Clinton's audience in Geneva... included diplomats from Arab, African and other nations with poor records on gay rights. - Associated Press

White House Fact Sheet: Working to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Persons Globally http://ping.fm/5EKf3

Sec. Hillary Clinton gave a historic speech just now in Geneva; was announced as HR speech about focused almost exclusively on LGBTRights

Mixed feelings about today's announcement from President about "foreign aid" and LGBT rights. Happy about other directives issued today. LGBTRights

US Presidential Memorandum - International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons http://ping.fm/R7SVU

Obama orders U.S. diplomats to increase efforts to fight LGBT discrimination abroad LGBTRights http://ping.fm/FNSOY

Breaking News: President Obama Directs Agencies to Consider LGBT Rights in Foregin Aid & Sec. Clinton in Geneva Discusses LGBT Concerns http://ping.fm/dvM59

Michelle Bachman wants to shut down the American embassy in Iran. Yes you heard that right. :) http://ping.fm/8TDmq

First Rick Perry, now Michelle Bachman... Wow! And how long have we NOT had an embassy in Iran?! http://ping.fm/gRpGA

Northern Florida - higher poverty, lower rates of education and higher Af Am population creates "perfect storm" for HIV epidemic. HIV http://ping.fm/fmoGd

Neglecting HIV/AIDS in the South. In the southeast, the epidemic is growing faster than in any other region in the country. See map. http://ping.fm/AGviu

Herman Cain considering dropping out of Presidential race. 1 down, 9 go! :) http://ping.fm/HsdUc

‘Pinkwashing’ and Israel’s Use of Gays as a Messaging Tool

http://ping.fm/mEyU0

Check out these amazing pictures from this weekend's New Delhi Pride Parade! http://ping.fm/30LNp LGBTIndia

So I've heard of oversold flights but oversold rental cars?! 30+ people waiting for a car.

Remembering Two-Spirits This Thanksgiving-OpEd

Historically, I am reminded that for many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is not a cause of celebration, but rather a National Day of Mourning, remembering the real significance of the first Thanksgiving in 1621 as a symbol of persecution and genocide of Native Americans and the long history of bloodshed with European settlers.

I am also reminded of my Two-Spirit Native American brothers and sisters who struggle with their families and tribes not approving of their sexual identities and gender expressions as many of us do with our families and faith communities.

Remembering Two-Spirits This Thanksgiving-OpEd

Um we just discovers the Barbie channel. WTF?!

Doble Doble Doble breeze card :-) Spanish for www.breezecard - transit card in Atlanta

Gay and Muslim groups relieved by changes to bullying bill in Michigan - http://ping.fm/K9KKx

Malaysian States Want Harsher Punishments for Homosexuality http://ping.fm/gCYXZ

Folks in / around Albany: I'll be speaking at Univ. at Albany SUNY on Tuesday 11/15; 7:30 pm. See http://ping.fm/uwg0V

Speaking at Montclair State University tomorrow (Monday) - 5:30 pm. If you're in the area come out to see me! :) http://ping.fm/HqXRD

Speaking at Univ. of Pittsburgh tomorrow night (Thursday). Hit me up if you're in town. :) hiddenvoices lgbtmuslims

Previously firebombed French satirical magazine publishes cartoon of "Gay Muhammad" - But as they point out, "love is stronger than hate." http://ping.fm/C6Rlt

Article: Faisal Alam connects GLBT and Muslim communities

From Rocky Mountain Student Media - Colorado State University

By Hannah Tran | RMSMC

Updated: 10/20/11 5:22pm

Faisal Alam, the founder of the longest running Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender and Muslim support group in today’s society, came to CSU this week to enlighten students about the presence of GLBT and Muslim individuals.

Alam described the confusion and angst he experienced during his past. Alam came to the United States at age ten and began coping with conflicting identities.

On one hand, he had to assimilate into American culture while hanging on to his Muslim roots. On the other, he had to veil his sexual identity due to the fear of blemishing his religious identification.

