Facebook Against BDSM

Original Article

A UK BDSM club called Collared has taken on Facebook over its total ban on all kink and BDSM pages and groups, and has won a review of the policy. Last week Facebook wrote to Collared to confirm that it was actively enforcing a total ban on all fetish and BDSM content and that all fetish related groups and pages on its site will be subject to deletion without exception.

Collared had sought clarification of the policy followed the removal of the Facebook Collared Events page on February 4th. The Collared page was deleted by Facebook following a complaint from a site user.

However following extensive communication with senior staff of the company Collared has successfully lobbied the Internet giant to review the ban. Facebook is currently engaged in a wide ranging “internal dialogue” to clarify the prohibition and to determine whether a total ban is justified. Collared will be consulted throughout this process.

Facebook has reiterated that the review process will not necessarily result in a reversal of the ban. Instead it may focus on creating greater consistency, clarity and transparency in the enforcement of the prohibition.

The deletion angered and mystified many Collared members and supporters. As a community non-profit organization with a well-known and proven focus on safety and socialization the Facebook page was used merely as a means of communication between members. There was no explicit imagery or sexual content of any kind and the page was “secret”. The Page strictly followed the Facebook Terms at and especially condition (3.7);

“You will not post content that: is hateful, threatening, or pornographic; incites violence; or contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence.”

One of Collared’s representatives immediately contacted Richard Allan, Facebook’s Head of Policy for Europe and asked for an explanation for the action, and that the deletion decision be reviewed. To its credit, Facebook responded swiftly, but the company’s explanation was, at best unsettling and at worst institutionally discriminatory and ignorant. Richard Allan contacted the Review Team responsible for the decision and was told “Any content that is primarily related to sexual activities is deemed to be in breach whether or not the there are any overtly explicit photos on the Facebook page”. This applies whether the content is a closed or open group and whatever the nature of the sexual activity.

In other words, Facebook deleted the page on the basis of its perception of the group’s intent and motivation even though there was no sexual discussion or imagery on the page. The position is radically more severe than the Facebook terms specify, i.e. “pornographic” and “nudity”. That is, where the Facebook terms lay down guidance based on published content, the company has arbitrarily extended this prohibition to include motivation and intent.

This apparent policy shift should concern the entire fetish and BDSM community as it signals a discriminatory and inconsistent application of an unethical policy.

Facebook subsequently wrote to us arguing that: “When it comes to fetish content this is generally regarded as always sexual rather than social in nature and removed from the site.”

This position is grossly unfair. It is also deeply offensive as it assumes that anyone interested in fetish has not only no interest in socializing, but has no right to socialize through Facebook. This is an attitude we might have expected from homophobes in the 1950s. This same position was adopted by the US military in its discredited “Don’t ask, don’t tell” practice. People interested in fetish are clearly seen as soft targets for persecution.

In a subsequent email to Richard Allan of 15th February we pointed out:

“I can’t tell you that fetish has no sexual dimension because to do so would be a lie. What I can tell you is that the purpose of the Collared page was to support and communicate to people with a fetish interest in a non-sexual way – much the same as countless other groups – which is more than can be said about the countless drool pages on FB dedicated to hottest guys and hottest women. Does the Review Team concern itself over whether people masturbate over these postings and images? Or does the Review Team believe people exercise a purely academic interest over Jodie Foster’s thighs?”

We are not interested in the Collared Facebook page being reinstated under these dangerous and unfair conditions. We will instead work with Facebook to ensure that the policy is amended to guarantee that enforcement action is based on measurable content rather than a twisted moralistic perception.

You can find more info on Collared official website.

Keep In Good Standing – A Tip For Those Who Can’t Kneel

There is a sense of rightness to the act of kneeling before ones Master, a serene feeling of belonging and worship that is unique and special to each dynamic but what’s a girl to do when she can’t kneel? How else can you get that same sense of peace and connection? As someone with 2 bad knees, who requires assistance to get back up when she finally manages to get on her knees, I’ve been dealing with this issue for quite some time and have come up with a few alternatives to share with you.

The Cushion

Most submissives already have a “slave mat” or other form of cushioning for sitting on the floor, if they are lucky enough to be allowed one. For myself, Master purchased me a large doggie bed from the local pet store that is very soft. However, these things often lose their fluffiness after some time or you may just want a better support from your cushion to begin with. Here’s what you do:

Go to Google search (Google being my most favourite search engine) and type in “Twin Memory Foam Topper”

In the top left of your screen you will see additional links titled Images, Videos, Maps, News, SHOPPING etc etc, click on Shopping

Search through the listed sites for the best deal from the place your most comfortable with. For me its Sam’s Club, Amazon, Wal-Mart or other familiar names, use your best discretion when ordering online.

