I think I'm a lesbian. I'm married. I have no gay friends. My family is Conservative Christian. What do I do? Pretty much just like the title. I've been noticing an increasingly hard to ignore attraction to women, and a lessening (almost to the point of absence) in attraction to men in general and my husband. I still love him. I still want him in my life. I'm frightened. The thought of divorce makes me nauseous. Other than this blip, we have a pretty normal and comfortable life together. We talk, we fight, we make up, we laugh, we're happy, and even sometimes have enjoyable sex. I think I've known about my attraction to women for a while, internally. I just don't know what suddenly made it all click in my head.
I have no idea where to go from here and I'm scared. I really don't want this, but it feels too big to ignore.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Transgender Americans may face increased risk of mistreatment in Occupy crackdowns
WASHINGTON -- Two blocks from our office, the National Park Service planned this week to evict Occupy D.C. protestors in McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza in accordance to a D.C. "no camping" rule. While many protesters have complied with the eviction notices, other demonstrators have ignored the National Park Service and have hunkered down in continued protest.
"Because of this historical participation by transgender people in direct actions, NCTE wants to make sure trans people are well informed as they exercise their free speech and political power."
read more
"Because of this historical participation by transgender people in direct actions, NCTE wants to make sure trans people are well informed as they exercise their free speech and political power."
read more
What Can Wedding Pros Expect From LGBT Couples in New York?
If the results we saw when Washington, D.C. legalized (and California briefly legalized) same-sex marriage is any indication for the New York market, it will be important for wedding pros to thoughtfully approach the growing market of engaged, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered) couples.
We believe that these are the vendors who stand to gain the most and, in turn, offer the greatest help to the LGBT community.
read more
We believe that these are the vendors who stand to gain the most and, in turn, offer the greatest help to the LGBT community.
read more
The Pink Beat, 28 September 2011
So, most people I know, know I’m a total geek for hospital shows; imagine my delight when I found out there was a new one called 24 Hours in The ER (BBC America) and it features a lesbian nurse.
Jen Du-Prat, a mom of two who lives with her wife in London.
Apparently the BAFTA Award-winning camera crew used 70 cameras to capture all the action; from the ambulance arrivals to the treatment of patients to the reaction of family members.
Each episode covers a single 24-hour period at London’s King’s College Hospital and features Jen alongside a few others as they share their stories of death, life and love of the patients at the ER.
Here’s the full trailer.
Coronation Street fans should pay attention right now. I’ve got some bad news, some good news and some good news that wraps up some bad news. Yeah I know, bear with me…
A day or so ago a preview clip for the October 3 episode of Coronation Street hit the internet and one of our favorite young couples are back.
But then Sophie (or is it Amber) goes and does something stupid.
SPOILER ALERT!
Yes, ladies and ladies… reality is finally catching up on us.
The only slightly good thing that will come out of it is a lesbian wedding. Yes I said lesbian and yes I said slightly good thing. Seems our Sophie is going to ask Sian to marry her, but it’ll be more out of guilt than anything else.
Entertainment Wise reports: “Fans of the soap will see Sophie, played by Brooke Vincent, ask Sian to marry her out of guilt after developing feelings for Dev's daughter, Amber.”
Despite the impending doom lurking above the marital bliss of Sophie and Sian, Sacha Parkinson, who plays Sian, said it is going to be a “nice glamorous proper wedding”.
Though Sacha is quite sad about her departure she welcomes the challenge it’ll give her; “It’s going to be really sad but it’s something good to get our teeth into and I think our fans like to see drama from Sian and Sophie. I think that’s best.”
She and Brooke are having a laugh with wardrobe though: “Me and Brooke match all the time so maybe they should (have matching dresses). You know what Brooke’s like she’ll want something absolutely massive like off My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding!”
That’s it for todays The Pink Beat! Check back tomorrow for a new edition!
Jen Du-Prat, a mom of two who lives with her wife in London.
Apparently the BAFTA Award-winning camera crew used 70 cameras to capture all the action; from the ambulance arrivals to the treatment of patients to the reaction of family members.
Each episode covers a single 24-hour period at London’s King’s College Hospital and features Jen alongside a few others as they share their stories of death, life and love of the patients at the ER.
Here’s the full trailer.
Coronation Street fans should pay attention right now. I’ve got some bad news, some good news and some good news that wraps up some bad news. Yeah I know, bear with me…
A day or so ago a preview clip for the October 3 episode of Coronation Street hit the internet and one of our favorite young couples are back.
But then Sophie (or is it Amber) goes and does something stupid.
SPOILER ALERT!
Yes, ladies and ladies… reality is finally catching up on us.
The only slightly good thing that will come out of it is a lesbian wedding. Yes I said lesbian and yes I said slightly good thing. Seems our Sophie is going to ask Sian to marry her, but it’ll be more out of guilt than anything else.
Entertainment Wise reports: “Fans of the soap will see Sophie, played by Brooke Vincent, ask Sian to marry her out of guilt after developing feelings for Dev's daughter, Amber.”
Despite the impending doom lurking above the marital bliss of Sophie and Sian, Sacha Parkinson, who plays Sian, said it is going to be a “nice glamorous proper wedding”.
Though Sacha is quite sad about her departure she welcomes the challenge it’ll give her; “It’s going to be really sad but it’s something good to get our teeth into and I think our fans like to see drama from Sian and Sophie. I think that’s best.”
She and Brooke are having a laugh with wardrobe though: “Me and Brooke match all the time so maybe they should (have matching dresses). You know what Brooke’s like she’ll want something absolutely massive like off My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding!”
That’s it for todays The Pink Beat! Check back tomorrow for a new edition!
My Latest Interviews
Been busy writing for The Georgia Voice. I had 2 interviews in the latest issue (Pride edition):Indigo Girls: Amy RaySir Ari GoldCheck 'em out.
AIDS: Couple runs to fight AIDS
Kinnier Lastimosa and Jennifer Cheng will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary on May 18 and will be running the annual Copenhagen Marathon two days later, marking the 17th marathon each has run over the past 3- 1/2 years.
San Diego LGBT Pride donates $10,000 to Stepping Stone by Staff Reporter
San Diego LGBT Pride donated $10,000 last week to Stepping Stone of San Diego, Inc., which for 10 years has provided the GLBT community with alcohol and drug rehabilitation support through a variety of residential and non-residential treatment programs. The check was presented to Stepping Stone representatives at San Diego Pride’s board of directors meeting on Sept. 15.
“This type of community support mandates that we continue solving the financial issues that have been with us for some years now,” said Stepping Stone’s Board Chair Tom Reise. “On behalf of our entire board and staff, and especially our clients, we express deep gratitude and appreciation for this gift.”
To date, San Diego LGBT Pride has given more than $1…
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“This type of community support mandates that we continue solving the financial issues that have been with us for some years now,” said Stepping Stone’s Board Chair Tom Reise. “On behalf of our entire board and staff, and especially our clients, we express deep gratitude and appreciation for this gift.”
To date, San Diego LGBT Pride has given more than $1…
Read More
Monday, January 30, 2012
(75) Prank Fails and Jive
Maybe we’ve outgrown the pranks, yeah? We tried over and over and over to get through one prank and failed every single time. Tune in and you’ll hear how pranks with potential go from bad to worse because of our inability to execute, as me and Nikki pretend to be a couple on the rocks. [...]
What Can Wedding Pros Expect From LGBT Couples in New York?
If the results we saw when Washington, D.C. legalized (and California briefly legalized) same-sex marriage is any indication for the New York market, it will be important for wedding pros to thoughtfully approach the growing market of engaged, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered) couples.
We believe that these are the vendors who stand to gain the most and, in turn, offer the greatest help to the LGBT community.
read more
We believe that these are the vendors who stand to gain the most and, in turn, offer the greatest help to the LGBT community.
read more
Amber Heard left off Maxim 100 this year. Coincidence?
Amber Heard left off Maxim 100 this year. Coincidence?: Not that the superficial listing and ranking of women should matter, but excluding a woman who has graced their cover and ranked high the past three years, who just so happend to come out this year seems fishy, no?
Out troops to convene at D.C. summit
OutServe, a group representing LGBT military personnel, announced this week it will host a
summit in Washington, D.C., this -More-
summit in Washington, D.C., this -More-
DA to look into suicide of bullied teen Asher Brown
HOUSTON (AP) – Prosecutors said Friday they will look into what led to the suicide of a 13-year-old Houston boy whose parents say was relentlessly bullied at his middle school for two years because of his religion and sexual orientation.
Asher Brown’s parents, who claim school officials ignored their pleas for help, said they hope “justice will be served” by the investigation by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
“Once they find out what’s been hidden, we would want the people responsible to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Asher’s stepfather, David Truong.
Asher shot himself in the head with his stepfather’s handgun on Sept. 23 at his family’s home.
Truong sa…
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Asher Brown’s parents, who claim school officials ignored their pleas for help, said they hope “justice will be served” by the investigation by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
“Once they find out what’s been hidden, we would want the people responsible to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Asher’s stepfather, David Truong.
Asher shot himself in the head with his stepfather’s handgun on Sept. 23 at his family’s home.
Truong sa…
Read More | View Comments (1 comment)
World News Briefs
UK finds that only 1.5% of population is GLB
The United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics has produced data suggesting that only 1.5 percent of UK adults are gay, lesbian or bisexual.
As part of a yearly data collection effort, ONS questioned 247,623 people about their sexual identity. In the case of face-to-face interviews, respondents were shown a card that said “heterosexual/straight, gay/lesbian, bisexual, other” and told to read out a number beside the word that “best describes how you think of yourself.” In telephone interviews, respondents were read the four categories and told to “please say ‘yes’ when you hear the option that best describes how you think of yourself.”
ONS then applied t…
Read More
The United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics has produced data suggesting that only 1.5 percent of UK adults are gay, lesbian or bisexual.
As part of a yearly data collection effort, ONS questioned 247,623 people about their sexual identity. In the case of face-to-face interviews, respondents were shown a card that said “heterosexual/straight, gay/lesbian, bisexual, other” and told to read out a number beside the word that “best describes how you think of yourself.” In telephone interviews, respondents were read the four categories and told to “please say ‘yes’ when you hear the option that best describes how you think of yourself.”
ONS then applied t…
Read More
Sunday, January 29, 2012
This Is How Liberty Counsel's Matt Barber Describes Liberals And Progressives
[W]hich America do you live in? The one with public displays of patriotism -- or the one with public displays of perversion? The one with lots of flag-waving -- or the one with lots of, well, whatever waving?
~Matt Barber, vice president of Liberty Counsel Action
According to Matt Barber, the flag of the progressive movement perhaps should be the rainbow flag. From OneNewsNow's 'Pride' vs. Patriotism (emphasis added):
...In the ongoing war for our culture, if Old Glory is the banner behind which conservatives do battle, what pennon do you suppose guides the proud left into combat?
Rainbow flag, anyone? I think these Harvard poindexters may be on to something.
Indeed, the "gay pride" parade, perhaps more than any other, best encapsulates the values embraced by today's secular-progressive left. Think about it. It's got it all:
Obscenely expensive, taxpayer-funded actions-without-consequences gaiety
Celebration of a caution-to-the-wind, enjoy-now-pay-later lifestyle
Men who act like women and women who look like men
Flamboyant narcissism, moral relativism and plenty of gyrating nude bodies
Colorful public sex displays to forever confuse, desensitize and sexualize the kiddos (Mustn't forget: "Childhood events permanently impact beliefs and behavior")
Lots of anti-Americanism
And a total absence of God Well, never mind how many priests and ministers came out in favor of marriage equality in Washington DC (131) and New York (727) -- godlessness is not a prerequisite to being a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, or supportive of LGBT community. The claim of total LGBT community godlessness is just plain wrong. And never mind too that LGBT community fought for American lesbian, gay, and bisexual servicemembers to serve openly. That doesn't appear that those LGB American citizens are anti-American, but it does appear that many LGB American citizens love their country enough that they're prepared to lay down their lives for America, and the American ideals of freedom, justice, and equality for all. It's as if Matt Barber built a straw man to argue with instead of arguing what's knowable in the brick-and-mortar world. But changing gears, note Barber's negative comment about the entirety of the LGBT community found in this line: Men who act like women and women who look like men In that phrase, Barber lumped lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexual, transgender, and those who identify as both transsexual and transgender all into one group -- One "anti-American" group based on gender expression that doesn't conform to Barber's take on sex and gender norms. In Matt Barber's world, people in the LGBT community, as well as people with liberal political views, don't just disagree with him about issues relevant to America, but are people who are intrinsically evil to the center of their beings. So, it appears that Matt Barber believes that any compromising by conservatives like him with liberals and progressives is by definition surrendering to evil. It appears he's not alone in that kind of thinking; that's certainly something to ponder, isn't it?
