Court hears transgender father Penny Port's murder was self defense

Court hears transgender father Penny Port's murder was self defense The Sheffield court heard the chilling 999 call - that's the UK's emergency phone number. Neil Port Jr. leaves the phone, there are sounds of stabbing and shouting, and he returns saying, "I think I have killed him." Killed who you're asking? His father, formerly known as Neil Port Sr., now known as a part time boxing coach named Penny Port. Penny had allegedly broken into the now ex-wife's house and threatened to kill her after hearing she had called Penny a "pervert in dresses." The ex-wife wasn't home, but sons Neil and Terry were. Jurors heard how Penny smashed her way into the house and grabbed Terry by the throat. Neil grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed her several times in the back and chest. She died hours later at the Northern General Hospital. The trial continues.�
[Date: 29-Jun-05 ]

Bobby Darling - I'm getting what I wanted

Bobby Darling - I'm getting what I wanted India: Bobby Darling, the most noteworthy queer fixture of Indian entertainment, may be leaving India for Bangkok to have a sex change operation, or then again maybe not. Indian Television is saying one thing. Darling apparently phoned asking for the article to be removed.�
[Date: 29-Jun-05 ]

Bobby Darling - I'm getting what I wanted

Bobby Darling - I'm getting what I wanted India: Bobby Darling, the most noteworthy queer fixture of Indian entertainment, may be leaving India for Bangkok to have a sex change operation, or then again maybe not. Indian Television is saying one thing. Darling apparently phoned asking for the article to be removed.�
[Date: 29-Jun-05 ]

Gay marriage gets thumbs up from UCC president John Thomas

Gay marriage gets thumbs up from UCC president John Thomas The United Church of Christ is set to cast a historic vote on a resolution in support of same-sex marriages this week, but the head of the denomination couldn't wait. The Rev. John H. Thomas, speaking at Emory University, publicly endorsed the measure, saying that the church's General Synod "should affirm the rights of gay, lesbian and transgender persons to have their covenanted relationships recognized by the state as marriages equal in name, privileges and responsibilities to married heterosexual couples. I believe our local churches, as they are able, should move toward the development of marriage equality policies so that the same liturgical and pastoral blessing and discipline may be offered all entering into covenanted relationships." The remark drew a lengthy standing ovation. �
[Date: 29-Jun-05 ]

Lesbian attacked her ex-lover

Lesbian attacked her ex-lover UK: Shropshire lesbian Rebecca Maund, 29, and Beverly Worall, 44, attacked Maund's ex-lover and her new partner. Worall was sentenced to eight months in jail. Maund was given 180 hours of community service, a four-month curfew order and a 250 fine.�
[Date: 29-Jun-05 ]

ATB conference empowers black LGBT community

ATB conference empowers black LGBT community Los Angeles: Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of African descent are invited to Friday's free ATB conference focused on empowering the black LGBT community through a series of workshops and panel discussions focused on politics, health, spirituality, parenting and sexuality.�
[Date: 29-Jun-05 ]

Terrence Britt murdered for allegedly saying killer Jacobs was bisexual

Terrence Britt murdered for allegedly saying killer Jacobs was bisexual Virginia: Crack smoking Korey Jacobs confessed to murdering Terrence Britt after accusing him of telling a friend that he was bisexual. Jacobs repeatedly hit Britt with a wooden stick and stabbed him repeatedly. A Suffolk judge has certified the crime as a capital murder.�
[Date: 29-Jun-05 ]

Lesbian attacked her ex-lover

Lesbian attacked her ex-lover UK: Shropshire lesbian Rebecca Maund, 29, and Beverly Worall, 44, attacked Maund's ex-lover and her new partner. Worall was sentenced to eight months in jail. Maund was given 180 hours of community service, a four-month curfew order and a 250 fine.�
[Date: 29-Jun-05 ]

Queer Eye takes a rather Extreme turn

Queer Eye takes a rather Extreme turn Queer Eye's Fab Five are delivering something of a twist this season, or perhaps they've just decided to get a lot more extreme, as in Extreme Makeover more specifically. Where they've normally found schleppy fashion violating souls with hygiene problems, it seems the boys are turning off onto a somewhat higher road. Watch for straight guy Lt. Stephen Halliday, 45, a New York City firefighter who received third-degree burns on more than 50 percent of his body in a St. Albans house fire in late 2002. Halliday lay in a drug-induced coma the first six weeks of his recovery. He had several operations and skin grafts too.�
[Date: 29-Jun-05 ]

Canadian House of Commons approves gay marriage

Canadian House of Commons approves gay marriage The Canadian House of Commons voted 158 to 133 to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide, taking a giant step closer to making Canada the third country in the world where gays and lesbians can legally wed. Although the legislation still must be approved by the Senate and receive royal assent, these matters are being called merely a formality and are expected to only take several weeks. "It's about the right to love," gay Bloc Qubcois lawmaker Ral Mnard, pictured, said after the vote. "When you are in love, things are different, and everyone is entitled to that." Meanwhile, the Conservatives are promising to revoke the legislation if they gain power to do so in the next election.�
[Date: 29-Jun-05 ]

Northwest Indiana looks at being gay

Northwest Indiana looks at being gay Indiana: Northwest Indiana students talked about being gay and the challenges they face - while parents and friends described how they deal with knowing someone who is gay. Another related piece is located here.�
[Date: 27-Jun-05 ]

Philadelphia gay tourism effort 'promotes immoral behaviors'

Philadelphia gay tourism effort 'promotes immoral behaviors' Pennsylvania: Philadelphia tourism has been marketing to our community for awhile now, hoping to cash in on the big fat gay tourist dollar. Now Republican Rep. Daryl Metcalfe has sent letters to all House members complaining that tax dollars are being used to "promote immoral behaviors."�
[Date: 27-Jun-05 ]

University of Florida article angers gay rights groups

University of Florida article angers gay rights groups Florida: University of Florida alumni and gay rights groups are blasting the university's alumni magazine for naming former governor Charley Johns, an advocate of segregation who spearheaded a committee to stamp out homosexuality at Florida universities, among 81 standout alumni.�
[Date: 27-Jun-05 ]

Court rules Jerusalem gay pride can proceed, fines mayor

Court rules Jerusalem gay pride can proceed, fines mayor Israel: An Israeli court ruled Sunday that Jerusalem's gay pride parade could proceed as planned this week and ordered the city's mayor to pay $6,500 out of his own pocket for trying to stop it.�
[Date: 27-Jun-05 ]

FIERCE NYC queer youth unveil cop watch program

FIERCE NYC queer youth unveil cop watch program New York City: FIERCE (Fabulous Independent Educated Radicals for Community Empowerment), a queer youth of color activist group, has informally unveiled plans to launch a Cop Watch program accusations of racial, sexual orientation and gender profiling.�
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

The making of Denver drag diva Tracy Edwards

The making of Denver drag diva Tracy Edwards Colorado: The Denver Post takes a close look at the making of drag diva Tracy Edwards, known off-stage as Ed Calbart. Calbart's mother said in a documentary prior to her death in 1999, "I'm very proud of my son. He's one of the top entertainers in Denver for drag, so yes, I'm very proud."�
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Georgina Beyer danced with the stars, wants more for charity

Georgina Beyer danced with the stars, wants more for charity Georgina Beyer, the world's first transsexual politician elected to parliament, danced her way into Australian living rooms on the hit television show Dancing With The Stars. The New Zealand Labour MP, as always, kept right on calling it like she sees it too, complaining that only about one fifth - between 20 and 28 cents - per text or phone vote actually went to charity. Beyer, who dismissed TVNZ's line that the charity aspect of the show was not necessarily the only motivation for viewers to vote, said the public should have been told. "So why bother involving the charities then? For me the charity aspect was a major motivator to do the program. It was a way of giving the public more of an incentive. I do have a feeling that the public have a right to know," she said. �
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Court dismisses Krystal Etsitty's transgender discrimination lawsuit

Court dismisses Krystal Etsitty's transgender discrimination lawsuit Transgender Utah Transit Authority employee Krystal Etsitty, pictured left, was fired for using the women's restroom. Etsitty filed a lawsuit against UTA and U.S. District Judge David Sam, referring to Etsitty as a "she," upheld the UTA action and dismissed the lawsuit, agreeing that she was not the victim of sexual stereotyping. Sam said laws prohibiting sex discrimination apply to a person's biological sex, ruling that transsexuals fall outside the 1989 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that banned discrimination against individuals who fail to meet the stereotype of their gender, such as a man who has effeminate mannerisms or a woman who behaves aggressively.�
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Lost Sappho love poem published after 2,600 years

Lost Sappho love poem published after 2,600 years London: A love poem written 2,600 years ago by Sappho, the greatest female poet of ancient Greece, has been published for the first time since it was rediscovered last year. Sappho's verses express love for her female companions on the Greek island of Lesbos.�
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Boston Gay Men's Chorus concert sparks protest in Poland

Boston Gay Men's Chorus concert sparks protest in Poland Poland: The Boston Gay Men's Chorus is on a European tour - making them a target for the extreme right League of Polish Families who protested a Poland concert in Wroclaw, claiming they oppose any actions which promote deviation, pathologies and behavior which results from mental instability..." (Thanks Mike)�
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Scottish government executive coming out announcement a lie