Once you’ve selected and purchased your topper (twin being the smallest size they carry, I usually go with a 2″ thick one) you can measure your cushion and cut out a template on construction paper

When your topper arrives, use your template to cut out sections of the topper (you can use more than one layer for extra thickness!)

REMEMBER! your topper needs to fit INSIDE your cushion so you should leave off 1/2 an inch for every layer you add.

Pick out the stitches on one side of your cushion and insert the layer(s) of memory foam, then simply re-stitch it all together!

If your extra handy with a needle you can even add a zipper so if you need to change the memory foam at some point you have an easier time.

You can also use any extra fabric you have around the house such as old comfy t-shirts, sheets or blankets if you don’t want to buy a cushion as well. Memory foam toppers can run from 30-50$ depending on thickness, just be sure to search for twin size ones as you won’t need more than that!

Assume The Position

So now that we have a cushion to properly pad our body from the hard, cruel floors, what if that’s not enough to ease painful knees into a kneeling position? Sometimes it's just a matter of extra pressure/weight on the knees that causes the pain, in which case I suggest either sitting back on your heels to take the pressure off or going into a deeper position, like a bow. With knees shoulder width apart, bum in the air and your forehead on the floor with your hands either in front of you or in the small of your back, depending on preference.

Kneeling this way is made easier with proper cushioning because let's face it, knee pads are just not sexy no matter how you dress them up! Which is also why I like for my cushions to be a bit bigger, large enough to accommodate at least half the length of my entire body. Again, the preference is up to you and your dominant.

Sit, Stand, Pray

I find it extremely painful to even get down to a kneeling position let alone maintain one for more than a few excruciating minutes, though I have done so at Master’s discretion and He is always kind enough to offer me a hand back up. If you find yourself in this same situation there are plenty of alternatives and you can get quite imaginative with them too!

For meditation I often use the Indian Style position and this can be added to if you wish to create a sense of discipline to it by simple using stress positions for the arms. Namely, place both hands flat on the back of your head with your elbows straight out to the sides and your chin up. Proper posture is important for this stress position to have optimal affect and its one that I can attest to! The most I ever manage is 30 minutes before my arms begin to twitch and spasm.

Another favourite of mine (and Masters!) is lying face down on the floor, much like the Goren position Bara, with your arms behind your back either folded or simply resting your hands in the small of your back, and your legs straight out – ankles crossed or open, depending on preference. Often this position is utilized as a disciplinary position and enforced by having my head under Master’s chair or my body positioned so He might rest His bare feet on me if He so chooses while I fervently pray that the gritty feeling will fade, even though it never does.

Positional Ingenuity

In the end it all boils down to your preferences, imagination and ingenuity. What positions do you use? What are your favourites? Do you have any suggestions that you would like to share?

COURTESY OF Sephani Paige on May 24, 2011

Turkey: Stop Violence Against Transgender People

Multiple Murders Highlight Inadequate State Protection

For Immediate Release

Contacts:

In Ankara, Kemal Ördek, (Turkish, English), Pembe Hayat LGBTT Solidarity Association, Telephone: +90 554 465 57 29 In Brussels, Juris Lavrikovs (English, Russian), the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, Telephone: +32 2 609 54 16 In New York, Juliana Cano Nieto (English, Spanish), Human Rights Watch, Telephone: +1 212 216 1233

In New York, Hossein Alizadeh (English, Persian), International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Telephone: +1 212 430 6016

(Ankara, February 22, 2010)—The recent murders of two transgender women in Turkey highlight an ongoing pattern of violence and the urgent need for stronger protection measures by the government, four Turkish and international human rights organizations said today in a letter to Turkish authorities.

The groups called on Turkey to remedy the conditions that place transgender people at risk from acts of violence by enacting anti-discrimination protections, instituting programs to combat prejudice and hatred, and repealing laws that provide an opportunity for police to harass stigmatized groups. The letter was sent by Pembe Hayat "Pink Life," Human Rights Watch, the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA-Europe), and the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC).

"Protecting people and preventing violence means more than investigating after the fact," said Juliana Cano Nieto, researcher in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights program of Human Rights Watch. "Without meaningful government action to affirm their rights and ensure their safety, transgender people in Turkey will continue to live in fear."

