Saturday, July 11, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - July 11, 2009

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Civil Rights Group Divided Over Gay Marriage
By JENNIFER STEINHAUER
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the 50-year-old civil rights organization founded by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others, is seeking to remove the president of its Los Angeles chapter in response to his support of same-sex marriage in California.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/11/us/11gay.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse

Manhattan Man, 19, Arrested in Anti-Gay Robbery Attacks
By KAREEM FAHIM
A 19-year-old Manhattan man has been arrested in connection with anti-gay robbery attacks on the Upper East Side in May and June, the police said on Friday. The man, Driton Nicaj, was arrested on Thursday night near his home on East 84th Street, his father said. He faces charges including aggravated harassment and robbery as hate crimes. The police said they were searching for as many as three other men who participated in the early-morning attacks.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/11/nyregion/11rob.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse


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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

Gay couple detained by security near Mormon plaza after kiss
Told public displays of affection not allowed on property
SALT LAKE CITY
A gay couple say they were detained by security guards on a plaza owned by the Mormon church and later cited by police, claiming it stemmed from a kiss on the cheek.
http://www.floridablade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=26158

New campaign to overturn 'Don't Ask'
Rep. Murphy takes lead on repeal effort in House
By CHRIS JOHNSON, Washington Blade
Gay rights activists this week kicked off a national tour to build public support for repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” as a new lawmaker officially took the lead in sponsoring legislation that would end the ban on service by openly LGBT people in the U.S. military.
http://www.floridablade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=26117


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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

The Hot Sheet
Harry Potter is officially all grown up, gay actor Dan Butler falls in love with Karl Rove, and the Gay Men's Chorus of San Francisco pays tribute to Joan Baez.
http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid97227.asp


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

Events for older LGBT people to be held in London
Older LGBT people will be able to attend two social networking events in Tower Hamlets and Redbridge this summer. The events are being held by Age Concern and Positive East, an HIV charity.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13189.html

Christian arts festival is 'too gay'
A Christian arts and music festival has been attacked for being too gay by a conservative Anglican pressure group.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13190.html

Bisexual MP Simon Hughes consulting lawyer over News of the World phone hack
The bisexual senior Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes has confirmed that he is consulting with his solicitor after his phone was hacked by the News of the World. The saga relating to The Guardian’s allegations that the News of the World, Britain’s biggest selling newspaper operated a complex programme of hacking into celebrities mobile phone voicemail and paid off some of the victims has continued for another day.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13211.html

Major fire destroys historic building in the heart of London's gay scene
Some 100 firefighters are tackling a fire which has broken out in Dean Street, in the heart of Soho, the centre for gay life in London. Dean Street will remain closed all evening.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13191.html

Conservatives' grouping with homophobic Polish party 'will give them more power'
The decision of the Tories to join a new "anti-federalist" political group in the European Parliament, including a homophobic party, will give them more political clout, it has been claimed.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13205.html


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Friday, July 10, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - July 10, 2009

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Morning Skim: Is ‘Brüno’ Bad (for Gays)? and More
By Eric Etheridge
* Salon: David Rakoff says “‘Brüno’ is bad for the gays.”
Brüno is a gay minstrel, in the most literal sense of the word.
* Slate: Dennis Lim says “Brüno” is “good for the gays.”
And are the gays who anxiously anticipate the mocking, hostile reactions of the unenlightened really that blind to Brüno’s obvious counteroffensive strategy, which is to make that mocking, hostile idiocy the subject of his film? The beauty—and perhaps even the moral logic—of Baron Cohen’s method is that those who’re not in on his joke are invariably the butts of the joke.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/morning-skim-is-bruno-bad-for-gays-and-more/?scp=6&sq=gay&st=cse


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
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Stalemate In N.Y. Appears Resolved
Democratic Senator Rejoins His Caucus
By Keith B. Richburg
A month-long political stalemate in New York's state capital, Albany, appeared resolved Thursday when a defecting state senator rejoined the Democratic caucus, once again giving the party a razor-thin majority in the chamber.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070902701.html

'Z' Still Thrills 40 Years Later
Forty years ago this summer, a man walked on the moon. Later that year, a series of riots around Greenwich Village's Stonewall Inn gave birth to the gay rights movement. And filmmaker Costa-Gavras released "Z," his landmark political thriller based on the real-life assassination of Greek peace activist Gregoris Lambrakis by right-wing hoods. It went on to win the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film (the movie is in French and set in an indeterminate locale) and, with its generalized indictment of government corruption everywhere, packed a powerful punch.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070901605.html

The Dare That Went Too Far
Two men take a sexually charged challenge in ‘Humpday’
By MICHELLE KUNG
Seattle-based filmmaker Lynn Shelton may be a happily-married mother of one, but the 43-year-old writer/director of “Humpday”—a comedy-drama about two childless thirtysomething friends (Mark Duplass, Joshua Leonard) who are drawn into a sexually-charged dare—had no problem identifying with her film’s antsy male protagonists. (The film opens in limited release July 10.)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204556804574261880577664854.html

