Morning Sweep

New Jersey Congressman Steve Rothman has had a change of heart on his position against same-sex marriage: he’s become a member of the House Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus after being convinced by his stepdaughter, a lesbian.

Several prominent gay Republicans are having difficulty stomaching the idea of voting for McCain. Conservative Evangelicals seem hesitant, too.

A gay sauna was bombed in Budapest yesterday, despite the police’s promise to provide better protection following the bombing of a gay bar there just last week. Not a good way to kick off the city’s gay pride parade, scheduled for this Saturday.

Morning Sweep

The LA Times looks at how McCain’s support and Obama’s opposition of the Ca. same-sex marriage ban amendment might affect their campaigns.

A NY gay couple is suing an Arizona-based adoption service that won’t allow same-sex partners to register.

Concerned Women for America reflects on their Power in the Pulpit rally in June, when they brought more than 400 ministers to Albany to speak out against same-sex marriage. P.S. Does anyone know what they mean by “prayer warrior marine,” and how we can get some of those fierce individuals on our side?

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, famous for challenging Ca.’s same-sex marriage ban back in 2004, is looking into running for Governor in 2010.

An estimated 40,000 U.S. binational lesbian and gay couples risk being separated because without the protection of marriage, the non-citizen partner isn’t safe from deportation.

The European Union’s recent report urges its member nations to provide better rights and protections to LGBT citizens.

Morning Sweep

The crowd greeted Gov. Paterson with hugs and smiles as he made his way down Fifth Avenue in New York City’s 39th annual LGBT Pride March on Sunday.

LGBT Pride celebrated worldwide: San Francisco, Chicago, New Delhi, Seattle, Houston, St. Petersburg, Toronto, Minneapolis, Mexico City, Brno and Sofia.

Chaplain Michael Nicosia makes a moral case for transgender equality in an opinion piece for the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

With much remiss, New York City says goodbye to two legendary establishments, Florent and Ruby Fruit.

A former Watertown High School hockey player who sued his coaches and the school board received a $30,000 settlement. Jonathan Jablonowski filed the suit in 2005, after enduring 4 years of homophobic slurs by his teammates.

Sen. Barack Obama came out against the Ca. marriage ban in a letter this weekend.

Another same-sex marriage ban is placed on the ballot in Arizona.

West Hollywood, Ca. launches a marketing campaign to become the gay marriage Mecca of the U.S.

The Concord Monitor checks-in with New Hampshire couples after six months of civil unions.

Unlike Ma., Justices of Peace in Connecticut can opt out of officiating civil unions for any reason.

The head of the universal Anglican Church expressed concern with a conservative group of priests’ plans to disjoin.

Morning Sweep

In this week's Gay City News editorial, Paul Schindler acknowledges the recent advancements in the LGBT equal rights movement -- both local and national -- as a cause for added celebration this Pride season as well as an opportunity to work even harder toward winning equality in the future.

The New York health department launched an HIV-screening campaign yesterday to test residents from the Bronx, the region which in 2006 accounted for one-quarter of the 3,745 HIV/AIDS diagnoses in all five New York City boroughs.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report harrowing HIV/AIDS statistics about men who have sex with men, whom account for over half of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the past six years.

The CDC also found that HIV/AIDS diagnoses among gay men increased by 3 percent in those 45 and older and increased an alarming 12 percent in the 13-to-24-year-old group within the last year. HIV/AIDS diagnoses declined by 1 percent in the 25-44 age group.

Sen. Obama hosted a fundraiser in Washington, D.C. last night in an effort to bring on board Sen. Clinton’s top donors.

Meanwhile in New York, Michelle Obama spoke to her husband’s dedication to reverse discriminatory policies at the DNC’s Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council’s Gala.

McCain swears to Christian conservatives that he will oppose marriage equality more vigorously from now on.

HRC has the minutes from the Congressional hearing that took place yesterday to discuss the need for transgender employee rights.

Starbucks is being sued by two former employees who claim an exec discriminated against them because they’re gay.

