A Jihad for Love (2007) - Parvez Sharma

A Jihad for Love (2007)

In a time, when Islam is under tremendous attack-from within and without-'A Jihadfor Love' is a daring documentary-filmed in twelve countries and nine languages. Muslim gay filmmaker Parvez Sharma has gone where the silence is strongest, filming with great risk in nations where government permission to make this film was not an option. A Jihad for Love is the first-ever feature-length documentary to explore the complex global intersections of Islam and homosexuality. With unprecedented access and depth, Sharma brings to light the hidden lives of gay and lesbian Muslims from countries like Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, France, India, and South Africa. The majority of gay and lesbian Muslims must travel a lonely and often dangerous road. In many nations with a Muslim majority, laws based on Quranic interpretations are enforced by authorities to monitor, entrap, imprison, torture and even execute homosexuals. Even for those who migrate to Europe or North America and adopt Western personae of "gay," the relative freedoms of new homelands are mitigated by persistent racial profiling and intensified state surveillance after the terrorist attacks in New York, London and Madrid. As a result, many gay and lesbian Muslims end up renouncing their religion. But the real-life characters of A Jihad for Love aren't willing to abandon a faith they cherish despite its flaws. Instead, they struggle to reconcile their ardent belief with the innate reality of their being. The international chorus of gay and lesbian Muslims brought together by A Jihad for Love doesn't seek to vilify or reject Islam, but rather negotiate a new relationship to it. In doing so, the film's extraordinary characters point the way for all Muslims to move beyond the hostile, war-torn present, toward a more hopeful future. As one can imagine, it was a difficult decision for the subjects to participate in the film due to the violence they could face. However, those who have come forward to tell their stories feel this film is too important for 1.4 billion Muslims and non-Muslims around the world for them to say no. They are willing to take the risk in their quest to lay equal claim to their profoundly held faith. "A Jihad for Love' is produced by Sandi DuBowski (Director of Trembling Before G-d) in association with ZZDF-Arte Channel 4, and LOGO.

Les personnes que Parvez Sharma présente dans son film documentaire sont des musulmans croyants et ils sont gays. Dans la plupart de leurs pays d’origine, ils font de ce fait partie d’une minorité opprimée, une minorité dont on ne parle pas, victime de persécutions et d’humiliations, exclue de la vie publique.

Original languages:(English Arabic Hindi Persian Urdu French) hardsubbed with French. TV ripped from Arte "the intellectual" TV channel in France.

http://www.foriegnmoviesddl.com/2008/12/jihad-for-love-2007-parvez-sharma.html

http://rapidshare.com/files/173334926/JHL.part1.rar
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R.I.P. ODETTA, the "Goddess"

Odetta, our American folk music Legend who moved audiences and influenced fellow musicians for a half-century, has died. The Grammy Nominee and recipient of the National Medal of the Arts was 77 when she passed away yesterday, Tuesday. in New York.

Damn, this is exhilarating!

As you may well be aware, I am a self admitted geek. I love my Tech-Toys, Gadgets, and SciFi. I admit to having four collector edition signed comics, still in the bag, framed and mounted on a wall in my home. I was unfamiliar with Watchmen until now; the series was published by DC Comics in 1986 and 1987.

Psychokinesis, Telepathy, and Precognition have always entertained and fascinated me. Does anyone else remember the Fury, which was years before Carrie. Anyway I digress, this movie trailer looks like they are bring their A game to the screen. Although I am a major fan of Heroes I will reserve any comparison until I see the film. Also there is a prequel in a comic book that is coming out soon, check it here at Super HeroHype.com.

I lost 205 pounds

I lost 205 pounds and I really don't feel like celebrating. I now know that there is no advantage to holding on to him, other than being there when he needs me. It seems being needed has always filled my voids and gaps in my own happiness or fulfillment.

For years I opened my heart and my home to those whom could not care for themselves; family matriarchs, and lost children. For the first time in ten years I have no one to shelter or raise. In hindsight i should have continued spending the time on myself.

Taking care of myself carried me to Brazil, Argentina, Egypt and Dubai within a year. I traveled alone but never found myself lonely. It was here back in the states that I thought I found something else, but in reality it was simply being needed.

