A Washington State judge has rejected a lawsuit seeking to block Referendum 71 -- the measure to block domestic partnership benefits for same-sex couples -- from the Nov. ballot. An appeal is considered likely.
As part of the state's new, finally-approved budget, Arizona is taking away domestic partnership benefits for the partners of state employees, leaving nearly 800 people without insurance coverage.
But chin up...despite news like this, a recent poll found that LGBT people were more optimistic about the direction the country was taking than their straight counterparts.
CNN covers the growing acceptance of the gay Latino community.
Showing posts with label august. Show all posts
Showing posts with label august. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Morning Sweep
Vermont's same-sex marriage law goes into effect tomorrow, five months after it was originally passed.
Gay rights groups are working to raise funds in Iowa to counter those being spent there by the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage.
A Huffington Post blogger draws hope for progress on LGBT issues from Obama's statements on Ted Kennedy's legacy.
The L.A. Times editorial board writes that even if the federal case against Prop. 8 gets hateful and ugly-- which it likely will -- it will still help expose stereotypes of gay and lesbian families and hopefully, will in the end do more good than harm.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has fired two agents and a supervisor, disciplined two other supervisors and changed several policies in the wake of the much-publicized raid at a Fort Worth gay bar.
Top Chef's Tom Colicchio writes eloquently and concisely on his support for marriage for same-sex couples and his reflections on controversy surrounding the show's latest wedding-themed challenge.
Gay rights groups are working to raise funds in Iowa to counter those being spent there by the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage.
A Huffington Post blogger draws hope for progress on LGBT issues from Obama's statements on Ted Kennedy's legacy.
The L.A. Times editorial board writes that even if the federal case against Prop. 8 gets hateful and ugly-- which it likely will -- it will still help expose stereotypes of gay and lesbian families and hopefully, will in the end do more good than harm.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has fired two agents and a supervisor, disciplined two other supervisors and changed several policies in the wake of the much-publicized raid at a Fort Worth gay bar.
Top Chef's Tom Colicchio writes eloquently and concisely on his support for marriage for same-sex couples and his reflections on controversy surrounding the show's latest wedding-themed challenge.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Morning Sweep
Gay City News writes on Ted Kennedy's advocacy for LGBT issues. CNN does the same.
The Governor of Utah - where there is no LGBT anti-discrimination law - says such a law isn't necessary. ''We don't have to have a rule for everybody to do the right thing. We ought to just do the right thing because it's the right thing to do and we don't have to have a law that punishes us if we don't,'' Gov. Gary Herbert said.
Rep. Barney Frank, one of the driving forces behind an LGBT-inclusive federal ENDA, says he expects hearings to be held on it this fall.
The Washington Post has an interesting profile of Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage. They portray him as being successful due to his calm nature and sane arguments - which doesn't change the fact that describes same-sex marriage as "irrational."
The Governor of Utah - where there is no LGBT anti-discrimination law - says such a law isn't necessary. ''We don't have to have a rule for everybody to do the right thing. We ought to just do the right thing because it's the right thing to do and we don't have to have a law that punishes us if we don't,'' Gov. Gary Herbert said.
Rep. Barney Frank, one of the driving forces behind an LGBT-inclusive federal ENDA, says he expects hearings to be held on it this fall.
The Washington Post has an interesting profile of Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage. They portray him as being successful due to his calm nature and sane arguments - which doesn't change the fact that describes same-sex marriage as "irrational."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Morning Sweep
The Syracuse Post-Standard's editorial board praises the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Episcopal Church's recent moves toward more acceptance of LGBT clergy.
In a New York Times City Room blog that has several of NYC's leaders' reflections on their experiences with Ted Kennedy, Christine Quinn speaks of his advocacy for the LGBT community at the Pride Agenda's Fall Dinner in 1996.
Two trans women were stabbed in Washington, D.C. yesterday, just two blocks away from the North Capitol Street offices of Transgender Health Empowerment, a private social services group that provides drop-in services to transgender people. One woman was killed and the other is in stable condition as police search for their attacker.
Anti-gay groups like the National Organization for Marriage are now focusing their energy on Iowa.
In a New York Times City Room blog that has several of NYC's leaders' reflections on their experiences with Ted Kennedy, Christine Quinn speaks of his advocacy for the LGBT community at the Pride Agenda's Fall Dinner in 1996.