Celebration of a caution-to-the-wind, enjoy-now-pay-later lifestyle
Men who act like women and women who look like men
Flamboyant narcissism, moral relativism and plenty of gyrating nude bodies
Colorful public sex displays to forever confuse, desensitize and sexualize the kiddos (Mustn't forget: "Childhood events permanently impact beliefs and behavior")
Lots of anti-Americanism
And a total absence of God Well, never mind how many priests and ministers came out in favor of marriage equality in Washington DC (131) and New York (727) -- godlessness is not a prerequisite to being a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, or supportive of LGBT community. The claim of total LGBT community godlessness is just plain wrong. And never mind too that LGBT community fought for American lesbian, gay, and bisexual servicemembers to serve openly. That doesn't appear that those LGB American citizens are anti-American, but it does appear that many LGB American citizens love their country enough that they're prepared to lay down their lives for America, and the American ideals of freedom, justice, and equality for all. It's as if Matt Barber built a straw man to argue with instead of arguing what's knowable in the brick-and-mortar world. But changing gears, note Barber's negative comment about the entirety of the LGBT community found in this line: Men who act like women and women who look like men In that phrase, Barber lumped lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexual, transgender, and those who identify as both transsexual and transgender all into one group -- One "anti-American" group based on gender expression that doesn't conform to Barber's take on sex and gender norms. In Matt Barber's world, people in the LGBT community, as well as people with liberal political views, don't just disagree with him about issues relevant to America, but are people who are intrinsically evil to the center of their beings. So, it appears that Matt Barber believes that any compromising by conservatives like him with liberals and progressives is by definition surrendering to evil. It appears he's not alone in that kind of thinking; that's certainly something to ponder, isn't it?
(74) Are Women The Inferior Sex?
20 minute monologue, a message to 2030, crazies, gay male sexist oppressors, tackling the tough questions on woman-haters and why they have no b@lls, Hollywood crap movies, then Lale calls in and we talk Giffords, fire arms and Jersey Shore. blogs referenced Why we have too few women leaders http://is.gd/jgBNG LGBT and Liberal Feminist Hypocrisy [...]
PRESS RELEASE: Dumanis campaign releases first in a series of web VIDEOS
(Editor?s note: SDGLN is not reporting on the 2012 San Diego mayoral race because SDGLN Publisher Johnathan Hale has a personal relationship with City Councilmember Carl DeMaio, who is running for mayor. SDGLN will also not be making an endorsement in the race.
Mayoral candidate Bonnie Dumanis releases the first in a series of web-based videos that will focus on her vision for San Diego, discuss solutions to some of the most critical issues facing San Diego and address why her experience makes her the best candidate for Mayor in 2012.
read more
Mayoral candidate Bonnie Dumanis releases the first in a series of web-based videos that will focus on her vision for San Diego, discuss solutions to some of the most critical issues facing San Diego and address why her experience makes her the best candidate for Mayor in 2012.
read more
We Can Help Richanne...
I got this message on my facebook wall today from reader Jennifer van Meenen-Cody...if you know of any business, medical facility or philanthropist who might be able to provide immediate help, get in touch with Jennifer on facebook by CLICKING HERE or email me at interludemagazine@yahoo.com and let us know!! "Arlan, I need your help. I have a very good friend living in New Hampshire. She is legally married to her wife Laura and they have a 5 month old daughter. A week before they found out Richanne Petrigno was pregnant, they found out she has a brain tumor. She cannot work because of the tumor, so she doesn't have insurance. Laura has insurance, but her insurance won't cover her wife, because the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage. She can't get state help because she is married in a state that recognizes same-sex marriage. Richanne's brain tumor is growing and getting very bad. She is afraid to pick up the baby. She can't cook or drive because she gets dizzy. I am sure that her story is not unique, but this is her life and I cannot imagine losing her because of money and greed. Can you help us get her story out there? Right now, she can't even go to her doctor because she can't afford the visit, even though her symptoms are getting worse. You can find out more about her here: http://health.discovery.com/videos/secretly-pregnant-dying-young.htmlIf anyone can get a story out, it's you. Please help in any way you can."
Meet Stayce
This is me with my pal Stayce. I want you to meet her because we're going to be talking about her later this month. You should know that she rocks.
Does the party ever stop?
An interview with Nick Lewis, bartender at various San Diego bars
Nick Lewis is a bartender for several Lesbian nights that are hosted across San Diego. Nick is from Boston and if you ever order a drink from her you will know right away because her charming Boston accent is a dead give away. Nick is a fan of Softball and Ice Hockey and her favorite team is North Eastern University. Along with working the wild San Diego nightlife, Nick is a huge fan of comfy clothes, movies or a good book. Nick has given us the opportunity to ask her a few questions about herself and her job.
GLT: What is your favorite part of the night at Bourbon Street?
NL: Well I think it’s only fair I give all my bars some credit LOL. Rich’s: every time the girls get on the bar. Brass Rail: every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month I love beca…
Read More
Nick Lewis is a bartender for several Lesbian nights that are hosted across San Diego. Nick is from Boston and if you ever order a drink from her you will know right away because her charming Boston accent is a dead give away. Nick is a fan of Softball and Ice Hockey and her favorite team is North Eastern University. Along with working the wild San Diego nightlife, Nick is a huge fan of comfy clothes, movies or a good book. Nick has given us the opportunity to ask her a few questions about herself and her job.
GLT: What is your favorite part of the night at Bourbon Street?
NL: Well I think it’s only fair I give all my bars some credit LOL. Rich’s: every time the girls get on the bar. Brass Rail: every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month I love beca…
Read More
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Prague Pride 2011
This year Prague will have its first pride festival. The Czech team is confident they will put Prague on the map as Central and Eastern Europe’s capital of diversity, even though Prague is the last capital in the European Union to organise a pride. The organizing team is preparing a programme covering five days of events from August 10th to 14th that will be interesting for all, not just the LGBT community. Everyone is invited to participate in the event.
“We want to show the general public and of course visitors from abroad, Prague can host a complete pride festival. Prague is one of Europe's main LGBT travel destinations and we are organising a festival the city can be proud of”
the organizing team explains.
“By now we already know there will be a wide variety of events organized by our many partners.”
All of the five days promise to be full of interesting happenings. From corporate workshops on diversity in human resource management to a sports event, theatre performances, exhibitions, cinema, a kids event, guided city tours, disco and circuit parties etc.
“It is really great to see organizations and venues from the community, as well as mainstream bars and clubs, really want to make it work. They all plan to organize something interesting to add to the programme”
the director of the festival says.
The highlights of the festival are the parade and concert on Saturday the 13th of August. There will be a festive parade through the city centre in the early afternoon. Individuals, companies and organizations will all join the celebration. The route will take the participants to St?elekcy Island where many local and international stars will perform. The line-up is still a secret but we promise it’s impressive.
“The parade is new for Prague and we expect about 1500 people to take walk with us, many more people will be interested in the concert and festival venue, where we hope to receive thousands of guests.”
the organization tells us.
The Prague Pride team wants to create an open festival, and you too can contribute to the programme and organization - not only by showing up. If you want to book tickets or just more information visit the official website.
“We want to show the general public and of course visitors from abroad, Prague can host a complete pride festival. Prague is one of Europe's main LGBT travel destinations and we are organising a festival the city can be proud of”
the organizing team explains.
“By now we already know there will be a wide variety of events organized by our many partners.”
All of the five days promise to be full of interesting happenings. From corporate workshops on diversity in human resource management to a sports event, theatre performances, exhibitions, cinema, a kids event, guided city tours, disco and circuit parties etc.
“It is really great to see organizations and venues from the community, as well as mainstream bars and clubs, really want to make it work. They all plan to organize something interesting to add to the programme”
the director of the festival says.
The highlights of the festival are the parade and concert on Saturday the 13th of August. There will be a festive parade through the city centre in the early afternoon. Individuals, companies and organizations will all join the celebration. The route will take the participants to St?elekcy Island where many local and international stars will perform. The line-up is still a secret but we promise it’s impressive.
“The parade is new for Prague and we expect about 1500 people to take walk with us, many more people will be interested in the concert and festival venue, where we hope to receive thousands of guests.”
the organization tells us.
The Prague Pride team wants to create an open festival, and you too can contribute to the programme and organization - not only by showing up. If you want to book tickets or just more information visit the official website.
US: military chaplains may perform same-sex unions
�(Washington) The Pentagon has decided that military chaplains may perform same-sex unions, whether on or off a military installation.
The ruling announced Friday by the Pentagon's personnel chief follows the Sept. 20 repeal of a law that had prohibited gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.
Some members of Congress have objected to military chaplains performing same-sex unions, saying it would violate the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act.
The Pentagon says a military chaplain may officiate at any private ceremony, but isn't required if it would conflict with his or her religious or personal beliefs.
The Pentagon also says Defense Department property may be used for private functions, including religious and other ceremonies such as same-sex unions, as long as it's not prohibited by state or local laws.
The ruling announced Friday by the Pentagon's personnel chief follows the Sept. 20 repeal of a law that had prohibited gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.
Some members of Congress have objected to military chaplains performing same-sex unions, saying it would violate the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act.
The Pentagon says a military chaplain may officiate at any private ceremony, but isn't required if it would conflict with his or her religious or personal beliefs.
The Pentagon also says Defense Department property may be used for private functions, including religious and other ceremonies such as same-sex unions, as long as it's not prohibited by state or local laws.
A Moment of Silence for Trans Service Members on September 20, 2011
Note from Laurel: On 9/20 I invite you to join us for a moment of silence to honor our transgender brothers and sisters who, despite the repeal of DADT, are still forced to serve in silence. Let's let them know that they are not forgotten and that we LGB people are as committed to their open service as they were to ours, and as we are to our own.
As Autumn said to me, "It would be very appropriate for celebrants of the day that lesbian, gay and bisexual servicemembers are finally able to serve openly remember for a moment that transgender servicemembers still won't be able to serve openly. It would be very appropriate if organizations such as the SLDN, Servicemembers United, and the HRC publicly supported the idea of a moment of silence for the our transgender servicemembers who will still be required to serve in silence."The following is a guest post by the executive director of the Transgender American Veterans Association.
By Monica F. Helms
September 20, 2011 will go down as one of the most pivotal days in LGB history. On that day, gay, lesbian and bisexual service members will no longer have to hide their sexual orientation from the US military. LGB people will be allowed to enlist (or reenlist) in the military, and those already serving will be able to openly say who they love . . . if they wish to.
However, for the trans community, September 20 will be a bittersweet day. The "sweet" will be because we will all be thrilled to see another wall of discrimination crumble into history. We will celebrate along with our LGB brothers and sisters, and thank all of those who have served our country proudly. Our thanks will also go out to those who will step forward to join their ranks. Tears of joy will flow that day from all of us.
The "bitter" part comes when the celebration is over and trans people will still face discrimination from the US military. Trans service members will be ejected because the military says we have a "psychosexual condition," which they put in the same category as "exhibitionism, transvestism, voyeurism, and other paraphilias." No trans-identified person will be allowed to enlist for the same reason.
The Transgender American Veterans Association want to first congratulate all the people who worked tirelessly on getting Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed and helped the Administration and the Department of Defense to smoothly integrate LGB people into the services. Our members worked alongside LGB people to put this terrible law to rest and we are proud to see our work not go in vain.
On this day of celebration, TAVA has one request for all of those who will be cheering and partying. We ask that everyone take a moment of silence to acknowledge that the fight is not over. A moment of silence for all of those trans people who will still face discharge when being outed. Take a moment to remember the trans people who gave their lives in silence to protect this country. TAVA stands in solidarity with our brothers and sister in celebrating this historical day. All we ask is for them to stand in solidarity with the trans community in our struggle to end ALL discrimination in the US military. The fight is not over.
To say that you or your organization will observe a moment of silence at a celebration on September 20 for trans service members, go to the Facebook Event page and click on "Attending."
Cross-posted at Bilerico.
Paul denies Washington Post report that he approved racially charged newsletters in 1990s
Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul on Friday flatly denied a Washington Post report that he was deeply involved in the company that produced provocative, racially charged newsletters and that he signed off on articles.
Stonewall Awards London - 2010
The fifth Stonewall Awards, hosted by Sue Perkins, were held last night at London's V&A and attended by 450 people including celebrities, politicians, sportspeople and writers. The event celebrates those who have made a positive impact on the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Britain in the last year.