Scottish government executive coming out announcement a lie Scotland: Police are investigating the distribution of a fraudulent news release that was circulated to the media in which a Scottish government minister came out publicly. �
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Gay couples in New Zealand aren't embracing civil unions

Gay couples in New Zealand aren't embracing civil unions New Zealand: Same-sex couples aren't having civil unions, which have been legal for five weeks. Only 23 female couples, 23 male couples and 10 heterosexual couples were joined, while 1700 straight couples got married.�
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Gay closet-case David Dreier to mentor Euan Blair

Gay closet-case David Dreier to mentor Euan Blair Euan Blair, British Prime Minister Tony Blair's oldest son, pictured, will be doing an internship in Washington D.C. this summer. What's so queer about that? He'll be mentored by gay Republican closet-case David Dreier, and that's not all that is strange about it. It's very weird politically as well. As Congresswoman Louise Slaughter said, "It is extremely surprising that the son of a Labour Prime Minister would intern with the Republican majority staff on the committee." �
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Gay marriage focus of Fiji protest march

Gay marriage focus of Fiji protest march Fiji: A weekend march against gay marriage was called "a violation of human rights" by the Fiji Womens Crisis Centre coordinator Shamimia Ali. "Shouldn't the churches be concentrating on helping the needy and weak members of their congregations?" Gay marriage is already illegal.�
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Brian Graden's Logo delivers gay TV this week

Brian Graden's Logo delivers gay TV this week The Logo gay television network is finally arriving on Thursday, June 30th, and the gay man who is molding it, Brian Graden, grew up in rural Illinois and attended Oral Roberts University. If it weren't for his proven programming track record with MTV, VH1 and CMT, we'd be afraid, very afraid. He assisted in developing "South Park" and delivered the four-letter-word family "The Osbournes" to American living rooms. He's been an envelope pusher - and within a gay network context I think we're going to see more. Logo, too, which will initially be seen in about 10 million homes with digital cable, is a given, whereas the Here! and Q networks are offering pay networks. (Thanks Carl)�
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Terry McMillan got her groove back, but Jonathan Plummer is gay

Terry McMillan got her groove back, but Jonathan Plummer is gay Remember when Stella Got Her Groove Back? San Francisco author Terry McMillan, pictured, and her celebrated romance and subsequent marriage to a man 23 years her junior, became the subject of her fictionized best-seller. Only now, in Contra Costa County Superior Court, McMillan has filed for divorce from her Jamaican-born husband of six years, Jonathan Plummer. Why? Plummer says he's gay. McMillan claims her marriage was based on a "fraud" and claims Plummer lied to gain U.S. citizenship. Plummer is insisting he didn't know he was gay when they met.�
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Gay Pride parade alarmed Neil Steinberg's son

Gay Pride parade alarmed Neil Steinberg's son Straight Jewish columnist Neil Steinberg, pictured, sympathizes with gay rights, one "loathed minority" to another, and he's sharing a great gay pride story. When his son was 3 they wound up at Gay Pride unintentionally, "forgetting that a quarter million people were packing the streets. With the sidewalks jammed, I scooped my little guy and held him in my arms and we watched the passing carnival - muscle boys in tiny swimsuits, transvestites on roller skates, gay celebrities sitting on the back of open convertibles. My young son's eyes goggled in alarm. 'Daddy,' he said, pointing, 'those men ... they're not wearing seat belts.'" �
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Bromley council bans gay partnership ceremonies on public property

Bromley council bans gay partnership ceremonies on public property London: Mayor Ken Livingstone is consulting lawyers and condemning a Bromley council decision to ban gay couples from holding partnership ceremonies on municipal property in the burrough. �
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Murder of Amancio Corrales mobilizes a community

Murder of Amancio Corrales mobilizes a community I admit it. I blew it in not previously reporting on the Arizona murder of Amancio Corrales, 23, a gay man and popular drag performer known as "Delilah" - pictured. For some strange reason I kept confusing the story with the murder of John Mayos. Perhaps there's a psychic connection and I'll wind up on Medium next season. But for now, with overdue respect, I must tell you that his body was found, in drag, in the Colorado River on May 6. Cause of death has been reported only as "violent trauma." There haven't been any leads in the case, although there's been talk on Gay In Yuma that Corrales may have been killed by U.S. Marines.�
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

LGBT Pride celebrated all over the map

LGBT Pride celebrated all over the map Gay Pride parades and celebrations were held in countless locations over the weekend, from urban centers like San Francisco and New York City, big cities like Chicago and Houston, on down to small towns like the historically homophobic Conway, Arkansas. Even though pride was banned in Tampa, Florida, people filled the streets there announcing "Pride is Back!" Pride made another significant comeback in Wichita, Kansas, returning after a five year absence. Muncie, Indiana, held their very first, while other celebrations continued nationally like the ones in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Atlanta, Georgia, Lansing, Michigan, Denver, Colorado, Seattle, Washington, St. Louis, Missouri. Events were held internationally as well in many cities including Toronto, Ontario, Berlin, Germany, and Kolkata, India. And the award for the most ridiculous photo headline goes to MSNBC (second picture). Hope you all had a rockin' Pride weekend!�
[Date: 28-Jun-05 ]

Iqalummiut show their support for gays and lesbians

Iqalummiut show their support for gays and lesbians Nunavut: About 200 renewed their support for LGBT people in Nunavut at the annual Pride and Friends of Pride Picnic. "there were far more gay and lesbian Inuit than were here before."�
[Date: 20-Jun-05 ]

British transsexual Christine Goodwin wins recognition, right to marry

British transsexual Christine Goodwin wins recognition, right to marry British transsexual Christine Goodwin won her battle in the European Court of Human Rights to be recognized as a woman and be allowed to marry. The 65-year-old told the court that English law had denied her the right to a new sexual identity and while the ruling doesn't immediately override UK law, judges will have to take the ruling into account. The court found no justification for barring Goodwin from enjoying the right to marry under any circumstances. The UK is one of four countries in the Council of Europe which does not recogniae a sex change as legally valid. The others are Ireland, Andorra and Albania.�
[Date: 20-Jun-05 ]

Killer whales and other animals exhibit gay behavior

Killer whales and other animals exhibit gay behavior World: Some of Rich Osborne's killer whale pictures aren't suitable for children. "We try not to impose values on these things," said Osborne, who has studied orcas for three decades. "But it looks pretty (gay)."�
[Date: 20-Jun-05 ]

Gay employee Rob McGinty fired from Alaska Airlines

Gay employee Rob McGinty fired from Alaska Airlines Don't you hate it when you split up with your partner, who is on your health plan, and he tells the company you've been lying. That's Rob McGinty's story in a nutshell. McGinty spent more than two decades in the airline industry until Alaska Airlines investigator Don Pilker dropped a bomb. McGinty, he believed, had fraudulently claimed health benefits for his longtime partner. McGinty was livid - "I'm absolutely outraged that you would take the word of a psychologically unbalanced alcoholic over that of a 22-year veteran with not one blemish on my record." They did. McGinty was fired. The story also helps illustrate how corporate benefit policies often have tougher eligibility standards for domestic partners than for married people. It's not equal. If McGinty had been married, he'd still have a job. His union wants him reinstated.�
[Date: 20-Jun-05 ]

Jerusalem gay rights group slams Mayor Uri Lupolianski

Jerusalem gay rights group slams Mayor Uri Lupolianski Israel: Gay rights activists have petitioned the High Court over discriminatory conduct by Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski. Jerusalem Open House is asking the court to order city hall to fund the Gay Pride Parade.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Karoo Hotel: We don't allow gays

Karoo Hotel: We don't allow gays South Africa: When tour guide Brian Nel decided to visit Sutherland to see the new Salt telescope, he booked a room at the Karoo Hotel - only to be told "we don't allow gays."�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

New Zealanders warned of unsafe condom shipment

New Zealanders warned of unsafe condom shipment New Zealand: Customs and health authorities are concerned that a shipment of unsafe condoms may have entered the country. �
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Homophobic Santa Maria unable to give Diana Hall a fair trial, atty claims

Homophobic Santa Maria unable to give Diana Hall a fair trial, atty claims It's interesting to see Superior Court Judge Diana Hall's attorney using community homophobia as a reason to get her trial moved from conservative Santa Maria to the more liberal community of Santa Barbara. Hall faces four misdemeanor counts of violating California's campaign finance laws. As evidence against Santa Maria, a sworn declaration by Janet Stanley, former CEO of the Pacific Pride Center in Santa Barbara, states that Santa Maria is homophobic. She's still hearing civil cases during litigation.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Gay pride events

Gay pride events Gay Pride: Pride events took place this weekend in Edmonton and Baltimore and Iowa City and Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Gay age of consent issue reignites on Isle of Man

Gay age of consent issue reignites on Isle of Man Isle of Man The government unveiled plans to equalize the age of consent for gay and straight sex, a matter advocated for by the European Union. Gay consensual sex could become legal at 16. It's 18 now. �
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Saturn Cafe's gender neutral restrooms rock