Two trans women were stabbed in Washington, D.C. yesterday, just two blocks away from the North Capitol Street offices of Transgender Health Empowerment, a private social services group that provides drop-in services to transgender people. One woman was killed and the other is in stable condition as police search for their attacker.
Anti-gay groups like the National Organization for Marriage are now focusing their energy on Iowa.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Morning Sweep
Gay orgs and bloggers are reacting with much sadness to Senator Ted Kennedy's death. David Mixner reflects here.
The fight over Florida's gay adoption ban is headed to appeals court. The state is appealing a Miami-Dade County judge's November 2008 ruling that the state's ban on adoption by gay parents is unconstitutional.
It doesn't seem likely that the Anchorage Assembly will override of Mayor Dan Sullivan's veto of a city ordinance banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Some South Africans are taking offense to the gender testing of their "golden girl," 18-year-old runner Caster Semenya.
The fight over Florida's gay adoption ban is headed to appeals court. The state is appealing a Miami-Dade County judge's November 2008 ruling that the state's ban on adoption by gay parents is unconstitutional.
It doesn't seem likely that the Anchorage Assembly will override of Mayor Dan Sullivan's veto of a city ordinance banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Some South Africans are taking offense to the gender testing of their "golden girl," 18-year-old runner Caster Semenya.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Morning Sweep
The DOMA lawsuit leading to the controversial Department of Justice brief that put the Obama administration in hot water has been dismissed on a technicality. The lawsuit needs to be refiled in federal court.
An Albany Times-Union columnist writes in favor of repealing DOMA.
California's Senate has approved a resolution calling for the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The resolution now goes to the Assembly for a vote.
California advocates haven't given up on trying to establish a Harvey Milk Day in local schools.
An Albany Times-Union columnist writes in favor of repealing DOMA.
California's Senate has approved a resolution calling for the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The resolution now goes to the Assembly for a vote.
California advocates haven't given up on trying to establish a Harvey Milk Day in local schools.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Morning Sweep
Celibacy will no longer be required for gay clergy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, after a vote of the Church's leaders on Friday did away with a discriminatory rule that forbid gay ministers in committed relationships from being ordained.
Iowa's top civil rights panel--a bipartisan six-member group--unanimously supports the state's same-sex marriage law and the State Supreme Court decision that enacted it. This comes as efforts by some GOP gubernatorial candidates have announced support for putting a constitutional amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples in front of voters.
Wisconsin's attorney general is refusing to defend the state's domestic partnership law, claiming that it goes against the state's constitutional amendment banning marriages or any "substantially similar" legal recognition for same-sex couples.
The Advocate's White House reporter, Kerry Eleveld, has been getting a lot of (deserved) attention lately. Her smart reporting holds the Obama Administration accountable to promises made to the LGBT community on several key issues.
The legislative battle for same-sex marriage in New Jersey will be heating up in the next few months.
Ithaca College's LGBT Center starting next week (8/31) will screen a series of films throughout the fall about being openly LGBT in the developing world.
Iowa's top civil rights panel--a bipartisan six-member group--unanimously supports the state's same-sex marriage law and the State Supreme Court decision that enacted it. This comes as efforts by some GOP gubernatorial candidates have announced support for putting a constitutional amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples in front of voters.
Wisconsin's attorney general is refusing to defend the state's domestic partnership law, claiming that it goes against the state's constitutional amendment banning marriages or any "substantially similar" legal recognition for same-sex couples.
The Advocate's White House reporter, Kerry Eleveld, has been getting a lot of (deserved) attention lately. Her smart reporting holds the Obama Administration accountable to promises made to the LGBT community on several key issues.
The legislative battle for same-sex marriage in New Jersey will be heating up in the next few months.
Ithaca College's LGBT Center starting next week (8/31) will screen a series of films throughout the fall about being openly LGBT in the developing world.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Morning Sweep
Several gay and lesbian residents of Queens' Kew Gardens neighborhood are accusing their co-op board of refusing to make repairs on their apartments and calling them anti-gay slurs. The legal battle of one resident, who filed a discrimination suit in 2006, heads to court next month.
As part of Obama's reframing of his administration's stance on DOMA, the Department of Justice has appointed a LGBT liaison.