“Islam condemned homosexuality, there isn’t an if, and, or but,” Alam said during his keynote speech at the East Ballrooms in the LSC.

Alam also described the revolutionary change that is shaping today’s contemporary Muslim religion. He stated that there was more fluidity in the past with sexual relations within the religion, and it has only been until recently that there has been a sharp distinction between homosexuality and heterosexuality.

“I thought I was the only gay Muslim while I was growing up,” he said.

Despite this, Alam says that democracy as well as the youth is subsiding the silence of GLBT Muslims across the world. Alam served as the president of GLBT Muslim group Al-Fatiha until stepping down in 2004.

However, he is continuing his movement as a member of the National Religious Leadership Roundtable and theGLBT Program of Human Rights Watch.

During his visit at the LSC, Alam asked CSU students to name several negative stereotypes associated with each group, concluding that both share similar hardships. He hopes that those who are treated as insubordinates unite together and put their visions into action.

“I learned to take the knowledge that I have learned and implement it,” said Moonier Said, a Muslim student here at CSU.

Alam enjoyed his first visit here at CSU and is currently visiting Boulder as well as Denver.

Video: Faisal Alam connects GLBT and Muslim communities - Colorado State University

El-Farouk Khaki, founder of Salaam Canada shares his thoughts on being LGBT & Muslim on Eid; challenges, love, opportunity... http://ping.fm/0BmdR

Beautiful Eid pictures from Al-Jazeera - http://ping.fm/TSXUo

Leveraging hip hop in US foreign policy; Diplomats and officials use the music of the oppressed to connect with disaffected Muslim youth. http://ow.ly/7lAoU

For young Muslims, Hajj pilgrimage reawakens Islamic values

"I saw people from Brazil, Spain, from China, from Japan -- Muslims from all over the world speaking different languages..." http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/07/world/meast/hajj-pilgrimage-ireport/

Sexy TV Host's Popularity Underscores Pakistan's Contradictions

Many consider Mathira immoral for her provocative attire and willingness to talk about taboo subjects such as sexuality, love and AIDS. Others admire her for pushing the limits.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-pakistan-mathira-20110925,0,5144143.story

For an American pilgrim in Saudi Arabia, a discovery of fellowship; Joining Muslim faithful from around the globe... brings joy... http://ping.fm/wJJ7T

Pictures: Muslims Around the World Celebrate Eid-ul-Adha (some photos are graphic) - http://ping.fm/w2q2o

110-year-old Turkish woman’s dream realized as she performs hajj - http://ping.fm/GivwE

Eid Greetings from President Obama, Michelle Obama and the White House - http://ping.fm/NJ1zi

Beautiful pictures from this year's Hajj pilgrimage (considered the world's largest gathering of people). http://ping.fm/zslPO

Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) reminds you to "fall back" on Saturday night so you won't miss Eid on Sunday, Nov. 6. :-) http://ping.fm/XW2eS

World's most populous Muslim country (Indonesia) opens first LGBT health clinic. http://ping.fm/n0CZ5

Poverty in the suburbs has grown by more than 53% since 2000. It is no longer an urban phenomenon. - Brookings Institute

1 in 15 Americans now live in "extreme poverty." Annual income $5,500 for 1 person and $11,500 for 4 people. Welcome to America! Insane!

Short reprieve; on the road again. Miami Univ (OH) tomorrow; Univ. of Pitts. 11/10; Montclair State 11/14 and Univ. of Albany 11/15. :-)

Article: Queer, Undocumented and Unafraid - http://ping.fm/M7gYa

Indian LGBT activist argues that UK PM's "conditions" on aid to Global South amount to a new form of colonialism. By akshay khanna http://ping.fm/jO8Vl

African LGBT NGOs caution use of "international aid" to ensure LGBT rights. "Donor sanctions are by their nature coercive..." http://ping.fm/9937J

“When I dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." - Audre Lorde

Montclair State University, where I'll be speaking in a couple of weeks received a threat; looks like its because of me coming... Yikes! http://ping.fm/WicWu

Awesome visit to James Madison Univ; dinner w/ queer and Muslim and queer Muslim students. Heading to Virginia Comm. Univ. (where Dr. Amina Wadud taught for many years). http://ping.fm/WdsWk

Muslims for Progressive Values Reception in DC with Rep. Keith Ellison

I'm always fascinated how universities in small & cons. areas of the country become the only places where prog. folks can come together. :)

Off to Harrisonburg, VA; James Madison Univ. tonight. This week I'm going back and forth in Southern VA. Beautiful area but v. conservative.