The Bucks Stop, but Will Colleges Notice?
By ANTHONY PALETTA
The recent news that Harvard was establishing a new chair in Gay Lesbian Transgendered and Queer Studies, in the wake of a 22% drop in the university's endowment value, suggested that nothing could curtail expenditures on the progressive agenda in the modern academy. But this week brought some indication that even Harvard will have to confront the recession. Not only did it lay off almost 300 employees, but it actually suspended the operations of its Office of Sexual Assault, Prevention, and Response for the month of July. The university indicated that the office's services were duplicated elsewhere. This summer, someone else will have to sponsor events it previously offered -- like "Hooking Up: Hot Hints for a Great Sex Life" and "Choose Your Own Sex Adventure."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124719510885021485.html

Rufus Wainwright’s New Aria
The singer-songwriter unveils his first opera in England
By JULIET CHUNG
Since his debut roughly a decade ago, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright has attracted a following for his lush, romantic pop songs. He ventures into new territory this month with the premiere of his first opera, “Prima Donna.”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204261704574274202251725342.html


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Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:

Movie review | Brüno (R) ***
BY CONNIE OGLE, cogle@MiamiHerald.com
The real genius, if that is what it is, behind Sacha Baron Cohen's crude, shocking and explosively funny Brüno is the fact that the filmmakers actually found enough gullible human targets. Surely they had thinned out after Borat became a hit and introduced Cohen to the cable-free parts of the planet that had never seen his characters torment the unwitting on Da Ali G Show.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/movie-review-brno-r.html

This weekend’s Out and About from Give Me a Beat Productions
From George Maiko Coronado, director of Marketing and Business Development for Give Me A Beat Productions:
OUT AND ABOUT
Tonight, Friday, July 10, we are gearing up for another fantastic soiree of music, fashion and entertainment, at the now nationally renowned Living Room Nightclub and the party that everyone is talking about, Liquid Fridays! From the sexiest crowd of South Florida and beyond, to model types, to body painted staff, percussionists, stilt walkers, outrageous performers, recording artists, sultry dancers and the best dance music to ever hit the East Coast, the energy of our party is a spiritual adventure that is almost indescribable, so come join us and experience it tonight! You will love to feel all your senses awakened... www.livingroomnightclub.com
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/this-weekends-out-and-about-from-give-me-a-beat-productions.html


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Find a new church
Re the July 2 story Mennonites protest church exclusion of gays: Gay Mennonites don't like that they are not permitted to worship in Mennonite churches. Big deal. If they really feel a need to be in a church, they should go to another one that will accept them. Prejudice will begin to die away when religious groups realize that their numbers are decreasing because people, gay and straight, are no longer tolerant of bigotry. Leaving and joining another organization, religious or not, is probably the most powerful statement that a gay person can make.
JEFF HALLER, Miami
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/letters/story/1135274.html


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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale nets nearly $30K
But conflict with former Ed. Dir. slows collections
By DMITRY RASHNITSOV
After a tumultuous couple of months, Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale is wrapping up the books for the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, while fighting continues with its now-former executive director over money and merchandise.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/7-9/news/localnews/6026.cfm

Gay-friendly businesses celebrate milestones
Wilton Manors: Java Boys celebrates anniversary
In today’s economic climate, any business anniversary can be considered a milestone. It’s been a year since the current owners of Java Boys, Nicky and Steve Rose, took over and the future continues to look bright. Over the years, Java Boys has become a meeting place of sorts where small groups continue to gather. “The number one reason for our success is that we value each and every customer, treat them with respect, give them the service and the quality they are looking for,” said Java Boys owner, Nicky Rose. “We also give back to the community by getting involved with very important organizations and activities.”
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/7-9/news/localnews/6028.cfm


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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
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Gay Camaro Ad Not “Vetted” by GM
A viral video featuring men in their underwear washing a Camaro -- which was yanked by General Motors Wednesday morning -- was not vetted through all departments of the company, Travis Parman, who handles LGBT media relations for GM, told Advocate.com Wednesday.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid97223.asp


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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

Pennsylvania Senators introduce Marriage Equality Bill
By 365gay Newswire
(Harrisburg) Pennsylvania Senator Jim Ferlo has joined in supporting SB 935, the first bill in Pennsylvania to allow gay marriage. The bill, created by Senator Daylin Leach, now has three Pennsylvania senators backing it.
http://www.365gay.com/news/pennsylvania-senators-introduce-marriage-equality-bill/


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

House of Lords votes to keep 'free speech' defence in homophobic hatred laws
The House of Lords has voted to keep an amendment that would create a defence of "free speech" in a bill that is designed to criminalise incitement of homophobic hatred.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13179.html

Swedish nursing home may cater specifically for gays
Elderly gays and lesbians in Stockholm may soon be able to live in a special gay-friendly nursing home.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13188.html