As South African runner Caster Semenya's gender continues to be questioned, the validity of "gender testing" is also being called into question.
As part of Obama's reframing of his administration's stance on DOMA, the Department of Justice has appointed a LGBT liaison.
As South African runner Caster Semenya's gender continues to be questioned, the validity of "gender testing" is also being called into question.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Morning Sweep
The NYCLU has filed a federal lawsuit against New York State's Mohawk Central School District, alleging that the district failed to protect a student from continued harassment based on his sexual orientation.
A San Francisco judge has set a Jan. 2010 court date for the federal challenge to Prop. 8.
Hundreds of activists gathered in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, earlier this week to protest Mayor Dan Sullivan's veto of a measure that would have added sexual orientation and gender identity to the city's non-discrimination laws.
The gender testing of record-breaking running star Caster Semenya to verify that she is biologically female sheds light on the issue of gender identity in professional sports.
This column written by a member of the Chicago Tribune's editorial board reflects on how despite their doomsaying about the catastrophic affects marriage for same-sex couples will have on society, anti-marriage forces are unwilling to make any specific predictions on how exactly this end of civilization as we know it will occur.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America continues to move closer to endorsing the ordination of openly gay clergy.
The ad below has begun running in Maine, where a referendum on the state's recently passed marriage equality law is expected to take place.
A San Francisco judge has set a Jan. 2010 court date for the federal challenge to Prop. 8.
Hundreds of activists gathered in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, earlier this week to protest Mayor Dan Sullivan's veto of a measure that would have added sexual orientation and gender identity to the city's non-discrimination laws.
The gender testing of record-breaking running star Caster Semenya to verify that she is biologically female sheds light on the issue of gender identity in professional sports.
This column written by a member of the Chicago Tribune's editorial board reflects on how despite their doomsaying about the catastrophic affects marriage for same-sex couples will have on society, anti-marriage forces are unwilling to make any specific predictions on how exactly this end of civilization as we know it will occur.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America continues to move closer to endorsing the ordination of openly gay clergy.
The ad below has begun running in Maine, where a referendum on the state's recently passed marriage equality law is expected to take place.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Morning Sweep
The New York Times profiles attorney Ted Olson, a noted conservative legal expert, and the path that has led him to partner with David Boies to file a federal challenge of Calif.'s Prop. 8 on behalf of two gay couples. A hearing in the case is scheduled for today in San Francisco.
But is Olson's timing right? The Times' Room for Debate blog has four experts weigh in on a Supreme Court challenge.
TIME questions Obama's handling of DOMA.
NYC's Ali Forney Center for homeless LGBT youths plans to celebrate Bea Arthur's gay advocacy efforts by naming a residence center in her honor.
As a result of a much-publicized, ill-timed and poorly executed raid on a Forth Worth, TX bar, local police are completely revising their rules on inspections of night clubs.
But is Olson's timing right? The Times' Room for Debate blog has four experts weigh in on a Supreme Court challenge.
TIME questions Obama's handling of DOMA.
NYC's Ali Forney Center for homeless LGBT youths plans to celebrate Bea Arthur's gay advocacy efforts by naming a residence center in her honor.
As a result of a much-publicized, ill-timed and poorly executed raid on a Forth Worth, TX bar, local police are completely revising their rules on inspections of night clubs.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Morning Sweep
Dwight DeLee, the killer of transgender Syracuse woman Lateisha Green, has been sentenced to the maximum 25 years in prison for the murder as a hate crime.
The White House has released a statement that despite the Department of Justice's obligatory position in defense of DOMA, President Obama is opposed to the law and will work to repeal it.
Dan Sullivan, the Republican mayor of Anchorage, vetoed a ban against discrimination based on sexual orientation yesterday, saying it was unclear to him that such discrimination exists.
Delegates at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's meeting in Minneapolis rejected a measure yesterday that would have made it harder to approve allowing people in same-sex relationships to serve as clergy. The final vote on this issue is expected on Friday.
The White House has released a statement that despite the Department of Justice's obligatory position in defense of DOMA, President Obama is opposed to the law and will work to repeal it.
Dan Sullivan, the Republican mayor of Anchorage, vetoed a ban against discrimination based on sexual orientation yesterday, saying it was unclear to him that such discrimination exists.