Chris Grayling Bigot Of The Year
Bigot Of The Year
Former shadow home secretary Chris Grayling was named ?Bigot of the Year?.
Tory MP Mr Grayling, who was secretly recorded in May saying that bed and breakfasts should have the right to bar gay couples.
Gareth Thomas, Hero Of The Year
Gareth Thomas, Hero Of The Year
Gareth Thomas, who became the first out gay professional rugby player last December, was named ?Hero of the Year?. He attended the London ceremony with his parents. Some audience members were in tears as he spoke after accepting the award. Mr Thomas said: ?I don?t really know what denotes a hero. I?m just myself. But when you live in a world that tries to make different a wrong thing, to me, being a hero is just being honest. He added: ?To be a hero, you have to follow in a hero?s footsteps. And there?s people here tonight who?ve been my heroes all my life and will be forever ? that?s my mother and father.?
Stella Duffy, joint winner of ?Writer of the Year?
Stella Duffy, joint winner of ?Writer of the Year?
Stella Duffy for Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore
Rupert Smith joint winner of ?Writer of the Year?
Rupert Smith joint winner of ?Writer of the Year?
Rupert Smith author of MANS WORLD, which is also shortlisted for the inaugral Creen Carnation prize.
Patrick Strudwick, ?Journalist of the Year?
Patrick Strudwick, ?Journalist of the Year?
Gay British journalist Patrick Strudwick spent several months investigating gay-to-straight conversion therapy, undergoing "treatment" from two psychotherapists who made no secret of their view that homosexuality was far from natural, but rather a composite of "mental illness, addiction and anti-religious phenomenon". Mr Strudwick, said: ?I am dedicating this award to all the victims of hate around the world who have told me their stories. Their strength and dignity spurred me on.?
He also thanked the thousands of people who added their support to his campaign to stamp out the controversial therapy.
John Partridge, Entertainer of the Year
John Partridge, Entertainer of the Year
EastEnders actor John Partidge won the ?Entertainer of the Year? award for his gay storyline in the soap. He paid tribute to screenwriter Dominic Treadwell-Collins for managing to ?tell a gay story at 7.30 in the evening?.
Martina Navratilova, Sports Person Of The Year
Martina Navratilova, Sports Person Of The Year
Martina Navratilova won huge applause when she was given the sports award. The tennis star is currently in Colorado training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and pre-recorded a message of thanks.
John Bercow, Politician of the Year
John Bercow, Politician of the Year
Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow was named ?Politician of the Year?. The MP, whose wife Sally recently completed a charity parachute jump for Stonewall, praised Mr Summerskill for his ?truly inspirational leadership?.
The Times, ?Publication of the Year?
The Times, ?Publication of the Year?
The Times won the award for ?Publication of the Year?
Coronation Street, Broadcast of the Year
Coronation Street, Broadcast of the Year
Corrie which broadcast its first lesbian storyline and first lesbian kiss this year, won the award for ?Broadcast of the Year?.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Chris Grayling Bigot Of The Year
Bigot Of The Year
Former shadow home secretary Chris Grayling was named ?Bigot of the Year?.
Tory MP Mr Grayling, who was secretly recorded in May saying that bed and breakfasts should have the right to bar gay couples.
Gareth Thomas, Hero Of The Year
Gareth Thomas, Hero Of The Year
Gareth Thomas, who became the first out gay professional rugby player last December, was named ?Hero of the Year?. He attended the London ceremony with his parents. Some audience members were in tears as he spoke after accepting the award. Mr Thomas said: ?I don?t really know what denotes a hero. I?m just myself. But when you live in a world that tries to make different a wrong thing, to me, being a hero is just being honest. He added: ?To be a hero, you have to follow in a hero?s footsteps. And there?s people here tonight who?ve been my heroes all my life and will be forever ? that?s my mother and father.?
Stella Duffy, joint winner of ?Writer of the Year?
Stella Duffy, joint winner of ?Writer of the Year?
Stella Duffy for Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore
Rupert Smith joint winner of ?Writer of the Year?
Rupert Smith joint winner of ?Writer of the Year?
Rupert Smith author of MANS WORLD, which is also shortlisted for the inaugral Creen Carnation prize.
Patrick Strudwick, ?Journalist of the Year?
Patrick Strudwick, ?Journalist of the Year?
Gay British journalist Patrick Strudwick spent several months investigating gay-to-straight conversion therapy, undergoing "treatment" from two psychotherapists who made no secret of their view that homosexuality was far from natural, but rather a composite of "mental illness, addiction and anti-religious phenomenon". Mr Strudwick, said: ?I am dedicating this award to all the victims of hate around the world who have told me their stories. Their strength and dignity spurred me on.?
He also thanked the thousands of people who added their support to his campaign to stamp out the controversial therapy.
John Partridge, Entertainer of the Year
John Partridge, Entertainer of the Year
EastEnders actor John Partidge won the ?Entertainer of the Year? award for his gay storyline in the soap. He paid tribute to screenwriter Dominic Treadwell-Collins for managing to ?tell a gay story at 7.30 in the evening?.
Martina Navratilova, Sports Person Of The Year
Martina Navratilova, Sports Person Of The Year
Martina Navratilova won huge applause when she was given the sports award. The tennis star is currently in Colorado training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and pre-recorded a message of thanks.
John Bercow, Politician of the Year
John Bercow, Politician of the Year
Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow was named ?Politician of the Year?. The MP, whose wife Sally recently completed a charity parachute jump for Stonewall, praised Mr Summerskill for his ?truly inspirational leadership?.
The Times, ?Publication of the Year?
The Times, ?Publication of the Year?
The Times won the award for ?Publication of the Year?
Coronation Street, Broadcast of the Year
Coronation Street, Broadcast of the Year
Corrie which broadcast its first lesbian storyline and first lesbian kiss this year, won the award for ?Broadcast of the Year?.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Same-sex marriage might be back on '10 ballot
Californians could vote to overturn the state's ban on same-sex marriage in November 2010 as a coalition of 40 organizations Thursday took the first step toward starting an initiative campaign. The effort is being...
Friday, January 27, 2012
Ushering in the New Year at Atlanta's Hip W Midtown
I'm spending Christmas this weekend with my parents just outside Atlanta, and then road-tripping to the progressive college town of Athens, the historic coastal city of Savannah, and then sunny St. Petersburg, Florida, where I'm celebrating New Year's with friends. I'll then continue driving down Florida's Gulf Coast for a three-day visit to Key West, catching up on what's changed here in my favorite town in Florida since my last visit, in summer 2007. It's my idea of a perfect winter adventure, but I confess I was a bit tempted to stay in Atlanta over New Year's. The stylish W Atlanta Midtown is offering a couple of fantastic-sounding New Year's packages, each with admission to different party at the hotel. If you're still looking for a glamorous way to kick off 2012, this one one looks pretty cool - and, of course, as a hub of Delta Airlines, Atlanta is easily reached via direct flights from all over the country....Read Full Post
An Epic 'It Gets Better' Lady Gaga Gay Prom Extravaganza: VIDEO
Check out this "It Gets Better" anti-bullying musical production set to Lady Gaga's "Hair" directed, produced, and edited by Madison, Wisconsin's Colton Boettcher.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
Indie Gay Bookstore Closes in Atlanta
Atlanta?s independent LGBT fixture, Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, has closed its doors.
Pretty Little Liars Bianca Lawson on the Future of Rosewood's Lesbian Couple
Attention Pretty Little Liars fans: Emily?s lady friend Maya (Bianca Lawson) has spilled some news ? both good and bad ? about what is in store for Rosewood?s token lesbian couple.
Scott Herman's Getting Fit VIDEO: Scott & Sean's Q&A Episode 15
Have a question for Scott and Sean? Ask HERE.
(0:37) Ronak Patel
I was wondering if it is possible to strength train and hypertrophy train at the same time. I want to gain a considerable amount of strength in my legs and lower back and want to gain a considerable amount of muscle on everything else.
Scott & Sean answer questions from viewers!
read more
(0:37) Ronak Patel
I was wondering if it is possible to strength train and hypertrophy train at the same time. I want to gain a considerable amount of strength in my legs and lower back and want to gain a considerable amount of muscle on everything else.
Scott & Sean answer questions from viewers!
read more
NOM Rabbi Yehuda Levin says God unleashed the 5.9 quake because of TEH GAY
Guess who was first out of the box to blame gays/same-sex marriage on the earthquake? Not Pat Robertson; he was my first pick. No, this one actually is a better, bigger batsh*t piece of work.
NOM BFF NYC Rabbi Yehuda Levin erupted with this gem...
"One of the reasons that God brings earthquakes to the world is because of the transgression of homosexuality. The Talmud states, 'You have shaken your male member in a place where it doesn't belong. I too, will shake the earth.'"
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Good LGBT blogs and websites?
I'm looking for some good blogs and sites related to LGBT issues So I'm trying to expand my horizons, and I'd like to read more about LGBT issues. I'm looking for well written blogs, sites, and feeds relating to queer issues or current events from a queer perspective, preferably written by/for LGBT men and women. Ready, GO!
San Diego community prepares to step off for 21st Annual AIDS Walk
As local service organizations continue to feel the impact of government funding cuts for HIV/AIDS services, the San Diego community will again come together in a display of support and compassion at the 21st annual AIDS Walk & Run. The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 26 at Balboa Park.
Registration for both walkers and runners will begin at 6am at Balboa Park, along Sixth Avenue (early registration is also available, see the official event guide here for more information) on Sunday. The 10K run will start at 8am, with the Walk step off at 8:10am.
Local elected officials will also take part in the day’s ceremonies, including U.S. Representative Susan Davis, California State Assemblymember Lori Saldaña, and San Diego City Councilmemb…
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Registration for both walkers and runners will begin at 6am at Balboa Park, along Sixth Avenue (early registration is also available, see the official event guide here for more information) on Sunday. The 10K run will start at 8am, with the Walk step off at 8:10am.
Local elected officials will also take part in the day’s ceremonies, including U.S. Representative Susan Davis, California State Assemblymember Lori Saldaña, and San Diego City Councilmemb…
Read More
Interview with Rose Rowe and Renee Olbert of Seeking Simone
Seeking Simone is a web series that follows Simone Selkin's bumbling attempts to date her way through Toronto, and the first episode of the second season recently premiered. Judging from the sheer insanity in her encounters with Toronto's finest ladies, I'm concerned about New York City's proximity to Toronto. I wonder if winds from the northwest could blow the cuckoo into the Big Apple like winds blew volcanic ash all over Europe from the Icelandic volcano last year.
Gaga speaks, Reid acts on ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
LAS VEGAS (AP) – Does Lady Gaga run the U.S. Senate?
A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday a vote to repeal the military’s ban of openly gay and lesbian soldiers had been planned for next week before the singer made waves with a plea during a daytime talk show.
The pop star known for flashy performances and eccentric style called on Reid to repeal the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres that aired Monday.
Reid’s campaign and Gaga traded talking points on Twitter after the lawmaker announced the vote. Reid told Gaga repealing the measure was the right thing to do.
Campaign spokesman Kelly Steele said Reid does not take cues from Gaga.
…
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A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday a vote to repeal the military’s ban of openly gay and lesbian soldiers had been planned for next week before the singer made waves with a plea during a daytime talk show.
The pop star known for flashy performances and eccentric style called on Reid to repeal the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres that aired Monday.
Reid’s campaign and Gaga traded talking points on Twitter after the lawmaker announced the vote. Reid told Gaga repealing the measure was the right thing to do.
Campaign spokesman Kelly Steele said Reid does not take cues from Gaga.
…
Read More
Gay pride march banned in Serbia
(Belgrade, Serbia) �Serbian authorities have banned a gay pride march and an anti-gay protest planned in the nation’s capital this weekend to avoid violence. When two similar events occurred side by side in Serbia’s capital last year, about 100 people were injured, cars were burned and shops were looted in clashes between police and the [...]
Birth Control Remains Legal: Mississippi Voters Reject Draconian "Personhood" Initiative
http://now.org/press/11-11/11-09.htmlNOW joins women's rights supporters around the country in applauding Mississippi voters for rejecting Initiative 26, a measure that would have defined personhood as beginning at fertilization in that state's constitution.
Chicago Auto Show Feb. 9-19 at McCormick
The 104th edition of the Chicago Auto Show will take place Feb. 9-19, 2012, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
As a gay woman, when is it okay to pursue a straight woman?
