Last Word

''People who he was friends with, I knew that they knew. He didn't care that they knew. He trusted them.''

Kaether Cordero commenting on the death of his partner, August Provost, a soldier at Camp Pendleton. It is suspected that Provost may have been murdered during an argument over his sexual orientaion. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

''They were assuming their pictures were being taken and a verbal argument started.... The [victim's] partner said they were taking pictures of their dog. It was frolicking in the yard.''

Det. Sgt. Reecks of the Suffolk County police in New York who reports that 3 people were arrested for beating a woman while shouting anti-gay epithets at her including, "Fucking tear that fucking queer's face off!" The victim was reportedly treated for minor injuries which police have said do not rise to the level of a hate crime. (27 East)

''They were calling me faggot and started to beat me. They beat me very hard, and unconscious.''

Joseph Holladay who was found by his partner in a pool of blood after he was robbed and attacked on Manhattan's Upper East Side by a group of youths. Holladay now suffers from a large gash on his forehead where he was hit with a gun. (WCBS 2)

"He had me in a head lock and I was kind of flailing. I'm a pacifist through and through, but this dude just attacked me.''

Kendra Konrady, an HRC volunteer who was assaulted at the Omaha Pride Parade by a 66-year-old man, William Crilly, who was quoting bible scripture as he hauled around a rainbow-colored wagon at the event. A sign atop the wagon read in part, ''For the wages of sin is death.'' (The Pitch, Kansas City)

''The inclusiveness that Indian society traditionally displayed, literally in every aspect of life, is manifest in recognizing a role in society for everyone.... Those perceived by the majority as 'deviants' or 'different' are not on that score excluded or ostracized.''

Portion of a ruling from the Dehli High Court which has effectively ruled that homosexuality should be decriminalized in India because parts of Section 377 was unconstitutional as it pertained to equality, discrimination, and protection of life and personal liberty. (New York Times)

''We've finally entered the 21st century.''

Anjali Gopalan of the Naz Foundation, the GLBT group that petitioned the Court 8 years ago to overturn Section 377. (Associated Press)

''HX Magazine and the web site hx.com have been sold.... HX Magazine issue 931 dated July 10th, which will be released on July 3rd, will be the last one produced by HX Media and its staff.''

A press release sent from HX magazine founder, Matthew Bank, to the New York Press. (NY Press)

''Everyone was let go, but the people on The Blade know that they may come back if The Blade is coming back.... The economy and the future of print media being more difficult was definitely weighing on us.''

Matthew Bank, founder of HX magazine, explaining what has happened to The New York Blade. Just prior to suspending operations at the dwindling gay newspaper, its sister publication, HX magazine, was sold to an unnamed buyer.

The NY Times reports that the NY Blade's Pride edition was down to 28 pages, and an auditing firm appears to show that their most recent distribution data had dwindled to 16,000 copies. (The New York Blade remains on the list of "Publications" at Window-Media's website with a claim of 52 pages and 100,000 readers.) Two other gay publications related to the Window-Media/HX/Avalon partnership also ceased publication within the last several months: The New England Blade and Genre Magazine. (NY Times)

The New York Blade was originally founded in the 1990s as a joint venture by the Washington Blade's long-time publisher, Don Michaels and a NYC-based publishing and distribution company. The DC & NY Blades were then sold to Window-Media when Michaels retired in 2002. But not long after, Window merged interests with Avalon Equity, an investment fund. It appears that the New York Blade ended up being split between the interests of HX, Avalon and Window-Media. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the federal Small Business Administration had an involvement with the millions of dollars handled by Avalon, and the fund was forced into receivership in late 2008. Bank reportedly said that the Avalon receivership had little to do with his decision to sell HX.

''Now, on top of the news that New York's HX magazine, partially owned by Avalon, has been sold, we're also told by an insider that Unger just announced his "resignation" to his staff.''

From the gay blog Queerty regarding the head of Avalon Equity, David Unger, and the investment fund that he ran to buy a major interest into the gay newspaper chain, Window Media, that publishes the Washington Blade and a number of other regional gay publications. It was reported that the Small Business Administration put Avalon into receivership late last year because it did not have enough capital on hand to comply with the terms of a multi-million dollar loan it was given. (Queerty)

''Kristy said the most recent CAT scans have shown that the blood clot on Chad's brain has stopped growing, which is good news, but he is not out of the woods yet. She said doctors told the family that as long as the clot remains -- whether it is growing or not -- there is the chance that all or some of it could break loose and cause severe damage or death, or that the bleeding could start up again.''