Delegates at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's meeting in Minneapolis rejected a measure yesterday that would have made it harder to approve allowing people in same-sex relationships to serve as clergy. The final vote on this issue is expected on Friday.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Morning Sweep
Sentencing for Dwight DeLee, the killer of transgender Syracuse woman Lateisha Green, will occur tomorrow. DeLee could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. This month's Essence magazine has Lateisha's mother's touching reflections on this tragedy, and her courage to share her grief with the world ensures that millions of readers will learn about the violence that transgender people continue to face.
The Justice Department has modified its formerly abrasive stance on DOMA to be more in line with Obama's formal statements - but still technically in support of the measure.
David Mixner is not impressed with President Clinton's response to a suprise question about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
The L.A. Times editorial board backs Equality California's goal to return marriage for same-sex couples to the ballot in 2012.
Human Rights Watch is urging the Iraqi government to address the continued killing and torturing of gay men as part of a "social cleansing campaign."
The horrifying assault last month of a transgender woman who had traveled to Trinidad, Colorado to transition at the town's famed clinic has shocked residents in a town known for its acceptance of the transgender community.
The Justice Department has modified its formerly abrasive stance on DOMA to be more in line with Obama's formal statements - but still technically in support of the measure.
David Mixner is not impressed with President Clinton's response to a suprise question about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
The L.A. Times editorial board backs Equality California's goal to return marriage for same-sex couples to the ballot in 2012.
Human Rights Watch is urging the Iraqi government to address the continued killing and torturing of gay men as part of a "social cleansing campaign."
The horrifying assault last month of a transgender woman who had traveled to Trinidad, Colorado to transition at the town's famed clinic has shocked residents in a town known for its acceptance of the transgender community.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Morning Sweep
This horrible story about discrimination against a trans employee in Philadelphia is just further proof of why anti-discrimination laws are necessary.
When confronted with a question about "Don't Act, Don't Tell" at a conference he was speaking at, former President Bill Clinton gave a response about changing times and his regret over signing the policy into law.
When confronted with a question about "Don't Act, Don't Tell" at a conference he was speaking at, former President Bill Clinton gave a response about changing times and his regret over signing the policy into law.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Morning Sweep
After months of debate, Equality California has recommended waiting until 2012 to return to the ballot and challenge Prop. 8. The Courage Campaign, however, plans to move forward on a 2010 ballot initiative.
Pride Agenda Board Co-Chair Frank Selvaggi has been named to the Board of Directors of New York based Signature Bank. Frank is a co-founder of accounting firm Altman, Greenfield & Selvaggi LLP. When the hours get long here at the Pride Agenda, which happens a lot, Frank is always a big support. Congratulations Frank and thanks for being a leader in the LGBT community.
A new requirement for airline passangers to state their gender and birthdate at check-in could create challenges for those whose gender expression may not traditionally line up with their ID documents.
The NYC Anti-Violence Project will soon honor the bloggers behind some of the best (and our favorite) LGBT blogs, including Pam's House Blend, Towleroad, and Joe.My.God. Congrats!
Pride Agenda Board Co-Chair Frank Selvaggi has been named to the Board of Directors of New York based Signature Bank. Frank is a co-founder of accounting firm Altman, Greenfield & Selvaggi LLP. When the hours get long here at the Pride Agenda, which happens a lot, Frank is always a big support. Congratulations Frank and thanks for being a leader in the LGBT community.
A new requirement for airline passangers to state their gender and birthdate at check-in could create challenges for those whose gender expression may not traditionally line up with their ID documents.
The NYC Anti-Violence Project will soon honor the bloggers behind some of the best (and our favorite) LGBT blogs, including Pam's House Blend, Towleroad, and Joe.My.God. Congrats!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Morning Sweep
Focus on the Family has fallen on hard times, and will no longer be running its Love Won Out "pray away the gay" conferences. Haven't they tried praying away the bad economy?
Obama will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom today to 16 honorees, including Billie Jean King and a posthumous award to Harvey Milk.
Two Oklahoma lesbian couples have filed a new complaint to challenge federal and state laws banning same-sex marriage.
Obama will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom today to 16 honorees, including Billie Jean King and a posthumous award to Harvey Milk.