Gay Pride in Jerusalem turned out 3000 marchers and 2000 police officers to protect those proud marchers.

Morning Sweep

The Advocate examines how Bruno’s retirement and Skelos’ new spot as Senate Majority Leader might affect the fight for marriage equality in New York.

Newsday reports that there’s still much confusion to be cleared up about Paterson’s memo recognizing out-of-state marriage of same-sex couples as legal in New York.

Metroland has an interview with Nora Yates, Executive Director of the Capital District Gay & Lesbian Community Council (and former Pride Agenda Field Director), about developments in gay rights over the past few decades and the implications for LGBT New Yorkers.

The cost of a marriage license in New York: $35. The current cost of a domestic partnership: $36. Our quote that in addition to removing the $1 price difference, we’d like real marriage equality, please: priceless.

McCain met with the Log Cabin Republicans earlier this week, but shhh, it’s a secret: the meeting wasn’t listed on his public schedule.

Those desert-dwellers are at it again: a same-sex marriage ban amendment in Arizona has so far failed to make it on to the Nov. ballot, but it could be up for a re-vote tomorrow.

A Huffington Post blogger reflected yesterday on the five year anniversary of the Lawrence v. Texas Supreme Court case that struck down U.S. sodomy laws.

Morning Sweep

State Senate Republicans have chosen Dean Skelos to replace Joe Bruno as Senate Majority Leader.

In honor of Pride Week, NY1 takes a look at LGBT communities throughout the five boroughs.

Michelle Obama will be the keynote speaker at tonight’s Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council Gala in NYC.

New statistics show that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” might be targeting lesbians more than gay men.

Heinz has pulled its commercial from the U.K. that shows a loving smooch between a gay couple after receiving some complaints, and more than 1,500 people have already signed a petition in protest.

Morning Sweep

Some State religious leaders are enlightening their congregations on marriage equality, while other clergy decry Gov. Paterson’s support of same-sex couples' marriage rights.

An NY bishop is outed posthumously in his daughter’s memoir.

On Saturday, a group of concerned citizens marched through Brooklyn to raise awareness for the growing incidents of anti-LGBT violence in New York City. The NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project received 2,430 calls in 2007 reporting anti-LGBT violence, a small fraction of those who experience such bias-motivated crime.

Westchester Counter Exec. Andrew Spano will re-argue marriage equality before an Appeals Court.

The Nashua Telegraph concludes its "In Transition" series, which seeks to "to inform our readers on New Hampshire’s transgender community," with a heartening story of a mother and her transgender tween.

Gay folks across America are California dreamin’; a recent survey ranks the state as the number-one gay tourist destination in the nation.

Equality California have filed a suit to protect same-sex couple’s marriage rights against a proposed constitutional amendment.

Gay service members discharged under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy can apply for lateral transfers in other federal agencies, the New York Times reports.

LGBT Pride celebrations kick-off in New York City and in India.

Florida Governor -- and Republican veep short-lister -- Charlie Crisp has yet to find the "right one."

Religious police in Saudi Arabia crash a big gay party, arresting dozens of men initially and detaining 21 men after all.

Morning Sweep

Two-hundred and fifty evangelical Christian ministers ascended the NYS Capitol yesterday to protest Gov. Paterson’s marriage directive. At the same time, the Pride Agenda released the names of 335 clergy who support marriage rights for gay couples.

The Associated Press reports on the new transgender inclusive policy in the New York juvenile detention system.

An opinion piece in today’s Times Union praises Paterson’s action on marriage.

In Maine, a Christian conservative group fails to rally residents against LGBT non-discrimination act.

A group of conservative Anglicans bishops will take the road less-traveled this year, boycotting the once-in-a-decade Lambeth Conference in opposition of the church’s acceptance of a gay bishop and same-sex marriage.

The Advocate’s Kerry Eleveld profiles the good work of Gill Action.

While black Americans are more likely to oppose marriage equality than whites, black leaders are paving the way for LGBT equality.