Since November 2008, at least eight transgender people have been murdered in Istanbul and Ankara. The most recent killing was of a transgender woman called Aycan Yener on Feburary 16, 2010, in the Fatih area of Istanbul. Yener, whose legal given name was Fevzi, was killed in her apartment. Her throat was slit, and she was stabbed 17 times. Assailants also stabbed her roommate, Seyhan Özmemiş, 32, who survived. According to Turkish media, witnesses reportedly observed three people fleeing the scene, but no one has been arrested.

On February 8, Derya Y., a 35-year old transgender woman, was killed in her home in the Altındağ district of Antalya. Police found Derya Y. in her bedroom with her throat cut and multiple knife stab wounds to her face and body.

The targeted killings of transgender women are part of a broader pattern of violence against LGBT people in Turkey. According to Turkish media, the police found 56-year old Şinasi Halimoğlu, who had arranged a date with another man, dead on his bed on January 28 with multiple knife wounds to his back and neck.

In the wake of the killings, the police have made efforts to investigate and resolve these crimes. In two of the earlier cases, suspects were caught and prosecuted and sentenced to life in prison and in two other cases suspects are in pre-trial detention. The remaining murders are being investigated. However little has been done to protect LGBT people in Turkey, especially transgender people, from future acts of violence, the groups said.

In the letter, the organizations recommended:

Enacting anti-discrimination legislation that includes sexual orientation and gender identity as a legal protection;

Disaggregate statistics on violence figures that show violence against LGBT people; and

Instituting consistent communication between the police and LGBT rights groups.

"All citizens of Turkey, including transgender citizens, are entitled to live without fear of murder or persecution," said Hossein Alizadeh, Coordinator of IGLHRC’s Middle East and North Africa program. "The homophobic killings need to stop, and for this we need the Turkish government to take concrete action to protect transgender people."

European bodies have called on Turkey, a member of the Council of Europe, and on other states to protect LGBT people from violence. The European Union, to which Turkey is seeking admission, adopted a progress report this month, reminding the Turkish government of the need to safeguard all minorities, including LGBT people. Similarly, in 2009, the commissioner for human rights in the Council of Europe, Thomas Hammarberg, urged all member States to enact legislation that would protect transgender people from attacks and violence.

"The Turkish government should stop ignoring demands by Pembe Hayat and other LGBT’s in Turkey to take measures to stop ongoing transgender killings," said Kemal Ördek member of Pink Life. "The Constitution and the Penal Code need to guarantee equality and non-discrimination. The Government in turn needs to stop hate murders against transgender people and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity."

Human rights groups like Pembe Hayat have documented a long history of police abuse in Turkey, as well as violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity by state and private actors. In 2008, Human Rights Watch issued reports on violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, and on police violence, including harassment and abuse against transgender people in Istanbul.

ILGA-Europe will visit Turkey in April to assess Turkey’s compliance with its European and international human rights obligations toward LGBT people and to document the violence, discrimination and other obstacles they face in Turkey. The organization has asked the authorities to discuss proposed measures to address the human rights concerns of the Turkish LGBT population.

"Turkey is witnessing ongoing violence and hate against LGBT people," said Silvan Agius, ILGA-Europe’s senior policy officer responsible for transgender equality. "The Turkish government’s response needs to address the problems at their roots by tackling the severe stigma against LGBT people, social exclusion and poverty on the one hand, and the culture of gender stereotypes that is driving the violence and hate on the other."

For more information please contact:

In Ankara, Kemal Ördek, (Turkish, English), Pembe Hayat LGBTT Solidarity Association, Telephone: +90 554 465 57 29 In Brussels, Juris Lavrikovs (English, Russian), the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, Telephone: +32 2 609 54 16 In New York, Juliana Cano Nieto (English, Spanish), Human Rights Watch, Telephone: +1 212 216 1233 In New York, Hossein Alizadeh (English, Persian), International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Telephone: +1 212 430 6016

LINK TO: Letter written to Turkish Prime Minister 

Being Turkish And Being Gay

A Turkish man spills his guts and sheds some tears discussing his attempt to gain acceptance from his father.

We need new approach to solve problems with economy

The possible demise of fashion chain Republic, which puts 2,500 jobs at risk after it was put into administration (Metro, Thu), adds to fears the economic crisis is here for the foreseeable future. Indeed, it will last as long as we continue to impoverish the majority of our population.

For the past 30 years, we have followed economic policies that suck national income and wealth towards those who need it least, the affluent. According to some estimates wages are now so low the majority of British households have been forced into the position of needing benefits just to get by. Such misery impoverishes the government through reduced taxes and the high street via diminished spending.