100+ students at my talk (College of William and Mary); I joked that I thought it was College of Jesus and Mary); v. intelligent students!

Hello Colonial Williamsburg! Speaking at College of William and Mary tonight; 2nd oldest college in the US. See you soon. :) http://ping.fm/Tlv8u

Powerful and inspirational article featuring Muslims for Progressive Values. "Battling for gay rights, in Allah's name." http://ping.fm/vhv39

Dear fellow travelers: Sorry TSA keeps pulling you aside & letting me go. I can't help being such a queen! "Baby, I was born this way." ;-)

Dear plane seat mates on my right and left: Hogging the armrest & crossing your legs into my space is not allowed. Read etiquette guide pls.

Muslims for Progressive Values reception with Rep. Keith Ellison. Tomorrow (Monday) 6 pm at HRC. I'll be in town for it. mpvusa.org. C u there!

Make that 9 states in 14 days: PA, OH, VA, WV, CO, WY, MA and ME. Um... Crazy much? Yup!!

Back home for a hot minute. 7 states in 14 days and I feel like a tourist in my own city. :-)

Speaking at Georgia Southern University LGBTQ & Allies Conference in Statesboro, GA today. Welcome to Southern Georgia Ya'll! :-) http://ping.fm/H0TV7

LGBT Student Conference Panel on Faith & Sexuality turned into conv. on "gay marriage." My turn: Um, Let's talk about "Beyond Marriage." :-) http://ping.fm/ztL20

Boulder, CO in the morning. Statesboro, GA in evening. Ah... life of a superstar activist & speaker. NOT!! :-)

Going to airport to get another car. I ran out of gas. Fuel gauge is not working

So apparently brown people don't belong in Wyoming (unless your Native Am ofcourse). Stranded in rental car on major highway nr Cheyenne. Ugh

Shameful that MPAC, ISNA and CAIR feel the need to "celebrate" Qadafi's death w news release but no outrage over killings of Christians on Egypt.

hristians in Egypt.

Sad and shameful that mainstream US Muslim organizations (CAIR, MPAC, ISNA) feel the need to "celebrate" Qadafi's death yet no outrage over killings of C

Holy Buffalo Herd in Wyoming!

Beautiful Colorado. CO State Univ tonight Leading workshop on "Building a Revolution: LGBT and Muslim Working Together"

Who are the Gideons and why do they have a bible in EVERY single hotel room I've been in the last week from WV, to OH, PA and CO?!

Yay to CNN for broadcasting full I have a Dream speech by MLK.

Driving to airport. Tuned into XM to hear King Memorial Dedication. Um.. Fox News was only station broadcasting. What's the world come to?!

Citizens of 82 countries are holding protests today calling for an end to economic inequality. No mainstream US news has reported this. BBC did.

"Become an organ donor. Give your heart to Jesus." - billboard in NE WV for Christian ministry. :-)

"I like sports, cars, sports cars, crafting... and men. Being gay is a small part of who I am." - gay Asian VT student

"The third time I came out to my parents, they threw holy water at me. I told them that's not what it's supposed to be used for."

5 Muslim students are watching LGBT student coming out songs & poems. Hearts being changed folks. Young people are leading the revolution!

"My big Italian father gave me the strongest bear hug I've ever had." - young gay man at VT about coming out to his "pop."

stories through humor, tears, anxiety, love...