Events for older LGBT people to be held in London
Older LGBT people will be able to attend two social networking events in Tower Hamlets and Redbridge this summer. The events are being held by Age Concern and Positive East, an HIV charity.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13189.html

Christian arts festival is 'too gay'
A Christian arts and music festival has been attacked for being too gay by a conservative Anglican pressure group.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13190.html

Mother of boy who committed suicide after gay bullying urges Congress to take action
The mother of Carl Hoover-Walker, the 11-year-old Massachusetts boy who hung himself after homophobic abuse from bullies, has pleaded with Congress to do more to tackle the problem.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13185.html


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Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:


MO: Events: PROMO
St. Louis
Wednesday, July 29, 7:30pm-9:30pm
PROMO is proud to host the Equality Federation Summer Meeting July 29-Aug. 2. Equality Federation is a national alliance of state-based LGBT advocacy organizations such as PROMO. The Federation works to achieve equality for LGBT people in every state and territory by building strong and sustainable statewide organizations. PROMO invites you the Summer Meeting Opening Reception on Wednesday, July 29, 7:30pm-9:30pm. For more information or to RSVP, contact PROMO@PROMOonline.org.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8526/

Cured ‘Ex-Gay’ Caught Misbehaving; Banned from Gym; Distrubing Criminal Record
Wayne Besen | Truth Wins Out
‘Ex-Gay’ Activist Supposedly ‘Cured’ From AIDS and Homosexuality, Banned From Gym and Charged After Lewd Incident Occurs
NEW YORK – A new report by the website, “Ex-Gay Watch”, has cast a dark cloud of skepticism over “ex-gay” activist Matthew Manning’s tale of being “delivered” from homosexuality and AIDS. According to the report, Manning has been repeatedly dragged into court for allegations of inappropriate behavior and was even banned from a popular gym after improper sexual advances were made on a 22-year-old heterosexual male. Manning, a frequent television guest and the founder of Lighthouse World Evangelism Inc., based in Santa Rosa, California, has yet to comment on the allegations made in the investigative report.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8525/

IL: Events: Equality Illinois
The Addams Family – A New Musical
The Addams Family, starring two-time Tony Award® winners Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, is opening in Chicago this Fall before it goes to Broadway. The weird and wonderful family created by New Yorker cartoonist Charles Addams comes to devilishly delightful life in a Broadway musical - and you can see it before the public.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8524/

Gay Minister Supported by His Ex-Wife as He Begins New Job
STEWART PATERSON | The Hearld
Scotland’s first openly gay minister took up his new job yesterday - with his ex-wife and partner sitting in the pews. The Rev Scott Rennie, 37, sparked controversy when he was appointed minister at Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8523/

Wounded Ex-Marine Now Fighting a Two-Front War
Sig Christenson - Express-News | My San Antonio
Eric Alva lived and breathed the Marine Corps for 13 years. Then he earned a dubious slice of American history by becoming the first GI injured in the Iraq invasion in 2003. He stepped on a mine three hours after rolling into Iraq, breaking both legs, suffering a badly mangled right arm and being filled with shrapnel from torso to his legs. The picture-perfect Marine, who later lost part of his right leg and still carries 27 pieces of shrapnel, has evolved from a war hero photographed with President George W. Bush to one of the nation’s prominent gay activists after coming out on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Feb. 27, 2007. Read more
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8522/


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Thursday, July 09, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - July 09, 2009

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

State Suit Challenges U.S. Defense of Marriage Act
By ABBY GOODNOUGH
The Massachusetts attorney general, Martha Coakley, sued the federal government Wednesday to overturn a section of the law denying federal benefits to spouses in same-sex marriages.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/09/us/09massachusetts.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse

Do Women Like Men Quite That Cleanshaven?
By CATHERINE SAINT LOUIS
AMERICAN women didn’t shave their armpits en masse until the 1920s, after a perfect storm of sleeveless dresses and a barrage of advertisements by depilatory makers characterized underarm hair as ugly.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/09/fashion/09Skin.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
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OPM 'Wholeheartedly' Endorses Benefits for Same-Sex Partners
By Joe Davidson
In case there was any lingering doubt from last fall about the government's position on providing full domestic benefits for same-sex partners of federal workers, Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry erased them yesterday. The White House and OPM, he said at the top of his statement to a House hearing, "wholeheartedly endorse passage" of legislation that would provide them with health and retirement coverage.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/08/AR2009070804066.html

Brüno's Wild Pride
Homophobic Antics Bare Universal Truths
By Hank Stuever
Amid the screams of shock and laughter at a packed preview screening of "Brüno" Tuesday night, one could also detect slight sighs of relief.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/08/AR2009070804111.html