Saturn Cafe's gender neutral restrooms rock Let's visit the restroom at the Saturn Cafe in Santa Cruz, California. A decision must be made. Door No. 1 has a huge photograph of Elvis -- wait, that's an Elvis impersonator, possibly male, possibly female. Door No. 2 features a photo of two women -- wait, is that two men in drag? So, which door to enter? Either, say employees of the Saturn Cafe. And while unisex bathrooms are becoming mainstream, the idea normally is one sex at a time. At the Saturn Cafe, owners have taken the concept of gender neutrality very seriously. The idea at the Saturn is, any and all sexes at any time.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Idyllwild transgender student Isaak Brown

Idyllwild transgender student Isaak Brown California: Idyllwild transgender high school student Isaak Brown wants to be remembered as a national award winner, class leader and artist, not for being trans as the Press-Enterprise looks at a life "From Liza to Isaak."�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Approaching Pride

Approaching Pride There are so many queer things to do in San Francisco right now, what with Gay Pride just around the corner. I mean who can possibly keep up? If you're wondering if San Fancisco is still a gay mecca, I think the calendar alone pretty much clears that up. San Francisco is about to turn into a giant exploding commercialized rainbow mess, one that truly makes Tommi Avicolli Mecca's view just all that more perfect.�
[Date: 22-Jun-05 ]

Approaching Pride

Approaching Pride There are so many queer things to do in San Francisco right now, what with Gay Pride just around the corner. I mean who can possibly keep up? If you're wondering if San Fancisco is still a gay mecca, I think the calendar alone pretty much clears that up. San Francisco is about to turn into a giant exploding commercialized rainbow mess, one that truly makes Tommi Avicolli Mecca's view just all that more perfect.�
[Date: 22-Jun-05 ]

Advice for queer youth from grown up gays

Advice for queer youth from grown up gays Syndicated: Savage Love, just in time for Gay Pride, offers up a plate of advice for 15-year-old fags and dykes from grown-up gays and lesbians. I'm particularly fond of what Karyn had to say about loitering in a local bookstore's gay and lesbian section. �
[Date: 22-Jun-05 ]

Transsexual groom Dr. Stephen Whittle first in UK to legally wed

Transsexual groom Dr. Stephen Whittle first in UK to legally wed After 26 years together and a decade of campaigning, Dr. Stephen Whittle and Sarah Rutherford have finally gotten married. Yay! Whittle is the first transsexual allowed to legally get hitched in the UK thanks to the new change in the law. Whittle said, "We both thought it would be the one thing they wouldn't change. We thought we would get recognition, but being able to marry seemed impossible - you never, ever thought about it as even holding down a job down seemed impossible at times. Getting married wasn't about politics, it was about family, but without the politics it would never have happened. There was a moment of truth when we finally got our marriage certificate - I held it up and everybody cheered..."�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Gay Jewish group Kulanu, serving kosher fruit since 2002

Gay Jewish group Kulanu, serving kosher fruit since 2002 Toronto: University of Toronto gay Jewish group Kulanu's founder says, All of our events are kosher and have a Jewish feel, with the extra twist of being queer. Kulanu is participating in this Sunday's Pride Parade. Look for them in their Serving Kosher Fruit Since 2002 T-shirts.�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Oregon gay civil unions get Nike support

Oregon gay civil unions get Nike support Oregon: Nike endorsed the combined Oregon Senate bill that would create civil unions for same-sex couples and outlaw discrimination against queer employees. �
[Date: 25-Jun-05 ]

Gonzalez suspect in transgender silicone injections tragedy

Gonzalez suspect in transgender silicone injections tragedy San Diego: Authorities have identified Sammia "Angelica" Gonzalez, 39, as the woman responsible for two transgender women being on life support following her silicone party. There's a reward now, photo inside.�
[Date: 25-Jun-05 ]

Serena Davenport sold kiddie porn for her sex change

Serena Davenport sold kiddie porn for her sex change Canada: Transgender Winnipeg woman Serena Devenport was arrested for selling child pornography to pay for her sex change operation. Davenport pleaded guilty in provincial court. �
[Date: 25-Jun-05 ]

Transgender prostitute Eddie Chung Chou Lee found murdered

Transgender prostitute Eddie Chung Chou Lee found murdered San Francisco: Transgender prostitute Eddie Chung Chou Lee was found stabbed to death in an easement on the west side of Daly City's Westlake Park. Police know little else about Lee's death. �
[Date: 25-Jun-05 ]

Refuge responds to taking gay teen Zach against his will

Refuge responds to taking gay teen Zach against his will Remember Zach, the Tennessee sixteen-year-old blogger being forced into an ex-gay ministry by his parents? Well they responded publicly stating by asking for tolerance while not delivering any themselves. "It is our spiritual conviction that sexual behavior outside of heterosexual marriage is considered wrong in the sight of God... blah blah blah." [Previously]�
[Date: 25-Jun-05 ]

Last Bissu reveals ancient Indonesian transsexuality

Last Bissu reveals ancient Indonesian transsexuality Rhoda Grauer's film "The Last Bissu" follows the story of Puang Matoa Saidi, the high priest of an ancient Indonesian transvestite order chosen in 1941. Once all powerful, their gradual demise began as the system of royal courts declined and government forces, intolerant of unorthodox religious beliefs and transvestite behavior, nearly annihilated them. Once numbered in the hundreds, the sect itself seems close to extinction with the Arajang, the sacred relic house, near dilapidation and by the end of the 20th century a mere handful of adherents in hiding, fearing for their lives.�
[Date: 25-Jun-05 ]

Andre (or Andrea) Guthrie bank robbery tests gender identity

Andre (or Andrea) Guthrie bank robbery tests gender identity Cross-dressing college student Andre Guthrie, 22, pulled a toy Glock on four Sovereign Bank tellers in Lowell, Massachusetts during his alleged bank robbery. He was wearing an auburn wig, bra and make-up at the time - which is problematic in that being convicted of armed robbery "while masked" requires a minimum of five years behind bars. His lawyers say he wasn't "masked" and was merely displaying his female alter-ego, Andrea Guthrie. In an affidavit Guthrie said, "I dress as a woman as much as possible and socialize with a similar and like-minded community. I have been exploring both elements of my psyche for the last eight or nine years.'' Throughout the robbery Guthrie threatened to shoot someone if they didn't give him the money. They did, nearly $20,000.�
[Date: 25-Jun-05 ]

White supremacists charged in attack on lesbian teens

White supremacists charged in attack on lesbian teens White supremacists Patrick Langballe, pictured, and Aaron Rush have been charged in the attack of two teenage lesbians at Illinois Beach State Park. After the girls told the men that they were lesbians they were assaulted. The men have been charged with a hate crime, armed robbery, aggravated battery and unlawful use of a weapon. "You can't use physical force to show your displeasure with somebody's lifestyle," said attorney Matt Chancey. Langballe was convicted of a hate crime in November 2000 for leading a group of teens in spray-painting swastikas and racial slogans on several buildings, including a Northfield temple.�
[Date: 25-Jun-05 ]

Two trans women on life support after illicit silicone party

Two trans women on life support after illicit silicone party San Diego: Homicide detectives are searching for an identified woman from L.A. they say injected at least five transgender female victims at a silicone party. Two women became ill and are currently on life support.�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

New Jersey Appeals Court throws out Seton Hall gay lawsuit

New Jersey Appeals Court throws out Seton Hall gay lawsuit New Jersey: A state appeals court ruled that Seton Hall University, a private, Catholic institution, is not required to recognize a gay and lesbian student organization. The three-judge panel dismissed the lawsuit filed by gay sociology major Anthony Romeo.�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Pro-gay issues put Anglicanville on the brink

Pro-gay issues put Anglicanville on the brink The Anglican Church moved closer to breaking apart with members of its central administrative council formally asked the Churches of Canada and the US to go. Having offered justifications for ordaining openly gay bishop Gene Robinson, pictured, and for authorizing same-sex blessings, the Anglican Consultative Council members meeting in Nottingham were unconvinced, asking them to leave. Although the motion invites them to withdraw voluntarily, in effect it amounts to a punishing expulsion.�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Lesley Gore comes out as a lesbian

Lesley Gore comes out as a lesbian Sixties teen idol Lesley Gore has come out of the closet. Yep, the recording artist who scored with such megahits as "It's My Party (I'll Cry If I Want To)" and "You Don't Own Me" told After Ellen, "I have a partner of 23 years and I have a cocker spaniel ... named after Billie Holiday, one of my favorite singers. And I thought, you know, a little gender confusion makes a better person. A little adversity in life at an early age. Its character building." As for lesbian life back then Gore says, "there was very little acceptance of gay people. I think the record industry, by and large whats left of it, is still totally homophobic.�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Howard Dean declares Democratic support for gay rights

Howard Dean declares Democratic support for gay rights Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued this Gay Pride statement: "It has been 36 years since Pride month established its roots during a turbulent weekend in New York City. Since the Stonewall Rebellion, our country has taken tremendous strides towards securing equal rights for all Americans. Democrats across the country are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the LGBT community, and are honored to join the millions of Americans who will celebrate this month. Alongside you we renew our commitment to facing the challenges still ahead.�
[Date: 25-Jun-05 ]

