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New Birther Pastor Eddie Long pays out of court to men, gays 25%?, Support growing around the world for gays, OLD NAVY selling pro- gay t-shirts, Gay King Gay Queen at prom, Santorum = s*&$

1. June 2011 by admin.

More Countries Supporting Gays And Lesbians

According to a new study conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, more countries all over the world are becoming more accepting of gays and lesbians. The AFP reports on some of the findings:

"Approval of homosexuality increased in 27 countries and decreased in only four: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Russia, the study noted. The growth in approval ratings was stronger than the decline.

The study rated the top five most tolerant countries regarding homosexuality as the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, and Belgium, according to the survey. The bottom half of the list consisted of seven ex-socialist states, East Asian nations, Latin American countries and Cyprus, South Africa, and Turkey.

In Russia, 59 percent of the population felt that homosexual behavior was wrong in 1991 compared with 64 percent in 2008, the study showed."

The increase in the intolerant attitudes toward gays and lesbians in Russia shouldn’t be all that surprising considering the violent events that took place yesterday.

Lack of Clarity Surrounds Texas Marriage Licenses And Gender

Last week a judge in Texas ruled that a transgender woman’s marriage to her late firefighter husband was invalid. The man’s family and his ex-wife had sought to prevent the woman, Nikki Araguz, from receiving any of the $600,000 in death benefits.

The Houston Chronicle reports on the reaction from the gay community in that state:

Noel Freeman, president of the Houston Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Political Caucus, said by phone that the news was very disappointing, given that Nikki Araguz had presented legal documents, including her reissued birth certificate, showing she is female.

"Here you have a birth certificate, a legally binding document, which the court has chosen to completely ignore," Freeman said. "The transgender community jumps through a lot of legal hoops — records of sex changes, amended birth certificates - to try to live the same life that everybody else gets to live. This is a very frustrating setback."

The New York Times describes the confusion:

A two-year-old state law says a court order recognizing a sex or name change is acceptable for marriage license applicants. But a 1999 Texas appeals court ruling stipulates that, at least for purposes of marriage, medical procedures cannot change a person’s sex — you are what you were at birth, period.
This legislative session, politicians have punted on clarifying the issue. And that means that despite the state’s constitutional prohibition of same-sex marriage, some clerks are issuing marriage licenses that, by some definitions, create gay unions. Other clerks are not sure what to do, waiting for lawmakers or the courts to clarify the matter.
Araguz is expected to appeal the ruling.

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/marriage-licenses-and-gender.html

Starting Monday, Old Navy owned by Gap, Inc., which owns Gap, Banana Republic, and Piperlime is launching a line of gay pride-themed T-shirts sized for men, women, and babies, with 10% of the proceeds going to the It Gets Better Project.

Old Navy’s pride t-shirts follow in the footsteps of a small, but notable list of high-end designers—notably Marc Jacobs and Kenneth Cole—who have released limited edition t-shirts in support of marriage equality, as well as American Apparel, whose “Legalize Gay” t-shirts continue to be top-sellers (despite the shenanigans of its sketchy CEO, Dov Charney).

http://chicagoist.com/2011/05/27/it_gets_better_with_old_navy.php

http://www.wmtw.com/news/28045784/detail.html

WMTW.COM, Portland Maine 8 News.

Gay Teens Crowned Prom King And Queen

SANFORD, Maine — What started as an effort to get people talking about acceptance at Sanford High School led to the crowning of the school’s first gay prom king and queen.

Photos: Gay Teens Crowned Prom King And Queen

Senior Christian Nelsen was crowned queen and his boyfriend Caleb Jett won the title as king.

Both received enough write-in votes to win. They said they decided to run to break high school stereotypes and open some dialogue about tolerance and gay rights. "When I went for it, I was like this could change who wins for the rest of the year. It doesn’t matter if it’s a guy or a girl who wins prom queen. Anyone can win, and on that same notion any type of person could win," said Nelsen.

WMTW Image

Though the two men are proud of their win, not everyone is happy about having a gay prom king and queen.
Read more: http://www.wmtw.com/news/28045784/detail.html#ixzz1NvknegSn

Miley Cyrus Condemns Rick Santorum’s Anti-Gay Ways

According to Politico:

Miley Cyrus isn’t a fan of Urban Outfitters after stories emerged alleging that the store has copied jewelry designs, so she pointed out that the company’s president had contributed to Santorum. “IF WE ALLOW GAY MARRIAGE NEXT THING U KNOW PEOPLE WILL BE MARRYING GOLD FISH’ – Rick Santorum UO contributed $13,000 to this mans campaign” tweeted Cyrus, mocking Santorum for some earlier remarks regarding gay marriage.

She also wrote about Urban Outfitters and Santorum: “Not only do they steal from artists but every time you give them money you help finance a campaign against gay equality.” It may not be the best news for Santorum, who is expected to launch his campaign next week since Cyrus has over a million Twitter followers.

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/miley-cyrus.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jB_N9pkNTvA#at=114

Rachel Maddow On Rick Santorum And His Own Man And Dog Encounter

Rick Santorum, famous for his "man on dog" remarks about same-sex marriage, recently shared a story about a dog who peed on his leg during a campaign stop. Rachel Maddow wants Santorum to know that if he’s trying to distance himself from that remark, he’s doing a lousy job.

Said Maddow: "Mr. Santorum is trying to undo what started as his man-on-dog problem with a new stump speech about a man and a dog. And a warm sensation."

Watch the rest of Maddow’s commentary about "frothy mix" and the "serious barrier" that his googled name presents to his very likely presidential campaign.

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/santorum.html

Gallup Poll: U.S. Adults Think 25 Percent of Americans are Gay

Wow:

U.S. adults, on average, estimate that 25% of Americans are gay or lesbian. More specifically, over half of Americans (52%) estimate that at least one in five Americans are gay or lesbian, including 35% who estimate that more than one in four are. Thirty percent put the figure at less than 15%…

Americans’ current collective estimate — which is substantially higher than Gates suggests — is likely driven more by perceptions and exposure than by scientific measurement or reality.

