason? They cited some rule that never existed to keep Ashley out of the club. Though the couple have been together for 15 years and married since November of 2012, ABOS refused to grant membership. 

After much backlash, we learned the club offered Ashley "special guest membership" which allows her to attend club activities but will not be afforded voting privileges. 

To me, what ABOS essentially is telling Ashley is to sit in the back of the bus, to drink from the water fountain around the back and to sit in the designated "gay only" area. This is discrimination and segregation and we simply cannot continue to stand for it.

This is ridiculous, honestly, if I were Ashley I don't know if I would even be interested in hanging around with a group of women like that. Even though, the fact remains there is not reason she should not be afforded membership other than discriminatory reasons and I believe she should continue to fight unfairness. 

To get the full story visit: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/18/16576893-army-spouses-club-offers-special-guest-membership-for-same-sex-wife?lite

WE DO Campaign Marches for Marriage Equality on Jan 17 2013

The Campaign for Southern Equality will be in Arlington, Virginia tomorrow, Jan 17th. 16 same-sex couples from several Southern states will attempt to apply for a marriage license and subsequently be denied. "The actions on January 17 are intended to highlight the lives and stories of LGBT people from across the South; the powerful reality that in our nation’s capital LGBT people have the right to marry; and the injustice that legal marriages between same-sex couples are not recognized in the South." (via the WE DO site). 

You are able to RSVP by filling out the Get Involved form here:
http://www.southernequality.org/we-do-campaign/actions 

If you would like to participate, meet at the Arlington Courthouse at 10am.

After all couples have attempted to apply for (and be denied) a marriage license, the group will take a 4.5 march to the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC the estimated time of arrival is 1:15. However, this may take longer due to a number of factors, so a realistic expectation is between 1:15-2:30.

If you can not make it to the courthouse in Arlington, feel free to join the group at the Jefferson Memorial. If you work in DC please come out and show your support.

I strongly urge everyone to get involved with this remarkable event. Southern states like Virginia have long been held as completely anti-marriage equality. Yes, we have been dealt set backs, but that is no reason to give up and stop moving forward.

To join or to learn more visit:http://www.southernequality.org. Be sure to RSVP and the team will send out additional information.

Win A Signed Copy of the New Book, Girl In The Mirror!!

We are very excited to announce that YOU have the opportunity to win an autographed copy of the lesbian novel, Girl In The Mirror by Alix B. Golden!

Alix B. Golden, veteran blogger, candidly shares her life, viewpoints and outlook on her blog, A Brown Girl Gone Gay.  As a blogger, Alix writes about it all. She will give you brutally honest relationship advice while giving you insight into her own relationships. Her words are true and pure. Her words have often been compared to having a conversation with a friend. She invites you into her own reality.  Girl In The Mirror, is Golden's first novel, scheduled for release September 1st. But if you're reading this, you have a chance to win an autographed copy! Keep reading for a sneak peak into this awesome new book and enter to win a copy on the right hand side of this blog post!

About Girl In The Mirror

All Christen Calhoun really wants is to be a successful photographer, love a beautiful woman, and make her father proud, but easier said than done. When she graduates from Savannah State University, a dead end bank job isn’t what she had in mind. She stifles her creativity in bland business suits while her camera collects dust in the corner of her modest studio apartment.

Her inability to decipher lust from love often leaves her sexually satiated, but emotionally bereft. When her soul is drained, as well as her bank account, will she take the advice of her father, Pops Calhoun, and find a good man? When she no longer recognizes her own reflection, she realizes she isn’t willing to give up anymore of herself to earn approval from her father.

When Pop loses an unexpected battle with cancer, does she continue to push her dreams aside or is she finally honest with the girl in the mirror?

Free Wedding or Engagement Card from Treat!

Wedding season is officially in full swing.

Odds are you probably have an upcoming wedding to attend or know someone about to tie the knot…or perhaps you know someone who just got engaged?

Either way, Treat has got you covered. Today and tomorrow they are offering a FREE congratulations card for weddings and engagements. They have 75 beautiful designs to choose from and you can personalize them any way you choose.

Just use the promo code TREATWED when you checkout to get the free card.

So to get an awesome congratulations card for free just:

1.    Take a look at all of their card designs.

2.    Choose the one you want.

3.    Personalize it. This is where you can add pictures, change the text, add whatever you want…be fun, be sappy, be inspiring, be yourself.

4.    When you checkout, use the promo code TREATWED to get the card for free.

5.    You can choose to have the card mailed to them (this will cost you a stamp) or have it mailed to you.

Enjoy the card…and the reaction you get from the happy couple!


Visit Treat today to get your free card.

  

Special Event: All Girl White Party Richmond, Virginia

If you're in the Richmond area or within a commutable distance come out and party for a cause with Gratitude Rising Events on July 19th at their All Girl White Party!

Tickets are selling like hot cakes, VIP tickets are GONE!
Get your tickets here:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/257929

Cocktails Anyone?

Your cocktail hour doesn't have to be boring! Cheese and fruit displays are not required!
Here are some great ideas for appetizing bites sure to please any crowd.

Treat your guests to a delicious tossed salad served in a martini glass. 

How about these bite sized mozzarella balls with a tomato basil sauce?

Great fruit salad option, that won't go to waste!
Image via Hostess With the Mostess.com

Mini burgers are trending.  And it's easy to see why.
Very easy to  pop in your mouth, no mess and delicious!

And what is cocktail hour without the cocktail? We love this light  and refreshing
Strawberry Lemonade Sparkler. with vodka.  Omit the vodka to please guests who don't consume alcohol.  Perfect for a summer or spring wedding.
Click here for drink recipe

There is nothing wrong with adding a light dessert to your cocktail hour menu.
We think this tower of chocolate mouse is the perfect addition if you want to treat your guests to a little something sweet.
via Projectwedding.com 

Save The Date with Pride!

Ready to go to press your save the dates? Check out this useful save the date guide with oodles of ideas and inspiration for your wedding!

The Wedding Paper Diva's recently added a pride collection to their wonderful offering of wedding invitation stationery, it's only fitting we start this post out with designs from their new line!

From Gayweddings.com, a site specifically dedicated to gay unions we found some great options as well! Here are a few...

Modern Wedding Invitations bring us these same-sex save the dates...

We also turned up some fun save the dates from some other great companies, check 'em out...

Pro Tip: Your save the dates will begin to set the tone for your shindig.  

Truly the sky is the limit! You can go with a traditional style save the date, a magnet, a bookmark or send out a video save the date, it's up to you!  Your save the dates will let guests know what to expect at your wedding.  If you are planning a destination wedding, provide travel information and important details your guests will need giving them time to prepare well in advance  Consider setting up a wedding website where guests can get updates on the couple and the wedding festivities as it unfolds.