Gay director Pedro Almodovar receives Bunuel's Razor award

Gay director Pedro Almodovar receives Bunuel's Razor award Gay Spanish film writer/director Pedro Almodovar has finally gotten recognition for his work at home. Having achieved critical acclaim all over the map, Spain finally honored him with the Bunuels Razor award for best Spanish movie of 2004. He picked up his trophy from All About My Mother's Penelope Cruz who is also set to star in his new film "Volver" with fellow alumni star Carmen Maura. He said, "This award is significant and important because it is the only one that I have received in Spain for Bad Education."�
[Date: 24-Jun-05 ]

June Lo becomes New York City's first transsexual cop

June Lo becomes New York City's first transsexual cop Queens police officer John Lo informed the New York Police Department that she'll be having a sex change, making her the first known transsexual cop in New York City - Officer June Lo. "Everyone's been very supportive, and I'm very happy about it. It's taken courage, but I'm very pleased," Lo told The Post. Lo made the announcement during a roll call of Queens Transit Task Force cops.�
[Date: 24-Jun-05 ]

Gender bending Azis runs for Bulgarian parliament

Gender bending Azis runs for Bulgarian parliament Bulgarians are preparing to vote in Saturday's parliamentary elections and gender bending singing star Azis is running for office. Azis, also known as Vassil Boyanov, is the cross-dressing male folk singer who simulates sexual acts with men onstage. He has a strong following among Bulgarian gypsies. I'm betting he'll do well. He was recently elected honorary chairman of the Bulgarian political party. �
[Date: 24-Jun-05 ]

Gay marriage legalized in New Brunswick

Gay marriage legalized in New Brunswick A New Brunswick court ruling has made same-sex marriage legal in the Canadian province, at least temporarily. Court of Queen's Bench Justice Judith Clendening ruled that common-law marriage was the union of "two persons" - not a man and a woman. Brad Green, New Brunswick's justice minister, told reporters: "What the court has said here in New Brunswick is that the traditional definition of marriage is no longer the law, that any two individuals can get married." The court gave the province 10 days to make any necessary administrative changes. Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Prince Edward Island are now the only jurisdictions where same-sex marriages aren't the law in Canada. �
[Date: 24-Jun-05 ]

Gay T-shirt ban lifted, ACLU drops lawsuit

Gay T-shirt ban lifted, ACLU drops lawsuit Missouri: The ACLU dropped its lawsuit against a southwest Missouri school district after it lifted its ban on T-shirts with gay rights messages. �
[Date: 24-Jun-05 ]

Ghana gay and lesbian group concerned

Ghana gay and lesbian group concerned Ghana: Fear of discrimination and legal complications may be discouraging gay men in Ghana from seeking adequate health care for sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS, according to the Ghana Gay and Lesbian Group.�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Jerusalem gay pride parade denied

Jerusalem gay pride parade denied Israel: Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski and city officials announced they will not permit the Gay Pride Parade in the capital citing obvious "sensitivities and the "negative influence and the offensive nature of the parade on a large portion of the community."�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Spanish senate rejects gay marriage bill

Spanish senate rejects gay marriage bill Spain: The Spanish Senate rejected the gay marriage bill 131-119, but MPs are still likely to make it law when it returns to the lower chamber of parliament next week. Congress has already backed it.�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Owen Pallett's Final Fantasy

Owen Pallett's Final Fantasy After months on tour opening for and playing with Arcade Fire, as well as his time spent playing with the Hidden Cameras, two of Queer Day's favorite bands, gay violinist Owen Pallett is spending some time flying solo with Final Fantasy, his unconventional pop project. "It's like a high-wire act, and I'm not used to it yet," he sighs. Meanwhile, he and his boyfriend Patrick have invested in engagement pants (as in trousers, not rings), and while he'll happily identify as a queer artist, and there's some sex along with the violins in his music and, he says, "as far as whether the music I make is gay or queer, yeah, it comes from the fact that I'm gay, but that doesn't mean I'm making music about it." Give him a listen here and here.�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Tasmanian transsexual soccer player Martine Delaney investigated

Tasmanian transsexual soccer player Martine Delaney investigated Australia: The eligibility of a goal-scoring star of Tasmanian women's soccer is being investigated because she only had her sex change operation last year. Martine Delaney asks, ""So if I'm eligible for the Olympics, why is there a problem with me playing women's soccer in Hobart?"�
[Date: 22-Jun-05 ]

Anchorage gay and lesbian resources are growing

Anchorage gay and lesbian resources are growing Alaska: It's great to see some news from the last frontier even if gay activists there say Anchorage isn't always an easy place to be a gay or lesbian person. I doubt that surprises anyone. Nevertheless, the city has more resources for queers than ever.�
[Date: 22-Jun-05 ]

Chinese lesbian Mei Bin speaks out

Chinese lesbian Mei Bin speaks out China: A little-known but vibrant underground queer women's community exists, especially in Beijing and Shanghai, where bars and online chat rooms keep "lalas" connected. Mei Bin, 22, tells her story of what it's like being a lesbian in China.�
[Date: 22-Jun-05 ]

U.S. Episcopal leaders stand strong on gay rights

U.S. Episcopal leaders stand strong on gay rights UK: At the big Anglican pow wow in Nottingham the U.S. Episcopal Church defended its decision to ordain an openly gay bishop, refusing to back down from a confrontation that threatens to split the 77 million-strong communion.�
[Date: 22-Jun-05 ]

Antonio Wright's gay/trans murder a hate crime, despite the law

Antonio Wright's gay/trans murder a hate crime, despite the law It's not entirely clear if Antonio Wright (or Antonio Sydney or Sidney Wright), 26, was a gay Chicago drag queen who went by Kasha Blue, or a transgendered woman named Sidney. What I do know is it was Wright's birthday and she was walking to her car after getting off work when Michael Major, 25, sitting in his car with his wife, said something homophobic and a fight broke out. Major (pictured) stabbed Wright in the chest, killing her, before tossing his keys to his wife and saying, "I got faggot blood on me." �
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Gay marriage vote in Spanish senate today

Gay marriage vote in Spanish senate today Spain: The Spanish Senate is to vote today on the governments bill to legalize gay marriage. The conservative opposition Popular Party, which is against the bill, has the largest number of seats in the chamber.�
[Date: 22-Jun-05 ]

Seattle Weekly puts gay pride in your face

Seattle Weekly puts gay pride in your face Seattle: The Seattle Weekly delivers Gay Pride: In Your Face, their gay activism issue with Margaret Cho mouthing off, a mother taking on Dobson and how the Republicans got one woman back into fighting spirit. �
[Date: 22-Jun-05 ]

American gay immigration residency bill introduced

American gay immigration residency bill introduced New York Representative Jerry Nadler and Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy introduced H.B. 3006, the Uniting American Families Act (formerly known as the Permanent Partners Immigration Act), legislation that would allow Americans in same-sex relationships to sponsor their foreign partners for United States residency. Congressman Nadler says it's "a matter of basic fairness and compassion. Our immigration code recognizes that its excessively cruel to keep couples and families apart, and the Uniting American Families Act would simply extend that recognition to same-sex couples." It would add the term or permanent partner to those sections of the Immigration and Naturalization Act that apply to legally married couples.�
[Date: 22-Jun-05 ]

Bisexual actress Drew Barrymore saves girl from plastic surgery

Bisexual actress Drew Barrymore saves girl from plastic surgery Lesbian gossipmonger Liz Smith points out that that the bisexual actress Drew Barrymore found out that a 23-year-old girl was about to have plastic surgery to look just like her for MTV's "I Want a Famous Face." What did Barrymore have to say about it? It's not what she said, it's what she did. She tracked down the young woman and begged her to reconsider, telling her, "You are beautiful just as you are, as yourself." Life & Style magazine reported that Drew was so convincing that her Drew Barrymore surgery was cancelled.�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Is Tom Cruise a HIV+ gay actor using Katie Holmes as his beard?

