Podcasts about marriage equality act

ORIGINAL EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Speaker emeritus Frank Chopp, who voluntarily switched his role to Rep. Frank Chopp at the end of the 2019 session, is the special guest on this episode of Capitol Ideas. The good things he's done for the Evergreen State are too numerous to list here, but if you listen to today's conversation, you'll notice a promise to include some items in the show notes. Here, in no particular order, are some of the things that he played a pivotal role in: the state Housing Trust fund; the best minimum wage in the U.S.; paid family and medical leave; free college and university tuition for those who need it most; the Marriage Equality Act; the Dream Act; the Voting Rights Act; the Long-term Care Trust Act; the Education Legacy Fund; The College Bound Scholarship program; Apple Health for All Kids; Apple Health and Homes; and 20 years of state budgets that put people first.

Today, and every day, we celebrate Pride at FIT Technologies. As we reflect on the significance of Pride Month in June and its impact on our LGBTQ+ community, several #TeamFIT members have come together to share their personal stories and triumphs. In this special episode of What the Tech, you'll hear heartfelt narratives and experiences, including a historic walk down memory lane to the passing of the Marriage Equality Act. Join us to learn from this amazing group and discover actionable steps your organization can take to support its LGBTQ friends.

Speaker emeritus Frank Chopp, who voluntarily switched his role to Rep. Frank Chopp at the end of the 2019 session, is the special guest on this episode of Capitol Ideas. The good things he's done for the Evergreen State are too numerous to list here, but if you listen to today's conversation, you'll notice a promise to include some items in the show notes. Here, in no particular order, are some of the things that he played a pivotal role in: the state Housing Trust fund; the best minimum wage in the U.S.; paid family and medical leave; free college and university tuition for those who need it most; the Marriage Equality Act; the Dream Act; the Voting Rights Act; the Longterm Care Trust Act; the Education Legacy Fund; The College Bound Scholarship program; Apple Health for All Kids; Apple Health and Homes; and 20 years of state budgets that put people first.

Over 300,000 foster kids are not able to stay with their temporary families due to a shortage of families. Dr. Sharon Ford brings us the latest on the foster care system and what needs to happen to help these kids. If the “Amend the Code for Marriage Equality Act” passes, the terms husband and wife will be replaced! We investigate this ridiculous bill and finally, what is the truth about the Church in decline? Is it all churches, or just the most woke? Join us to find out!

"The Tea" Ep 10 on Facebook Live and YouTube live starring Senica Harris, Jonathan A Crockett, and Ethan Cripps. We will be discussing Biden's Marriage Equality Act, Brittney Griner release, World Aids Day, transwoman attacked by man on Grinder, dangers in hook up culture, local culture in Indy Gay Bars and surge of violence, Colorado gay club shooting and more...

We're challenging the status quo and daring to speak out about the journey of being "woke" in the LGBT community. Hear how our day-to-day lives are shaped by stories of mixed showers, morning routines, and Adam's vibrant revelations. Buckle up, as we serve up a fresh brew of thought-provoking discussions, heartwarming anecdotes, and our own experiences in Episode 4 of our series, Coffee With Gays.It's time to have those conversations that matter. We uncover the harsh realities of discrimination that gay men face in the corporate world and spark a dialogue about the seismic shift in social dynamics since the Marriage Equality Act. But it's not all doom and gloom. From the evolving symbolism of the pride flag to the controversy surrounding the Bud Light ad, we're demonstrating the power of language and inclusivity. Are we ready to address these controversial topics head-on? Absolutely!We don't shy away from diving deep into the heart of LGBTQ+ identity and representation. Hear us debate about the complexities of transgender rights and representation, with a particular focus on the Bud Light ad featuring a transgender teenager. We also dissect the controversy around drag shows performed for children and the ever-changing dynamics of our families. Grab your coffee and get ready to be part of the conversation - from the comforts of your own home.Show Notes: 00:00 - The boys bicker about who's going to host this episode. Spoiler Alert: Blaine takes the crown!