Gay legal groups want in on Calif court case
By LISA LEFF
Three gay-friendly legal groups have asked to be part of a federal lawsuit challenging California's same-sex marriage ban - a request that drew an icy reception from the activists behind the case. After publicly questioning the wisdom of the suit and then submitting papers in support of it, the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights said they want to represent gay community groups in the proceedings.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/08/AR2009070804484.html

India Supreme Court steps into gay sex law dispute
By VIJAY JOSHI
NEW DELHI -- India's Supreme Court agreed Thursday to hear a petition from a Hindu astrologer who is seeking to annul a recent landmark ruling that decriminalized gay sex.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070900923.html

O'Malley Says Md. Should Recognize Rights of Gay Couples Married Elsewhere
By Maryland Notebook
During a radio show this week, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) suggested he was open to recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states -- something he's never said publicly -- with several caveats. "If a person has those rights under another state . . . I think we probably should respect those rights," O'Malley said during an appearance Monday on WTOP radio's "Ask the Governor."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/07/AR2009070702501.html


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Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:

Task Force Action Fund urges for passage of Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force news release:
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund has submitted testimony to the United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, which today held a hearing on the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009. The Task Force Action Fund urges passage of this important legislation.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/task-force-action-fund-urges-for-passage-of-domestic-partnership-benefits-and-obligations-act.html

Transgender 'pumping party' felon Donnie Hendrix back in a silicone sting
Six years after her conviction in the death of a woman at an illegal Miramar silicone 'pumping party,' Donnie Hendrix is accused of setting up shop again
BY DAVID SMILEY
Standing before a Broward judge in 2003, Donnie ''Viva'' Hendrix said through pouty lips that she wanted to be a ''poster child'' for the dangers of illegal silicone injections. She may get her wish.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/pumping-party-felon-back-in-a-silicone-sting.html


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Gay legal groups want in on Calif court case
By LISA LEFF
Three gay-friendly legal groups have asked to be part of a federal lawsuit challenging California's same-sex marriage ban - a request that drew an icy reception from the activists behind the case. After publicly questioning the wisdom of the suit and then submitting papers in support of it, the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights said they want to represent gay community groups in the proceedings.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation/AP/story/1133765.html


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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

El Paso: Two gay men kicked out of Chico's Tacos restaurant for kissing (5:07 a.m.)
By Andrew Kreighbaum and Darren Meritz / For the Sun-News
Two gay men kissed at a Chico's Tacos restaurant, prompting guards to eject them and a police officer to endorse their ouster. Civil-rights lawyers say the security staff was out of line. Police, though, contend that a business such as a restaurant can refuse service to anybody, any time. In all, five men were ordered to leave the restaurant. They say they were forced out by homophobic guards.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_12792370?source=most_viewed


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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

55K Signatures Against Maine Marriage
A group attempting to overturn Maine's legalization of same-sex marriage said Wednesday that it has collected the signatures necessary to get the issue on the ballot for the November election.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid96781.asp


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

Mother's letter inspires gay marriage protest outside Irish parliament
A letter sent to the Irish justice minister by the mother of a gay son has inspired a protest today outside the Irish parliament for gay marriage.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13167.html

Guru challenges Indian ruling on gay sex, saying homosexuality 'can be cured by yoga'
A recent judgement by the Delhi high court that homosexuality should be decriminalised is being challenged. Swami Baba Ramdev, a yoga guru, filed the challenge saying homosexuality was a "disease" and could be cured by yoga.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13173.html

Exclusive: Anti-cruising website publishes uncensored photos of faces and car registrations
The Information Commissioner is to investigate an anti-cruising website after an exclusive report by PinkNews.co.uk. The website, set up to raise awareness of the "disgusting" practice of gay men meeting for sex, publishes uncensored images of car registration plates and faces of men allegedly involved.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13168.html


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Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

Another Horrific Tale of “Ex-Gay” Conversion…and How the Internet is Helping Fight Back
Waymon Hudson | Bilerico Project
The request to join a new group came through my Facebook page. The group was called “Friends of Bryce“, which could have been anything, but had a note attached that said “Please Help.” Bryce 1.jpgWhen I clicked over to the group, an all too familiar tale unfolded. Bryce Faulkner, a young gay man from Arkansas, had gone missing after his parents had discovered he was gay. They had gotten into their college-aged son’s email account and discovered messages between Bryce and his boyfriend. The parents then gave Bryce an ultimatum- enter an extensive and severe “therapy” program or lose all their support for college and living expenses. For a young man from a conservative small town whose entire life, including his job, was tied to his parents, who had nowhere to go and no one to turn to, there really was no choice. Bryce was sent to 14 week long conversion therapy camp and has not been heard from again. Read more
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8489/

Why the FBI Squelched an Investigation of a Post-9/11 Meeting Between White Supremacists and Islamic Extremists
Mark Levine, AlterNet
The recent shooting at the Holocaust Museum serves as a stark reminder to us all that murderous racial and religious hatred still endures in America. One would expect the FBI to infiltrate and prosecute individuals and organizations that threaten domestic terrorist acts. But as this investigative report details, the large FBI bureaucracy, from the bottom to the very top, may well be more concerned with covering up its agents’ own illegal misconduct that it is with actually protecting Americans from terrorist attack. Read more
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8486/