Blog posting on The Dallas Voice, a Texas GLBT new website, regarding the condition of a gay man, Chad Gibson, who is said to have been violently arrested by police as part of a raid on The Rainbow Lounge, a new gay bar in Fort Worth. Police have stated officially that the bar was scheduled for inspection on that date, and it is just coincidence that as many as 9 arrests took place on the 40th anniversary of the raid of the Stonewall Inn. Police claim that Gibson injured himself because he was so intoxicated that he fell down and hit his head outside and vomited. The officers have also made claims that they were ''touched and advanced'' upon inappropriately by the gay patrons. Many eyewitnesses say the police came in with plastic wrist ties in hand, harassed and arrested non-intoxicated individuals, and in the case of Gibson, threw him to the floor and hit his head in the process. Two Council members have called for an investigation. Apparenlty the law states that you can drink at a bar but not be ''publicly intoxicated.'' (Dallas Voice) (WFAA)

''One of the things we're looking at is, is there flexibility in how we apply this law?... That's the kind of thing we're looking at to see if there's at least a more humane way to apply the law until the law gets changed.''

Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense, who discussing the silly assertion that the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy might have some wiggle room in cases where a servicemember was outed for vindictive reasons rather than voluntarily coming out as gay. (Associated Press)

"The military has no choice but to follow it. We don't pick and choose what regulations to enforce."

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Fanning, spokesman for the New York Army National Guard, on the recommendation of a military administrative board to discharge Lieutenant Dan Choi who came out publicly as gay on the Rachel Maddow show earlier this year. (Associated Press)

''All I did was tell the truth. I refused to lie about my boyfriend. His name is Matthew, not Martha.''

Lieutenant Dan Choi of the Army National Guard and an organization of gay West Point graduates called Knights Out. He faces a discharge for coming out publicly as a proud, gay soldier taking a stand against the Armed Forces' anti-gay military policy known as ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'' (Times Herald-Record)

''Google is a company that supports its LGBT employees, taking a public stand stand on issues that are important to our community. This is not the first year that Google has supported Pride, and it will certainly not be the last.''

From a posting by Cynthia Yeung on the official Google Blog which features a series of photos of LGBT employees marching with Google/YouTube banners in several major US cities including San Francisco, New York and Chicago as well as some European cities. (Google Blog)

"At bottom, the harm about which petitioners complain is not based on a denial of the right to referendum. Rather, they simply disagree with legislation enacted by our duly-elected council.... A citizens disagreement with constitutionally sound legislation, whether based on political, religious or moral views, does not rise to the level of an actionable harm.''

Part of an ruling by Judge Judith Retchin of the DC Superior Court that finds Harry Jackson's complaint against the DC Board of Elections and Ethics is invalid. Jackson, a socially conservative preacher at a church in Beltsville, MD, has tried for months to rally black residents of the District against gay marriage. He lost his fight against the City Council which, with the lone exception of Marion Barry, twice voted in favor of recognizing same-sex marriages performed in states where it is legal. Jackson held a number of rallys decrying the actions of the Washington, DC lawmakers, and quickly registered as a voter in the District so he could register for a voter-driven referendum against allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry. Before he could even begin using his so-called "army" of signature gatherers, the DCBOEE determined that his ballot initiative would be contrary to the Human Rights Act of DC. Judge Retchin has rejected his appeal and agreed with the DCBOEE. The Council's same-sex marriage recognition bill currently sits in the hands of legislators on Capital Hill since the District still must comply with Constitutional law that gives Federal lawmakers final say over the District's decisions. (Washington Times)

''In 2009, if this can happen in San Francisco, it can happen anywhere. We have to be vigilant. There's a lot of work to do.''

Patrick Carney, a co-founder of monument to gay Holocaust victims. The "acre-sized" pink triangle was burned and torn. (UPI)

''Welcome to your White House! ... This struggle, I don't need to tell you, is incredibly difficult, all though, I think it's important to consider the extraordinary progress that we have made.... Though we have made progress, there are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors or even family members and loved ones, who still hold fast to worn arguments and old attitudes, who fail to see your families like their families.... We know that progress depends, not only on changing laws, but also changing hearts. And that real transformative change never begins in Washington....