同性戀 tóngxìngliàn: homosexual 高等法院 gāoděng fǎyuàn: High Court 修改 xiūgǎi: to amend 婚姻平權法 Hūnyīn píngquán fǎ: Marriage Equality Act 台灣是亞洲第一個同性戀可以合法結婚的地方。台灣以前同性戀不能結婚，但2019年時，台灣高等法院表示同性戀有權利結婚，台灣政府必須在兩年內修改法律，讓同性戀可以結婚。因此台灣2020年通過了《婚姻平權法》... Keep learning this episode, go here: https://www.taiwanfeng.com/taiwan-marriage-equality/ We also have simplified version for this episode, please visit: https://www.taiwanfeng.com/simplified/taiwan-marriage-equality-simplified/ Gstar Facebook: https://zh-tw.facebook.com/gstarclub/ TABOO Facebook: https://zh-tw.facebook.com/TABOONightClub/ Contact Us: account@taiwanfeng.com Follow us on Instagram! Fangfang's Instagram account : ⁠fangfang.chineselearning⁠ Tingting's Instagram account:⁠ ⁠⁠ting.ting.tai We hope you like our podcast today! Got feedback? We'd love to hear it! Rate us or leave us a review! Learn Chinese Podcast | Chinese Listening Practice | Learn Taiwanese Mandarin | Chinese Learning Podcast

On this episode I discussed the epic bipartisan signing ceremony of the new law signed by President Joe Biden that protects gays, lebians, and interracial couples marriage. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/casanova-the-comedian/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/casanova-the-comedian/support

Later in the podcast someone asks me if I've ever been offered money to say something or not say something. I go through my career & name times!   My FREE Email list: StayInTouchWithMe.com Patreon: http://Patreon.com/RareTalk Merch: DreamRare.com Donorbox: Donorbox.org/An0maly  All Links: DreamRareLinks.com

Description: Deborah is joined by Centennial Institute Director Jeff Hunt to talk about the 303 Creative Supreme Court Case, the Marriage Equality Act, and how we can stand for religious liberty in a complex society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Florida Republican Congressman Byron Donalds joins Fox Across America With Jimmy Failla to shed light on the recent arrest of disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, and why some Democratic lawmakers probably did not want him testifying before the House Financial Services Committee. Jimmy pushes back against the White House's attempts to sell Americans on the idea that gay marriage is under attack by Republicans. PLUS, co-host of “Outnumbered” Emily Compagno stops by to talk about the importance of helping those struggling financially, especially during the holiday season.     [00:00:00] Biden celebrates the Marriage Equality Act  [00:42:25] New WSJ poll is great for DeSantis and bad for Trump [01:01:52] Rep. Byron Donalds [01:21:16] Alexandra Pelosi blames her father's attack on GOP ads [01:40:48] Emily Compagno  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS WEEK: Defending yourself during a robbery, Modern day cattle wranglers, What ancient military would you want to be a part of, IDF needs a new War league, Biden signs Marriage Equality Act, New gerrymandering, P22 Mountain Lion captured, Mayor of LA's new plan to fight homelessness, Crime isn't new, Walmart raising prices because of theft, Being a Vet's manager at a retail store, War reenactments, and more! A podcast from two comedians who only read headlines. Every week stand up comedians Willie Simon and Eric Freedman tackle some of the worlds most pressing issues with no chance of ever solving them. Jokes first, facts sometimes. SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOLLOW 2 DUMB BABIES Instagram - @twodumbbabies FOLLOW WILLIE SIMON Instagram - @williesimon_ FOLLOW ERIC FREEDMAN Instagram - @ericjfreedman FOLLOW TONY CELANO Instagram - @tonyjcelano

Musk BANS a reporter, tara Dublin, for tweeting at psycho Marjorie Taylor Greene and Biden aide Moe vela discusses Marriage Equality act. More about Chip Website: https://chipfranklin.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/chipfranklin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechipfranklin Chip Franklin is an award-winning writer, talk show host, filmmaker, comedian, and musician. A twenty five-year veteran of talk radio, Chip's also been awarded the National Murrow Award for writing and overall excellence. In addition, Franklin has been honored by The New York Festival for his unconventional coverage of The Democratic and Republican conventions and received more than 30 AP awards for writing and broadcasting. Chip has written for Steve Allen, Jay Leno, and even renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. Hosting talk radio shows in Washington DC, Baltimore, Atlanta, Chicago, San Diego, and most recently San Francisco, Chip appears regularly on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, the BBC and CNN.