And:

Americans with lower incomes and less education give the highest estimates, on average, of the U.S. gay and lesbian population, and far higher estimates than those with higher incomes and more education. Americans aged 18 to 29 give a higher average estimate than older Americans, and women give a far higher average estimate than men.

Democrats, liberals, and those who say they are socially liberal are also more likely to give higher estimates than those at the other end of the spectrum. However, the differences by political or ideological leanings are in most cases not as wide as those seen by demographic group.

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/shock-gallup-poll-us-adults-think-25-percent-of-americans-are-gay.html

Bishop Eddie Long Cuts Settlement Deal with Four Young Men Who Accused Him of Sexual Misconduct

Megapastor Eddie Long has settled complaints with four young men formerly in his ministry who were suing him for sexual misconduct, CBS Atlanta reports:

Long chose not to fight in court. Instead he reached a settlement and paid off the four young men who accused the mega-church preacher of using his power to influence them into sexual relationships with him.

Former DeKalb County Prosecutor J. Tom Morgan said he is familiar with cases like Long’s.

"They had to reach a settlement if they did not want any statement by the Bishop on record," said Morgan.

Former New Birth members Spencer LeGrande, Anthony Flagg, Maurice Robinson and Jamal Parris filed civil lawsuits against Long last September.

Reports that Long was trying to cut a deal with his accusers surfaced last December. Morgan estimated that the amount Long paid the young men is "in the millions" and Long reached the settlement because of details that would have emerged about the incidents in court.

Part of the agreement is that nobody talks about the case.

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/bishop-eddie-long-cuts-settlement-deal-with-four-young-men-who-accused-him-of-sexual-misconduct.html

Off-duty law enforcement officer beats man unconscious in Cork Ireland for wearing a "gay shirt": "An independent witness told the court that Mr Murphy was ‘knocked clean off his feet’ after receiving a blow to the face from Mr Foley following the statement, and suffering a broken nose, broken bones, broken teeth and bleeding on the brain from the incident."

Please find the below ad for an LGBT survey. The survey each year helps Pittsburgh’s Out to market itself and learn how we can best serve the community. So we’d appreciate it if you’d take the time and do us the favor of taking the survey.

PLEASE SELECT PITTSBURGH’S OUT at the start of the survey. Five people will win $100 cash prizes.

http://www.lgbtsurvey.com/

Anyone can fill the survey out. Thanks for your help. We appreciate it!

Tony

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

More Power to the gays, Focus on hate and losing the battle, Rapture, who caused it and why it didn’t happen—yet, Lady Gaga crashes and eats paper, more hate from another NBA player, U go girl—LIsa Lampanelli

24. May 2011 by admin.

L.A. Times: Positive trend in same-sex marriage polls could bode well for federal challenge to Proposition 8. "There have been at least five national polls since last year that have shown majority and growing support for gay marriage rights.

In the most recent, a Gallup survey on values and beliefs found that 53% of Americans support the right of gays and lesbians to legally marry.

Focus on the Family CEO: ‘We’ve Probably Lost’ on Same-Sex Marriage

Freedom to Marry writes, in a press release:

In an interview in the June 4, 2011 issue of World Magazine, Jim Daly, President and CEO of Focus on the Family, a leading funder of anti-gay attacks concentrated on denying same-sex couples the freedom to marry, declared that the opponents of equality are being repudiated by young people and have "probably lost" on marriage, stating:

We’re losing on that one, especially among the 20- and 30-somethings: 65 to 70 percent of them favor same-sex marriage. I don’t know if that’s going to change with a little more age—demographers would say probably not. We’ve probably lost that.

Said Evan Wolfson, Founder and President of Freedom to Marry: "Focus on the Family finally got something right—the American people are rejecting their anti-gay toxic rhetoric and punitive politics, and are siding with loving and committed couples seeking the freedom to marry.

With six national polls now confirming that a majority of Americans support the freedom to marry, it’s time for Focus on the Family and other anti-gay industry activists to move on and, ideally, redirect their resources toward tackling the real problems gay and non-gay Americans could be confronting together in these tough economic times.”

We are back and were not one of the 3% saved.

Just who is Harold Camping and why did he predict the end was coming? I think you may be surprised!

Harold Camping, the Christian broadcaster and President of Family Radio, the group that set Saturday, May 21, 2011, as The Rapture, explains in the following video how it’s all because of gay people.

Run tape…

Now, that was before May 21. Here is Mr. Camping the day after his failed judgement day from IB Times.

Tennessee Governor Signs Anti-Gay Bill Prohibiting Local Non-Discrimination Statutes, Overturning Nashville Ordinance

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has signed an anti-gay bill prohibiting local municipalities from enacting their own non-discrimination statues and forcing them to rely on state law, WSMV reports.

The new law voids a Nashville ordinance barring companies that discriminate against gays and lesbians from doing business with the city

White House Responds to Anti-Gay Minnesota Marriage Amendment

After 5 1/2 hours of debate, Minnesota’s House of Representatives voted

70-62 on May 21 to send voters a referendum to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage.

Gay couples already are prohibited from marrying, but supporters of the constitutional amendment said it would be stronger than the current statutory ban.

The White House has issued a statement to the Washington Blade in response to questioning regarding the anti-gay marriage amendment by the Minnesota legislature over the weekend.

“The President has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same sex couples or to take such rights away. While he believes this is an issue best addressed by the states, he also believes that committed gay couples should have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country.”

In related news, so many of HRC’s Action Alerts were sent to the Minnesota Senate over the weekend in opposition to the bill that the servers crashed:

"Secretary of the Senate Cal Ludeman said their e-mail servers received about 235,000 messages between 4 p.m. Sunday and about 1:45 a.m. Monday, when the traffic eventually caused them to fail."