I am just amazed as to how long it took for me to realize, or perhaps accept, that I freed myself from a life of sacrifice, to my own detriment, only to gleefully enter into another situation. It is difficult to see what someone asks of you when your hands and heart are always giving. This is where my learning begins again.

I've learned many things from the wisdom and generosity of Maya Angelou. One lesson in particular is to believe someone when they show you who they are the first time.

Thank you Ms. Angelou!

"Te conozco bacalado si viene disfrutado"

Missing In Action, lost in my own clutter

I have been absent for the past few days doing some much needed de-cluttering. I have not completed the process but what an improvement daily effort and discipline have made. Oprah consistently states that a cluttered environment is a reflection of our state of mind.

My greatest challenge was scanning of travel mementos, and documents. Then shredding or filing those documents, and placing mementos into scrap books. I backed up all of my computer files to an external hard drive. I finally got around to ordering an internal drive for my 17 inch HP which has been on the shelf for 11 months collecting dust.

This is embarrassing but i will admit to finding a $200 American Airlines voucher that expires in 90 days, 3 used underwater disposable cameras in need of development, a dozen unlabeled Cd's, cash, coins from around the world, and a joint. Along with that I have two AC chargers that I have no idea what they are intended for.

Beginning to place things into their proper places has been such a source of relief.

"The most important part of this simple practice is the leaving of empty space. This is not just about drawers and closets. Many of us live lives that are way too cluttered — with things, activities, obligations. We tend to fill everything up, including our calendars."

"We need openness in our lives, breathing space, unfilled time. These function as reminders of new possibilities, signalling that we have room to grow, and that we can indeed grow."

Please VOTE before November 13th - Mr Gay Competition

Vote NOW for the United States Finalist - Cast your vote for Mr Philadelphia

Vote NOW for the United States Finalist - Cast your vote for Mr Philadelphia

Rarely do you meet someone with a kind disposition, great personality, charisma, and is drop dead handsome. I had the good fortune to meet John, what a nice guy. He needs your votes to become the finalist in the Mr. GAY Competition. Voting ends on November 13th, so please vote now for Mr. Gay Philadelphia to represent the U.S. in Mr. Gay International.

"Change My World"

Marcus Patrick Entrepreneur

Model, trainer, singer, actor, dancer Marcus Patrick has added entrepreneur to his resume. He has launched MarcusPatrickHotBody.com. The beautiful Mr Patrick is prepared to help you shape your mind and body to reach your physical potential. What better advertisement than Marcus Patrick himself.

I hope that Marcus Patrick enjoys as much fiscal success as I do his physical success.

Congressman and Ambassador Andrew Young endorses Barack Obama

Marine motorcycle deaths top their Iraq combat fatalities

As a motorcyclist, enthusiast, and accident survivor I was deeply disturbed to read about the Marine deaths. The fact that more Marines have died on Motorcycles than in combat during the past year is quite powerful.

After my own accident, a hit and run on a Friday night, the uninsured driver was going the wrong way on a One Way street, I could not wait to ride again. I was wearing a helmet and had trained with the State Police on riding safety. Once I healed I put my bike into the shop and to the dismay of my partner and family I was back on the street riding.

While I have always admired racing bikes I have only ridden cruisers, my personal bike is a mid range Honda Shadow. "Crotch rockets" and "Rice burners" remind me of a particular young, sexy, olive complexioned, bar back. I love to look but, I don't touch, it's just asking for trouble. Even though the thought of driving either gets my adrenaline flowing. Damn, just the thought!

I understand the love of speed, the testosterone filled moments of exceeding the speed limits of both the law and common sense. The story of the young Marines dying senselessly has sobered me, I hope the same can be done for our young brothers on bikes.

Peruvian Shamans for Obama, IF ONLY THAT WERE ENOUGH!!

If only good wishes and vibrations were enough then Obama would win. The sad reality, that most of us are aware of, is the incredible disparity between registered voters and those who turn out to cast a ballot. I implore everyone reading this blog to not only vote but to vote with someone. Ensure that your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles make it to the polls.

This past week I found myself about to pray that Obama wins the election. I had a moment of clarity and remembered the value and purpose of prayer in my life. I am willing to pray for understanding, guidance, and tolerance. But to ensure Obama wins office requires commitment , preparation and action, not my prayer.