I am a gay female in my late 20s who has understood my own sexuality for as long as I can remember and has been out to all of my friends for many years. My orientation is certainly not anything I would consider a defining characteristic about myself. The kind of profession I am in, the kind of experiences I have had and my life goals have greatly shaped who I am as a person, and have absolutely nothing to do with who I am attracted to.
For this and many other reasons, even in New York, finding someone who holds my interest past the second or third date has been challenging. Oddly, coincidentally, whatever-ally, I have fallen in like/love with some amazing women over the years. The problem? Minus one who was not all right for me, all of them are straight. My most recent case is a friend from the City who moved back home to Europe. We talk online daily and I recently had the chance to visit. Even if nothing were to ever materialize with her, it still got me thinking.
Gay rights have evolved considerably in the Western world in the past decade. I think this has been a large contributor to it becoming a mainstream idea to view a relationship ? gay or straight ? as just that, a relationship. Combined with an already semi-iconic idea of women finding their true love in a woman later in life (a perfect example is Bette and Tina from ?The L Word?), I have begun to question my attractions to straight women.
My question is this: when is okay, or is every okay for a gay woman to pursue a woman who is straight? For those ?straight? women who are now with a woman or were ever with a woman, how were you approached? For those gay women now with (or were with) ?straight? women, how did you know when it was time to make a move, assuming you were the one who did make the move?
I by no means wish to imply I want to become a predatory person who only views their friends as potential hook ups. I am asking about true feelings beyond simple infatuation.
I understand women interact with other women differently than they do with men, but knowing the other woman may be interested sexually can change the level of comfort and intimacy for the worse. But as I get older, as I continue to fall for women whom society once said were off limits, I am more and more curious to know if and how this is changing. Maybe I have met my soul mate, but she doesn?t know it and neither do I!
Email: throwaway234@gmx.com
For this and many other reasons, even in New York, finding someone who holds my interest past the second or third date has been challenging. Oddly, coincidentally, whatever-ally, I have fallen in like/love with some amazing women over the years. The problem? Minus one who was not all right for me, all of them are straight. My most recent case is a friend from the City who moved back home to Europe. We talk online daily and I recently had the chance to visit. Even if nothing were to ever materialize with her, it still got me thinking.
Gay rights have evolved considerably in the Western world in the past decade. I think this has been a large contributor to it becoming a mainstream idea to view a relationship ? gay or straight ? as just that, a relationship. Combined with an already semi-iconic idea of women finding their true love in a woman later in life (a perfect example is Bette and Tina from ?The L Word?), I have begun to question my attractions to straight women.
My question is this: when is okay, or is every okay for a gay woman to pursue a woman who is straight? For those ?straight? women who are now with a woman or were ever with a woman, how were you approached? For those gay women now with (or were with) ?straight? women, how did you know when it was time to make a move, assuming you were the one who did make the move?
I by no means wish to imply I want to become a predatory person who only views their friends as potential hook ups. I am asking about true feelings beyond simple infatuation.
I understand women interact with other women differently than they do with men, but knowing the other woman may be interested sexually can change the level of comfort and intimacy for the worse. But as I get older, as I continue to fall for women whom society once said were off limits, I am more and more curious to know if and how this is changing. Maybe I have met my soul mate, but she doesn?t know it and neither do I!
Email: throwaway234@gmx.com
Is there any going back?
I think I'm a lesbian. I'm married. I have no gay friends. My family is Conservative Christian. What do I do? Pretty much just like the title. I've been noticing an increasingly hard to ignore attraction to women, and a lessening (almost to the point of absence) in attraction to men in general and my husband. I still love him. I still want him in my life. I'm frightened. The thought of divorce makes me nauseous. Other than this blip, we have a pretty normal and comfortable life together. We talk, we fight, we make up, we laugh, we're happy, and even sometimes have enjoyable sex. I think I've known about my attraction to women for a while, internally. I just don't know what suddenly made it all click in my head.
I have no idea where to go from here and I'm scared. I really don't want this, but it feels too big to ignore.
I have no idea where to go from here and I'm scared. I really don't want this, but it feels too big to ignore.
Pics that made me smile this week
I love things that make me smile. Here are some that I saw this week. The first one came from Peter Frampton's Facebook page. It totally cracked me up:I imagined my future grandson wearing this:This is Pride week in Atlanta. I'm a proud gay woman!This sign will drive some fundamental evangelicals to the brink of murder. It makes me smile.....Wishing that my mom, who has no relationship with any of her 3 children, would get this:.What mom can't relate to this? (Besides me....) .Like my late, great and wonderful Grandma used to say: "Karma's a bitch and pay-back's hell." Boy do I miss her...
NATION / News of the Day From Across the Nation
1 Same-sex marriage: Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey said Tuesday that he would veto a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, and challenged the Legislature to put the issue on the ballot for voters to decide. Democrats,...
NJ gov picks gay black man, Asian for top court
In this photograph released Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, by the office of New Jersey Gov.
Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting
Playwright: Ed Schmidt At: Lookingglass Theatre at the Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. Phone: 312-337-0665. http://www.lookingglasstheatre.org; $27.50-$68. Runs through: Feb. 19
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Community News
Get ready Hillcrest, to have your world rocked with delicious food
and entertainment!
Eden, the enlightened lovechild of ChileCo Catering’s Chef Scotty Wagner and NightlifeSD’s David Laurent comes to life on October 28, 2010, as the power duo unveil the reinvented Hillcrest entertainment complex on the corner of University and Vermont. Guests are invited to indulge in Eden’s earthly delights and will be able to enjoy the freshest local fares from the restaurant’s globally inspired menu.
Colorful, casual and contemporary, the restaurant at Eden will be a reflection of the surrounding community. With a focus on providing guests with the highest quality food that is representative of what’s fresh, local and seasonal, Chef Scot…
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and entertainment!
Eden, the enlightened lovechild of ChileCo Catering’s Chef Scotty Wagner and NightlifeSD’s David Laurent comes to life on October 28, 2010, as the power duo unveil the reinvented Hillcrest entertainment complex on the corner of University and Vermont. Guests are invited to indulge in Eden’s earthly delights and will be able to enjoy the freshest local fares from the restaurant’s globally inspired menu.
Colorful, casual and contemporary, the restaurant at Eden will be a reflection of the surrounding community. With a focus on providing guests with the highest quality food that is representative of what’s fresh, local and seasonal, Chef Scot…
Read More
NOW Urges Penn State to Allow Former FBI Director to Lead a Broader, "Fully Independent" Investigation
http://now.org/press/11-11/11-22.htmlLast week, in the wake of the recent appalling Penn State University child sexual assault allegations, the leaders of the National Organization for Women and Pennsylvania NOW called on Penn State to expand the composition and goals of the committee tasked with investigating these allegations.
Lesbian News - 13 Jan 2012
Casinos turn focus to 'Out in AC' weekend to bring in LGBT marketMan sent photo of ex-wife semi-naked with lesbian lover to her parentsAnti-bullying "clarification" or license to bash in Tennessee?Calls to country?s first lesbian helpline on risePolice make donation to youth serviceRudd's daughter backs gay marriage'I want to be a role model and an inspiration': 1st openly gay women in Miss CaliforniaEllen and Portia enjoy their first beach stroll since buying Mr. Pitt's Malibu mansion
Spin, Spin Sugar: DJ dirtyKURTY
DJ dirtyKURTY is a former professional soccer player turned spin goddess. She hails from New Jersey where she discovered her love of music in the New York club scene at clubs like Sound Factory, Roxy, Limelight and the Palladium. She moved to San Francisco where she discovered DJing, then to San Diego where she now resides. While DJ dirtyKURTY is passionate about her House music, it’s her mission to get everyone moving on the dance floor regardless of what style music she is playing. She’s performed all over the East and West Coast. She’s the featured DJ on the Sweet Caribbean Cruise, Co-Owner/Promoter of in2U Events/U*NITY Party and a member of the San Diego MixMasters DJ Crew.
“House music is definitely my passion, but I can play …
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“House music is definitely my passion, but I can play …
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Michigan students call new anti-bullying bill "weak"
In early November, Katy Butler (pictured left) and Carson Borbely, two bullied LGBT students from Michigan, started a petition urging the Michigan legislature to stop the dangerous ?license to bully? bill that had passed in the Michigan state senate. As the campaign grew and this controversial bill garnered national attention, the Michigan state house was forced to pass a new anti-bullying bill that lacked an exemption for religious and moral bullying.
On Tuesday, November 29, the Michigan state senate passed the Michigan state house's version of the anti-bullying bill -- which lacked the "license to bully" language -- after more than 50,000 people joined Katy and Carson's popular petition campaign on Change.org.
Unfortunately, the bill also lacked enumeration of the reasons why students are bullied and requirements for schools to report back on how well they're protecting kids -- two provisions that Butler and Borbely assert are necessary to actually protect Michigan students from bullying.
?As students who have been bullied in the past, we know what we need to be protected,? said Butler, a 16-year-old junior at Greenhills High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. ?While we?re disappointed that the legislature decided to do what was easy instead of doing what was right, Carson and I couldn?t be more proud. This campaign has been about providing a voice for students who suffer every day at school, but haven?t had the opportunity to speak out."
"Our petition helped stop a dangerous bill from becoming law," said Butler. "Next time, we?ll help pass a bill that actually protects students.?
Within a few short weeks, over 50,000 people joined Butler?s and Borbely?s campaign on Change.org, which received coverage from CBS, Yahoo! News, The Detroit News, Michigan public radio, the Washington Blade and other major news outlets.
On Tuesday, November 29, the Michigan state senate passed the Michigan state house's version of the anti-bullying bill -- which lacked the "license to bully" language -- after more than 50,000 people joined Katy and Carson's popular petition campaign on Change.org.
Unfortunately, the bill also lacked enumeration of the reasons why students are bullied and requirements for schools to report back on how well they're protecting kids -- two provisions that Butler and Borbely assert are necessary to actually protect Michigan students from bullying.
?As students who have been bullied in the past, we know what we need to be protected,? said Butler, a 16-year-old junior at Greenhills High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. ?While we?re disappointed that the legislature decided to do what was easy instead of doing what was right, Carson and I couldn?t be more proud. This campaign has been about providing a voice for students who suffer every day at school, but haven?t had the opportunity to speak out."
"Our petition helped stop a dangerous bill from becoming law," said Butler. "Next time, we?ll help pass a bill that actually protects students.?
Within a few short weeks, over 50,000 people joined Butler?s and Borbely?s campaign on Change.org, which received coverage from CBS, Yahoo! News, The Detroit News, Michigan public radio, the Washington Blade and other major news outlets.
"Don?t focus on what I?m wearing. Focus on what?s coming out of my face."
?Don?t focus on what I?m wearing. Focus on what?s coming out of my face.? - Rachel Maddow in an interview with Katie Couric | glamour�magazine (via fuckyeahrachelmaddow)
Happy New Years (Eve) New York City
(model Chris Downs by the amazing Rick Day)
HAPPY NEW YEARS
NEW YORK!
Players
Players Two PioneersFrom Eater NY - New Year's Eve is the worst night of the entire year to go out in New York City. Why is it so bad? Besides the rip off "All You Can Drink" VIP parties overrun with winter breaking college kids, lack of cabs below 42nd Street, wild packs of tourists making a mess of our streets, and every other scourge, the night has become big business for a handful of entrepreneurs who prey on the feeble who think that New Year's Eve in New York is actually swell. Like Andrew Fox, a man who has purchased 600 different NYE websites in order to become the US Steel of the night and even found a way to sell a private table for two at the T.G.I.Friday's on 50th Street! For $1300! Are you kidding? The two people who bought this "deal" have to be the two dumbest people on the entire planet.So remember that if you are stuck in New York and didn't manage to make it to Miami, St. Barts, or Vegas and still want to go out, remember that the Eater New Year's Eve Survival Guide still applies and that almost every big club (save for the Jane at $250 a ticket or Red Egg for free) has rented itself out to outside promoters, every party has to end at 4 AM this year, and the reason everything seems like a rip off is because it is. Party with friends at home!
HAPPY NEW YEARS
NEW YORK!