Lady Gaga Eats David Letterman’s Notes

Lady Gaga’s Born This Way media blitz and her $.99 album launch crashed Amazon’s servers. She also appeared on Letterman last night. At one point, she took David Lettermen’s notes, tore a page in half and ate it.

Saturday night, Gaga appeared as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live which drove SNL’s ratings to the highest they have been in 7 years.

Chicago Bulls Center Joakim Noah Fined $50,000 for Anti-Gay Slur

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah has been fined $50,000 after being caught on camera uttering the words "f**k you faggot" to a fan seated behind him at Sunday night’s Miami Heat game.

The only difference between Noah’s actions and Kobe Bryant’s last month is that Kobe’s slur was directed toward a referee and not a fan.

ESPN reports: "NBA spokesperson Tim Frank said that the two situations were different. ‘Kobe’s fine included discipline for verbal abuse of a game official,’ he said."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ntPOCnIVFgs

Lisa Lampanelli Confronts Westboro Baptist Church Protesters Outside Of Her Show, Donates $44K To AIDS Group

When those endlessly protesting bigots at the Westboro Baptist Church announced they would picket Lisa Lampanelli’s show in Topeka Friday, the comedienne promised to donate $1,000 to the Gay Men’s Health Crisis for each member of the church who participated in the protest.

By the end of the night, a total of 44 of the haters had showed up and Lampanelli tweeted that she will give $44,000 to the AIDS service group in the church’s name. The CEO of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis said this about her unique strategy: "Lampanelli is holding up a mirror to bigotry and hatred, and reflecting back love and generosity."

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

23. May 2011 by admin.

Finishing up the big, June Pride issue of Pittsburgh’s Out for you. Get your copy beginning Wednesday! Or view it online at www.outonline.com.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Majority in US support gay marriage, Gays in sports and non-gays in sports that support gay equality

21. May 2011 by admin.

Gallup Poll Sees ‘Radical Shift’ in Support for Marriage Equality

A new poll from Gallup released today shows a majority in America support marriage equality, but it’s a sharp shift since the last time they took the poll, the L.A. Times reports:

A new Gallup Poll released this morning finds that this month 53% of Americans say same-sex marriage should be recognized in law as equally valid with traditional male-female marriages.

The spurt in support of 9% in the past 12 months was the largest registered since Gallup first tracked the topic in 1996. Back then, only 27% supported same-sex marriage and two-thirds opposed.

59% of independents and 69% of Democrats now support the idea, while 28% of Republicans do. The GOP figure was unchanged from 2010.

The new statistics also show a predictable generational cleavage, with support for gay marriage highest among the youngest (70% among those 18 to 34), declining to 53% among those 35 to 54 years old and weakest among those over 55 (39%).

Another poll released yesterday shows a majority of Americans are in favor of same-sex marriage: "A poll released by the Public Religion Research Institute on Thursday confirmed what several other national pollsters have found: A majority of Americans now support marriage rights for same-sex couples. The poll found that 51 percent of Americans supported legalizing gay marriage compared to 43 who opposed legalization."

Two more polls from other agencies have also reflected this change.

In March, a Washington Post-ABC News poll: "Five years ago, at 36 percent, support for gay marriage barely topped a third of all Americans. Now, 53 percent say gay marriage should be legal, marking the first time in Post-ABC polling that a majority has said so."

And in April, a poll from CNN: "Of those surveyed for a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Tuesday, 51 percent said they think marriages between lesbian and gay couples should be recognized as legal and come with the same rights as heterosexual unions, while 47 percent said the marriages should not be recognized."

FUN ON FRIDAY with the Talk It Out Team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cZ9PNnKP_SM

All the Single Undies

Here’s an odd, amusing and trending video from 2(x)ist for its "shape-enhancing" underwear for men that’s perhaps most appropriate to be watched while getting dressed in the morning.

Back to serious news…

Rhode Island House Approves Civil Unions

Rhode Island’s House has passed a civil union bill by a vote of 62-11

Lawmakers voted Thursday to endorse the bill, which now moves to the Senate. The proposal would allow gay couples to enter into civil unions granting all of the state rights given to married couples under Rhode Island law.

The civil union bill was introduced as a compromise after openly gay House Speaker Gordon Fox didn’t feel a marriage equality bill had the votes to pass. Fox has taken heat from some LGBT advocates for his decision.

I am gay, you are gay, but gays in sports?

ESPN New York Radio Host Jared Max: ‘I Am Gay’

Jared Max, one of the best-known voices in New York sports radio and current ESPN New York 1050 morning host of ‘Maxed Out in the Morning’, came out of the closet this morning after talking about the other sports figures who have come out of the closet this week.

Said Max:

" I am gay. Yeah. Jared Max. The sports guy who is one of the most familiar faces in New York sports isn’t quite like the majority. And while you already knew I was a little different, this might help make sense of it. But more so, I’m taking this courageous jump into the unknown having no idea how I will be perceived…"

Professional Bowler Scott Norton: ‘I am a Gay Athlete’

Professional bowler Scott Norton has come out of the closet. Norton cites the coming out earlier this week of Phoenix Suns CEO and President Rick Welts.

He writes in a piece for the Professional Bowlers Association:

While many athletes wait until they retire to officially come out, the fact that Mr. Welts has the courage to do so while still actively involved with the NBA has encouraged me to also acknowledge that I am a gay athlete.

Charles Barkley on gay players in the NBA: “First of all, every player has played with gay guys. It bothers me when I hear these reporters and jocks get on TV and say: ‘Oh, no guy can come out in a team sport. These guys would go crazy.’ First of all, quit telling me what I think. I’d rather have a gay guy who can play than a straight guy who can’t play.”

Bear Grylls for Discovery Channel in Kimberlies, Australia. An unpleasant experience.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Pro-gay, Stud Rugbt star retires, Bryan Fisher rant, Baltimore Ravens player support, Santorum, Fox News

19. May 2011 by admin.

Uganda’s ‘Kill the Gays’ Bill is Alive, Carried Over to New Parliament

Jim Burroway at Box Turtle Bulletin reports that a BBC Network Africa segment discusses the agenda for the upcoming parliament in Uganda:

The 9th Parliament has inherited three controversial bills that form part of its deliberations.