PA: Beyond Gay & Lesbian
LAUREN F. FRIEDMAN | Philadelphia Daily News | Philly.com
friedml@phillynews.com 215-854-5991
WHEN THE Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Film Festival premiered 15 years ago, “Will and Grace” wasn’t on TV, “Brokeback Mountain” hadn’t won an Oscar, and gay marriage was legal in exactly zero states. Pretty soon though, the community that had at first embraced the festival had a problem. “People complained that it was the ‘gay and lesbian’ film festival instead of the GLBT film festival,” said Raymond Murray, citing the acronym that includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Murray, who founded the festival back in 1995 and remains its artistic director today, is vigilant about selecting a range of films that represent the diversity of the community, but he was reluctant to begin adding letters onto what was already a somewhat unwieldy name. Read more
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8485/

Murphy Takes Up Overturn of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Joelle Farrell | Inquirer Staff Writer | Philadelphia Inquirer | Philly.com
U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, an Iraq War veteran, is taking the lead in Congress to repeal a law that bars openly gay people from serving in the military. At a news conference in Washington today, the Bucks County Democrat plans to announce a renewed effort to overturn the policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.” The law, enacted in 1993 during President Bill Clinton’s first term, has led to the discharge of nearly 13,000 gay service members. Read more
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8484/

AK: Assembly Hears Another Round of Gay Rights Testimony
DON HUNTER | dhunter@adn.com | Anchorage Daily News
The Anchorage Assembly worked its way through another round of public testimony Tuesday night on the controversial proposal to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and Assemblyman Matt Claman barely got the three votes he needed to introduce the idea of putting the question on the ballot at next spring’s city election. Claman’s latest move, which is a separate effort from the proposed ordinance that has been getting public comment for weeks now, would ask voters to change the city’s charter to add sexual orientation to the list of characteristics protected under the charter’s bill of rights and equal protection sections. It will need support from eight of the 11 Assembly members to reach the ballot, but Claman conceded he had a hard time even finding a third vote just to set it for a public hearing. Claman originally said he thought sending the question to voters might short-circuit the Assembly’s protracted consideration of three related versions of the anti-discrimination ordinance this summer. Tuesday night, however, he said he now expects the Assembly to conclude public hearings on the anti-discrimination ordinances and vote on them. Read more
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8483/


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GLBT DIGEST - July 08, 2009

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Indian Court Overturns Gay Sex Ban
By HEATHER TIMMONS and HARI KUMAR
NEW DELHI —In a landmark ruling Thursday that could usher in an era of greater freedom for gay men and lesbians in India, New Delhi’s highest court decriminalized homosexuality.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/03/world/asia/03india.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse

New York Gay Newspaper Suspends Publication
By JENNIFER 8. LEE
The New York Blade, one of the two major gay and lesbian newspapers in New York City, has laid off its editor in chief and suspended publication, the chief executive of its publishing company said on Wednesday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/nyregion/02gay.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

How Gay Marriage Recognition Works
At 12:01 a.m. today, under a law approved in May, the District began recognizing the marriages of same-sex couples performed in other jurisdictions. Here's a Q&A to help couples navigate the changes.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/06/AR2009070602913.html?sub=AR

Gay marriage bill takes effect in nation's capital
The Associated Press
A law recognizing same-sex marriages performed elsewhere has gone into effect in the District of Columbia.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/07/AR2009070701536.html

Mass. sues feds over definition of marriage
By DENISE LAVOIE
Massachusetts is suing the federal government over a law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. State Attorney General Martha Coakley filed the lawsuit Wednesday in federal court in Boston. It says the federal Defense of Marriage Act interferes with the right of Massachusetts to define marriage as it sees fit.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/08/AR2009070801974.html

Pope Criticizes World Economic System, Urges Social Responsibility
By Jacqueline L. Salmon
Pope Benedict XVI criticized the international economic system yesterday and called for a new global structure based on social responsibility, concern for the dignity of the worker and a respect for ethics.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/07/AR2009070700656.html

Massachusetts, 1st gay marriage state, challenges federal definition of man-woman marriage
DENISE LAVOIE AP
Massachusetts, the first state to legalize gay marriage, sued the U.S. government Wednesday over a federal law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-gay-marriage,0,1826312.story


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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
Go to the links for the following articles:

Working on Your Marriage — at Work
By Rachel Emma Silverman
People often complain they are married to their jobs. In recent years, some companies have been helping employees work on their marriages, on the job.
http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2009/07/07/working-on-your-marriage-at-work/


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Fort Lauderdale town hall meeting to discuss hate crimes laws
A coalition of civic groups is meeting tonight with law enforcement and political leaders to discuss hate crimes. The town hall meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center, 1717 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fort-lauderdale/sfl-homeless-hate-crime-box-070709,0,1176108.story

