Lara will focus her efforts on Compton's Cafe
I have made a decision to focus on my Compton's Cafe project instead of continuing with Asexual News. I was wrong about being Asexual. As such, I do not think I can give ace issues the attention they deserve. Because there is still a need for someone to serve as an Asexual watchdog, I will take requests from people who want to take over the site.
Although Compton's Cafe will have a larger LGBT focus, I will still make the attempt to comment on Asexual issues from time to time. Gender and sexual minority sites often ignore aces, provide token coverage, or manage to provide misinformation (Note: Preference will be given to moderate personas).
Indiana gay and lesbian couples challenge state's same-sex marriage ban
Several same-sex couples living in Indiana filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s gay marriage ban. News of the impending federal court case came out a few days after the state legislature passed a law that would prevent gay and lesbian married couples from filing state tax returns jointly. A federal judge recently overturned a similar law in Kentucky.
Indiana's Attorney General Greg Zoeller said he intends to defend Indiana's current same-sex marriage law. Zoeller repeated a sentiment made by Governor Mike Pence during Pence's state of the state address. The attorney general said Hoosiers on both sides of the issue should be able to engage in a respectful debate. When Governor Pence made his comments, he was referring to an amendment to the state constitution that would have banned same-sex marriage. Although this bill is not dead, it will not appear on the 2014 ballet. The state senate removed language from the that would have prevented the state from recognizing civil unions.
Read more: Indiana gay and lesbian couples challenge state's same-sex marriage ban
Grantland Had a Moral Responsibility Not to Out Doctor V
Caleb Hannan outed Dr. V in a story about her putter. She later committed suicide. Journalists argue about the story’s ethical implications. While they should be worried about the consequences of their actions, they have subtly missed the point. Caleb Hannan and his Grantland editors committed a moral and ethical error.
LGBT journalists know the consequences of revealing someone’s lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender status against their will. Members of gender and sexual minorities hide their status for their own protection. Even if an outing does not result in physical violence, it can result in people losing their homes or their jobs.
Read more: Grantland Had a Moral Responsibility Not to Out Doctor V
Asexual Stories Project Seeks Submissions
A website launching in February seeks to tell the stories of asexuals. The creators of the Asexual Stories Project want to show the diversity that exists within the community. They announced the launch on Tumblr, on AVEN, and on other asexual venues.
What Should Lara Do With the Site Poll Results?
Lara asked Asexual News’s readers what she should do with the site. She has settled on paying for a professional site redesign. (Note: If you wish to participate, click on the Paypal button to the right of the site. There is a goal of $3,000 for 2014. She will contribute her own funds as well.)
Indiana, Pennsylvania next battlegrounds for marriage equality
Indiana and Pennsylvania are the next battle grounds in the same-sex marriage fight. Hoosier state lawmakers want to amend their constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman. The Keystone State battle takes place before the courts of the commonwealth. Neither state has a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
Read more: Indiana, Pennsylvania next battlegrounds for marriage equality
Update on the Asexual News Fundraiser
As a special bonus, Lara plays the harmonica at the beginning of this video. She had the good sense to keep it short. By the way, as soon as Lara can figure out how to do it, she will be doing videos on many of the topics she covers here.