The root cause of the crisis is the huge increase of inequality from which our nation suffers. There is now too little wealth at the foundations of our society to support our way of life. To get out of this depression, we need a new approach. Kevin Albertson, economist, Manchester Metropolitan University

I hope all the Tory supporters were listening to the comments from Sir Mervyn King, the outgoing governor of the Bank of England, on high rates of inflation and the state of the economy (Metro.co.uk, Wed). He was essentially telling chancellor George Osborne that focusing on growth rather than austerity is actually the way to improve our economy.

Since 2003, hourly rates of pay have decreased, along with the projected level of income. And it looks like inflation will stay high until 2016. This could lead to higher levels of unemployment, yet the government doesn’t appear to have any solutions.

So how can Tory supporters possibly believe Mr Osborne has a clue about what to do with Britain’s economy? ST Vaughan, Birmingham

Tragic event

I was sad to see four-year-old Morgan Phelan died of meningitis after a hospital said she had a ‘bad cold’ (Metro, Wed).

Meningitis and septicaemia are notoriously difficult to diagnose and can kill in hours but she had a rash, which is often a clear indicator of septicaemia, the blood poisoning form of the disease.

On behalf of Meningitis UK, which represents families who have experienced the devastation caused by meningitis and associated diseases, I pass on our sympathies to Morgan’s family. Steve Dayman, founder, Meningitis UK

Real lesson of 9/11? Ban gay marriage, Christian author says

Real lesson of 9/11? Ban gay marriage, Christian author says

6th FEBRUARY 2013 | BY JOE MORGAN.

Author believes God 'allowed' 9/11 to happen as a 'wakeup call' to ban same-sex marriages across America. 

What was the real lesson of 9/11?  Well one Christian author believes the 11 September attacks back in 2001 were a ‘wakeup call’ to ban all same-sex marriages across America. 

Jonathan Cahn, who appeared alongside televangelist Joni Lamb on Daystar to promote his new book The Harbinger. 

In the book, he uses biblical prophecy about ancient Israel to say God ‘allowed’ 9/11 to take place because of the country’s sins.

In response to Lamb’s question about the three states who voted for marriage equality at the ballot box in November 2012, Cahn said we did not receive God’s message about 9/11. 

He said, in video acquired by Right Wing Watch: ‘We’re watching rapidly since 9/11, America depart from God and it’s becoming, just like Israel did, it became almost like a pagan nation, we America are forgetting our foundation and it’s becoming almost the same as a pagan nation. 

‘But to whom much is given, much is required; so if we go this route, God is warning and God is calling.’ 

In his January message, Cahn said the 2012 election, which saw President Barack Obama re-elected, will ‘accelerate’ divine judgment on America. Unless people start buying his book. 

‘Until 2012, the proposal to end the biblical definition of marriage had never won a popular vote. Every time the issue had been raised in an election, the biblical definition of marriage had been upheld, 32 out of 32 times,’ he said. 

‘That all changed in November 2012…for the first time in America’s history the majority of Americans declared their opposition to the biblical definition of marriage.’

Cahn added: ‘It’s hard not to agree that this was a huge turning point, a tipping point of a year. I don’t believe it’s an accident that it was in the same year, 2012, the year of this tipping point in America’s departure from God, that The Harbinger was released. The word of warning continues to go forth, and is coming true.’

Currently nine states – Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Washington – have legalized marriage equality.

What can I possibly say about Jonathan Cahn other than he is a total moron? Seriously, he believes that God sent a message and we missed it? But this is not the first time that such views have been heard. For centuries the Pagan way has been damned by people like Jonathan Cahn, as evil, and that to be Pagan means to have no faith, to be godless, and therefore, dangerous.

People like Jonathan Cahn have engaged in their own forms of inquisitions and have committed, under the guise of Christianity and what they deem to be God's wishes, unwarranted arrests, treachery, robbery, beatings, rape, torture, imprisonment upon people like the Wicca's, Africans, First Nation People of North and South America, Asians and a wide variety of religious and social minorities.

UPDATE: 12 FEB 2012

JUST SO OTHER RELIGIONS DON'T FEEL LEFT OUT......