They include the Anti-Homosexuality Bill which was shoved at the eleventh hour of the 8th Parliament, the Marriage and Divorce Bill which, among other things, would criminalize marital rape, widow inheritance [sic], in addition to providing for women’s property rights and rights to negotiate sex including seeking divorce on grounds of the man’s impotence or the size of their sexual organ.

Another controversial bill is the one that seeks to enact more stringent laws for the media.

You may recall that last week the parliament adjourned before taking any action on the bill.

AFA’s Bryan Fischer Says Gays are Nazis, and Soldiers Will be Locked Up and Brainwashed

Hate group leader Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association unleashed two desperate rants on his radio program in the past two days, Right Wing Watch reports.

Fischer claims that gays are Nazis who will do what Nazis did to their opponents in Germany, and that soldiers who disagree with DADT repeal will be locked up until they support "sexual deviancy".

NFL Player Donté Stallworth Tweets Against Anti-Gay Hate, in Favor of Marriage Equality

Great to see statements of support from more pro sports figures, like support and tweets from Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Donté Stallworth. His teammate Brendan Ayanbadejo is a big supporter and so is toughman Sean Avery of the NHL. San Franscico Giant’s announce an “It Gets Better” video is being made and released soon.

TODAY’S SPONSORS:

Paula Poundstone is coming to Pittsburgh June 3 at Carnegie Library Music Hall. Gets tickets by clicking the banner ad on www.outonline.com

Off The Wall Theater’s presentation of Shining City. Get Tickets by clicking banner on www.outonline.com

Starring F.J. Hartland and the reviews are in:

Michael Buzzelli for outonline.com…

Set in Dublin, Baum and Hartland have masterful Irish accents.

Hartland commands the stage when he espouses the details of his marriage and his attempts at infidelity

Robert Isenberg in Pittsburgh City Paper…

The standout is F. J. Hartland, sometime local playwright, who plays John, the haunted client. Under John Shepherd’s masterful direction, Hartland is a loom of words and feeling, weaving his long yarn with all the vivid color it deserves.

Pittsburgh’s Out. More Locations, More Copies, More Readers. Call 412-381-3350 or tony@outonline.com .

Now at up to 150 new locations!

www.out-connect.com, the region’s largest LGBTQ social networking site.

www.gaylifetv.net, the region’s gay life video history

Also check out the survey, pro flowers and Long Fork banner ads on www.outonline.com

In Close 13-12 Vote, Minnesota House Panel Advances Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment

Minnesota’s House will vote on an anti-gay marriage amendment already passed by the state’s Senate after a committee advanced the measure this morning on a tight vote, the Minnesota Independent reports:

On Wednesday morning, the House Committee on Rules and Administration approved an amendment that would codify a ban on gay marriage within the Minnesota Constitution by a vote of 13 to 12.

One Republican, Rep. Tim Kelly of Red Wing, joined the DFL in voting against the measure. The bill heads to a House floor vote.

The committee took no public testimony before the vote. DFLers pleaded with Republicans on the committee.

The vote was apparently met with vocal protest:

As the roll call was being taken, several protesters shouted “Shame!” and “You are damaging my life and my family!” One was dragged from the committee room.

Five Republican votes are needed to defeat the amendment in the full House, according to Outfront Minnesota.

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/in-close-13-12-vote-minnesota-house-panel-advances-anti-gay-marriage-amendment.html

Rick Santorum Says McCain Doesn’t Understand Torture

Rachel Maddow discusses Rick "frothy mix" Santorum’s position on the claim that torture led to Osama bin Laden’s killing, and his insistence that tortured Vietnam vet John McCain’s position against enhanced interrogation techniques is because he doesn’t understand how they work.

“Everything I’ve read shows that we would not have gotten this information as to who this man was if it had not been gotten information from people who were subject to enhanced interrogation,” Santorum said, referring to the courier that led Americans to Osama bin Laden.

“And so this idea that we didn’t ask that question while Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was being waterboarded, he doesn’t understand how enhanced interrogation works. I mean, you break somebody, and after they’re broken, they become cooperative.”

MSNBC, SUCHISLIFEVIDEOS, http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/watch-rick-santorum-says-mccain-doesnt-understand-torture.html

LGBT organizations urge Orbitz to stop advertising on FOX News due to the channel’s long history of anti-LGBT bigotry according to Drop Fox.

To sign the petition go to www.dropfox.com

Tuesday Watercooler: San Francisco Giants to make It Gets Better video

By Cory Stottlemyer, reporter, 365gay.com

SF Giants to make It Gets Better video

The Giants will be the first national professional sports team to create an It gets Better video. The sports team said they had been considering making a video for a while, but 35-year-old Sean Chapin’s online petition drive on www.change.org, helped inspire them to actually dedicate to the project. Rick Welts’ (Phoenix Suns President and Chief) coming out seems to have had a snowball effect for LGBT support in the sport’s world.

Rugby star Ben Cohen retires from the sport

The English rugby star announced his retirement from the sport in order to focus his time on the Ben Cohen Stand Up Foundation, which tackles bullying and homophobia.

Cohen has been a longtime proponent of acceptance both on and off the playing field and has recently increased his stance as an ally. In an official statement on his website, Cohen said

“I have reached the top in my sport. It has been an incredible journey and has put me in the privileged position I am in today to be able to work on these exciting new projects through the StandUp Brand…

As athletes, it is not enough just to have strong bodies. We must have strong characters and use our voices to support those who need and deserve it.”

Former Villanova athlete Will Sheridan comes out

And in even more gay sports news, former Villanova University basketball player Will Sheridan opened up to ESPN about being a gay athlete and coming out to his parents and his roommate/teammate.