Death-row inmate, Louisiana settle religious access issue
The Associated Press
A state lawmaker who made national headlines by claiming homosexuality is a greater threat to the United States than terrorism was heckled by protesters as she launched a campaign for a morality proclamation that opponents said promotes an atmosphere of hate.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-rel-religion-briefs,0,1068637.story?page=2


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Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:

Miami Gay Men’s Chorus ensemble Insignia to hold free concert July 14 at Miami Beach Community Church
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/miami-gay-mens-chorus-ensemble-insignia-to-hold-free-concert-july-14-at-miami-beach-community-church.html

Broward sheriff, public officials to discuss hate crimes Wednesday night at gay community center
By DAVID SMILEY, dsmiley@MiamiHerald.com
Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti, state Rep. Ari Porth and other public officials are expected to attend a town hall meeting in Fort Lauderdale Wednesday night to discuss Florida's hate crimes laws.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/broward-sheriff-public-officials-to-discuss-hate-crimes-wednesday-night-at-gay-community-center.html

Ros-Lehtinen to co-sponsor bill requiring health insurance plans to cover routine HIV tests
News release from U.S. Rep Ileana Ros-Lehtinen:
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a senior member of the Florida congressional delegation, is pleased to co-sponsor the “Routine HIV Screening Coverage Act” that would require health insurance companies to cover routine HIV tests. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen believes that this bill will help control the spread of HIV and she is working on getting other co-sponsors.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/ros-lehtinen-to-co-sponsor-bill-requiring-health-insurance-plans-to-cover-routine-hiv-tests.html

Bilerico Project: Another horrific tale of ‘ex-gay’ conversion ... and how the Internet is helping fight back
Waymon Hudson of Oakland Park wrote this essay for The Bilerico Project:
The request to join a new group came through my Facebook page. The group was called "Friends of Bryce", which could have been anything, but had a note attached that said "Please Help."
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/bilerico-project-another-horrific-tale-of-ex-gay-conversion-and-how-the-internet-is-helping-fight-back.html

Cuba vs. Homophobia: What Arises, What There is, and What Remains to be Done
From Walter Lippmann:
Click here to read a discussion of World Anti-Homophobia Day in Cuba, written by Norge Espinosa Mendoza, a man who headed up the day’s activities for UNEAC, the artists and writers union.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/commentary-cuba-vs-homophobia-what-arises-what-there-is-and-what-remains-to-be-done.html

Gays in the Military: Does a Sailor's Murder Signal Deeper Problems?
From Time.com:
By Mark Thompson / Washington
Even as Pentagon lawyers begin trying to ease the "Don't ask, don't tell" prohibition on gays serving openly in the U.S. military, the murder last week of an apparently gay sailor at California's Camp Pendleton has raised new questions over the readiness of the armed forces to accept openly homosexual personnel.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/timecom-gays-in-the-military-does-a-sailors-murder-signal-deeper-problems.html

Summer Fest ‘09 and second Equality Florida Bar Crawl to be July 31 through Aug. 2
Thomas Barker, editor and publisher of The Wire, has asked me to help spread the word about Summer Fest ‘09 and the Equality Florida Bar Crawl from Friday, July 31, to Sunday, August 2. All proceeds go to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and Equality Florida, Barker says.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/summer-fest-09-and-second-equality-florida-bar-crawl-to-be-july-31-through-aug-2.html


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Religion news in brief
Okla. lawmaker heckled by protesters as she promotes proclamation for morality at rally
A state lawmaker who made national headlines by claiming homosexuality is a greater threat to the United States than terrorism was heckled by protesters as she launched a campaign for a morality proclamation that opponents said promotes an atmosphere of hate.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation/AP/v-fullstory/story/1132582.html


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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

Carl Walker-Hoover's mother testifies before House subcommittees
First hearing takes place on Safe Schools Improvement Act
Sirdeaner Walker, the mother of 11-year-old Carl Walker-Hoover, who committed suicide in April after enduring persistent anti-gay bullying at school, testified today in front of the House Subcommittees on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education and Healthy Familes and Communities in support of the Safe Schools Improvement Act, according to a press release from the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.
http://www.floridablade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=26112

Wilton Manors sponsors repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
City becomes first in Florida to call for Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009
By BOB KECSEMETY
Wilton Manors is the first Florida city to sponsor a resolution calling for the United States Congress to adopt the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which eliminates the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy and adopts a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation within the United States Armed Forces.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/7-2/news/localnews/6006.cfm

Queer leaders who are ‘salted peanuts’
Buying the LGBT community for the price of a cocktail
By TONY ADAMS
In “All About Eve”, Bette Davis as Margo Channing says “I'm still not to be had for the price of a cocktail, like a salted peanut." On Tuesday, June 29, 2009, at a White House reception that supposedly commemorated the Stonewall riots, some of our most prominent LGBT leaders and activists were had for the price of a cocktail.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/7-2/view/editorial/6009.cfm