Bei so einem Schlagzeilen-Gewitter, weiß man gar nicht, wo man anfangen soll. Nach einem russisch-amerikanischen Gefangenen-Austausch ist US-Basketball-Star Brittney Grainer endlich wieder zu Hause, nach monatelanger Haft in Russland (aus äußerst zweifelhaften Gründen). Aber nicht alle sind glücklich darüber, was der Deal beinhaltet. Außerdem: der Demokrat Raphael Warnock gewinnt die Stichwahl um den Senats-Posten in Georgia und verschafft damit seiner Partei eine sicherere Mehrheit im amerikanischen Oberhaus. Welche Auswirkungen hat dieser Stichwahl-Sieg gegen den Trump-Kandidaten Herschel Walker? Und beginnen die Republikaner langsam tatsächlich, an ihrer Kampagne gegen die Briefwahl zu zweifeln? Und nicht zuletzt: ist die Ehe für alle nun wirklich sicher, nachdem der Kongress den Marriage Equality Act verabschiedet hat? Ein „Kessel Buntes“ würde man zu all diesen Themen sagen - oder in Wendys Worten: eher wie ein österreichischer Wein namens „Gemischter Satz“.Credits:Theme Music:  Reha Omayer, HamburgFind us on:Facebook: AmerikaUebersetztTwitter: @AUbersetztContact us:amerikauebersetzt@gmail.com

Simon opens today's show by talking about the Brittney Griner trade and provide an update on the explosion in Marengo, Iowa. Next, Simon speaks with Senator Ernst about why she voted for the Marriage Equality Act.

This week we talk Hugh Freeze, Alabama/Auburn, Kanye West, and other current events. In the main topic we cover the recently passed Respect for Marriage Equality Act. For any Auburn fans listening, you will want to skip from 38:15 to 48:10. You're welcome. Links for articles referenced in the show: Mere Orthodoxy (CS Lewis & JRR Tolkien Letters): https://bit.ly/3VTJDW2 The Parable of David French by Albert Mohler: https://bit.ly/3UDYzXw Matthew Lee Anderson's Substack#429: https://bit.ly/3FAz5pw Slate Article by Mark Joseph Stern: https://bit.ly/3h4nZ2P

Simon begins today's show by talking with our good friend Gordie Siebring about the latest in Ukraine. Next, Simon opens the phone lines to our listeners to get their opinion on the Marriage Equality Act.

On "EWTN News Nightly" tonight: The Vatican says China has violated the terms of a provisional agreement over the appointment of bishops. In a statement, the Holy See said it had "surprise and regret" about the installation of an auxiliary bishop in a diocese not recognized by the Vatican. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, joins to tell us more about what the Vatican is saying. Over the weekend in China there were unprecedented public demonstrations against coronavirus lockdowns. The unrest followed an apartment fire which killed 10 people. Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Center for National Defense, Brent Sadler, joins to discuss how significant these current protests are. And back from Thanksgiving vacation, the White House reacted to news of the protests across China against the Communist nation's severe COVID-19 restrictions/rules that have confined millions of people to their homes. Meanwhile, with just a few weeks left in this lame duck session of Congress, Democrats want to pass as much as possible. Besides the Marriage Equality Act, their wish list includes an assault weapon ban and passing a bill protecting young illegal migrants. Finally this evening, with the US just weeks away from Christmas, and an economy already on the fritz, Editorial Director of the Daily Caller, Vince Coglianese, joins from the looming rail strike to share what type of impact a rail strike would have, especially now. Don't miss out on the latest news and analysis from a Catholic perspective. Get EWTN News Nightly delivered to your email: https://ewtn.com/enn

The Marriage Equality Act passed the Senate. What was in the bill you need to know about. Ep.404 | 17NOV22 On this episode of Don't Unfriend Me. I dive into the Marriage Equality Act and what was not discussed in the news. You might want to check this out. Tonight, on an all new Don't Unfriend Me! ⏺ Website: http://www.dontunfriendme.com ⏺ The DUM Store: https://the-d-u-m-zone-2.myshopify.com Follow us on all social media: @dontunfriendmeshow or @theDUMshow on Twitter/Gettr Marriage Equality Act, LGBTQ, Gay Marriage, Bill --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dontunfriendmeshow/message