Sheridan said he came out in hopes that he could help anyone else in a similar situation.

http://www.365gay.com

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

It gets better from SF Giants, Civil Unions in RI, AIDS cure?, Steven Tyler and gay sex, No link between gays and abuse in church

18. May 2011 by admin.

Rhode Island House Panel Votes 9-3 to Advance Civil Union Bill

A same-sex civil union bill in Rhode Island passed the House Judiciary Committee late this afternoon by a vote of 9-3 and will now head to the full House.

Marriage equality advocates are unhappy because it will set up a two-class, separate and not equal system, and anti-gay advocates are unhappy because it’s a "stepping stone" to marriage equality.

The bill is a compromise initiated after openly gay House Speaker Gordon Fox decided there was not enough support to pass a marriage equality bill.

Interview with Timothy Ray Brown, First Man ‘Cured’ of HIV

Timothy Ray Brown has been dubbed "The Berlin Patient" by the medical community, and is said to have been purged of HIV infection via genetically-engineered stem cells.

Brown’s amazing progress continues to be monitored by doctors at San Francisco General Hospital and at the University of California at San Francisco medical center.

“I’m cured of HIV. I had HIV but I don’t anymore,” he said, using words that many in the scientific community are cautiously clinging to.

Scientists said Brown received stem cells from a donor who was immune to HIV. In fact, about one percent of Caucasians are immune to HIV. Some researchers think the immunity gene goes back to the Great Plague: people who survived the plague passed their immunity down and their heirs have it today.

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/watch-interview-with-timothy-ray-brown-first-man-cured-of-hiv.html

Steven Tyler Tried Gay Sex But ‘Just Didn’t Dig It’

Steven Tyler writes about experimenting with men in his new memoir Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?:

"Gay sex just doesn’t do it for me. I tried it one time when I was younger, but I just didn’t dig it."

My only comment to Steven is… You must have not been doing it correctly if you didn’t dig it buddy.

Moscow Officials Ban Gay Pride Rally, Again

Moscow officials marked the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia today by banning a Gay Pride rally scheduled for May 28, UK Gay News reports:

The reasons given by the deputy mayor of Moscow, Ludmila Shvetsova, is because of “the impossibility to provide security” – and a high number of letters of protests received by the City Hall against this event.

“The reasons for banning the Moscow Pride this year are exactly the same reasons used in the past years – and for which the European Court of Human Rights judged against Russia for violating the European Convention on Human Rights, Pride chief organizer Nikolai Alekseev.

“Russia has decided to mark the Day Against Homophobia by showing, once again, its homophobic policy towards its LGBT citizens.

He revealed that an application would now be made directly to the Russian President.

Organizers plan to hold the rally anyway.

Officials have banned gay-related rallies since 2006, and a parade or march has never been authorized. In April, it was reported that officials had, for the first time, approved such a rally, but that appears to not be the case.

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/moscow-officials-ban-gay-pride-rally-again.html

San Francisco Giants to Be First Pro Sports Team to Make ‘It Gets Better’ Video

The San Francisco Giants will be the first professional sports team to make an "It Gets Better" video following an online petition initiated by gay activist Sean Chapin which gathered more than 6,000 signatures, the SF Chronicle reports:

Giants’ spokeswoman Staci Slaughter said today that the team already had been thinking of joining the campaign before Chapin started his petition drive, but his efforts speeded things up. She said the exact content of the video, and which if any players or members of the coaching staff will participate, has not been determined.

Originally, the plan was to produce the video for the Giants LGBT Night home game in August, Slaughter said, "but now we’re trying to get it done sooner than later."

The Giants have a strong gay and lesbian fan base and as an organization has a history of promoting tolerance, she said. In 1994, the Giants became the first team in the majors to dedicate a game every year to AIDS awareness.

http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/san-francisco-giants-to-be-first-pro-sports-team-to-make-it-gets-better-video.html

John Jay Study Finds No Link Between Homosexuality and Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests

A new John Jay College of Criminal Justice study, called “The Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the United States, 1950-2010,” finds no connection between homosexuality and Catholic priest abuse of minors, debunking a major talking point of Catholic Church defenders like Bill Donohue.

Says the study:

The researchers found no statistical evidence that gay priests were more likely than straight priests to abuse minors—a finding that undermines a favorite talking point of many conservative Catholics.

The disproportionate number of adolescent male victims was about opportunity, not preference or pathology, the report states.

What’s more, researchers note that the rise in the number of gay priests from the late 1970s onward actually corresponded with “a decreased incidence of abuse—not an increased incidence of abuse.”

John Jay Report: On Not Blaming Homosexual Priests [america, the national catholic weekly]

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Files Motion to Withdraw State’s Defense of Domestic Partner Law

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, in agreement with anti-gay group Wisconsin Family Action, has filed a motion asking a judge to allow the state to withdraw from defending the state’s domestic partner law because he believes it violates the constitution which says marriage is between a man and a woman.

Said Katie Belanger, executive of Fair Wisconsin, which has joined the case as an intervener and will continue to defend the domestic partner law, to the Capital Times:

"While we’re disappointed that Gov. Walker has decided not to defend critical protections for same-sex couples, including hospital visitation and family medical leave, this is exactly why we felt it was so important for Fair Wisconsin and Lambda Legal to intervene in this case.

She continues: We are still committed to defending this legislation and are confident the legislation is constitutional."

It’s not clear when Moeser would rule on the motion.

Grant Hill Talks About Recording PSA Against Anti-Gay Language for GLSEN

Phoenix Suns forward Grant Hill stopped by American Morning to discuss the new PSA he shot with teammate Jared Dudley for GLSEN.

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Today’s Talk It Out Show… http://www.outonline.com 24/7. CNN anchor- I was born gay; NBA exce. gay; Prom & gays; GOP funding marriage equality?; straight studs for gay causes

17. May 2011 by admin.

CNN Anchor Don Lemon: ‘I Was Born Gay’

CNN anchor Don Lemon has come out publicly in an interview with the New York Times. Lemon, who says he has never made a secret of his homosexuality at work, talks about the fear he has about the potential reaction he might face from the black community.