Players
Players Two PioneersFrom Eater NY - New Year's Eve is the worst night of the entire year to go out in New York City. Why is it so bad? Besides the rip off "All You Can Drink" VIP parties overrun with winter breaking college kids, lack of cabs below 42nd Street, wild packs of tourists making a mess of our streets, and every other scourge, the night has become big business for a handful of entrepreneurs who prey on the feeble who think that New Year's Eve in New York is actually swell. Like Andrew Fox, a man who has purchased 600 different NYE websites in order to become the US Steel of the night and even found a way to sell a private table for two at the T.G.I.Friday's on 50th Street! For $1300! Are you kidding? The two people who bought this "deal" have to be the two dumbest people on the entire planet.So remember that if you are stuck in New York and didn't manage to make it to Miami, St. Barts, or Vegas and still want to go out, remember that the Eater New Year's Eve Survival Guide still applies and that almost every big club (save for the Jane at $250 a ticket or Red Egg for free) has rented itself out to outside promoters, every party has to end at 4 AM this year, and the reason everything seems like a rip off is because it is. Party with friends at home!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Religious leaders cry bigotry
A group of nearly 40 conservative religious leaders released an open letter Jan. 12 that seeks to reframe the battle over same-sex civil marriage as a threat to their freedom of religion.
Lesbian Commercials
My friend Kelly sent these great commercials to me recently and I thought you'd all appreciate them...
FWB: Can I save this friendship from my own regret?
Ex-FWB: I really want to be friends again, but I'm too disgusted, and it's not his fault. What now? A follow-up to this question. Thanks for all the great answers to my last question. A day after it was posted, I told M that I couldn't continue hooking up with him. He asked why and I told him I just wasn't into it anymore because of my orientation. He took it well, and for most of the rest of the semester we were less intense, platonic friends. I felt so much better, self-esteem wise and just in general.
Then the last night of school, I was at a party. He called me so I could let him into the building. When I came to the door he was very drunk and started kissing me and groping me. I figured, it's his last night (he's a senior, I'm a junior), so what the hell. When we left the party we went back to my room and talked for a while. I suggested that he call a different girl that he'd hooked up with a couple times because she'd almost certainly fuck him. He agreed that it'd be easy, but said he didn't want to. I apologized for not having been able to continue with the FWB thing. He said it was OK but kept inching closer to me on the bed. Told me I was "special". Had a pleading look on his face and brought it really close to mine. I started making out with him because I felt bad for letting him beg--also, why the hell had I let him come to my room if I wasn't gonna fuck him? He left to go to the bathroom and I started chugging alcohol so I could make myself blow him when he got back.
So he came back and I blew him. He practically begged to go down on me (I know, good man), so I let him. And it was awful. He wasn't bad at it, but I just wasn't into it at all. So I just moaned at what I thought I should be feeling so it would be over sooner, and so he wouldn't feel bad for something that wasn't his fault. Then he asked, in a really pleading tone, if I would ever consider having intercourse with him. I said I didn't have a condom (true), but if he'd had one with him, I probably would have gone along with it and regretted that night even more than I do now.
Which is a lot. Whenever I think back to it, I feel icky all over. I feel like I gave him a little piece of myself that I wish I had back. And then I feel bad for being so drama about it, because everything was consensual and he's not a bad guy. Honestly, I am a little mad at him for acting so persistently pathetic, because I think it means he knew I didn't want to, but wanted me to do it please him anyway. But I'm a lot more mad at myself.
It's affecting our friendship. We were hanging out last night (we live close) and half of everything he said pissed me off. He said the other girl he'd been hooking up with is great in bed, but that her personality is awful and he'd wished he could put a paper bag over her head while they did it. This annoyed me because not only did it strike me as cruel, but (and I'm aware this is going to make me sound like a bitch), I'm significantly better-looking than he is, and he and she are about the same looks-wise. Like, "you decide who to fuck based on physical standards, but I fucked you because I thought you were nice?" So I passive-aggressively replied, "you've got pretty high standards." He looked hurt for a second, and then said, "Really?" I immediately felt bad and said maybe he just had different standards than me. He said, "Maybe I do have high standards. Just for the face though." He also enthused that when the other girl gives head, she just keeps going until the guy comes. I have bad TMJ (he knows this) and I have to take frequent breaks and just use my hands. Even so my jaw was sore the day after the last time. So I said, probably with audible anger in my tone, "yeah, not doing that. Ever." I also made a contextually relevant comment that I should probably stop doing things I regret while drunk.
How can I save this friendship? Seeing him reminds me of being weak, of giving in, and I hate it. Even considering the occasional passive-aggressive remarks I've made, I'm not sure he knows anything is wrong. And I don't know whether I should bring it up with him--I mean, how exactly do you say, "I regret having sex with you, since the message didn't stick last time, it's never going to happen again"? Maybe things would be better if we just didn't talk about sex. We'd still have our shared senses of humor and nerdy interests.
I miss our friendship. I miss feeling comfortable around him. But I don't really know how to get over my resentment. (Also, in general, I'm having a hard time forgiving myself.)
(I really don't think he was trying to make me compare myself to the other girl with the blowjob thing. We have the sort of friendship where we talk about exes and love-interests frankly, because there's nothing romantic between us and we share an interest in women. And he doesn't see women exclusively as sex objects--he's friends with lots of them, including his exes, and including ones he doesn't find physically attractive.)
Throwaway email: sapphicsniveler@gmail.com
Then the last night of school, I was at a party. He called me so I could let him into the building. When I came to the door he was very drunk and started kissing me and groping me. I figured, it's his last night (he's a senior, I'm a junior), so what the hell. When we left the party we went back to my room and talked for a while. I suggested that he call a different girl that he'd hooked up with a couple times because she'd almost certainly fuck him. He agreed that it'd be easy, but said he didn't want to. I apologized for not having been able to continue with the FWB thing. He said it was OK but kept inching closer to me on the bed. Told me I was "special". Had a pleading look on his face and brought it really close to mine. I started making out with him because I felt bad for letting him beg--also, why the hell had I let him come to my room if I wasn't gonna fuck him? He left to go to the bathroom and I started chugging alcohol so I could make myself blow him when he got back.
So he came back and I blew him. He practically begged to go down on me (I know, good man), so I let him. And it was awful. He wasn't bad at it, but I just wasn't into it at all. So I just moaned at what I thought I should be feeling so it would be over sooner, and so he wouldn't feel bad for something that wasn't his fault. Then he asked, in a really pleading tone, if I would ever consider having intercourse with him. I said I didn't have a condom (true), but if he'd had one with him, I probably would have gone along with it and regretted that night even more than I do now.
Which is a lot. Whenever I think back to it, I feel icky all over. I feel like I gave him a little piece of myself that I wish I had back. And then I feel bad for being so drama about it, because everything was consensual and he's not a bad guy. Honestly, I am a little mad at him for acting so persistently pathetic, because I think it means he knew I didn't want to, but wanted me to do it please him anyway. But I'm a lot more mad at myself.
It's affecting our friendship. We were hanging out last night (we live close) and half of everything he said pissed me off. He said the other girl he'd been hooking up with is great in bed, but that her personality is awful and he'd wished he could put a paper bag over her head while they did it. This annoyed me because not only did it strike me as cruel, but (and I'm aware this is going to make me sound like a bitch), I'm significantly better-looking than he is, and he and she are about the same looks-wise. Like, "you decide who to fuck based on physical standards, but I fucked you because I thought you were nice?" So I passive-aggressively replied, "you've got pretty high standards." He looked hurt for a second, and then said, "Really?" I immediately felt bad and said maybe he just had different standards than me. He said, "Maybe I do have high standards. Just for the face though." He also enthused that when the other girl gives head, she just keeps going until the guy comes. I have bad TMJ (he knows this) and I have to take frequent breaks and just use my hands. Even so my jaw was sore the day after the last time. So I said, probably with audible anger in my tone, "yeah, not doing that. Ever." I also made a contextually relevant comment that I should probably stop doing things I regret while drunk.
How can I save this friendship? Seeing him reminds me of being weak, of giving in, and I hate it. Even considering the occasional passive-aggressive remarks I've made, I'm not sure he knows anything is wrong. And I don't know whether I should bring it up with him--I mean, how exactly do you say, "I regret having sex with you, since the message didn't stick last time, it's never going to happen again"? Maybe things would be better if we just didn't talk about sex. We'd still have our shared senses of humor and nerdy interests.
I miss our friendship. I miss feeling comfortable around him. But I don't really know how to get over my resentment. (Also, in general, I'm having a hard time forgiving myself.)
(I really don't think he was trying to make me compare myself to the other girl with the blowjob thing. We have the sort of friendship where we talk about exes and love-interests frankly, because there's nothing romantic between us and we share an interest in women. And he doesn't see women exclusively as sex objects--he's friends with lots of them, including his exes, and including ones he doesn't find physically attractive.)
Throwaway email: sapphicsniveler@gmail.com
James Franco set to play Robert Mapplethorpe
James Franco is set to star in a dramatic feature about the controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe,
which has been selected as one of the projects to receive grants
through the Tribeca Film Institute?s 9th annual Tribeca All Access
Program.
Mapplethorpe, in which Franco would play the artist who defied censors and died of AIDS in 1989, is to be the narrative film.
He was best known for his large-scale, highly stylized black and white portraits, photos of flowers and nude men. The frank homo-eroticism of some of the work of his middle period triggered a controversy about the public funding of artworks.
Franco discussed rumors of his own gay sexuality last year in Playboy.
which has been selected as one of the projects to receive grants
through the Tribeca Film Institute?s 9th annual Tribeca All Access
Program.
Mapplethorpe, in which Franco would play the artist who defied censors and died of AIDS in 1989, is to be the narrative film.
He was best known for his large-scale, highly stylized black and white portraits, photos of flowers and nude men. The frank homo-eroticism of some of the work of his middle period triggered a controversy about the public funding of artworks.
Franco discussed rumors of his own gay sexuality last year in Playboy.
First Openly Lesbian Woman Runs for Miss California USA
LOS ANGELES -- Nov. 23, 2011 -- Mollie Thomas has had a lifelong commitment to fostering acceptance for the LGBTQ community and assisting people in developing nations. Now, she is excited to be the first openly lesbian woman to run for Miss California USA. The campaign, which started on ...
Coming Out in a Sundance Debut
Among the entries at this year's festival is a short film by a gay Korean-American man who used the project to come out to his family.
The Joy of Sexting
Have we all fell victim to sexting? Is is different when you’re an adult versus a teenager? We know that you shouldn’t do it as a teenager, but is it something that is okay to do when your older? Have you done it? Did you think about the consequences afterward? Are there less or more [...]
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Matthew Morrison, Chord Overstreet & Cory Monteith in shirtless Glee
The new season of Glee is well underway here in the UK, but I haven't watched any of them yet! Too busy with holidays and selling the house. Last week we were in Barmouth in Wales in a caravan for a week. It was really cool to get away, but there was NO television reception.
What I missed was the guys from Glee getting their shirts off in their production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. How camp can Glee get?
Matthew Morrison (hot hot hot)
Cory Monteith
Cory doesn't have a hair on his chest AND its getting a bit saggy. You are supposed to be the Quarterback Cory. You need to hit the gym Cory! And get a pair of man bikini briefs.
I havent seen anything of the new sexy blond boy, Chord Overstreet, but he gets his kit off as Rocky.
Tell me guys, leave a comment - WHO has the best chest?
Corrie,
Chord or
Matthew?
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
What I missed was the guys from Glee getting their shirts off in their production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. How camp can Glee get?
Matthew Morrison (hot hot hot)
Cory Monteith
Cory doesn't have a hair on his chest AND its getting a bit saggy. You are supposed to be the Quarterback Cory. You need to hit the gym Cory! And get a pair of man bikini briefs.
I havent seen anything of the new sexy blond boy, Chord Overstreet, but he gets his kit off as Rocky.
Tell me guys, leave a comment - WHO has the best chest?
Corrie,
Chord or
Matthew?
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
GLAAD Announces Nominees: Metro Weekly's Chris Geidner nominated for four-part series on the passage of DOMA
News:
Metro Weekly senior political writer Chris Geidner has been nominated for a 2012 GLAAD Media Award for his series on the history of the Defense of Marriage Act.
The four part series was nominated in the category of Outstanding Magazine Article.
''There are very few publications that have taken the time to really detail the whole history of what was really the start of the marriage equality movement in this country,'' says Geidner, who spoke with a variety of sources central to the story, from Elizabeth Birch to Richard Socarides. ''The 15-year anniversary of the passage of the Defense of Marriage Act seemed the perfect opportunity to really do that.''
Geidner says that the attention the series received upon publication, as well as the Obama administration's 2011 decision to stop defending Section 3 of DOMA, made the series an obvious choice to submit for GLAAD's consideration.
In a field of 151 nominees in 35 categories, the other nominees for Outstanding Magazine Article are ''Black & Gay in Corporate America,'' by Carolyn M. Brown in Black Enterprise; ''Making It Work,'' by Rod McCullom in Ebony; ''The Secret I Don't Want to Keep Anymore,'' by Janet Mock (as told to Kierna Mayo) in Marie Claire; and ''Transitions,'' by Eliza Gray in The New Republic.
