Atlanta journalist cites ‘Faggot’ marriage on Atlanta television

ATLANTA, GA. – A recent Georgia court decision to overturn their Defense of Marriage Act (DMA) spurred lively commentary on an Atlanta Sunday morning television talk show, with one of the commentators using the slur term “faggot”.

The “Georgia Gang” talk show panel includes columnist Bill Shipp, who referred to “faggot marriage,” when talking about equality marriage issues, infuriating GLBT leaders and community members.

“Either you feel as Mr. Shipp does, that we are ‘faggots’ and not entitled to basic human rights, or you support equality for every American,” asserts Chuck Bowen, executive director of Georgia Equality. “While there is some contention that the context of the use of this language mitigates Shipp’s usage of this term, there is no excuse for using this kind of hate speech.”

Shipp, conservative commentator and journalist, is an award-winning practitioner of his craft for more than three decades. He is an admitted expert on Southern politics and government. He is the president and CEO of Word Merchants, a publishing company. The Marietta native attended Emory University and was managing editor of the Emory Wheel and The Red and Black. He went on to work for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for nearly thirty years. He now writes a twice weekly syndicated column, as well as writing for Atlanta magazine and AT&T’s Interchange online service.

“Mr. Shipp’s reference to calling us ‘faggots’ is clearly indicative of the way some feel about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Georgians,” continues Bowen. “These are the same people who support spending more than $100,000 to call our General Assembly back into special session to address an issue that is already illegal in the State of Georgia.”

The call for a special session of the Georgia General Assembly to reinstate the DMA comes after Fulton County Superior Court Judge Constance C. Russell struck down the 2004 statute, declaring it unconstitutional. Her decision, based on procedural grounds, maintained that the “single subject” rule made the DMA invalid. As written, the DMA addresses two areas: the definition of marriage as a contract between one man and one woman as well as indicating that the State of Georgia will not recognize same-gender marriages obtained in other states.

Georgia Equality is conferring with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), as they devise a strategy for strengthening opposition should the Georgia General Assembly reconvene in special session to address the DMA.

“The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and our supporters are energized and ready to address the next steps in the event of a special session of the Georgia General Assembly,” declares Bowen.

Georgia Equality can be accessed online at www.georgiaequality.org.
WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less