“It’s quite different for an African-American male,” he said. “It’s about the worst thing you can be in black culture. You’re taught you have to be a man; you have to be masculine. In the black community they think you can pray the gay away.” He said he believed the negative reaction to male homosexuality had to do with the history of discrimination that still affects many black Americans, as well as the attitudes of some black women.

“You’re afraid that black women will say the same things they do about how black men should be dating black women.” He added, “I guess this makes me a double minority now.”

Lemon tweeted a message of thanks to all of those who have shown him support.

Long-Time NBA Executive Comes Out

The New York Times has published a piece on long-time National Basketball Association executive and Phoenix Suns President & Chief Executive Officer Rick Welts, who has just now publicly come out as gay.

Two years ago, a 14-year relationship ended badly, in part because his partner finally rejected the shadow life that Mr. Welts required. “My high profile in this community, and my need to have him be invisible,” Mr. Welts said, with clear regret. “That ultimately became something we couldn’t overcome.”

He began to think: here he was, in his mid-50s, and maybe he had sacrificed too much; and maybe he should open up about his sexuality, in a way that might help others. He kept a journal, sought advice from his sister and close friends, listed the pros and cons. He also had long talks with his mother. She encouraged him to do what he thought was best.

There should be more school principals like the one at Kaneland High School in Illinois who has this to say about same-sex couples attending prom: “It’s like any civil rights movement. The issue starts pretty radically. Ten years ago, it was radical to have same-sex couples go to prom … today there are absolutely no limitations.”
Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/#ixzz1MVqzSfKk

TODAY’S SPONSORS:

Paula Poundstone is coming to Pittsburgh June 3 at Carnegie Library Music Hall. Gets tickets by clicking the banner ad on www.outonline.com

Off The Wall Theater’s presentation of Shining City. Get Tickets by clicking banner on www.outonline.com

www.insideoffthewall.com

Starring F.J. Hartland and the reviews are in:

Michael Buzzelli for www.outonline.com …Set in Dublin, Baum and Hartland have masterful Irish accents. Hartland commands the stage when he espouses the details of his marriage and his attempts at infidelity

Robert Isenberg in Pittsburgh City Paper…The standout is F. J. Hartland, sometime local playwright, who plays John, the haunted client. Under John Shepherd’s masterful direction, Hartland is a loom of words and feeling, weaving his long yarn with all the vivid color it deserves.

More Locations, More Copies, More Readers. The June Pride issue will be available next week!

Now at up to 150 new locations! Visit us on Twitter and Facebook. Read the full current issue 24/7 online at www.outonline.com.

www.out-connect.com, the region’s largest LGBTQ social networking site.

www.gaylifetv.net, the region’s video of gay life video history

Also check out the survey, pro flowers and Long Fork banner ads on www.outonline.com

05/15/2011

Pro-Gay Rally In Australia Ends In Violence After Disruption By Anti-Gay Protesters

A peaceful protest by marriage equality advocates in Australia on the International Day Against Homophobia ended in violence yesterday after members of the Adelaide Christian Street Church disrupted the demonstration.

Same Same has details:

Around 200 people met yesterday at Victoria Square, before the rainbow flag-waving group moved off to Parliament House.
Along the way, several members of Adelaide Street Church marched ahead of the colorful crowd, waiving huge signs saying ‘God hates sinners’ and quoting the Bible. They also attempted to drown out the marriage rally with their own announcements via loudspeakers.

Protest organizer Jason Virgo witnessed a wheelchair-bound LGBT supporter get yanked out of her wheelchair by the Christian protesters:

“I heard reports of someone being punched by one of the street preachers and I know that a woman of the gay and lesbian community who is wheelchair bound and a street preacher were struggling over a banner. The street preacher pulled it away from the woman, which obviously caused her to fall from her wheelchair. But instead of stopping there the Street Preacher kept pulling and this threw her to the ground.

CNN star out, straight sports guys for gays, no same-sex couple at our prom

16. May 2011 by admin.

CNN Anchor Don Lemon: ‘I Was Born Gay’

CNN anchor Don Lemon has come out publicly in an interview with the New York Times. Lemon, who says he has never made a secret of his homosexuality at work, talks about the fear he has about the potential reaction he might face from the black community.

“It’s quite different for an African-American male,” he said. “It’s about the worst thing you can be in black culture. You’re taught you have to be a man; you have to be masculine. In the black community they think you can pray the gay away.” He said he believed the negative reaction to male homosexuality had to do with the history of discrimination that still affects many black Americans, as well as the attitudes of some black women.

“You’re afraid that black women will say the same things they do about how black men should be dating black women.” He added, “I guess this makes me a double minority now.”

Lemon tweeted a message of thanks to all of those who have shown him support.

Long-Time NBA Executive Comes Out

The New York Times has published a piece on long-time National Basketball Association executive and Phoenix Suns President & Chief Executive Officer Rick Welts, who has just now publicly come out as gay.

Two years ago, a 14-year relationship ended badly, in part because his partner finally rejected the shadow life that Mr. Welts required. “My high profile in this community, and my need to have him be invisible,” Mr. Welts said, with clear regret. “That ultimately became something we couldn’t overcome.”

He began to think: here he was, in his mid-50s, and maybe he had sacrificed too much; and maybe he should open up about his sexuality, in a way that might help others. He kept a journal, sought advice from his sister and close friends, listed the pros and cons. He also had long talks with his mother. She encouraged him to do what he thought was best.

There should be more school principals like the one at Kaneland High School in Illinois who has this to say about same-sex couples attending prom: “It’s like any civil rights movement. The issue starts pretty radically. Ten years ago, it was radical to have same-sex couples go to prom … today there are absolutely no limitations.”
Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/#ixzz1MVqzSfKk

TODAY’S SPONSORS:

Paula Poundstone is coming to Pittsburgh June 3 at Carnegie Library Music Hall. Gets tickets by clicking the banner ad on www.outonline.com

Off The Wall Theater’s presentation of Shining City. Get Tickets by clicking banner on www.outonline.com

Starring F.J. Hartland and the reviews are in:

Michael Buzzelli for outonline.com…

Set in Dublin, Baum and Hartland have masterful Irish accents.