In July, a bill designed to protect same-sex marriages passed the US House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Forty-seven Republicans joined House Democrats in passing the Respect for Marriage Act. Shortly thereafter, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he was working to drum up sufficient Republican support in the Senate to pass the bill. Following weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Schumer announced in mid-September that the vote would be delayed until after the midterm elections. To make sense of what is happening with marriage equality, we put together a two-part podcast series, featuring conversations with policymakers, experts, and advocates. In part one of this series, Rockefeller Institute Fellow Heather Trela, Senior Policy Analyst Leigh Wedenoja, and Pride Center of the Capital Region Executive Director Nate Gray answer questions like: If the US Supreme Court ruled in 2015 to legalize marriage equality nationwide, why is there now a renewed push for legislating this issue? What is the legislative and judicial history of marriage equality and how does that inform the provisions in the Respect for Marriage Act? And how is the recent uncertainty surrounding marriage equality affecting members of the LGBTQ+ community? In part two, we draw some political parallels to the current moment with a look back at the push for marriage equality in New York in 2011. To understand the political calculations and consequences of a Republican “yes” vote on this issue, Rockefeller Institute President Bob Megna talks with Senator Steve Saland, one of four Republican senators who crossed the aisle to say “aye” to the Marriage Equality Act.

In July, a bill designed to protect same-sex marriages passed the US House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Forty-seven Republicans joined House Democrats in passing the Respect for Marriage Act. Shortly thereafter, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he was working to drum up sufficient Republican support in the Senate to pass the bill. Following weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Schumer announced in mid-September that the vote would be delayed until after the midterm elections. To make sense of what is happening with marriage equality, we put together a two-part podcast series, featuring conversations with policymakers, experts, and advocates. In part one of this series, Rockefeller Institute Fellow Heather Trela, Senior Policy Analyst Leigh Wedenoja, and Pride Center of the Capital Region Executive Director Nate Gray answer questions like: If the US Supreme Court ruled in 2015 to legalize marriage equality nationwide, why is there now a renewed push for legislating this issue? What is the legislative and judicial history of marriage equality and how does that inform the provisions in the Respect for Marriage Act? And how is the recent uncertainty surrounding marriage equality affecting members of the LGBTQ+ community? In part two, we draw some political parallels to the current moment with a look back at the push for marriage equality in New York in 2011. To understand the political calculations and consequences of a Republican “yes” vote on this issue, Rockefeller Institute President Bob Megna talks with Senator Steve Saland, one of four Republican senators who crossed the aisle to say “aye” to the Marriage Equality Act.

The LGBT community has an end game in mind. Total domination. Make no mistake about this. How does the Marriage Equality Act play into this? What can we, the Church, do about this? My official website: https://davidcmcguire.org/ If you would like to help support us: Cash App: https://bit.ly/GiveForJesus Venmo: https://bit.ly/GiVeForJesus PayPal: https://bit.ly/GIVEforJesus --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/restoring-your-voice/message

On "EWTN News Nightly" tonight: The Marriage Equality Act passed by the House last week is waiting Senate action. All Democrats support it and as of right now at least 4 Republicans are on board. Some lawmakers worry about provisions redefining marriage, that go beyond codifying same sex marriages. And there have been at least 82 attacks on pro-life organizations in the United States since the beginning of May. Staff writer for Catholic News Agency, Joe Bukuras, joins to tell us about the few arrests that there have been for the damages on some Catholic Churches. President Joe Biden, recovering from a bout with Covid-19, said today his “symptoms were mild” and his “recovery was quick” as he thanked people for their prayers and urged Americans to take precautions against the BA.5 variant. This week marks 1 month since the Supreme Court released its decision on Dobbs and overturned Roe v Wade. It's a decision that has the nation grappling over whether the ruling impacts religious freedom. Managing Director for the Coalition for Jewish Values, Rabbi Yaakov Menken, joins to tell us what the Jewish faith teaches about abortion. Finally this evening, the Pontifical North American College, a main seminary in Rome, has a new rector. Monsignor Thomas Powers is a former student there and joins to tell us more about this appointment and whether having studied there will help him in his current role. Don't miss out on the latest news and analysis from a Catholic perspective. Get EWTN News Nightly delivered to your email: https://ewtn.com/enn