''I think it's notable that among the excellent other nominees for Outstanding Magazine Article, Metro Weekly is the only LGBT-specific publication that was nominated in that category,'' Geidner adds. ''I think that goes to show the success that GLAAD and other organizations have had in ensuring that LGBT issues are covered more accurately across the media.''
The 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards will be presented in New York on March 24, in Los Angeles on April 21, and in San Francisco June 2. For the full list of nominees, visit glaad.org. ...more
Metro Weekly senior political writer Chris Geidner has been nominated for a 2012 GLAAD Media Award for his series on the history of the Defense of Marriage Act.
The four part series was nominated in the category of Outstanding Magazine Article.
''There are very few publications that have taken the time to really detail the whole history of what was really the start of the marriage equality movement in this country,'' says Geidner, who spoke with a variety of sources central to the story, from Elizabeth Birch to Richard Socarides. ''The 15-year anniversary of the passage of the Defense of Marriage Act seemed the perfect opportunity to really do that.''
Geidner says that the attention the series received upon publication, as well as the Obama administration's 2011 decision to stop defending Section 3 of DOMA, made the series an obvious choice to submit for GLAAD's consideration.
In a field of 151 nominees in 35 categories, the other nominees for Outstanding Magazine Article are ''Black & Gay in Corporate America,'' by Carolyn M. Brown in Black Enterprise; ''Making It Work,'' by Rod McCullom in Ebony; ''The Secret I Don't Want to Keep Anymore,'' by Janet Mock (as told to Kierna Mayo) in Marie Claire; and ''Transitions,'' by Eliza Gray in The New Republic.
''I think it's notable that among the excellent other nominees for Outstanding Magazine Article, Metro Weekly is the only LGBT-specific publication that was nominated in that category,'' Geidner adds. ''I think that goes to show the success that GLAAD and other organizations have had in ensuring that LGBT issues are covered more accurately across the media.''
The 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards will be presented in New York on March 24, in Los Angeles on April 21, and in San Francisco June 2. For the full list of nominees, visit glaad.org. ...more
Bipartisan group Mayors for the Freedom to Marry launches national campaign
WASHINGTON ? Freedom to Marry, the campaign to win marriage nationwide, today launched Mayors for the Freedom to Marry at a news conference held during the 80th annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting.
Mayors for the Freedom to Marry is a bipartisan group of 80 mayors who have pledged to support the freedom of same-sex couples to marry.
?If we truly believe in family values, we should value all families,? said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Mayors for the Freedom to Marry chair and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Supporters include San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, a Republican; Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and Houston Mayor Annise Parker, both Democrats; and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an Independent.
read more
Mayors for the Freedom to Marry is a bipartisan group of 80 mayors who have pledged to support the freedom of same-sex couples to marry.
?If we truly believe in family values, we should value all families,? said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Mayors for the Freedom to Marry chair and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Supporters include San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, a Republican; Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and Houston Mayor Annise Parker, both Democrats; and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an Independent.
read more
Remembering Pearl Harbor: Honolulu's Outstanding new Visitor Center
I had the chance last week to tour the outstanding new visitor center installed by the national park service at Pearl Harbor, known officially as World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. The attack on Pearl Harbor took place exactly 70 years ago (the official commemoration is this Wednesday, December 7), and a number of events are planned around the visitor center and its exhibits and historic sites, which include memorials to several of the largest ships sunken during the raid (including the restored Battleship Missouri) and the USS Arizona Memorial. The park service unveiled its exceptional new $58 million visitor center in 2010, and they've done a fantastic job presenting the history of this solemn, pivotal event - definitely try to check it out if you haven't visited Pearl Harbor since the new exhibits opened....Read Full Post
Tell President Obama, Secretary Sebelius "Reverse Plan B Decision"
http://www.now.org/lists/now-action-list/2011/114303.htmlTake action NOW to reverse this outrageous and purely political decision to overrule the FDA's determination that a form of emergency contraception is safe, effective and should be available over the counter with NO age restriction.
"Ask Not"-- Free documentary Screening at NY Public Library
It's barely one year past the anniversary of Obama's monumental repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and the subject is still stirring controversy.
On Sunday, January 29th, the New York Public Library will host a screening of the 2008 PBS documentary Ask Not, a compelling film that explores the effects of the US military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gay and lesbian soldiers and service members. This film exposes the political battles that led to passage of the law, and investigates the societal shifts that have occurred since then. Interviews with current and veteran gay soldiers reveal how "don't ask, don't tell" affects them during their tours of duty, and details the struggle they face as they live a double life.
This screening is part of the weekly Sunday afternoon film program held at the Mid-Manhattan branch of the New York Public Library. They will be held at 2 pm on the 6th floor of the branch, located at 40th Street and 5th Avenue.
Other films include:
January 8: Vanishing of the Bees, edited by Ellen Page, this documentary examines the mysterious disappearance of entire honeybee populations across the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Called Colony Collapse Disorder, the phenomenon has far-reaching effects on the production of hundreds of fruits and vegetables. The film explores the link between human activity and the welfare of the earth.
January 15: Scrabylon, filmed primarily during the World SCRABBLE Championships in Las Vegas, this documentary delves deep into the competitive and colorful world of tournament SCRABBLE. Interviews with players from around the globe address the timeless allure of the popular word game.
January 22: Bag It, follows ?everyman? Jeb Berrier as he travels the world, investigating the systematic effects of our use of plastic on our oceans, environment, and bodies. Using the ubiquitous plastic bag as a touchpoint, Berrier hones in on our role in a system which prizes convenience over thoughtfulness, and the effect this has on our oceans, environment, and bodies. This documentary comes at a great time, as Seattle just recently banned plastic bags: READ MORE
Up next month: The Films of Pedro Almodovar!Almod�var is arguably the most successful and internationally known Spanish filmmaker of his generation. His films, marked by complex narratives, employ the codes of melodrama and use elements of pop culture, popular songs, irreverent humor,
strong colors and glossy d�cor. Desire, passion, family and identity are
among Almod�var?s most prevalent themes. His films enjoy a worldwide
following and he has become a major figure on the stage of world cinema.
On Sunday, January 29th, the New York Public Library will host a screening of the 2008 PBS documentary Ask Not, a compelling film that explores the effects of the US military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gay and lesbian soldiers and service members. This film exposes the political battles that led to passage of the law, and investigates the societal shifts that have occurred since then. Interviews with current and veteran gay soldiers reveal how "don't ask, don't tell" affects them during their tours of duty, and details the struggle they face as they live a double life.
This screening is part of the weekly Sunday afternoon film program held at the Mid-Manhattan branch of the New York Public Library. They will be held at 2 pm on the 6th floor of the branch, located at 40th Street and 5th Avenue.
Other films include:
January 8: Vanishing of the Bees, edited by Ellen Page, this documentary examines the mysterious disappearance of entire honeybee populations across the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Called Colony Collapse Disorder, the phenomenon has far-reaching effects on the production of hundreds of fruits and vegetables. The film explores the link between human activity and the welfare of the earth.
January 15: Scrabylon, filmed primarily during the World SCRABBLE Championships in Las Vegas, this documentary delves deep into the competitive and colorful world of tournament SCRABBLE. Interviews with players from around the globe address the timeless allure of the popular word game.
January 22: Bag It, follows ?everyman? Jeb Berrier as he travels the world, investigating the systematic effects of our use of plastic on our oceans, environment, and bodies. Using the ubiquitous plastic bag as a touchpoint, Berrier hones in on our role in a system which prizes convenience over thoughtfulness, and the effect this has on our oceans, environment, and bodies. This documentary comes at a great time, as Seattle just recently banned plastic bags: READ MORE
Up next month: The Films of Pedro Almodovar!Almod�var is arguably the most successful and internationally known Spanish filmmaker of his generation. His films, marked by complex narratives, employ the codes of melodrama and use elements of pop culture, popular songs, irreverent humor,
strong colors and glossy d�cor. Desire, passion, family and identity are
among Almod�var?s most prevalent themes. His films enjoy a worldwide
following and he has become a major figure on the stage of world cinema.
US judge: ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ unconstitutional
LOS ANGELES (AP) – A federal judge said she will issue an order to halt the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, after she declared the ban on openly gay service members unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips ruled Thursday that the prohibition on openly gay service members was unconstitutional because it violates the First and Fifth Amendment rights of gays and lesbians.
The policy doesn’t help military readiness and instead has a “direct and deleterious effect” on the armed services by hurting recruitment efforts during wartime and requiring the discharge of service members who have critical skills and training, she said.
The Log Cabin Republicans sued the federal government in…
Read More
U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips ruled Thursday that the prohibition on openly gay service members was unconstitutional because it violates the First and Fifth Amendment rights of gays and lesbians.
The policy doesn’t help military readiness and instead has a “direct and deleterious effect” on the armed services by hurting recruitment efforts during wartime and requiring the discharge of service members who have critical skills and training, she said.
The Log Cabin Republicans sued the federal government in…
Read More
Seeking: Mentor/Protege
Recommendations for stories about the mentor/protege dynamic that are sexy. Bonus points if both parties are female. I have a HUGE thing for mentor/protege dynamics with sexual tension - the mentor is tops at their field and rather focused on it to the near-exclusion of everything else, the protege is being trained in the field and is often treated as an assistant of sorts, the protege goes from wanting to be like the mentor to wanting the mentor themselves (or vice versa) and there's some sexualisation that would usually throw IRL examples into depths of unprofessional conduct but in fiction is really really hot.
It's kinda similar to teacher/student in terms of power dynamics, but I see M/P as having a more exclusive, focused relationship - the mentor could be really busy being a rockstar or going to conferences or whatever, but the protege's always there with them as their gopher/right hand person/apprentice/etc.
Any recommendations for stories (or non-fiction if such a thing exists) with this type of dynamic and story structure? It doesn't have to be kinky or especially explicit; I do really like erotic suggestion. I greatly prefer F/F pairings, but I suppose that can be hard to find. Any type of occupation works - artist, scientist, sex worker, sportsperson, smithing, whatever would have such a dynamic to start with.
It's kinda similar to teacher/student in terms of power dynamics, but I see M/P as having a more exclusive, focused relationship - the mentor could be really busy being a rockstar or going to conferences or whatever, but the protege's always there with them as their gopher/right hand person/apprentice/etc.
Any recommendations for stories (or non-fiction if such a thing exists) with this type of dynamic and story structure? It doesn't have to be kinky or especially explicit; I do really like erotic suggestion. I greatly prefer F/F pairings, but I suppose that can be hard to find. Any type of occupation works - artist, scientist, sex worker, sportsperson, smithing, whatever would have such a dynamic to start with.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Winter woof land
Thanks Chris for this photo from Electric Orange. Winter woofs!
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Do Libertarians Care More about States? Rights or State Abuses of Power?
Over the past week, Daily Beast blogger Andrew Sullivan
has been weighing the pros and cons of libertarianism. On
Friday, he brought his readers into the discussion, publishing
several of their negative takes. One comment in particular struck
me as worth responding to. Here?s what Sullivan published:
A real libertarian should be just as concerned about a State
government's infringement of individual liberty as the
Federal government's. There should be no distinction.
Period. Instead, for some strange reason, American libertarians
always rail against Federal power and champion the cause of
unfettered State power. Why do you think American libertarians
historically champion the cause of unfettered State power in the
name of "individual liberty"?
For starters, it is completely incorrect to say that ?American
libertarians historically champion the cause of unfettered State
power.? Moorfield Storey,
the great libertarian lawyer who co-founded the NAACP and
served as its first president, won the 1917 Supreme Court case of
Buchanan v. Warley by arguing that a Jim Crow residential
segregation law in Louisville, Kentucky violated property rights
under the 14th Amendment, which commands, ?No State shall...deprive
any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of
law.? Storey correctly argued that the 14th Amendment forbids state
and local governments from violating the rights of both blacks and
whites.
Take a look at three of the most prominent Supreme Court cases
from recent years and you?ll find libertarians making the exact
same argument in favor of individual rights and against unfettered
state and local power:
? In 2003 the libertarian Cato Institute and the libertarian
Institute for Justice each submitted friend of the court briefs in
the case of Lawrence v. Texas urging the Supreme Court to
strike down that state?s odious ban on gay sex. In his majority
opinion nullifying Texas? Homosexual Conduct Law, Justice
Anthony Kennedy repeatedly cited the arguments put forward in the
Cato brief. So much for championing unfettered state power.