Hartland commands the stage when he espouses the details of his marriage and his attempts at infidelity

Robert Isenberg in Pittsburgh City Paper…

The standout is F. J. Hartland, sometime local playwright, who plays John, the haunted client. Under John Shepherd’s masterful direction, Hartland is a loom of words and feeling, weaving his long yarn with all the vivid color it deserves.

More Locations, More Copies, More Readers. The June Pride issue will be available next week!

Now at up to 150 new locations! Visit us on Twitter and Facebook. Read the full current issue 24/7 online at www.outonline.com.

www.out-connect.com, the region’s largest LGBTQ social networking site.

www.gaylifetv.net, the region’s video of gay life video history

Also check out the survey, pro flowers and Long Fork banner ads on www.outonline.com

VIDEO (1.36MIN)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6yF7EqGvPc&feature=player_embedded

05/15/2011

Pro-Gay Rally In Australia Ends In Violence After Disruption By Anti-Gay Protesters

A peaceful protest by marriage equality advocates in Australia on the International Day Against Homophobia ended in violence yesterday after members of the Adelaide Christian Street Church disrupted the demonstration.

Same Same has details:

Around 200 people met yesterday at Victoria Square, before the rainbow flag-waving group moved off to Parliament House.
Along the way, several members of Adelaide Street Church marched ahead of the colorful crowd, waiving huge signs saying ‘God hates sinners’ and quoting the Bible. They also attempted to drown out the marriage rally with their own announcements via loudspeakers.

Protest organizer Jason Virgo witnessed a wheelchair-bound LGBT supporter get yanked out of her wheelchair by the Christian protesters:

“I heard reports of someone being punched by one of the street preachers and I know that a woman of the gay and lesbian community who is wheelchair bound and a street preacher were struggling over a banner. The street preacher pulled it away from the woman, which obviously caused her to fall from her wheelchair. But instead of stopping there the Street Preacher kept pulling and this threw her to the ground.

Oh What a Week

14. May 2011 by admin.

Uganda’s ‘Kill the Gays’ Bill Shelved as Parliament Adjourns

The Ugandan parliament has adjourned for this session with no action on the controversial and condemned Anti-Homosexuality bill, aka the "Kill the Gays" Bill.

The bill had been scheduled for debate Friday, but parliament adjourned without taking up the measure.

AFP adds: "’I am adjourning this house ….,’ speaker Edward Ssekandi told parliament. Lawmakers and gay rights activists said that meant the bill had been effectively killed off for this parliament as Friday is the last day for debates."

The bill had attracted much attention from foreign governments in recent days. Yesterday, Human Rights Watch noted that Ugandan parliament’s Legal and Affairs Committee had recommended passage of the bill, which received condemnation from the U.S. State Department.

Ashton Kutcher to Replace Charlie Sheen on ‘Two and a Half Men’

Ashton Kutcher will be replacing Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men. Kutcher noted it on Twitter last night (above).

According to The L.A. Times:

CBS, studio Warner Bros. and Kutcher’s reps at Creative Artists Agency declined to comment on the situation but a deal is said to be all but signed. The exact dollar figure he will be paid is not known, but a source says Kutcher is getting a "huge payday" to join the hit sitcom.

The deal came together quickly after Hugh Grant passed on the opportunity to join the show. Now sources say "Men" creator Chuck Lorre has crafted a storyline to introduce Kutcher in a way that satisfies the network and studio. "It’s really funny," says one source. "People are going to love it."

Gay NY Firefighter Files Seven-Figure Discrimination Lawsuit

Steven Saunders, a third-generation firefighter from White Plains, New York, is seeking seven figures in a lawsuit agains the city and the Fire Department, alleging anti-gay discrimination and harassment, the Journal News reports:

Saunders, a 17-year fire veteran and the father of three, said he is suing, in part, to "send a message to my children not to be afraid to stand up for who you are."

In papers filed in state Supreme Court, Saunders, 43, said that after rumors about his sexuality began spreading in 2008, he informed his superiors that he was gay and was told by Deputy Fire Chief Richard Houlihan not to tell anyone, "especially anyone in the Fire Bureau."

The lawsuit alleges that, without permission, Houlihan then "outed" Saunders by telling others in the department that he was gay.

Saunders said that after complaining he was made Houlihan’s driver and told to "keep [his] mouth shut…because everyone gets teased — Blacks, Hispanics and Italians."

The claims in Saunders’ lawsuit will reach seven figures, according to his legal team.

Caroline Kennedy Signs ‘I Do’ Petition Urging Obama to Support Marriage Equality

Caroline Kennedy, who expressed support for marriage equality in 2008 during her campaign to replace Senator Hillary Clinton, has become the 100,000th signer of Freedom to Marry’s open letter to Obama urging the president to do the same.

The group writes:

"Falling in love, getting married, and building a family is part of the American dream," said Caroline Kennedy. "I believe that all Americans, including committed gay and lesbian couples, should have the opportunity to pursue that dream."

Freedom to Marry’s "Say I Do" campaign was launched on March 14th with an Open Letter to the President signed by prominent Americans, including civil rights leaders, Hollywood stars, musicians, and business leaders.

Since then, 100,000 Americans have joined the campaign and signed on to the letter calling on the President to join "the majority of Americans who support the freedom to marry."

Sign the letter here.

Teen charged for posting "gay-free zone" stickers in East London in February. "He is Mohammed Hasnath, an 18-year-old from Blackwall, charged with a public order offence between February 11 and 14 at locations including Bow Church DLR station, two in Whitechapel and one on a bus."

Brazil to air first lesbian kiss on soap opera: "The much publicized kiss was supposed to air last night on a program called “Love and Revolution”, but the show’s writer said he decided to push it back a day to attract more viewers."