Is Tom Cruise a HIV+ gay actor using Katie Holmes as his beard? Ordinarily I avoid these things, but this Tom Cruise Data Lounge poll was simply too irresistable: "With rumors spreading EVERYWHERE about Katie (Holmes) being his beard, to some sudden revelation of his sexuality, he and his bat-shit crazy sister are trying to white wash his image. Some have suggested it is because Tom is HIV+ which makes for a VERY interesting subject. Especially if you tie it into the 'on hold' status of MI3 and the rumors of Cruise being 'uninsurable.'" It's interesting alright, as is the poll question: "Just how much longer before it all breaks loose and Tom Cruise goes all Margot Kidder on us?"�
[Date: 23-Jun-05 ]

Rachel Kramer Bussel on those 'dirty bisexuals'

Rachel Kramer Bussel on those 'dirty bisexuals' Rachel Kramer Bussel, pictured, serves up the ever rare take on bisexuality and it's tasty. Seb, who has a girlfriend and hangs out at East Village gay bars initially came out as gay. Now, he's ardently bisexual. "I've had some bad experiences with dating people who thought it was gross or weird that I could go 'both ways.'" It seems most bisexuals have, and as Kramer Bussel says, "I'm so over the idea of labels; we spend so much time arguing semantics. Who has time to fuck, let alone get to know each other on an individual level rather than relying on stereotypes?" �
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Gin Gin's gay bookstore bounces back

Gin Gin's gay bookstore bounces back Taiwan: Gin Gin's gay bookstore in Taipei, bouncing back from a recent ruling that it was guilty of selling "indecent material," held a relocation housewarming party to celebrity gay pride. �
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Indian gay groups host Siddhartha Gautam Film Festival

Indian gay groups host Siddhartha Gautam Film Festival India: SAATHII and other gay groups, with Elton John AIDS Foundation support, are hosting the Siddhartha Gautam Film Festival. Having started in Calcutta in 2000, the festival will move beyond for the first time, being held in Chandernagore. �
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Gay PQ candidate Andre Boisclair runs for the top

Gay PQ candidate Andre Boisclair runs for the top Former Parti Quebecois cabinet minister Andre Boisclair has announced he is running for his party's top job and the gay candidate is promising to achieve sovereignty for Quebec. "Together, we will make Quebec a country that will be known for its social values, its French character, its diversity and its creativity," he told a news conference. Asked if he would face any homophobia in his run for the party's leadership he said, "I've had the great privilege of growing up in a society of openness and tolerance in Quebec. I'm proud of who I am. I'm convinced that my difference will not make an impact, that it won't be a significant impact in people's choice," he said to applause and cheers from friends and supporters.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Canadian gay marriage supporters protest while Bill C-38 stalls

Canadian gay marriage supporters protest while Bill C-38 stalls Canadian supporters of same-sex marriage gathered on Parliament Hill to say enough debate - make Bill C-38 law now. "I think the timing is perfect for us to be here," Erin James said at the protest. "We want them to pass the bill before this summer's out." The bill is actually stalled in the House of Commons and last week Prime Minister Paul Martin said the marriage bill would likely have to wait until the fall, as it was unlikely to pass before Parliament breaks this week. On CTV's Question Period, Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan, pictured, said, "we've seen some obstructionist tactics from the Conservative party. We could get (38) ... by the end of next week truthfully ... if the Conservatives cooperate."�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Leo McKinstry claims he rebuffed MP Jim Kilfedder's gay advances

Leo McKinstry claims he rebuffed MP Jim Kilfedder's gay advances Ireland: Newspaper and magazine columnist Leo McKinstry has written about how he became the object of an Ulster politician Jim Kilfedder's affection. McKinstry stated that he rejected "anguished" attempts at "intimacy" from Kilfedder, MP for North Down from 1970 until his death in 1995.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Tampa gay pride ban ignites a community

Tampa gay pride ban ignites a community Hillsborough County's refusal to recognize gay pride has ignited a community and reopened the campaign to protect sexual orientation in the county's Human Rights Ordinance. "They believe gay people shouldn't exist, and if we exist we should be forced to hide,'' said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. "What they are trying to do will have the exact opposite effect. Pride is back. Thanks for rousing us." Clerk of the Circuit Court Pat Frank said, "We are going to walk and talk and work against discrimination,'' while removing one of her red shoes and shaking it in the air to the delight of the audience.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

HRC membership numbers subject to creative accounting

HRC membership numbers subject to creative accounting The HRC claims to have a membership of 650,000 people. That's 600,000 plus more than any other LGBT rights players. Washington Blade editor Mubarak Dahir points out, "All of this makes HRCs number look pretty impressive. Until you know how the group counts its 'members.'" They use an amazingly creative accounting process, and while Queer Day would imagine they're counting just those individual members paying, y'know, the $35 annual membership dues, this isn't the case at all. HRC Spokesperson Steven Fisher, pictured, said that once someone gives or pays $1 or more to HRC and provides a name and address, theyre counted as a member for life.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Laura and Kanani get married

Laura and Kanani get married This weekend I had the honor and the privilege of attending a most perfect lesbian wedding high in the lush, green hills above Berkeley. The trees and sky provided a perfect backdrop as Laura, one of my oldest friends in a burgundy satin dres who previously had exhibited rather questionable taste in picking women, tied the knot with a smart grey suited Kanani, whom I truly enjoy and adore. While I managed to make it through the ceremony without a tear, the following toasts and moments of pure joy and recognition from family and friends easily turned on the faucet. I laughed, I cried, I ate three pieces of cake! While two of the night's events were straight out of the lesbian handbook - 1) The ceremony opened with a kd lang song, and 2) the first song played by the DJ was of course "We Are Family" forcing every woman-loving-woman to dance by law - the evening was full of delightful surprises. I couldn't help but wonder if the Massachusetts Supreme Court ever imagined an excerpt from Goodrige v. Department of Health (Massachusetts, 2003) would appear in gay wedding momentos in California. I also discovered why June 19th was chosen for their big day - Loretta Lynn recorded "Honky Tonk Woman" (1960) and the first topless bar in the USA opened in San Francisco (1964). It made sense to all who know them. Laura and Kanani, Congratulations. Queer Day wishes you a lifetime of happiness together�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

President Bush calls again for gay marriage amendment

President Bush calls again for gay marriage amendment If you thought it was put to rest, never underestimate the value of maligning us and our rights for political gain when you're President Bush and your popularity rating is plummeting. Bush called again for a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage as he addressed the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention - for the fourth year in a row, and in case you're wondering, they really don't like us. (Thanks Carl)�
[Date: 22-Jun-05 ]

Hebden Bridge - lesbian capital of Britain

Hebden Bridge - lesbian capital of Britain UK: Hebden Bridge, a small town nestled in the valleys of the Yorkshire Dales, is the self-proclaimed lesbian capital of Britain with a plethora of lesbian-run businesses as well.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Kansfield suspended for officiating lesbian daughter's wedding

Kansfield suspended for officiating lesbian daughter's wedding New York: Leaders of the Reformed Church in America suspended the Rev. Norman Kansfield, ruling that he violated the church's teachings by officiating at his lesbian daughter's wedding.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Lesbian priest Susan Russell only gay in the Anglican village

Lesbian priest Susan Russell only gay in the Anglican village The Rev. Susan Russell, a priest at All Saints Church in Pasadena, California, will be the only gay participant in what observers are calling a historic Anglican gay and lesbian discussion. Russell, 50, is part of a six-person delegation from the Episcopal Church USA that will address a consulting body of the worldwide Anglican Church in Nottingham, England, this week. The Episcopalians have been asked to demonstrate how their endorsement of gays and lesbians at the highest levels of the church is consistent with scripture, church tradition and reason.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Gays wanting kids could benefit from stem cell research breakthrough

Gays wanting kids could benefit from stem cell research breakthrough Sheffield University research scientists have revealed very interesting results from their stem cell research that could have major implications for gay couples wanting kids, not to mention that even single men and transsexuals could actually produce a child all by ourselves. The research would also change the fertility facts for women, a process that would no longer fertility be ended by menopause. Stem cells are the master cells of the body, appearing when embryos are just a few days old and developing into every type of cell and tissue in the body, including sperm and eggs. �
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Janet Jackson wins gay humanitarian award

Janet Jackson wins gay humanitarian award Janet Jackson accepted a Humanitarian Award at a gay rights gala this weekend, honored for the millions of dollars she's raised and donated for the American Foundation for AIDS Research, the Elton John AIDS Foundation and more. She told the crowd, "Acceptance is right. Kindness is right. Love is right. I pray, right now, that we're moving into a kinder time when prejudice is overcome by understanding; when narrow-mindedness, and narrow-minded bigotry is overwhelmed by open-hearted empathy; when the pain of judgmentalism is replaced by the purity of love." Amen.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Did David Boren set up a gay network in the CIA?

Did David Boren set up a gay network in the CIA? Conspiracy Planet is asking the question, "Did David Boren, using the influence he gained as the patron and mentor of George Tenet, install a (gay) network in the CIA?" While claiming Boren's sexual orientation was not exactly a secret for thirty years, he was outed in W. Scott Thompson's book "The Price of Achievement." Boren apparently was out at Oxford, then retreated to the closet when he returned to Oklahoma to run for office. In 1994 amid man-on-man sexual harassment charges Boren resigned from the U.S. Senate.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

RuPaul: I'm no ordinary drag queen

RuPaul: I'm no ordinary drag queen RuPaul headlined Baltimore's Pride Block Party this weekend and the Baltimore Sun asked her a few questions, like - "Does it ever get old being a drag queen?" RuPaul responded, "You say that like I'm just a drag queen. I'm the drag queen, not a drag queen. The rules are different..." They also asked if drag queens age. RuPaul noted, "Unfortunately, yes. But it's all good. ... My story is a pretty important story to a lot of young people, particularly during gay pride season. For people to put things together it's important for people to know what time period we're talking about." �
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Gay pride events

Gay pride events Gay Pride: Pride events took place this weekend in Edmonton and Baltimore and Olympia, Washington.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