I will not pray for a politician to win but I will pray for the state of the world in which we live, and for Barack Obama the man. Voting alone will not change it, it also requires preparation, commitment, and action. Tuesday is just the beginning of a long road ahead and I hope that Obama is at the helm.

A Poem For The Young Voter

Thank you Jay Smooth!

What a wonderful vision!

SCLC Leader Criticizes Anti-Gay, Black Pastors Who Support Prop 8

Rev. Eric Lee, President of the California Chapters of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference spoke in an interview.

"I would remind - particulalry the African American clergy - that the people who are driving this fight for Proposition 8 and to deny the civil rights of one group of people are the same people who considered African Americans inferior and used the Bible to justify slavery, Jim Crow segregation, discrimination. It's the same Church - the Mormon Church that did not allow blacks into the priesthood and did not allow them into Mormon heaven. So I think we have to consider the source - and so when you look at the source, it should automatically cause a red flag to be raised"

Rum Bar 10-27 - 11/2

Mary J. Blige and Melissa Etheridge Raise $3.9 million for No on Prop 8

Last week Mary J. Blige headlined a fundraiser with Melissa Etheridge that raised some $3.9 million for NoOnProp8. Mary J. Blige is one of the only voices in Hip Hop who stands against homophobia. She has joined the fight against California's hate-based Proposition 8, the November ballot initiative that would legalize discrimination in the state constitution and rescind marriage equality for gays and lesbians.

I love her more as each year passes; Long Live The Queen!

Democrats in Steel Country See Color, and Beyond It

By MICHAEL POWEL of The New York Times
Published: October 26, 2008

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. - Voting for the black man does not come easy to Nick Piroli. He is the first to admit that.

To the sound of bowling balls smacking pins, as the bartender in the Fallout Shelter queues up more Buds, this retired steelworker wrestles with this election and his choice. A couple of friends, he says, will not vote for Senator Barack Obama.

"I'm no racist, but I'm not crazy about him either," said Mr. Piroli, 77. "I don't know, maybe 'cause he's black."

He winces at himself. "We was raised and worked with the black, the Serb," he said. "It was a regular league of nations. And the economy now, it's terrible."

"I've got to vote for him," he said finally.

Him? "The Democrat, Obama," Mr. Piroli replied. "I can't be stupid."

Mr. Obama's Republican rival in the presidential campaign, Senator John McCain, has placed a sizable electoral bet that he can sweep predominantly white, working-class Beaver County and a
dozen more Pennsylvania counties like it. Last week, Mr. McCain spoke before thousands in Moon Township, and two days later his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin, drew more than 2,000 fans to a rally in Beaver.

Full Story

D.L.Hughley BREAKS THE NEWS on CNN

Tonight D.L. Hughley launched his new new show on CNN, D.L. Hughley Breaks The News. I am very excited for D.L. who, like myself, is a self admitted news junkie.

I want to love this show and I will be tuning in to watch the progress. It is off to a somewhat uneven start, I enjoyed many of the sketches, while others I found lacking.

The high point of the show was D.L.'s interview with Scott McClellan, former Bush White house Spokesperson. The exchange was smart, funny and ended with McClellan's endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for president.

There was a segment tonight with CNN correspondents in China, Russia, and India. What awesome resources and potential. I am looking forward to next weeks show, in the meanwhile I need to get an email off to D.L. and his writers. Congratulations Mr. Hughley!

The Obama Song (World of Friends): Bridges for Obama

Bridges for Obama: American supporters of Sen. Barack Obama have been staging rallies abroad at world-famous bridges to show support for the Democratic presidential candidate and his pledge to span old political divisions.

LaBelle is "BACK TO NOW"

Labelle - Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx, and Patti Labelle released their first Labelle album in 32 years. "It is about now," Hendryx says. "We're bringing some of what was then [back], but I live in the present." In a nod to that present they also sought out Lenny Kravitz, Wyclef Jean, and TSOP legends Gamble and Huff to produce several tracks.

This is the LaBelle that rocked my Philadelphia home and electrified the world with their Funk and Soul music. They captivated me as a child and fueled my imagination as my family huddled close to the television to catch their performances. They broke every mold and defied stereotypes. Welcome back to the original Glam Gods!