If These Walls Could Talk with Wendy Stuart & Tym MossHosts: WENDY STUART & TYM MOSSSpecial guest: ALEXIS HUNTERWednesday, August 4th2pm EST LIVE from PANGEA Restaurant, NYCWatch LIVE on YouTube at Wendy Stuart TV Joi Lansing may have been the last of Hollywood's blonde bombshells, but she was also victim to its vile, indeed murderous system of control. With Joi Lansing: A Body to Die For, author Alexis Hunter, herself a victim of studio “indentured servitude” and Lansing's partner and spouse during the starlet's final years, offers the tell-all now available in a new, frank edition set for these post- #MeToo years, and just in time for the tenth anniversary of marriage equality. More so, the author is currently in talks with enthusiastic producers to cast this vital story as a film or mini-series.Hunter, a quiet activist over decades for the rights of women and the LGBTQ community, was forced--like far too many--to endure a hidden life during her years with the noted sex symbol. “I had to pose as her little sister”, Hunter explained, “and was given the name Rachel Lansing” to explain their shared life. It is rare that such a romance can exist amidst the seductive yet destructive climate of Hollywood. Indeed, the pair forged a lasting relationship cut brutally short by the encroaching cancer Joi developed following years of breast- and buttocks- enhancement injections by a rabidly profit-mad industry. Told with a still palpable love by the author, the book places the reader into the heart of a relationship that couldn't have known it was destined for such a meager shelf life. Joi Lansing, actress and vocalist, was the tragic biproduct of male-led business thriving on the distorted body imagery of women, particularly in the time of #BeverlyKills, which we apparently are not as far removed from as we'd thought. The book is a must-read as our society re-evaluates whether or not we've done all we can to assure this tragedy doesn't happen again. As Hunter states in this unfortunately timeless tale, “Joi died for beauty”.The 2021 edition of Joi Lansing: A Body to Die For by Alexis Hunter will be available as a download on June 24, 2021, LGBTQ Pride Day and the anniversary of the Marriage Equality Act. It will soon be published in book form. See BearManorMedia.comWho else but hosts Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss could “spill the tea” on their weekly show “If These Walls Could Talk” live from Pangea Restaurant on the Lower Eastside of NYC, with their unique style, of honest, and emotional interviews, sharing the fascinating backstories of celebrities, entertainers, recording artists, writers and artists and bringing their audience along for a fantastic ride.

In our second episode with Kylin Camburn, we learn about Queer history from the 1960s until the Marriage Equality Act of 2015.

For our first series, we will be focusing on Asians in The Political Field as the general election on November 3rd, 2020, nears in the United States. For this series we will be interviewing different Asians in The Political Field to empower the Asian community to get more involved with politics as well as vote in not just this year's general election but all elections in the future as well. Doug Chin is a litigation attorney and is part of the police commission of Hawaii. He serves as the Hawaii lieutenant governor. He is known for his position as he defended the Marriage Equality Act in the Hawaii Supreme Court, and when he filed for a lawsuit against President Trump's immigration ban. Mr. Chin has also helped stop the reversal of student loans to graduates from fraudulent for-profit colleges. From the perspective of a lieutenant governor, Mr. Chin talks about the importance of police accountability, his motives for suing the Trump Administration for the immigration ban, and how his failures have built his career journey. Thank you to our listeners for listening, and to the AITS team for making this episode possible! We appreciate your support always.

June 26th marks the 5th anniversary of the Marriage Equality Act. Our guests Tammy Boyd Franklin and Kim Franklin are two of the plaintiffs from the landmark Supreme Court case (Obergefell vs. Hodges). In this episode, the couple tells their love story, their journey to the Supreme Court and the legacy they hope to leave. Please listen and subscribe.www.hotflashescooltopics.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/657557054765087/www.twitter.com/coolflashes 