John Waters upset about Divine Lives, Dirty Shame DVD censorship

John Waters upset about Divine Lives, Dirty Shame DVD censorship Apparently a new play about the late and legendary drag queen Divine (called "Divine Lives!) was going to open at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. Gossip maven Michael Musto, however, revealed that a source told him that John Waters was preturbed and he made a call and had the show cancelled. Waters apparently had no comment on the matter, but in any case, Divine Lives! doesn't. One thing I do know Waters is definitely upset about is the censorship of his NC-17 film "A Dirty Shame" for DVD sales. �
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Bisexual serial killer Karla Homolka due to be released

Bisexual serial killer Karla Homolka due to be released Canada's most notorious female convict, Karla Homolka, is due to be released from prison. In the early 1990s Homolka helped drug, rape, torture and kill schoolgirls - including her teenage sister. Homolka, who videotaped the murders, agreed to a plea-bargain sentence for manslaughter in return for testifying against her psychopathic husband, whom she was divorcing at the time. Her upcoming release has many Canadians outraged. In 2000, the media revealed Homolka's new lesbian love interest, bank robber Lynda Verroneau. Homolka plans to change her name and appearance and live in Quebec.�
[Date: 21-Jun-05 ]

Dwan Prince in coma following gay bashing in Brooklyn

Dwan Prince in coma following gay bashing in Brooklyn Dwan Prince, 32, is in a coma at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn after being savagely beaten and kicked by three men screaming homophobic slurs, police said. Witnesses rushed to help Prince as he lay bleeding outside his building, but they couldn't stop one of the attackers from rushing back and kicking Prince again in the head. "He circled back and kicked the guy in the face," said horrified neighbor Omar Bascombe, 28. "Then, blood started flowing from his mouth, and he wasn't breathing." The violence is being investigated as a hate crime.�
[Date: 13-Jun-05 ]

Transsexual killer Leslie Ann Nelson will get psychiatric evaluation

Transsexual killer Leslie Ann Nelson will get psychiatric evaluation Pennsylvania: Superior Court Judge Samuel D. Natal told the Department of Human Services to give transsexual killer Leslie Ann Nelson a psychiatric evaluation to see if she's competent to represent herself. The state had tried to avoid doing so. [Previous Coverage]�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Chicago's $20 Million gay community center breaks ground

Chicago's $20 Million gay community center breaks ground Chicago: They've broken ground in Lakeview for a $20 million first-of-its-kind center that will serve Chicago's LGBT community. The center is scheduled for completion as early as next spring.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Pacific Radio broadcasts Gays, God and Empire

Pacific Radio broadcasts Gays, God and Empire USA: Pacifica Radio will broadcast a 10-hour coast-to-coast special called "Gays, God and Empire" this Sunday that includes coverage of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) issues as well as gay pride marches.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Elton John - in Cadbury chocolate

Elton John - in Cadbury chocolate Cadbury created a chocolate statue of Elton John for display at Madame Tussaud's. Elton's partner, David Furnish, unveiled the 126kg man declaring that the new Elton looked good enough to eat. Doesn't he know that's 661,500 calories? Cadbury chose Elton because he recently was acknowledged as Britain's favorite celebrity, beating off Will Young, David Beckham, and others. Well, not beating them off literally. Anyway, as Furnish said while licking his lips, "What could be better than to take the person you love and dip them in chocolate?"�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Senate Resolution 39

Senate Resolution 39 I haven't heard very much about this, so I thought I'd tell you about it. Yes, the Senate finally adopted a resolution apologizing to the victims of lynching and their descendants for the Senate's failure to pass anti-lynching bills they could have approved at any time during the past 65 years. For decades, presidents asked Congress to outlaw lynching, and nearly 200 anti-lynching bills were introduced. On three occasions, the House passed anti-lynching legislation, the last time in 1940. And on all three occasions, the Senate talked the bills to death. More than 4,700 people, mostly African Americans, were lynched between 1882 and 1968. Senate Resolution 39 notes that incidents of lynching were recorded in all but four states, thus having it succeed slavery as "the ultimate expression of racism in the United States following Reconstruction." Or perhaps the ultimate expression of racism was the Senate not putting a stop to it sooner.�
[Date: 16-Jun-05 ]

Mount Sterling testicle festival welcomes drag queens

Mount Sterling testicle festival welcomes drag queens Missouri: Mount Sterling's testicle festival includes a drag queen contest this year. Testicles and drag queens. Sounds like one hell of a good time. As for eating testicles, Mary Beeder says,"You bread 'em and deep fry 'em, and they're good." �
[Date: 17-Jun-05 ]

Homophobic Carl Everett doesn't believe in gays

Homophobic Carl Everett doesn't believe in gays Homophobic Chicago White Sox designated hitter Carl Everett criticized gays during an interview for the July edition of Maxim magazine. Everett said, "Gays being gay is wrong. Two women can't produce a baby, two men can't produce a baby, so it's not how it's supposed to be. ... I don't believe in gay marriages. I don't believe in being gay." Queer Day doesn't believe Carl Everett should be opening his big fat mouth, but I guess it's ok. After all, he's not very bright. In a recent Sports Illustrated interview he claimed that dinosaurs never existed and that man had never walked on the moon.�
[Date: 17-Jun-05 ]

Gay dad Ulf Hedberg wins appeal

Gay dad Ulf Hedberg wins appeal The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that Ulf Hedberg, a gay father, should be given the chance to present evidence that his son was harmed by a Virginia court ruling that he would have to give up custody of the boy unless his partner, Blaise Delahoussaye, moved out of the house. Hedberg and Delahoussaye lived in Virginia with the boy, now 12, for 5 1/2 years before an Alexandria, Virginia, judge ruled that the two men could not live together if Hedberg was to continue to have custodial care of his son. Lambda Legal lawyer Susan Sommer says, "The (appeals) court concluded that the father had presented ... a number of facts showing that the child was only being hurt by having the longtime partner restricted from living in the family home. [Previously] �
[Date: 17-Jun-05 ]

California gay marriage gets no help from federal court

California gay marriage gets no help from federal court California: U.S. District Judge Gary Taylo delivered a setback to gay marriage, upholding the Defense of Marriage Act which recognizes only unions between a man and a woman. The case was brought by an Orange County gay couple who were denied a marriage license. Taylor abstained from addressing California's ban.�
[Date: 17-Jun-05 ]

Romney backs Massachusetts' latest gay marriage ban

Romney backs Massachusetts' latest gay marriage ban Ok, so it's been a year since Massachusetts made gay marriage legal, and even though numerous attempts have been made to stop it or overturn it, gay and lesbian couples have just kept right on tying the knot. Governor Mitt Romney still isn't happy about it. In fact he supports yet another newly proposed constitutional amendment that would overturn that right and make it illegal for gay and lesbian couples to marry. "My view is that marriage should be defined as a relationship between a man and a woman. hope that this amendment will ultimately be the one which the citizens have an opportunity to vote on."�
[Date: 17-Jun-05 ]

SAGE supports queer seniors of color

SAGE supports queer seniors of color New York: Growing older in a youth-oriented society can be a difficult process. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people of color, however, face discrimination on multiple levels and aging brings with it complicated and often painful challenges.�
[Date: 17-Jun-05 ]

Seattle gay pride moving to Seattle Center

Seattle gay pride moving to Seattle Center Seattle: For 20 years gay pride has paraded down Broadway to Volunteer Park. Next year gay pride is relocating to Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle. �
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Lesbian divorce challenge in Iowa ruled invalid

Lesbian divorce challenge in Iowa ruled invalid A Sioux City lesbian couple had a civil union ceremony in Vermont, where it's legal. Later on, at home in Iowa, they wanted a divorce and a Woodbury County judge granted them one. So conservatives challenged it, saying they shouldn't be allowed to divorce. You see, they don't want us together and they don't want us apart either. Today the Iowa Supreme Court ruled on the case, whild avoiding the big question altogether. "This issue before us is not whether the district court was correct or incorrect in dissolving the Vermont civil union. Rather, the issue is whether these plaintiffs, as nonparties in the action before the district court, have a right to challenge the decree. We conclude that they do not have such a right," said Chief Justice Louis Lovorato.�
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Gay murder victim Roger Hendra had his throat cut

Gay murder victim Roger Hendra had his throat cut Roger Hendra, 65, a gay retired special needs teacher, was found with his throat cut and police are "looking at who his friends were, his daily routine and his social habits. The gay community will be a crucial part of this investigation." A local gay bar manager says, "Although the crime was gay-related, police have hinted that the victim knew his killer. He may have been a customer who comes in and keeps himself to himself." Found dead in his flat, he's believed to have been dead for a week.�
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Lesbian Tina Burch wins custody of her non-biological child

Lesbian Tina Burch wins custody of her non-biological child A divided West Virginia Supreme Court awarded custody of a 5-year-old boy to Tina Burch, his deceased mother's lesbian partner. Christina Smarr, Burch's partner, died in a 2002 car accident. The women had lived together since 1998, more than a year before the child was born. Within hours of Smarr's death, relatives took the boy and handed him over to grandparents Paul and Janet Smarr. A Family Court judge granted custody to Burch, but a Clay County circuit judge ruled that state law doesn't give a homosexual the right to legal guardianship of a former partner's child. Today's decision overturned that ruling.�
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Ben Affleck's fruit basket liked teabagging Kevin Smith