According to www.globalpost.com

It’s been a big month for gay rights in Brazil. Last week the supreme court gave gay couples the same legal rights as heterosexual married couples. And this week, the media is covering what it says will be the first gay kiss ever shown on a Brazilian soap opera.

The much publicized kiss was supposed to air last night on a program called “Love and Revolution”, but the show’s writer, Tiago Santiago, said he decided to push it back a day to attract more viewers.

Soap operas here have had gay characters before, but this will be the first same gender on-screen make-out. Santiago heralded the kiss as “one more step forward in the fight against homophobia.

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So much hate… show me the love

12. May 2011 by admin.

My show notes. You can watch me live M-F at 12 noon est or 24/7 on www.outonline.com. Thanks for visiting my site. Now here’s the news…

Canadian Sports Anchor Damian Goddard Fired for Tweet in Support of Anti-Gay Hockey Agency

Canadian broadcaster Sportsnet has fired its host Damian Goddard following a tweet in which he expressed support for "the traditional and TRUE meaning of marriage."

Goddard’s tweet was in response to a tweet from Uptown Sports Management, a major hockey agency, in which it condemned New York Ranger Sean Avery for his support of the campaign to pass marriage equality in New York.

The Toronto Star reports:

“Mr. Goddard was a freelance contractor and in recent weeks it had become clear that he is not the right fit for our organization,” the sports giant’s communications director, Dave Rashford, said in a short statement.

Goddard hosted the Sportsnet show Connected.

‘It Gets Better’ video against gay bullying airs as an ad during NBA playoffs

Jim Buzinski. www.outsports.com

The “It Gets Better” ad done by Google for its Chrome browser, which received a lot of attention when it aired during “Glee” last week, is being shown during the NBA playoffs.

The video, which advocates against bullying, is reaching a demographic heavy with young males by being aired during basketball games.

It is very interesting to hear the word gay being used during a nationally broadcasted sports game especially when considering many of those watching could be potential bullies themselves or bullying victims.

TODAY’S SPONSORS:

Paula Poundstone is coming to Pittsburgh June 3 at Carnegie Library Music Hall. Gets tickets by clicking the banner ad on www.outonline.com

Off The Wall Theater’s presentation of Shining City. Get Tickets by clicking banner on www.outonline.com

Starring F.J. Hartland and the reviews are in:

Michael Buzzelli for outonline.com…
Set in Dublin, Baum and Hartland have masterful Irish accents. Hartland commands the stage when he espouses the details of his marriage and his attempts at infidelity

Robert Isenberg in Pittsburgh City Paper…
The standout is F. J. Hartland, sometime local playwright, who plays John, the haunted client. Under John Shepherd’s masterful direction, Hartland is a loom of words and feeling, weaving his long yarn with all the vivid color it deserves.

This Friday is the ad reservation deadline for the region’s largest LGBTQ publication, Pittsburgh’s Out. This is for the June Pride Issue. More Locations, More Copies, More Readers. Call 412-381-3350 or tony@outonline.com for more details on how you can get 50% off your July ad with a June purchase. Now at up to 150 new locations!

www.out-connect.com, the region’s largest LGBTQ social networking site.

www.gaylifetv.net, the region’s video of gay life video history

Also check out the survey, pro flowers and Long Fork banner ads on www.outonline.com

Minnesota Senate Approves Ballot Initiative to Ban Same-Sex Marriage

After several hours of debate, the Minnesota Senate has approved a ballot initiative to allow voters to constitutionally ban same-sex marriage.

The amendment approved 38-27 Wednesday sets the vote on whether to define marriage as between one man and one woman. That definition already exists in Minnesota statute, but supporters of the traditional definition of marriage say the extra protection is needed to guard against judicial rulings.

Governor Mark Dayton opposes it but is unable to block constitutional amendments

Newt Gingrich Announces He’s Running for President

Twice-married adulterer Newt Gingrich tweeted that he’s running for President a few moments ago, immediately crashing his website.

Just a reminder that he supports:

-an amendment to the Constitution of the United States banning same sex marriage.

-banning all adoption by LGBT parents

-banning LGBT citizens from becoming foster parents.

-stopping LGBT Americans from serving in the military at all costs.

-against the passage of ENDA

-against the repeal of DOMA

-had his political committees give $350,000 to anti-LGBT hate groups

-says Obama should be impeached for not defending DOMA in court.

-believes that all homosexuals are sinners.

Lady Gaga to pre-release parts of new album on FarmVille

Farmville players will be treated to ‘a Gaga inspired farm in-game, which will showcase Lady Gaga’s style and themes from the album and videos.

Images from V Magazine http://www.designscene.net/category/vmagazine

This Friday on the Talk It Out Show starting at 12 noon we welcome Scott Lope from the Discovery Channel’s new show Wild Animal Repo to the studio for a live interview.

Also, this Monday Chris Bryan of the Delta Foundation will be joining us.

The Talk It Out show airs Live every Monday-Friday starting at 12 noon est only on www.outonline.com

Delaware Governor Markell Signs Civil Union Bill into Law

Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed the state’s civil union bill into law last night, the News Journal reports:

Markell signed the bill before a jammed, cheering house at The Queen in Wilmington.

About 600 people were expected at the reception and signing organized by Equality Delaware, and it appeared that they all showed up.

Said Markell at the signing:

- if you’ve committed yourself to someone, and you’ve made that pledge to spend your life together in partnership, when life or death decisions come, we honor your right to make those decisions together.

And tonight, we say to children of gay and lesbian parents in committed relationships all over our state – and there are so many wonderful kids, including many here tonight, growing up in those families all over our state – we say to you: It doesn’t matter if your parents are gay or straight.

The people you love and look up to and that are dedicating their lives and love to raising you – those are your parents. You are a family. And while we’ve known it, and you’ve known it for years, tonight, that equality becomes real under law."

The law takes effect January 1, 2012.

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