? In 2005 the aforementioned Institute for Justice brought the
case of Kelo v. City of New London to the Supreme Court.
At issue was an eminent domain land grab by local officials in New
London, Connecticut. Regrettably, the Court got
that one wrong. Nonetheless, the libertarians who litigated the
case (and thereby brought eminent domain abuse into the national
spotlight) did so by urging the federal courts to force local
officials to respect fundamental rights under the Constitution.
? Finally, in the 2010 case of McDonald v. Chicago,
libertarian lawyer Alan Gura convinced the Supreme Court to strike
down Chicago?s draconian handgun ban because it violated the Second
Amendment right to keep and bear arms
as applied to the states via the 14th Amendment. Once again,
this was a libertarian argument which held that state and local
governments may not violate fundamental rights.
I happen to agree that ?a real libertarian should be just as
concerned about a State government's infringement of individual
liberty as the Federal government's.? But as the facts clearly
demonstrate, plenty of real libertarians are concerned with
both.
has been weighing the pros and cons of libertarianism. On
Friday, he brought his readers into the discussion, publishing
several of their negative takes. One comment in particular struck
me as worth responding to. Here?s what Sullivan published:
A real libertarian should be just as concerned about a State
government's infringement of individual liberty as the
Federal government's. There should be no distinction.
Period. Instead, for some strange reason, American libertarians
always rail against Federal power and champion the cause of
unfettered State power. Why do you think American libertarians
historically champion the cause of unfettered State power in the
name of "individual liberty"?
For starters, it is completely incorrect to say that ?American
libertarians historically champion the cause of unfettered State
power.? Moorfield Storey,
the great libertarian lawyer who co-founded the NAACP and
served as its first president, won the 1917 Supreme Court case of
Buchanan v. Warley by arguing that a Jim Crow residential
segregation law in Louisville, Kentucky violated property rights
under the 14th Amendment, which commands, ?No State shall...deprive
any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of
law.? Storey correctly argued that the 14th Amendment forbids state
and local governments from violating the rights of both blacks and
whites.
Take a look at three of the most prominent Supreme Court cases
from recent years and you?ll find libertarians making the exact
same argument in favor of individual rights and against unfettered
state and local power:
? In 2003 the libertarian Cato Institute and the libertarian
Institute for Justice each submitted friend of the court briefs in
the case of Lawrence v. Texas urging the Supreme Court to
strike down that state?s odious ban on gay sex. In his majority
opinion nullifying Texas? Homosexual Conduct Law, Justice
Anthony Kennedy repeatedly cited the arguments put forward in the
Cato brief. So much for championing unfettered state power.
? In 2005 the aforementioned Institute for Justice brought the
case of Kelo v. City of New London to the Supreme Court.
At issue was an eminent domain land grab by local officials in New
London, Connecticut. Regrettably, the Court got
that one wrong. Nonetheless, the libertarians who litigated the
case (and thereby brought eminent domain abuse into the national
spotlight) did so by urging the federal courts to force local
officials to respect fundamental rights under the Constitution.
? Finally, in the 2010 case of McDonald v. Chicago,
libertarian lawyer Alan Gura convinced the Supreme Court to strike
down Chicago?s draconian handgun ban because it violated the Second
Amendment right to keep and bear arms
as applied to the states via the 14th Amendment. Once again,
this was a libertarian argument which held that state and local
governments may not violate fundamental rights.
I happen to agree that ?a real libertarian should be just as
concerned about a State government's infringement of individual
liberty as the Federal government's.? But as the facts clearly
demonstrate, plenty of real libertarians are concerned with
both.
Lesbian News - 03 Jan 2012
'Pariah': Adepero Oduye relates to the outsider status of a lesbian in a conservative familyVt. Lesbian Couple May be Split up by FedsNavy tradition spotlights lesbiansDissident pro-abortion ex-nun leaves the Catholic ChurchSmash Pictures Wraps Vol. 2 of ?Finger Lickin? Girlfriends?Cardinal Reiterates KKK & Gay StatementsBundaberg: Gays, lesbians defend civil unionsRussia looks to criminalise being gay, bisexual or lesbianSB 48 set to take effect
Dining, Drinks & Desserts
The “ZIO’S EXPERIENCE” with 4 lovely lesbians
Greetings everyone, hope your week is going well. What a week in our busy world! The Senate did not pass DADT. The Republicans decided to start running on platforms which the Democrats created and former President Bill Clinton had some great words of advice for President Obama. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction!
This week my guests were 4 lovely lesbians, Christina our Editor, her partner Alice and their friends Joergie and Neally.
We selected ZIO’S Italian Restaurant on El Cajon Blvd in North Park. When I arrived, owner Darren James greeted me with his warm embrace and handshake. We have chatted several times on Facebook and this was our actual first time meeting in person.
My ladies had not yet arrived so I asked Darren to give me a tour of…
Read More
Greetings everyone, hope your week is going well. What a week in our busy world! The Senate did not pass DADT. The Republicans decided to start running on platforms which the Democrats created and former President Bill Clinton had some great words of advice for President Obama. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction!
This week my guests were 4 lovely lesbians, Christina our Editor, her partner Alice and their friends Joergie and Neally.
We selected ZIO’S Italian Restaurant on El Cajon Blvd in North Park. When I arrived, owner Darren James greeted me with his warm embrace and handshake. We have chatted several times on Facebook and this was our actual first time meeting in person.
My ladies had not yet arrived so I asked Darren to give me a tour of…
Read More
Know anyone suffering from Homophobia? The cure has been found!
- Do you or anyone you know suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia, or homophobia? Well ArionTheDaily knows just the cure! And no, Side effects do not include sex with dogs or the end of the world, but it’s guaranteed to … Continue reading →
In the Pit
Look out…. for BEARQUAKE 2010
Get ready for BearQuake 2010! I don’t know if that means they’ll be shaking, rocking or rolling but the Southern California Bear Club Alliance wants to welcome all their hirsute brothers, their chasers and maybe a few sisters to San Diego for “Cirque De L’Ours” on the weekend of October 14-17. This means you have approximately three weeks to grow your beard, chest and back hair so you too can be “without the trappings”. Bear events are still some of my favorites because of the names they come up with (bears can insert the word “bear” anyplace and have a jolly good time) and more importantly because there is food, everywhere!
“Cirque De L’Ours” is hosted by Bears San Diego and Bears L…
Read More
Get ready for BearQuake 2010! I don’t know if that means they’ll be shaking, rocking or rolling but the Southern California Bear Club Alliance wants to welcome all their hirsute brothers, their chasers and maybe a few sisters to San Diego for “Cirque De L’Ours” on the weekend of October 14-17. This means you have approximately three weeks to grow your beard, chest and back hair so you too can be “without the trappings”. Bear events are still some of my favorites because of the names they come up with (bears can insert the word “bear” anyplace and have a jolly good time) and more importantly because there is food, everywhere!
“Cirque De L’Ours” is hosted by Bears San Diego and Bears L…
Read More
Friday, January 20, 2012
Grooms-to-be pop the question San Francisco style
The holidays are often called the season of love, and with good reason. According to the Brides magazine 2011 American Wedding Study, 18 percent of marriage proposals take place in December, making it the top month for...
Down to South Carolina: Gingrich, Santorum and Paul attempt to keep nomination from Romney
News:
With a Jan. 19 debate – which follows another South Carolina-based debate held three days earlier – this weekend's South Carolina primary appears, nonetheless, to hold dwindling hope for the would-be Republican nominees attempting to challenge frontrunner and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the presidential nomination.
With former Utah Gov. Jon Hunstsman Jr. dropping out of the race and endorsing Romney on Jan. 16 and Texas Gov. Rick Perry continuing to poll in the single digits in South Carolina, the race to unseat Romney appeared to be falling to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.), who was nearly within striking distance of Romney in recent South Carolina polls, or Texas Rep. Ron Paul or former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.
Mitt Romney
While the Romney campaign spent much of the day dealing with discussions of his tax returns and if and when he would release them following questioning on the issue at the Jan. 16 debate, Gingrich spent Jan. 18 trying to convince Santorum and Paul voters to turn to him in order to upset Romney in the primary to be held Saturday, Jan. 21.
''I think we have a very real chance to win. If you consolidate the three conservative candidates, we clearly would have a huge margin over Romney,'' he told reporters in South Carolina, according to USA Today. ''The challenge to me is to convince conservatives to come home and have a single candidate on Saturday.''
Despite the fact that the Jan. 21 South Carolina primary is nicknamed the ''First in the South'' primary and is the first contest this year to be held in a state that does not have marriage equality, no questions relating to LGBT issues were asked in the Jan. 16 debate. The only reference to such issues was a brief mention by Romney of his previously stated position that he doesn't support discrimination but also opposes marriage equality.
The big news regarding LGBT issues and the GOP primary was the news that the candidate thought to be one of the most supportive of the GOP candidates on LGBT issues was leaving the race. Coming off what he had called his third-place "ticket to ride" finish in New Hampshire Jan. 10, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. nonetheless ended his campaign as the week began.
Criticizing the negative tone of the Republican primary, The Washington Post reported Huntsman said at a news conference held in South Carolina, "This race has degenerated into an onslaught of negative and personal attacks not worthy of the American people and not worthy off this critical time in American history." After news of his pending plans broke online on Sunday night, Jan. 15, many people, including Daniel Strauss at The Hill, noted that Huntsman's attacks on Romney quickly were scrubbed from his various online outlets.
"Despite our differences and the space between us on some of the issues," Huntsman said on Monday morning, Jan. 16, Romney is the candidate to unite behind to defeat President Obama in November.
Huntsman, who had been polling at no higher than 5 percent in surveys in advance of the Jan. 21 primary in South Carolina, endorsed his former foe just one day after South Carolina's largest newspaper, The State, endorsed Huntsman over Romney.
Hunstman, as governor and then in the presidential race, had been a supporter of civil unions for same-sex couples, saying in a debate on Jan. 7, "I think there's such a thing as equality under the law." Huntsman was thought to be the most moderate candidate in the Republican race, with his former service as Obama's ambassador to China being considered by many to be a weak point in the Republican primary.
At the other ideological end of Republican politics, the evangelical movement on Jan. 14 took a stand to make it clear that, despite the growing perception that Romney has the Republican presidential nomination all but sealed up, they have not settled on the man Gingrich often refers to as the "Massachusetts moderate" for their pick for president.
About 150 evangelical and religious right leaders meeting over the weekend voted for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum – who nearly bested Romney in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3 – as their pick for the GOP nod, although Gingrich was their second-place pick.
The Family Research Council's Tony Perkins noted to reporters over the weekend, though, that it took three ballots to reach a consensus on a candidate. Moreover, Gingrich supporters continued into the week with loud support of the former House speaker in television and other appearances – suggesting the majority vote will not result in religious conservatives universally aligning around a single candidate.
The CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate is to be hosted by CNN's John King, beginning at 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19. ...more
With a Jan. 19 debate – which follows another South Carolina-based debate held three days earlier – this weekend's South Carolina primary appears, nonetheless, to hold dwindling hope for the would-be Republican nominees attempting to challenge frontrunner and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the presidential nomination.
With former Utah Gov. Jon Hunstsman Jr. dropping out of the race and endorsing Romney on Jan. 16 and Texas Gov. Rick Perry continuing to poll in the single digits in South Carolina, the race to unseat Romney appeared to be falling to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.), who was nearly within striking distance of Romney in recent South Carolina polls, or Texas Rep. Ron Paul or former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.
Mitt Romney
While the Romney campaign spent much of the day dealing with discussions of his tax returns and if and when he would release them following questioning on the issue at the Jan. 16 debate, Gingrich spent Jan. 18 trying to convince Santorum and Paul voters to turn to him in order to upset Romney in the primary to be held Saturday, Jan. 21.
''I think we have a very real chance to win. If you consolidate the three conservative candidates, we clearly would have a huge margin over Romney,'' he told reporters in South Carolina, according to USA Today. ''The challenge to me is to convince conservatives to come home and have a single candidate on Saturday.''
Despite the fact that the Jan. 21 South Carolina primary is nicknamed the ''First in the South'' primary and is the first contest this year to be held in a state that does not have marriage equality, no questions relating to LGBT issues were asked in the Jan. 16 debate. The only reference to such issues was a brief mention by Romney of his previously stated position that he doesn't support discrimination but also opposes marriage equality.
The big news regarding LGBT issues and the GOP primary was the news that the candidate thought to be one of the most supportive of the GOP candidates on LGBT issues was leaving the race. Coming off what he had called his third-place "ticket to ride" finish in New Hampshire Jan. 10, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. nonetheless ended his campaign as the week began.