LGBTA of Virginia Tech having student monologues of coming out stories. One of the most powerful events I've witnessed. Brave young people sharing their

Driving through West Virginia literally cutting through Appalachian Mountains. Beautiful and Autimnal colorful forests. VA Tech tonight. :-)

OMG I just met bell hooks! She's so fierce! Full story to come soon. :-)

Sad to learn of gay rights pioneer Frank Kameny's passing today. Amazing career. His life-long struggle for equality will not be forgotten. RIP

Now entering West Virginia. Give me a W! Give me a V! What do you get? Middle of nowhere! ;-)

API and Muslim communities describe families "facing out" to community and society when an individual chooses to disclose their sexual or.

Is "coming out" a Western construct? In communities with strong familial ties an individual's actions affect entire communities.

Driving this humongous Dodge Avenger. Feeling so butch! Rawr! :-)

125+ students at my talk tonight at IN Univ of PA. Began by honoring First Nations and Native American history. Full report coming soon.

Full schedule of my Fall 2011 speaking engagements. Hope to see many of you somewhere along the way. :-) lgbtmuslims http://ping.fm/0eaG2

On the road starting tomorrow. Indiana Univ. of PA 10/10; Ohio State Univ. 10/11; Virginia Tech 10/13. Twitter @faisalalam lgbtmuslims C u!

Happy Pride Atlanta! See ya'll out this weekend!

Powerful piece by Urvashi Vaid on Paula's passing and the need for a broader feminist critique of our social justice movements. http://ping.fm/IdMkF

Very sad loss... Paula Ettelbrick, a gentle spirit, ardent advocate for social justice, powerful voice for equality... you will be missed. http://ping.fm/UODJP

How many of us remember George W. Bush saying that we were "liberating" Afghanistan. Wonder how liberated Afghani people feel today.

1 out of 3 US veterans say military invasions and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were not worth it. 4,500+ killed, $1.3 trillion wasted.

Says a lot about our country when no mainstream newspaper is covering the fact that today marks 10 years since beginning of war in Afghanistan.

Video and Article: Kabul Rocks... With Music; Afghan Rock Bands Come Together after More than 35 Years - http://ping.fm/2pssN

Rocking Kabul: Afghanistan Stages Secretive Rock Event - BBC Article http://ping.fm/97XRj

My upcoming speaking engagements. Texas, Ohio, Colorado, Virginia, New Jersey. See you on the road! :) http://ping.fm/XPMgo

Upcoming Speaking Engagements - "Hidden Voices: The Lives of LGBT Muslims"

Dear friends,

I'll be on the road and speaking at a number of universities in the coming weeks.

If you're in the area, please stop by and say hello. :)

University of North Texas - October 4, 2011
Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Oct. 10, 2011
Ohio State University - October 11, 2011
Virginia Tech - October 13, 2011
Bridgewater State University - October 17, 2011
Colorado State University - October 19, 2011

Georgia Southern University LGBT Conference - October 22, 2011

College of William and Mary - October 25, 2011
James Madison University - October 26, 2011
Virginia Commonwealth University - October 27, 2011

Miami University (Ohio) - November 2, 2011
Montclair State University - November 14, 2011

"Hidden Voices: The Lives of LGBT Muslims" aims to highlight the many struggles and challenges facing sexual and gender minorities within the Muslim world and to examine the complex intersection of Islam, sexuality and gender.

Faisal Alam is a queer-identified Muslim activist of Pakistani descent and the founder and former director of Al-Fatiha, an organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex & questioning (LGBTIQ) Muslims, and their allies. Faisal has traveled across the country and around the world to meet with LGBTIQ Muslims to build a global queer Muslim movement.

Using his own life experience and by exploring the complex history of the Islamic world, Faisal strives to bring new light onto the lives of an often invisible and silent community: Muslims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning.

More information on my presentation can be found at http://www.hiddenvoices.info.

You can also follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Faisal-Alam/129264817125767
and Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/faisalalam

My blog is at http://faisal-alam.blogspot.com/.
If you'd like to meet up for coffee or tea, please contact me at alam.faisal@gmail.com.

Look forward to meeting many of you.

Best,

Faisal

President Obama Speaks at HRC National Dinner

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