  It is safe to say that we are living in extremely stressful times. The president rules more than governs and his rhetoric and policies reflect and encourage overt acts of racism and sexism. His relentless focus on border walls and deportations have created chaos in immigrant communities. And now we are grappling with COVID-19, a pandemic for which we are unprepared, and which the president framed, calling it the Wuhan virus, in xenophobic terms. The failure to respond quickly to this crisis, raises questions about our health care system, insurance industry, income security for low wage workers, and access to food for children when public schools are closed. This is the environment in which we try to contribute to our communities, stay healthy and whole. But these conditions take a toll on our physical and mental health. This is why the American Psychological Association engages its 118,000 members in advocating for reforms of public policy based in racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia and more. Dr. Brian Smedley, APA’s Chief of Psychology in the Public Interest, talks about bringing the science of psychology into conversations with policy makers, in state houses and on Capitol Hill.  The strategy of using science to separate bias from fact has led to transformative change, including the passage of the Marriage Equality Act. Please check out the APA’s resource for yourself and your community.        

In this episode, I have an energetic dialogue with Shijuade Kadree, Chief Advocacy Officer for The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center). An alumna of Emory University, Shijuade graduated with a joint degree from the Schools of Law and Public Health. A former defense attorney with Brooklyn Defender Services, Shijuade has significant government relations, policy, strategic planning, and stakeholder cultivation and engagement experience. Early in the episode, you will be taken by Shijuade's story of how she turned curiosity about disparities she saw into discovery and discovery into a rich and varied career path serving communities in need.Shijuade talks in great detail about how race is a powerful lens through which to examine many disparities in our world- not least those within the LGBTQA+ community. Most revelatory was her retelling of the moment she realized the painful irony that leadership at the highest echelons of the LGBTQA+ advocacy space often failed to reflect the diversity of the people who powered the movement. Within this same vein, Shijuade excavates the duality of significance and impact of the Marriage Equality Act, which on one hand marked a hugely positive shift in our nation’s recognition of the LGBTQA+ community's right to marry- and on the other hand, was driven by a largely homogenous power structure.Shijuade struck a nerve when she enumerated the impacts of the tacit invisibility black women experience in the workplace. We then get into seeming perpetual power of divisive rhetoric and how we can help move the public from cynicism to apathy, and from apathy to action. We also get a sobering lesson about the tragic after-effects of the black community’s miseducation about trans women and how many trans women of color are dying at the hands of black male partners. Shijuade talks about the work she's doing now to help heal with dialogue, education, and relationship building.Shijuade helps us gain a vital understanding of the distinctions between sexual identity and gender identity and how the synergies they share also surface some tensions within the LGBTQA space; especially when members of the trans community are seen as a part of a monolith- their needs going unrecognized and unmet. She ends with an assertion that we need to reconceptualize our notions of what it means to be a nonprofit professional. Shijuade firmly believes that a career in this broad field is often a selection into a life of struggle- but this setting can change once non-profits at all levels embrace a philosophy of abundance.This episode is sure to leave you feeling challenged, incredibly well informed, and invigorated! Many thanks to Shijuade Kadree for joining me on the podcast!Please check out Shijuade's consulting firm- Comp Strat Consulting Comp Strat Consultinghttps://compstratconsulting.comhello@compstratconsulting.comBook recommendations: The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Tableby Minda Harts

Alphonso David, Chief Counsel for NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, shares his experience of living through a military coup in Liberia when he was ten years old, and his subsequent experience of moving to the United States and being taunted and bullied by his peers. Discover how Alphonso found the courage to be true to himself and become an attorney fighting for LGBTQ rights. He also discusses the work he has done as Chief Counsel, including being instrumental in helping to get the Marriage Equality Act passed in 2011, and shares his thoughts on the current political environment and what activists need to do to create positive social change.