Criticizing the negative tone of the Republican primary, The Washington Post reported Huntsman said at a news conference held in South Carolina, "This race has degenerated into an onslaught of negative and personal attacks not worthy of the American people and not worthy off this critical time in American history." After news of his pending plans broke online on Sunday night, Jan. 15, many people, including Daniel Strauss at The Hill, noted that Huntsman's attacks on Romney quickly were scrubbed from his various online outlets.
"Despite our differences and the space between us on some of the issues," Huntsman said on Monday morning, Jan. 16, Romney is the candidate to unite behind to defeat President Obama in November.
Huntsman, who had been polling at no higher than 5 percent in surveys in advance of the Jan. 21 primary in South Carolina, endorsed his former foe just one day after South Carolina's largest newspaper, The State, endorsed Huntsman over Romney.
Hunstman, as governor and then in the presidential race, had been a supporter of civil unions for same-sex couples, saying in a debate on Jan. 7, "I think there's such a thing as equality under the law." Huntsman was thought to be the most moderate candidate in the Republican race, with his former service as Obama's ambassador to China being considered by many to be a weak point in the Republican primary.
At the other ideological end of Republican politics, the evangelical movement on Jan. 14 took a stand to make it clear that, despite the growing perception that Romney has the Republican presidential nomination all but sealed up, they have not settled on the man Gingrich often refers to as the "Massachusetts moderate" for their pick for president.
About 150 evangelical and religious right leaders meeting over the weekend voted for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum – who nearly bested Romney in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3 – as their pick for the GOP nod, although Gingrich was their second-place pick.
The Family Research Council's Tony Perkins noted to reporters over the weekend, though, that it took three ballots to reach a consensus on a candidate. Moreover, Gingrich supporters continued into the week with loud support of the former House speaker in television and other appearances – suggesting the majority vote will not result in religious conservatives universally aligning around a single candidate.
The CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate is to be hosted by CNN's John King, beginning at 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19. ...more
Census: 131,729 gay couples report they’re married
(Washington) Increasingly visible, the number of gay Americans telling the U.S. census they're living with same-sex partners nearly doubled in the past decade, to about 650,000 couples. And more than 130,000 recorded partners as husband or wife.
Census figures released Tuesday provide a rare snapshot of married and unmarried same-sex couples in the U.S. based on the government count conducted last year, when gay marriage was legal in five states and the District of Columbia. It comes at a time when public opposition to gay marriage is easing and advocacy groups are seeking a state-by-state push for broader legal rights.
Some 131,729 same-sex couples checked "husband" or "wife" boxes on their decennial census forms, the first time people could do so, after gay marriage became legal in Massachusetts starting in 2004.
That 2010 tally of married gay couples is higher than the actual number of legal marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships in the U.S. Even after New York legalized gay marriage in June, a Census Bureau consultant, Gary Gates of UCLA, put the actual number of legally recognized gay partnerships at 100,000.
"There's no dispute the same-sex population increases from 2000 and 2010," said Martin O'Connell, chief of the fertility and family statistics branch at the Census Bureau. In cases of couples who reported they were living in a marriage relationship, "they basically responded that way because that is truly how they felt they were living."
The total of 646,464 gay couples in the U.S. was a downward revision of the Census Bureau's count of 901,997 released last month. The bureau said Tuesday it had to make the adjustment after determining that coding errors resulted in an exaggerated count for the initial number.
Still, researchers believe the new estimate could be as much as 15 percent lower than the actual number of gay couples in the U.S. because of social stigma, discrimination or other concerns about confidentiality. In a small number of cases, younger gay couples also may not have been counted in the census if they were "doubling up" in a home where neither was the head of household.
Based on revisions made to the 2000 census figure as well, the number of same-sex couples nationwide rose 80 percent from an adjusted 2000 figure of 358,390. Previously, the Census Bureau had reported there were 594,391 same-sex couples in the U.S. in 2000.
Nationwide, about 51 percent of the couples last year were female. Nearly one in five of the same-sex couples was raising children at home - widely distributed among those who reported being in marriage relationships and those who were not.
Broken down by state, the highest rates of increase in gay couples - both married and unmarried - were in lesser-populated states such as West Virginia, Montana, the Dakotas, Oklahoma and Kentucky, each rising at least 150 percent from 2000. In contrast, the larger, more traditional gay places including the District of Columbia, California and New York, posted the smallest percentage increases - 60 percent or less.
Gay rights groups say the latest census numbers are an important step in increasing visibility and helping to dispel notions that they live primarily in big cities on the two coasts. Still, because the census forms do not ask about sexual orientation, some activists have complained that single gays - as opposed to those with live-in spouses and partners - have no means of gaining collective representation through the census.
"Every step is a step forward in acknowledging that, yes, we do exist," said Lois Farnham, of Burlington, Vt., who recorded a civil union with Holly Puterbaugh the first day they were allowed in 2000 and then legally married her in 2009.
Farnham, 67, said she expected the census numbers would underestimate the number of people in such relationships, noting that many same-sex couples keep quiet about their married status. "They can't share that with a lot of people for family or job security reasons. It's still an issue and people are still being discriminated against," she said.
Puterbaugh, 65, said many couples live as if they're married without making it formal. "You have to remember that there are many straight couples who have chosen not to marry for whatever reason that may be," she said.
Brian Moulton, chief legislative counsel at the Human Rights Campaign, described the latest census numbers as a "tremendous increase," demonstrating a culture shift and sending a signal to local officials and governments that gays and lesbians exist and deserve rights and benefits.
"A lot of couples who are reporting they are same-sex are in places where it's been legally and culturally more challenging for our community," he said. "That's not a reflection of couples suddenly popping out of nowhere - the culture is changing in those places to a degree people feel comfortable coming out on the census form."
The new same-sex data come as battlegrounds lie ahead over gay rights. Voters in North Carolina and Minnesota will be deciding next year on the fate of constitutional amendments banning gay marriage, while the Maryland Legislature is expected to consider a bill that would legalize it.
An August poll by The Associated Press and the National Constitutional Center found a narrow majority of Americans support legal recognition of same-sex marriage - 53 percent to 44 percent opposed. That is largely unchanged from last year but a shift from 2009, when a slim majority opposed government recognition of gay marriage.
In 2000, citing the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the Bush administration directed the Census Bureau to re-code same-sex couples who identified themselves as married to be counted as unmarried partners. Pressed by gay-rights groups in 2009, the Obama administration reversed that policy, allowing the bureau to count same-sex couples as married.
Last week, the U.S. military passed a historic milestone with the repeal of its "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gays serving openly.
The census figures were welcomed by many gay people.
"It makes me feel like I am part of this country," said Al Koski, 69, a retired Social Security claims representative from Bourne, Mass., who married his partner Jim Fitzgerald in 2007 after they were together for more than 30 years. "I don't have to be in the background anymore. I am glad people are coming out of the closet and are not afraid to check that box."
Koski said he is hopeful that the census count will help in the push to legalize gay marriage in other states.
"Every time I see something happening, like `don't ask, don't tell' falling by the wayside, every time something happens, it's another little domino falling," he said.
The highest share of households with reported same-sex couples - both married and unmarried - was in Washington, D.C., at nearly 2 percent. Washington was followed by Vermont, Massachusetts, California, Oregon, Delaware, New Mexico and Washington state. On the other end of the scale, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming had the smallest shares, each with less than one-third of 1 percent.
Census figures released Tuesday provide a rare snapshot of married and unmarried same-sex couples in the U.S. based on the government count conducted last year, when gay marriage was legal in five states and the District of Columbia. It comes at a time when public opposition to gay marriage is easing and advocacy groups are seeking a state-by-state push for broader legal rights.
Some 131,729 same-sex couples checked "husband" or "wife" boxes on their decennial census forms, the first time people could do so, after gay marriage became legal in Massachusetts starting in 2004.
That 2010 tally of married gay couples is higher than the actual number of legal marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships in the U.S. Even after New York legalized gay marriage in June, a Census Bureau consultant, Gary Gates of UCLA, put the actual number of legally recognized gay partnerships at 100,000.
"There's no dispute the same-sex population increases from 2000 and 2010," said Martin O'Connell, chief of the fertility and family statistics branch at the Census Bureau. In cases of couples who reported they were living in a marriage relationship, "they basically responded that way because that is truly how they felt they were living."
The total of 646,464 gay couples in the U.S. was a downward revision of the Census Bureau's count of 901,997 released last month. The bureau said Tuesday it had to make the adjustment after determining that coding errors resulted in an exaggerated count for the initial number.
Still, researchers believe the new estimate could be as much as 15 percent lower than the actual number of gay couples in the U.S. because of social stigma, discrimination or other concerns about confidentiality. In a small number of cases, younger gay couples also may not have been counted in the census if they were "doubling up" in a home where neither was the head of household.
Based on revisions made to the 2000 census figure as well, the number of same-sex couples nationwide rose 80 percent from an adjusted 2000 figure of 358,390. Previously, the Census Bureau had reported there were 594,391 same-sex couples in the U.S. in 2000.
Nationwide, about 51 percent of the couples last year were female. Nearly one in five of the same-sex couples was raising children at home - widely distributed among those who reported being in marriage relationships and those who were not.
Broken down by state, the highest rates of increase in gay couples - both married and unmarried - were in lesser-populated states such as West Virginia, Montana, the Dakotas, Oklahoma and Kentucky, each rising at least 150 percent from 2000. In contrast, the larger, more traditional gay places including the District of Columbia, California and New York, posted the smallest percentage increases - 60 percent or less.
Gay rights groups say the latest census numbers are an important step in increasing visibility and helping to dispel notions that they live primarily in big cities on the two coasts. Still, because the census forms do not ask about sexual orientation, some activists have complained that single gays - as opposed to those with live-in spouses and partners - have no means of gaining collective representation through the census.
"Every step is a step forward in acknowledging that, yes, we do exist," said Lois Farnham, of Burlington, Vt., who recorded a civil union with Holly Puterbaugh the first day they were allowed in 2000 and then legally married her in 2009.
Farnham, 67, said she expected the census numbers would underestimate the number of people in such relationships, noting that many same-sex couples keep quiet about their married status. "They can't share that with a lot of people for family or job security reasons. It's still an issue and people are still being discriminated against," she said.
Puterbaugh, 65, said many couples live as if they're married without making it formal. "You have to remember that there are many straight couples who have chosen not to marry for whatever reason that may be," she said.
Brian Moulton, chief legislative counsel at the Human Rights Campaign, described the latest census numbers as a "tremendous increase," demonstrating a culture shift and sending a signal to local officials and governments that gays and lesbians exist and deserve rights and benefits.
"A lot of couples who are reporting they are same-sex are in places where it's been legally and culturally more challenging for our community," he said. "That's not a reflection of couples suddenly popping out of nowhere - the culture is changing in those places to a degree people feel comfortable coming out on the census form."
The new same-sex data come as battlegrounds lie ahead over gay rights. Voters in North Carolina and Minnesota will be deciding next year on the fate of constitutional amendments banning gay marriage, while the Maryland Legislature is expected to consider a bill that would legalize it.
An August poll by The Associated Press and the National Constitutional Center found a narrow majority of Americans support legal recognition of same-sex marriage - 53 percent to 44 percent opposed. That is largely unchanged from last year but a shift from 2009, when a slim majority opposed government recognition of gay marriage.
In 2000, citing the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the Bush administration directed the Census Bureau to re-code same-sex couples who identified themselves as married to be counted as unmarried partners. Pressed by gay-rights groups in 2009, the Obama administration reversed that policy, allowing the bureau to count same-sex couples as married.
Last week, the U.S. military passed a historic milestone with the repeal of its "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gays serving openly.
The census figures were welcomed by many gay people.
"It makes me feel like I am part of this country," said Al Koski, 69, a retired Social Security claims representative from Bourne, Mass., who married his partner Jim Fitzgerald in 2007 after they were together for more than 30 years. "I don't have to be in the background anymore. I am glad people are coming out of the closet and are not afraid to check that box."
Koski said he is hopeful that the census count will help in the push to legalize gay marriage in other states.
"Every time I see something happening, like `don't ask, don't tell' falling by the wayside, every time something happens, it's another little domino falling," he said.
The highest share of households with reported same-sex couples - both married and unmarried - was in Washington, D.C., at nearly 2 percent. Washington was followed by Vermont, Massachusetts, California, Oregon, Delaware, New Mexico and Washington state. On the other end of the scale, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming had the smallest shares, each with less than one-third of 1 percent.
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