Two Oklahoma lesbian couples have filed a new complaint to challenge federal and state laws banning same-sex marriage.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Morning Sweep
A Huffington Post columnist challenges Obama's refusal to use his executive powers to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
Delegates at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's biennial meeting in Minneapolis this month will debate church policy on the ordination of openly gay clergy in committed relationships.
International health experts are calling for the repeal of sodomy laws worldwide that contribute to the social bias that often prevents people from seeking or receiving medical treatment for HIV/AIDS.
Delegates at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's biennial meeting in Minneapolis this month will debate church policy on the ordination of openly gay clergy in committed relationships.
International health experts are calling for the repeal of sodomy laws worldwide that contribute to the social bias that often prevents people from seeking or receiving medical treatment for HIV/AIDS.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Morning Sweep
Gay City News calls for public support against the disturbing anonymous letters attacking openly gay Daniel Dromm, a candidate in the 25th District City Council race in Jackson Heights.
In the fight against Prop. 8, CA activists intend to announce their recommendations this week for whether to challenge the same-sex marriage ban in 2010 or 2012.
Researchers at the American Psychological Association annual meeting report that studying the LGBT youth population is becoming more difficult as societal norms and expectations of gay teens shift.
Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv over the weekend to express solidarity with the LGBT community a week after a gunman killed two people at a gay youth center.
In the fight against Prop. 8, CA activists intend to announce their recommendations this week for whether to challenge the same-sex marriage ban in 2010 or 2012.
Researchers at the American Psychological Association annual meeting report that studying the LGBT youth population is becoming more difficult as societal norms and expectations of gay teens shift.
Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv over the weekend to express solidarity with the LGBT community a week after a gunman killed two people at a gay youth center.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Morning Sweep
A conservative Daily News columnist writes that LGBT Americans need to "get your priorities straight" and quiet down about LGBT issues until "bigger" problems, like the economy and health care, are taken care of. Author S.E. Cupp goes so far as to say that LGBT issues "should be at the bottom of the pile."
A report released yesterday accuses the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission of violating multiple policies in their participation in the controversial June police raid on a Fort Worth, TX gay bar. No decision has been made yet on penalties for the agents involved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the site of the deadly shooting at a Tel Aviv gay youth center is being lauded by some as historic but drawing criticism from others because of his decision to block media from covering the event.
As a queer woman married to a trans woman, this writer has a fascinating perspective on gender identity and sexism.
A report released yesterday accuses the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission of violating multiple policies in their participation in the controversial June police raid on a Fort Worth, TX gay bar. No decision has been made yet on penalties for the agents involved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the site of the deadly shooting at a Tel Aviv gay youth center is being lauded by some as historic but drawing criticism from others because of his decision to block media from covering the event.
As a queer woman married to a trans woman, this writer has a fascinating perspective on gender identity and sexism.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Morning Sweep
The inclusive ENDA bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate.
The American Psychological Association is officially urging therapists to end so-called "ex-gay" therapy, which tries to change clients' sexual orientation through therapy or treatment.
365gay.com takes an interesting look at the lives of some LGBT youths in New York.
Washington's new domestic partnership law may be challenged by a referendum, but first the state is counting to see if enough signatures were collected. The names examined on the petition so far have been shown to contain a very high number of errors.
The American Psychological Association is officially urging therapists to end so-called "ex-gay" therapy, which tries to change clients' sexual orientation through therapy or treatment.
365gay.com takes an interesting look at the lives of some LGBT youths in New York.
Washington's new domestic partnership law may be challenged by a referendum, but first the state is counting to see if enough signatures were collected. The names examined on the petition so far have been shown to contain a very high number of errors.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Morning Sweep
A vigil will be held in NYC tonight in remembrance of those killed over the weekend at the LGBT Center in in Tel Aviv. The vigil will take place at Congregation Beth Simchat Torah at 57 Bethune Street.
The three-decades-old NYC Gay Men's Chorus is in financial trouble and may have to shut down if more funds can't be raised.
The Advocate has a comprehensive criticism of Obama's lack of action on LGBT issues.
The three-decades-old NYC Gay Men's Chorus is in financial trouble and may have to shut down if more funds can't be raised.
The Advocate has a comprehensive criticism of Obama's lack of action on LGBT issues.
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