Without federal appeal, asylum for gay Filipino professor becomes final
By Jessie Mangaliman
The federal government has decided not to appeal the political asylum granted a gay Filipino professor who claimed in immigration court that he was repeatedly abused as a child in the Philippines.
http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_12770297?nclick_check=1


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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

Tourism Official Demoted for Funding Pride?
By Julie Bolcer
A Canadian member of parliament alleges that a tourism minister was removed from her responsibilities because her decision to direct federal funds toward a gay pride event shocked members of her Conservative party caucus, reports the Toronto Star.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid96709.asp

W.Va. Lawmakers Study Marriage Ban
By Julie Bolcer
West Virginia lawmakers plan to hold a hearing on Tuesday to discuss a proposal to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, reports the Charleston Gazette.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid96669.asp

Jackson-Lee: Investigate Gay Sailor's Death
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee is planning to demand a congressional inquiry into the death of a Houston sailor whose body was found in a guard shack at Oceanside, Calif.'s Camp Pendleton military base last week. Family members of August Provost say they suspect he was killed because he was gay, but the Navy says there's no evidence to suggest that was the reason.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid96560.asp


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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

Mullen advises ‘measured’ approach to gay policy
By The Associated Press
The nation’s top military officer said Sunday he has advised President Barack Obama to move “in a measured way” in changing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that bans gays from serving openly in the military.
http://www.365gay.com/news/mullen-advises-measured-approach-to-gay-policy/

Church of England bishop says gays should ‘repent’
By The Associated Press
(London) A senior Church of England bishop has angered gay-rights campaigners by saying homosexuals should repent.
http://www.365gay.com/news/church-of-england-bishop-says-gays-should-repent/

Forth Worth resident breaks his silence about Rainbow Lounge raid
By 365gay Newswire
Chad Gibson, a Fort Worth resident who was allegedly hurt the worst during a police raid of the gay club the Rainbow Lounge, is finally speaking out about his arrest.
http://www.365gay.com/news/forth-worth-resident-breaks-his-silence-about-rainbow-lounge-raid/

Former D.C. mayor arrested for stalking
By 365gay Newswire
Former D.C. mayor Marion Barry was arrested Saturday on charges of stalking a female acquaintance. Barry is scheduled to appear in court this Thursday.
http://www.365gay.com/news/former-dc-mayor-arrested-for-stalking/

T-shirt retailers using homophobia to make money
By Michael Jensen, AfterElton.com
Thanks to Chicago Sun-Times columnist and film critic Richard Roeper, a very ugly practice has come to light. T-shirt companies trying to make a buck off of the cross town rivalry between the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs baseball teams have resorted to homophobia and racism to stimulate sales.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/t-shirt-retailers-using-homophobia-to-make-money/

From Haiti, a surprise: good news about AIDS
By The Associated Press
(Blanchard, Haiti) When Micheline Leon was diagnosed with HIV, her parents told her they would fit her for a coffin. Fifteen years later, she walks around her two-room concrete house on Haiti’s central plateau, watching her four children play under the plantain trees. She looks healthy, her belly amply filling a gray, secondhand T-shirt. Her three sons and one daughter were born after she was diagnosed. None has the virus.
http://www.365gay.com/news/from-haiti-a-surprise-good-news-about-aids/

Out-of-state gay marriages now recognized in D.C.
By Jennifer Vanasco
As of 12:01 this morning, gays and lesbians who are married in Iowa, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine or Vermont now also have their marriages recognized in Washington, D.C.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/out-of-state-gay-marriages-now-recognized-in-dc/

Franken sworn in as Minnesota senator
By The Associated Press
Al Franken became a senator on Tuesday, completing the transformation from comedian to politician.
http://www.365gay.com/news/franken-sworn-in-as-minnesota-senator/

Appeals court rules for Abbott in AIDS drug case
By The Associated Press
A federal appeals court has rejected a lawsuit accusing Abbott Laboratories of antitrust violations over a sudden 400-percent price hike of a popular AIDS drug.
http://www.365gay.com/news/appeals-court-rules-for-abbott-in-aids-drug-case/

NEA calls for LGBT rights
By Jennifer Vanasco
The National Education Association adopted two resolutions calling for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights at its annual conference last week. The resolutions say that the organization opposes the “discriminatory treatment of same-sex couples and its belief that such couples should have the same legal rights and benefits as similarly-situated heterosexual couples.” They also call for the “passage of a federal statute prohibiting federal discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.” The NEA also committed itself to supporting the enactment of LGBT equality at local, state and federal levels.
http://www.365gay.com/news/nea-calls-for-lgbt-rights/