She's best known as the wife of New Zealand's most controversial religious leader, Destiny Church Bishop Brian Tamaki, recognisable for her carefully coiffed peroxide blonde hair and taste for the finer things in life.But Hannah Tamaki stepped out from Brian's shadow to become the sole leader of a new political party, Coalition New Zealand.It would not be a Christian party but would be strong on "family values", Tamaki told media at the party's launch this afternoon. But she was light on policy, with no mention of candidate names or which electorates would be fought. Even Brian Tamaki said he wasn't sure if he would stand.Hannah said those decisions would come later. This year would be focused on listening to Kiwis' views and letting them get to know her better.According to religious studies expert Dr Peter Lineham, she's a razor sharp thinker and an efficient behind-the-scenes operator. She's been the driving force behind much of the Destiny movement and is fiercely protective of her husband, but she has not limited herself to a supporter's role.She is also a "forceful preacher", Lineham said, while her social media accounts make it clear she has strong political opinions.The Tamakis said at the launch they believe there is a silent majority of New Zealanders who are concerned about the current Government's "leftist agenda". Euthanasia, abortion and marijuana legalisation were issues of concern, Tamaki said.She told NZME if she had the power she would further restrict abortion rights - though she was realistic that was unlikely to happen.But when asked at the launch about her most pressing concern, she chose to talk about child poverty and children being taken away from their families.At the launch, Tamaki told media she would not look to repeal the Marriage Equality Act, and when asked her stance on homosexuality, pointed to close friend Jevan Goulter, who is openly gay and will play a key role in the campaign.Hannah Tamaki's close friend Jevan Goulter is openly gay and will be a key figure in the party's administration.Brian Tamaki raised hackles in 2016 when he blamed the Christchurch quakes on the city's tolerance of gay marriage.The new party leader told Heather du Plessis-Allan her thoughts on that saga."I don't think gay people are that powerful. I always read that [earthquakes are] an act of God."Tamaki said she had put her hand up for the role of party leader, to her colleagues' surprise.Hannah and Brian Tamaki at the launch of their new political party. Hannah says she is more interested in politics than her husband, whose focus is on Destiny Church. Photo / Mike Scott"When they started talking about it I thought 'Is it okay if I have a passion for the politics and I become the leader?'"They said 'Wow, I never thought you would ever, ever offer'."Tamaki had a rougher start to life than her husband, according to Lineham, who has written a book on Destiny.Her Māori mum Polly walked out when Hannah was young, leaving her to act as a mother figure to her siblings - though they did not want for money. Father Basil, a Pakeha, showered the children with gifts and Hannah developed a love for fashion at a young age. Still, it was a struggle growing up without a mother."She's a really hardworking person with a strong personality," Lineham said."There's a strong sense that her sense of determination, created from childhood out of struggling to overcome difficulties, has given her that toughness and purposefulness that has been a striking feature of the Destiny movement," he said."She's a fascinating person to talk to because she is very smart, she's sizing things up in her head, which are the marks of a good leader."But where Brian Tamaki's pig-hunting, Harley-riding image makes him seem one of theboys, Hannah appears more materialistic which could detract from her public appeal, Lineham said."Hannah has had a close circle of friends and supporters who've been around her. But in party p...

Move over Tom Brady; there's a new QB in town. And her name is Sami Grisafe. But the retired female QB of The Chicago Force Women's Football team does more than win football championships across the globe. Spoiler alert. Voted MVP, Grisafe led her team to two international football victories and one national championship. Still, as impressive as her performance is on the field, so is her performance on the stage including her ukulele rendition of the national anthem. Yes, ukulele. What better? In addition to national anthem performances for the Chicago Cubs and White Sox teams, Grisafe has flexed her anthem skills on the mic before the start of several Chicago Force games, including the team's international championships. At the request of then-governor Patt Quinn, Governor sang the national anthem at the signing of the Marriage Equality Act. Known for her sultry sounds and rock vocals, Grisafe's first album, Atlantis, earned six pre-Grammy nods. Her upcoming album, which will debut next year, will serve as the soundtrack for the soon-to-be-released documentary on the singer-athlete's life, A Football Story. Wait, there's more. This month, she'll be inducted into the Semi-pro Hall of Fame. Yep.  In the interim, check out Grisafe's song, 'It's All Un-American' here. It's a message for Donald Trump.  

Alphonso David, Chief Counsel for NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, shares his experience of living through a military coup in Liberia when he was ten years old, and his subsequent experience of moving to the United States and being taunted and bullied by his peers. Discover how Alphonso found the courage to be true to himself and become an attorney fighting for LGBTQ rights. He also discusses the work he has done as Chief Counsel, including being instrumental in helping to get the Marriage Equality Act passed in 2011, and shares his thoughts on the current political environment and what activists need to do to create positive social change.

Loving vs Virginia gives me great ancestral pride in light of the passing of the Marriage Equality Act.