The Social Security Administration must now recognize the children of same-sex couples.

Morning Sweep

President Bush will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace, a strong supporter of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” who says being gay is “immoral.” What a great role model!

The American Medical Association passed resolutions calling for better care for transgender patients.

A Gallup poll says Americans are split down the middle on the question of whether gay relationships are immoral.

The L.A. Times has a roundup of recent studies done to try to determine what causes people to be gay. Hair whorls, left-handers and siblings, oh my!

Morning Sweep

Outer borough pride celebrations infused with local spirit are becoming more popular.

Although same-sex couples can’t collect their spouses’ Social Security benefits, their children must be eligible for benefits they would receive if their parents are disabled, the Department of Justice has ruled.

The New York Times reports that even though some Ca. same-sex couples are opting for low-key ceremonies, they’ve identified a new phenomenon: gay bridezillas. Tapas, anyone?

Same-sex marriage opponents say we shouldn’t be surprised that they haven’t been protesting Ca. ceremonies: they’re saving up their energy and resources to win the anti-marriage amendment.

Conservative groups’ efforts to repeal gay partner laws in Oregon have failed – for now.

Are NY straight men joining gay sports leagues because they’re more fun?

Morning Sweep

The AP has vignettes from some of the first Ca. marriage ceremonies that took place last night.

The New York Times’ Lede blog has a touching thread of stories by Ca. same-sex couples who now plan to get married and others who support them.

One such couple includes a gay country clerk whose office oversees more than a thousand marriages a year. Finally this year, his will be included in the tally.

The L.A. Times’ editorial board voices their support for gay marital bliss…

…But a roundup in the same publication explains that worldwide, there’s still much prejudice against marriage equality to overcome.

Gay and lesbian couples planning to exchange vows should keep the ceremonies low-key so as not to provide fuel for opponents, the L.A. Times warns. You know, because straight couples never make unfortunate wedding choices.

Independent LGBT films aren’t doing as well this pride season as in past years.

Morning Sweep

On Father’s Day, former GLAAD E.D. Joan Garry pens an poignant Op-Ed about her love for singing, sports and her favorite Irish tenor, her dad.

NY gay couples "go west" for their nuptials.

Towleroad compiles the latest news stories, as California gears up to start marrying same-gender couples starting at today at 5:01 PM PST.

New CBS polls find most Americans support marriage equality. A New York Times poll also reflects a steady upward trend towards granting gay couples the rights that come with marriage.

After 55 years, a Ca. lesbian couple are ready to tie the knot and will be the first to do so in San Francisco.

A secular, Jewish organization in California will officiate same-gender marriages. Mazel Tov!

The Detroit Free Press muses over how the debate over marriage equality has defined modern conceptions of family, civil rights and the political process in America.

The in-love, the indifferent and the divorced: the New York Times checks in in with Massachusetts gay couples on the four-year anniversary of the State legalizing the marriages of same-sex partners.

Salon.com fields questions about Oregon’s own transgender father-to-be.

We are family! Ma. Gov. Deval Patrick marches with wife and lesbian daughter in Boston Pride parade.

The Bishop of London is peeved over a commitment ceremony of two Anglican priests.

Morning Sweep

Yesterday we posted about the Quinnipiac University poll revealing that a majority of New Yorkers (53%-40%) approve Gov. Paterson’s announcement to recognize marriages of out-of-state same-sex couples. The New York Post picked up the story, including an interview with Pride Agenda E.D. Alan Van Capelle below.






The Gay City News covers the fifth annual Equality@Work Awards Luncheon, honoring Kenneth Cole, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, and Credit Suisse for their leadership and excellence in creating LGBT-inclusive workplaces.

GENDA joins other LGBT legislation in queue for senate approval. The New York Blade quotes Alan Van Capelle and Melissa Sklarz, director of the New York Trans Rights Organization.