Ben Affleck's fruit basket liked teabagging Kevin Smith Kevin Smith, director of lesbian-themed films "Chasing Amy" and "Jersey Girl," told the British edition of Maxim that Ben Affleck liked spending time with him, balls out. "I'd be sitting in the directors chair, and Id be watching a playback, and he'd stand behind me. Every once in a while, Id feel something on my neck. I'd be like, 'What the fuck was that?' And I'd turn around, and he'd have his [balls] out and resting on my neck." Apparently Affleck refers to the act as a "fruit basket," although Queer Day would simply call it teabagging.�
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Hillary Clinton lesbian rumors return

Hillary Clinton lesbian rumors return New book "The Truth About Hillary" by Ed Klein is resurrecting that Clinton was part of the "culture of lesbianism" when she attended Wellesley College in the 1960s. Klein alleges Clinton was more than friends with classmate Nancy Wanderer, who later came out as a lesbian. "Yes, I am a lesbian, but I wasnt at Wellesley or for 20 years afterward, Wandered told the New York Post's Page Six. "There was no lesbian culture there at the time. If there was, it was underground." �
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Bisexual Makosi Musambasi heats up Big Brother 6

Bisexual Makosi Musambasi heats up Big Brother 6 Bisexual Zimbabwean Big Brother 6 contestant Makosi Musambasi is proving to be a contender. The passionate kiss between her and Samantha left much of the UK in need of a cold shower. See for yourself. Musambasi, the 24-year-old daughter of a retired policeman is described by her dad as a "nice girl who will not do anything bad." Her mother, Sennie, is a devout Christian from Zimbabwe's rural outpost of Filabusi.�
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Trey Holloway Brown murdered estranged wife's new girlfriend

Trey Holloway Brown murdered estranged wife's new girlfriend Police have arrested Trey Holloway Brown, pictured, in the stabbing death of his estranged wife's new girlfriend. Police say Brown went to his wife's apartment where they apparently fought over their three children. Norma Hernandez Espinoza, currently involved with Brown's wife, was also on site. Brown allegedly chased Espinoza out of the apartment and stabbed her to death in the parking lot. "There was just screaming and yelling and we come outside and there's a bloody body laying on the ground. There's a guy with a knife chasing her," said witness Chris Miles. The couple's nine-year-old daughter called the police. �
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Iowa gay marriage vote pretty unlikely

Iowa gay marriage vote pretty unlikely Iowa: Democrat Mike Gronstal, state Senate co-president, says it's "pretty unlikely" that the Senate will vote to allow a statewide vote on an amendment to the state constitution banning gay marriage.�
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Gay man Russell Marsom's death a witchcraft related murder?

Gay man Russell Marsom's death a witchcraft related murder? Gay hairdresser Russell Marsom, pictured, was on his way to Cambridge for a night at the disco. His almost naked body was found in a ditch in Milton and police think his death may be linked to a witchcraft ritual gone wrong. An autopsy revealed Marsom drowned in the water-filled ditch, but he wasn't alone when he died. His T-shirt was ripped and his jeans were found hundreds of yards away. Ten years after the incident, a newly-formed major crimes team is looking at the case thanks to "new information." �
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Mena Suvari and gay bar blonde spark lesbian rumor

Mena Suvari and gay bar blonde spark lesbian rumor A month after actress Mena Suvari filed for divorce from her husband of five years, a possible reason behind the dissolving of their marriage revealed itself when Suvari made a surprise appearance at The Brig, a Los Angeles gay bar in Venice Beach. The official word on their divorce is "irreconcilable differences," and if Suvari has her eye on women that can prove rather irreconcilable. �
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Gay marriage opposition focus of Madrid march

Gay marriage opposition focus of Madrid march Spain: Catholic Bishops and nuns took to the streets in Madrid today to march against gay marriage. Spokesman Father Jose Antonio Martinez Campo spoke of "grave consequences for society."�
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Qazi Rahman's book proves being gay is genetic

Qazi Rahman's book proves being gay is genetic UK: The new book "Born Gay: The Psychobiology of Sexual Orientation" by University of London psychobiologist Qazi Rahman says being gay is genetically determined, compiling 15 years of study to prove it.�
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

First gay divorce granted in British Columbia

First gay divorce granted in British Columbia British Columbia: Two Nanaimo women are the first same-sex couple in British Columbia to be granted a divorce. British Columbia Supreme Court Justice Laura Gerow struck down the old definition of a married couple under the Divorce Act as being unconstitutional in order to grant it.�
[Date: 17-Jun-05 ]

Luoluo Hong leaving University of Wisconsin at Madison

Luoluo Hong leaving University of Wisconsin at Madison Wisconsin: Luoluo Hong, University of Wisconsin at Madisons dean of students, is leaving over the states denial of domestic partner benefits for university employees. Hong is heterosexual, married and tired of watching the brightest faculty members and administrators walk. That, of course, would be us. (Thanks Tyler)�
[Date: 17-Jun-05 ]

Osaka sex change surgeon may be prosecuted for death

Osaka sex change surgeon may be prosecuted for death Japan: An Osaka surgeon who performed a sex change operation on a patient who died the following day from an overdose of anesthetia may be prosecuted.�
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Transgender Health Empowerment opens queer shelter

Transgender Health Empowerment opens queer shelter Washington D.C.: Transgender Health Empowerment's first supportive housing shelter for transgendered and gay people is open. It's good news for those in need who aren't always welcome elsewhere.�
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Transgender official Michelle Bruce says they want her out

Transgender official Michelle Bruce says they want her out Michelle Bruce, Georgia's first openly transgendered elected official, says she's targeted for removal from office for proposing expansion of the citys non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. "Ever since I introduced that resolution, I've been attacked." And she's telling the truth. They actually developed impeachment legislation - which thankfully failed. Bruce says, "They want me out because they say I'm gay. The GLBT people here tell me they're scared. Theyre moving out of the county and city where they dont feel threatened." �
[Date: 18-Jun-05 ]

Aruba lesbian applies for refugee status

Aruba lesbian applies for refugee status Netherlands: A lesbian from Aruba who married her partner has applied forrefugee status in the country claiming it's unsafe to return to her Caribbean home after having her marriage invalidated. �
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

The first Canadian military gay wedding

The first Canadian military gay wedding Canada: Two men were married in the chapel at Nova Scotia's Greenwood airbase in what's being called the Canadian military's first gay wedding. They tied the knot in front of about 45 guests.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

The first Canadian military gay wedding

The first Canadian military gay wedding Canada: Two men were married in the chapel at Nova Scotia's Greenwood airbase in what's being called the Canadian military's first gay wedding. They tied the knot in front of about 45 guests.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Gay senior murder case reopened after fifteen years

Gay senior murder case reopened after fifteen years UK: Police are reopening the murder case of Arthur Eathorne, 74. He was found severely beaten to death in December 1990. Robert Kennedy was convicted, only now forensic evidence proves Kennedy didn't do it. Eathorne, a gay man, received a number of visitors at his Plymouth flat.�
[Date: 16-Jun-05 ]

Senate Resolution 39

Senate Resolution 39 I haven't heard very much about this, so I thought I'd tell you about it. Yes, the Senate finally adopted a resolution apologizing to the victims of lynching and their descendants for the Senate's failure to pass anti-lynching bills they could have been approved at any time during the past 65 years. For decades, presidents asked Congress to outlaw lynching, and nearly 200 anti-lynching bills were introduced. On three occasions, the House passed anti-lynching legislation, the last time in 1940. And on all three occasions, the Senate talked the bills to death. More than 4,700 people, mostly African Americans, were lynched between 1882 and 1968. Senate Resolution 39 notes that incidents of lynching were recorded in all but four states, thus having it succeed slavery as "the ultimate expression of racism in the United States following Reconstruction." Or perhaps the ultimate expression of racism was the Senate not putting a stop to it.�
[Date: 16-Jun-05 ]

Thom Felicia and Kyan Douglas give Manila their queer eye

Thom Felicia and Kyan Douglas give Manila their queer eye Queer Eye's Thom Felicia and Kyan Douglas were in Manila spreading smart and stylish ideas on grooming and interior design. Phillipines columnist Tessa Mauricio says, "I hadnt laughed so hard since Sec. Ignacio Bunye retracted his statement on that wiretapped thingy." Don't you just love Filipine humor? Anyway, what did they have to say about the Filipino lifestyle. Kayn Douglas said, "Ive never been to a country where the entire population has such a tremendous sense of personal style - from the makeup to the clothes, and especially to the great jewelry! I just got gifted with a necklace today and I love it. Its really, really impressive." And Thom Felicia agreed calling Manila a "dynamic city."�
[Date: 16-Jun-05 ]

Gay activists protest Brian Bosma's gay marriage ban backing

Gay activists protest Brian Bosma's gay marriage ban backing Indianapolis: Rep. Brian Bosma, the speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, had gay activists waiting for him, protesting at his fundraiser. Why? Bosma's backing of a proposed amendment to the Indiana Constitution to ban same-sex marriages. �
[Date: 16-Jun-05 ]