Muslim channel punished for saying ‘gays should be tortured’ British communications watchdog has punished several minor channels for allowing extremist attitudes to air unchallenged12 FEBRUARY 2013 | BY JOE MORGAN, DAN LITTAUER Fringe Muslim television channels in the UK have been reprimanded for allowing extremists to say their views unchallenged, such as gay people should be tortured. Regulatory watchdog OFCOM has found the stations broke the broadcasting code by allowing the extreme opinions to be aired. In one case, a female presenter said homosexuals should be beaten and tortured for the ‘evil, shameful act’. The Radio Asian Fever host, named ‘Sister Ruby Ramadan’ said: ‘Torture them; punish them; beat them and give them mental torture.’
 Radio Asian Fever, based in Leeds, England, was fined £4000 ($6300, €4600) for allowing it to air. Another broadcast by Noor TV was criticised by Ofcom for ‘serious breaches’, and highlighted how inflammatory talk can incite violence. The show said: ‘There is absolutely no doubt about it that the punishment for the person who shows disrespect for the Prophet is death. No one disagrees about this.’ While the channels have small audiences compared with the mainstream, Ofcom said it does not matter when it comes to the breaching of broadcasting guidelines. ‘The majority of Islamic channels comply with our rules,’ an Ofcom spokesman said. ‘However, where we identify issues through our monitoring or complaints we investigate fully and take firm enforcement action.’ Speaking to GSN, a British Muslims for Secular Democracy spokesman said they gave their ‘unequivocal support’ to Ofcom’s investigation. They said: ‘While freedom of speech is an important right in a democratic society, action must be taken against those who incite violence or hatred against any other group. ‘As broadcasters whose opinions are conveyed to Muslims across the world, these people are in a powerful position. ‘Therefore, they must bear total responsibility for every single word that leaves their lips (or their keyboards).’ Omar Kuddus, a Muslim LGBT rights advocate, said the Islamic channels has ‘no true representation of Islam or its tolerance for homosexuality as per the Quran.’ ‘The views are unfounded and go against the principles of Islam and cannot be condoned by any true Muslim,’ he told GSN. ‘Our religion is about peace and love, it is their duty not to persecute, not to judge. Have they forgotten that?’

US Radio Host: Gay men only want to be scout masters to ‘be around young boys’

THIS IS THE FACE OF THE WOMAN WHO IMPLIED GAY MEN WANT TO BE SCOUT LEADERS BECAUSE BEING GAY = BEING A PAEDOPHILE!

SANDY RIOS..YOU GET MY 'BIRD' BRAIN AWARD FOR TOTAL IGNORANCE, BEING UNINFORMED AND UNEDUCATED! HOORAH TO THE HILL-BILLY POPULATION OF THE USA!

A US Christian radio host has suggested that gay men would only want to be Scout Leaders in order to “be around boys”, and suggested a link between paedophilia and homosexuality, saying “gay men love youth”.

Yesterday, the Boy Scouts of American delayed a vote on whether or not to lift a ban on gay scouts, volunteers and staff, until May “due to the complexity of the issue”.

Two days earlier, responding to a letter from a listener named David who opposed the BSA’s ban, Sandy Rios, of the American Family Association, suggested that allowing gay men to be Scout Masters would put scouts at risk.

Ms Rios referred to Jerry Sandusky, a convicted paedophile who was married to a woman, and so wouldn't have been affected by the ban on gay members.

She said: “If you know anything about this you know that gay men love youth. They may not all like prepubescent boys but they like youth, most of them like young men, that’s why they go into professions and work with boys, that’s why they become teacher and coaches and shall we say Jerry Sandusky priests?

“They go places where they can be around boys, that seems to be a favourite thing and if you think that’s not true you know it is true. Not all gay men are paedophiles but all male paedophiles who like boys are gay.

“It seems to be a problem in the gay community, not a problem shared by all of them but everyone that has a problem with this seems to be gay, so you figure that out.”

She went on to suggest that allowing gay Scout Masters would put boy scouts at risk of abuse.

She said: “I would have to say that zero percent of straight men are interested in boys, zero percent. So if anyone is going to straighten this out it just might be a straight man, not a gay man, that defies logic just a bit. By the way David, these are our children, these are our children and their safety and well-being trumps any desire of any gay man to be a Scout leader or a gay boy to be a Scout.

“If you want to be that and you can’t I’m sorry but we can’t all be what we want to be, we can’t put others at risk just because we want something.

“At least we used to understand that, now it’s like whatever you want to do you can do it and the rest of us be…you know what it shouldn’t be that way David, these are our kids and we’re trying to protect them.”

Earlier this week, the head of a Christian legal firm in the US said that the reason that the Boy Scouts of America may make moves towards dropping its ban on gay scouts was “spiritual pressure” from Satan.

Last week one US radio host said the scouts should “shut down” rather than allow gays in, and that these are signs of the “end times”, and another said that allowing gay scout masters would allow “gay activists” to “spread deviant sexuality”.

COURTESY OF: www.pinknews.co.uk