The Blade also rounds up stories about the Working Family Party’s resolution to support marriage equality and the Gay Men’s Health Crisis partnership with Duane Reade to offer free HIV tests.

Gov. Paterson’s support of marriage equality makes New York Bishop red-in-the-face.

The Seacaucus, New Jersey gay couple ganged up on by firefighters and residents then ignored by local officials was awarded $2.84M after the City Court decided on the bias crime. The couples’ attorney also intends to bring the case to the U.S.

Fear-mongering campaigns aim to take away transgender non-discrimination protections on general election ballot.

Groups protesting Ca. Supreme Court marriage decision seek last-minute petition to Appeals Court.

Gay wedding bells will start ringing in California Monday, June 16 at 5:01PM, just not in Kern County where the County Clerk has refused to conduct any marriages whatsoever.

Did Tila Tequila’s reality show “Shot at Love” provide the impetus for marriage equality in California?

Police chief rains on Budapest’s pride parade, citing “traffic concerns” for last-minute cancellation.

Morning Sweep

Obama continues to ramp up his efforts to reach out to the LGBT community, with unsurprising opposition from the religious right.

Trans activist Donna Rose writes about how the “T” fits in to LGBT Pride Month.

A New Jersey gay couple has won millions in their lawsuit against homophobic harassment by the firefighters working next door to them.

A Newsweek columnist writes that it’s only a matter of time before homophobia is a thing of the past.

Norway is the newest country to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.

Morning Sweep

Former Pride Agenda Board Chair Jeff Soref is quoted in Jonathan Capehart’s column discussing why choosing Sam Nunn for VP would be devastating to Obama in maintaining his base of LGBT voters. Nunn, a Democratic Senator from Georgia who served for 24 years, was one of the leading opponents of allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the armed forces in 1993 when “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was passed.

Why a Democratic presidential nominee may be reluctant to make “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” a priority.

An openly-gay Medgar Evers College student commenced among many cheers after facing years of harassment for his sexual orientation and activism in LGBT student issues on campus.

Activists, corporations will be honored today by the Westchester County LGBT Advisory Board.

LGBT advocacy groups released a memo advising gay couples who marry in Ca. to refrain from filing lawsuits to gain legal recognition in their home states.

How bad can homophobia in the doctor’s office be for LGBT patients?

Brazilian President Luiz Lula da Silva stands up for LGBT rights, calling homophobia “perverse.”
Human Rights Watch calls on Gambian President Yahya Jammed to disavow his statements encouraging violence against gay people.

Morning Sweep

USA Today quotes Pride Agenda E.D. Alan Van Capelle in story about poll results on marriage equality for same-gender couples.

Liz Benjamin has the latest on the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club’s endorsements.

Charges dropped against a gay couple who protested peacefully after being denied a marriage license in Oyster Bay, Long Island.

Albany Times Union blog: much ado about basic rights in State politics.

The New York Times reports same-gender couples resolved relationship conflict easier than opposite-gender couples.

Do most Californian’s support marriage equality? Byron Williams says it depends both on who you ask and how you ask.

Pride-goers statewide are singing Gov. Paterson praises.

The Los Angeles Times gets it wrong on McCain’s centrist views, reports Media Matters.

Sen. Obama reaches out to Sen. Clinton’s LGBT supporters and pledges to advocate for LGBT rights.

Morning Sweep

The Gay and Lesbian Times mentions the Pride Agenda in its round-up of NYS same-sex marriage news.

Overcoming a long past of social stigma -- and a homophobic mayor -- LGBT communities thrive in Buffalo.

Buffalo News Op-Ed makes a classical case for equal rights.

The Albany Times Union celebrates the 25th anniversary of Waterworks, a historic landmark for local LGBT residents.

The first openly gay Anglican bishop Rev. Gene Robinson joins his partner of 20 years in a New Hampshire civil union.

The Episcopal Diocese of Albany wants to clear-up any confusion given recent events: it will only recognize straight marriages.