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

Mother of gay son berates Irish minister over civil partnerships
When Declan Doody wrote to Irish justice minister Dermot Ahern about the inequality of civil partnerships, he was dismayed to receive no response. However, when he posted a copy of the letter on his Facebook, his mother Helen was spurred into action to write her own.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13151.html

Polish Law and Justice Party MEP: 'Our views on gays haven't changed'
A Polish Law and Justice Party (PiS) MEP has refuted statements made by former Tory leader William Hague that the party has changed its views on gay rights.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13160.html

Technical issues mean 2010 US census may not count gay married couples
The US census scheduled for next year may not be able to count gay married couples due to technical issues in collecting data.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13159.html

Massachusetts senator reveals he's gay
Massachusetts senator Stan Rosenberg has revealed he is gay in an Independence Day editorial. Writing in the Daily Hampshire Gazette last weekend, he quietly revealed his sexuality about halfway down his column.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13157.html

Peter Tatchell: 'Bruno will make both bigots and gays squirm'
Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has said that Sacha Baron-Cohen's latest film Bruno is likely to cause discomfort to both straight homophobes and gay men.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13155.html

Catholic adoption agency allowed to appeal over gay parents
The Charity Tribunal has given permission for a Catholic adoption agency to appeal against a ruling which said it could not discriminate against gay couples.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13152.html

Swedish study finds gay brains resemble those of opposite sex
Swedish scientists have suggested that brains of gay people may share similar physical attributes to those of the opposite sex.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13156.html

Out-of-state gay marriages become legal in DC
A law allowing the recognition of gay marriages performed in other states has come into effect in Washington DC today.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13146.html

Lesbian policewomen guilty over insurance fraud crash
A lesbian couple who worked as police officers have been convicted of deception after lying about who was driving in a car crash.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13143.html

Gay killing 'was self-defence'
A teenager who beat a gay man to death was acting in self-defence, the Old Bailey heard yesterday. Mossab Belhocine, 19, of Forest Road, Walthamstow, admitted punching and kicking David Cooper, 28, but denied murdering him, claiming he was trying to protect himself from rape.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13141.html


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Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

Homophobes Caught Lying About Kevin Jennings
Alex Blaze | Bilerico Project
GLSEN has jennings.JPG created a web form to thank the Education Department for appointing Kevin Jennings as the Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education for the Department’s Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. I posted about how the FRC started a campaign against Jennings this past week, going so far as to take a full page ad out in the Washington Examiner full of misleading quotations from Jennings, without context and chopped down to look more damning. ThinkProgress and GoodAsYou have been trying to set the record straight on FRC’s lies.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8470/

Should Wisconsin Have a More Inclusive Partner Registry?
Nancy Polikoff | Bilerico Project
Wisconsin made history last week with the passage of its domestic partner registry because it is the first state with a “super DOMA” to take such a step. A word about “super DOMAs.” These are the constitutional amendments passed by states that reject not only marriage for same-sex couples but legal protections for or recognition of unmarried couples of any sexual orientation. Because of such a DOMA, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled last year that its public employers (like the University of Michigan) could not provide domestic partner benefits.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8469/

Why Are LGBT People Less Healthy?
Alex Blaze | Bilerico Project
Empire State Pride Agenda has put out an interesting study of 3500 LGBT people who live in New York State and their access to health care. LGBT people generally receive less health care, and it’s not just because of a lack of marriage or DP benefits. The number one reason is homelessness:
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8468/

We Are Only a Few Senators Away from Much Better Health Care
Paul Krugman, The New York Times | AlterNet
The Congressional Budget Office has looked at the future of American health insurance, and it works. A few weeks ago there was a furor when the budget office “scored” two incomplete Senate health reform proposals — that is, estimated their costs and likely impacts over the next 10 years. One proposal came in more expensive than expected; the other didn’t cover enough people. Health reform, it seemed, was in trouble. But last week the budget office scored the full proposed legislation from the Senate committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). And the news — which got far less play in the media than the downbeat earlier analysis — was very, very good. Yes, we can reform health care.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8467/

No Drama, No Soul?
Phil Bronstein | San Francisco Chronicle
President Obama’s relationship with the gay community is as confused as South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford’s relationship with love, the truth and just how much tolerance to expect from a scorned partner. Like the governor stuck in his own marital Chinese finger trap, Obama, courting with promises during his presidential campaign, then straying on several real-time policy questions, talks as though he wants to fall in love with gay people all over again. “Trust me,” the president basically told a White House meeting of gay and lesbian leaders last week. By the time he’s out of office, he said, “I think you guys will have a pretty good feeling about the Obama administration.” Gals, too? Read more
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8459/

MI: Kalamazoo Passes Protection for Gay, Lesbian and Transgender People
Phil Dawson | WZZM13.com
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WZZM) - It’s now illegal for landlords and employers in Kalamazoo to discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. “I have a hard time understanding why anyone has the need to discriminate against others,” said City Commissioner Sean McCann before voting for the ordinance Monday night.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/8456/


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