Spanish gays threaten to out gay Popular Party legislators

Spanish gays threaten to out gay Popular Party legislators Spain: Outing isn't just for Americans anymore as gays in Spain's main opposition party threaten to reveal the names of gay Popular Party lesgislators unless the party backs down from its opposition to gay marriage. "We are willing to say, you, so-and-so, are a hypocrite..." said Carlos Biendicho said. �
[Date: 16-Jun-05 ]

Senate Resolution 39

Senate Resolution 39 I haven't heard very much about this, so I thought I'd tell you about it. Yes, the Senate finally adopted a resolution apologizing to the victims of lynching and their descendants for the Senate's failure to pass anti-lynching bills they could have been approved at any time during the past 65 years. For decades, presidents asked Congress to outlaw lynching, and nearly 200 anti-lynching bills were introduced. On three occasions, the House passed anti-lynching legislation, the last time in 1940. And on all three occasions, the Senate talked the bills to death. More than 4,700 people, mostly African Americans, were lynched between 1882 and 1968. Senate Resolution 39 notes that incidents of lynching were recorded in all but four states, thus having it succeed slavery as "the ultimate expression of racism in the United States following Reconstruction." Or perhaps the ultimate expression of racism was the Senate not putting a stop to it.�
[Date: 16-Jun-05 ]

Gay pride recognition banned in Hillsborough County

Gay pride recognition banned in Hillsborough County A gay pride month display at West Gate Regional Library in Tampa upset a few parents. So what did Hillsborough County commissioners do in response? They passed a new policy that says the county will "abstain from acknowledging, promoting and participating'' in gay pride recognition or events. The West Gate library display was removed hours before the commission vote, according to library staff. Two gay pride displays at the John F. Germany branch downtown were removed as well. Commissioner Ronda Storms, pictured, sponsored the measure. Maybe you remember her homophobic face from the "Take Back Tampa" campaign of the 1990s that rescinded the amendment to the county's Human Rights Ordinance that protected gay residents saying "government should not be in the business of saying this is acceptable behavior.''�
[Date: 16-Jun-05 ]

Governor Perry suggests gay veterans should leave Texas

Governor Perry suggests gay veterans should leave Texas Texas: Governor Rick Perry insinuated the state's lesbian, gay and bisexual war veterans should leave the state if they are unhappy with a recent anti-gay marriage amendment introduced there.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Georgia school board rejects parental permission for clubs

Georgia school board rejects parental permission for clubs Georgia: The state Board of Education voted to reject a requirement that students obtain permission from their parents to join high school clubs, an offshoot from the controversy over a Gay Straight Alliance in one local school district.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Castro gay bar Badlands ruled against by San Francisco Supervisors

Castro gay bar Badlands ruled against by San Francisco Supervisors The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution urging city and state agencies to penalize a gay nightclub that the city Human Rights Commission said discriminated against blacks. A month ago the commission found that Les Natali, the owner of the Castro gay bar Badlands, was in violation of local civil rights codes. The Supervisors urged the city attorney, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing and the San Francisco Entertainment Commission "to impose penalties to the fullest extent of the law to ensure accountability for discrimination."�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

New Jersey gay couples lose appeal; case goes to Supremes

New Jersey gay couples lose appeal; case goes to Supremes New Jersey: A state appeals court upheld a ban on same-sex marriage, rejecting contentions that gay couples have a constitutional right to wed. And yet, one judge dissented - so the case will go to the state Supreme Court.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

The first Canadian military gay wedding

The first Canadian military gay wedding Canada: Two men were married in the chapel at Nova Scotia's Greenwood airbase in what's being called the Canadian military's first gay wedding. They tied the knot in front of about 45 guests.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Gay marriage in Spain clears another hurdle

Gay marriage in Spain clears another hurdle Spain: The gay marriage bill passed the Senate panel, but conservatives attached an amendment that would let civil officials who object to have another official stand in. The bill goes to the full Senate next week where it's expected to pass.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

The first Canadian military gay wedding

The first Canadian military gay wedding Canada: Two men were married in the chapel at Nova Scotia's Greenwood airbase in what's being called the Canadian military's first gay wedding. They tied the knot in front of about 45 guests.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Costa Mesa school bans gay parents from school functions

Costa Mesa school bans gay parents from school functions California: In Costa Mesa, St. John the Baptist School angered some parents by allowing a gay couple to enroll their two boys. Now they've drafted a school policy that would forbid the men to appear as a couple at school functions.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Egyptian gay film passes Arab censors

Egyptian gay film passes Arab censors Egypt: Cinematic and religious history was made in Cairo as The Yacoubian Building, a big-budget film dealing with gays, drugs and religious corruption got by state censors.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Tab Hunter Confidential reveals gay affairs with Tony Perkins, Rudolf Nureyev

Tab Hunter Confidential reveals gay affairs with Tony Perkins, Rudolf Nureyev Lady loving gossipmonger Liz Smith has revealed that "Tab Hunter Confidential," the actor's new memoir, reveals the real story behind Hunter's two-year affair with the late Tony Perkins, during their joint early stardom. It's not the lurid kiss-and-tell some were expecting, although he does write about his fling with Rudolf Nureyev (there's even a sexy photo included of the two of them in small swimsuits on the Riviera). And although the book is discreet, it does reveal the suffering Hunter experienced staying in the closet, more or less accepting the false role he was required to play the straight screen sex symbol. And of course he rocked the world again in John Water's Polyester.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Transsexual Michele Culver talks about her own diversity

Transsexual Michele Culver talks about her own diversity Michele Culver says she is now free of her struggle for identity. The Scottsdale Human Relations Commission ambassador has transitioned and she's officially dropped the male name Kenneth that she has answered to and hated her whole life. "It's like waking up tomorrow knowing that you've been a male all your life, looking in the mirror and all of a sudden you get breasts and youve got long hair and all of a sudden your manliness is not there anymore," Culver said. "I do that every single day." Check out her story. It's one of those that makes it clear - nobody would go through all of this unless you absolutely had to.�
[Date: 13-Jun-05 ]

Transsexual accuses San Antonio police officer of rape

Transsexual accuses San Antonio police officer of rape Texas: A 21-year-old transsexual has accused a San Antonio police officer of rape. The officer has been put on administrative duty pending an investigation. �
[Date: 14-Jun-05 ]

Irish President Mary McAleese denounces homophobia

Irish President Mary McAleese denounces homophobia In Ireland, President Mary McAleese denounced homophobia several times during her address at an all-male Londonberry school. She said, "Those citizens of tomorrow . . . what do they say when their friends make sexist, racist, sectarian or homophobic jibes do they stay silent and let the poison of contempt go on its cruel way, or do they have the guts to stop it in its tracks and say such words are unacceptable and dangerous? Do they have the backbone and the conviction to lead their friends in the right direction even if it seems the loneliest place in the world? McAleese was attending the 125th anniversary celebration at St Columb's College.�
[Date: 14-Jun-05 ]

Queer youth writers wanted for social justice art

Queer youth writers wanted for social justice art New Hampshire: Creative writing from youth 13-21 is being accepted for a community art piece by poet/artist Jennifer Belkus. The installation will be presented at a theater workshop on social justice in the fall.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

San Francisco dyke bar crawl is a trip through history

San Francisco dyke bar crawl is a trip through history San Francisco: It's time to go on a Dyke Bar Crawl. For more than eight decades, since the first lesbian nightspot appeared in North Beach in the 1930s, San Francisco women's bar culture has been a rolling stone.�
[Date: 15-Jun-05 ]

Scotland gay adoptions target of church criticism

Scotland gay adoptions target of church criticism Scotland: The Catholic Church has spoken out against plans to allow lesbian and gay couples to adopt children. For those keeping a tally of just how bad we are, this time we were "gravely immoral."�
[Date: 14-Jun-05 ]

Maine gay and lesbian couples walk with the one you love

Maine gay and lesbian couples walk with the one you love Maine: I've never heard of a couples walk before, but The Maine Speakout Project began with its 8th annual "Walk with the one you love" for gay and lesbian couples to feel comfortable walking or holding hands in public.�
[Date: 14-Jun-05 ]

Noche de Arcoiris: a queer youth prom in Mexican American Chicago

Noche de Arcoiris: a queer youth prom in Mexican American Chicago "I didnt go to prom with my boyfriend because I was afraid of what people would think, Andreas Villazane says. "We couldnt go to prom together, so we got to do it tonight." Noche de Arcoiris (Night of the Rainbow) was held in Pilsen, Chicago's largest Mexican American neighborhood. The event was hosted by WRTE 90.5 FM's Homofrecuencia, the country's only Spanish-language queer youth radio show. Producer Tania Unzueta said, "We want to create a safe space for us within our own communities. We want to be who we are, where we live. ... If youth can't see gays within the Latina community, and Latinas within the gay community, it affects their image of themselves. �
[Date: 14-Jun-05 ]

Gay bingo - it ain't your grandma's bingo

Gay bingo - it ain't your grandma's bingo Rhode Island: "Somewhere in between the sequined drag queens belting out show tunes, the shirtless beefcakes flexing in the aisles, and the entire cast of The Wizard of Oz handing out cards, it becomes clear that Gay Bingo has almost nothing to do with bingo." �
[Date: 14-Jun-05 ]