Attorneys general from 10 states signed-on to the Alliance Defense Fund’s petition to block Ca. marriages. The Christian conservative Defense Fund also sought an injunction against Gov. Paterson’s directive on marriage recognition for same-sex couples. Some gay couples will delay their weddings until after residents decide on a November ballot initiative whether they want marriage equality.

The University of California at Santa Cruz approves additional $75,000 to transgender student health insurance coverage.

The New York City Opera will commission a work inspired by Brokeback Mountain.

Morning Sweep

Gay City News quotes Pride Agenda E.D. Alan Van Capelle in an article talking about the State Senate and what it will take to move LGBT equality forward in that chamber. The front page pictures Assemblyman José Peralta and Pride Agenda staff this week.

Putnam County in the Hudson Valley moves ahead with a domestic partnership registry, which would enable straight and same-sex couples to document their relationships for employers and for other purposes. The Journal News article also quotes Ross Levi, the Pride Agenda’s director of public policy.

Gay couples whose marriages were conducted in Canada and are being recognized in here in New York will celebrate the five-year anniversary of Canada marrying same-sex couples with a rally at New York City Hall.

Despite statewide progress for our issues, the Albany Times Union finds that being young and gay is still tough for many.

Residents from Riverhead in Suffolk County and Republican State Senator Ken LaValle respond to Gov. Paterson’s decision to have state agencies respect legal out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples. Riverhead's newspaper, the News-Review says, "The time has come" to legalize marriage for same-sex couples in New York.

Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan will host a flag raising ceremony in honor of LGBTQ pride month.

After clinching the Democratic nomination, presidential hopeful Barack Obama will call on LGBT voter support.

Irish assembly member suggests psychiatric treatment for gay folks.

Bill O’Reilly wins an award for defaming LGBT Americans.

Morning Sweep

Newsday quotes Pride Agenda E.D. Alan Van Capelle’s denouncement of the latest challenge facing Gov. Paterson’s same-sex marriage directive.

Vineland, NJ Mayor-elect cites busy schedule for not conducting civil unions.

Transgender pride kicks off in New England with a rally and a conference seeking to educate and empower trans youth.

NY Congressman Jerrold Nadler will co-chair new LGBT Congressional Caucus.

Gay marriages are still on as scheduled in Ca. -- or maybe earlier -- despite opposition.

A San Francisco Chronicle column outlines the legal effects of marriage for Ca. gay couples.

Former Georgia senator Sam Nunn says the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy -- the law he helped pass 13 years ago -- should be reviewed by government.

Homophobia from Poland’s Civil Platform party continues to mar the nation’s reputation in the EU.

The Greek mayor that conducted the country’s first same-sex marriage yesterday was arrested and could face a five-year sentence for defying the prime justice’s ban on gay marriage

Gay rights activists arrested and jailed in Uganda after peaceful protest.

Morning Sweep

After the New York State Assembly passed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) yesterday, The Gay City News chronicles the long battle that led up to the victory and the players that ushered in the bill’s success.

Queerty and Good As You add their two cents on GENDA’s passage.

The Buffalo News editorial board imparts a lesson from Gov. Paterson’s childhood—and a quote from Pride Agenda E.D. Alan Van Capelle—as it backs his commitment to LGBT equality.

The New York Times reports five state lawmakers, supported by an out-of-state conservative Christian group, are seeking an injunction against Gov. Paterson’s same-sex marriage directive. The religious group made an unsuccessful attempt to block recognition for gay marriages earlier this year. The article also mentions GENDA passing the Assembly.

A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds that six in ten Americans don’t think the government should have a say in same-sex marriage.

Maryland transgender rights bill could be stifled by a November referendum.

McCain promises he will fight same-sex marriages from the campaign trail.

Jay Leno and a few other A-list celebs will come out to support gay marriage at a West Hollywood celebration.

The first civil union is officiated in Canberra, Australia after the Labor Party settles for a equality-light bill. Local gay rights group promise to fight on.

Turkish court decides to ban gay civil rights organization for no good reason.