''I know that many in this room don't believe that progress has come fast enough. And I understand that. It's not for me to tell you to be patient.... We have made progress and we will make more. And I want you to know that I expect, and hope, to be judged not by words, not by promises I've made, but by the promises my administration keeps. We've been in office six months now, and I suspect that by the time this administration is over, I think that you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration....''

''I've called on Congress to end the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, to help end discrimination against same-sex couples in this country. Now, I want to add, that we have a duty to uphold existing law. But I believe we must do so in a way that does not exacerbate old divides. And fulfilling this duty, in upholding the law, in no way lessens my commitment to reversing this law.''

President Barack Obama speaking at a White House reception for about 200 LGBT leaders & their supporters. His wife Michelle was at his side during the 18-minute speech in which he briefly addressed a number of issues of importance to the gay community including Defense of Marriage Act; Don't Ask, Don't Tell; a hate crimes bill named for Matthew Shepard; benefits for partners of Federal workers; a special thank you to Frank Kameny, and a commemoration of the protests at the Stonewall Inn which occurred 40 years ago this week. President Obama did not address same-sex marriage and did not take any questions at the podium. (C-SPAN)

''It appears, however, that some members of the Labor Department team have a different view, as it has come to my attention that most of the posters have been continually defaced or removed.... On several occasions, even the poster frames have been torn completely off the elevator walls.''

Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor, responding with a written warning to employees at the Department of Labor who have reportedly defaced and removed posters from elevators in support of Gay Pride Month. (NY Times)

''It's a migration that happened without fanfare. They didn't come here to prove a point. They are just looking for a safe place to live and be comfortable and raise their families, and we provide that.''

Justin D. Ross, Maryland Delegate for Prince George's county, speaking with the Washington Post for an article about the changing face of Hyattsville and Mount Ranier, areas of northeast of DC which have a higher than average per capita ratio of gay families. (Washington Post)

''I wanted to win best couple, but I didn't know how people react. I thought they would discriminate. But [my girlfriend] Deoine and [yearbook editor] Maribel went around to every class telling them to vote for us. When the papers came out for people to vote, it said 'best couple: pick a boy and a girl.' Deoine asked if I voted and I said 'no,' but then I was thinking about President Obama and I told myself "one vote could make a difference," so I scratched out boy and I put girl.''

Victoria Cruz, a rookie reporter for WNYC, telling how she and her girlfriend Deoine won ''Best Couple'' in the school's yearbook, and also how she is dealing with her grandmother's negative perception of gay people in her family. (WNYC)

''My group and I were sitting on the back patio at a picnic table. Nobody was being wild out there. [The police] came through with flashlights, being loud asking what was going on out here, then asked why everyone was all the sudden being quiet. When one group started up their conversations again, they took one guy away.'' -- Todd Camp

''They asked the guy if he had been drinking, and he said some, and they snidely replied, 'Well, we'll see how much!' and plastic handcuffed him as they read him his rights... After this, we saw the policemen go into the men's restroom, pull out at least two guys from handcuffs from there, and pull one onto the ground before forcefully removing him.'' -- Kayla Lane

A couple of quotes posted at the Dallas Voice website about an alleged raid by State Police on a gay bar called The Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth, TX on June 28, which coincidentally (or not) was the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Some photos have been posted as well. (Dallas Voice)

''Now there's a gay demon on the loose! This poltergayst was perfectly harmless inside that gay teen. But now it's on the prowl looking for a new host.''

Comedian Stephen Colbert covers the recently published video from a small church in Bridgeport, CT which showed a group of adults trying to exorcise a homosexual spirit out of a teenage boy in the name of Jesus. (Colbert Nation)

''I have made many [mistakes] in my life, but this past week I have made more than I can count on one hand.... The "F" word will never be uttered from my lips again.... I am NOT apologizing to GLAAD. I could care less about them, my former employers. I am apologizing to the gay community, to anyone who was hurt by my choice of words, and to all the people who have ever emailed me to thank me for all that I have done to fight for gay rights over the last few years.''

Controversial celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, who is gay, apologizing for using the the word "faggot" as an intentional insult toward hip-hop artist Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas. He was recorded on video at the time of an altercation he had with the musician and his manager. In typical Hilton style, he went online to scream obscenities at the Will.I.Am and singer Fergie for him ending up with a black eye (no pun intended). Hilton is infamous for publicly going after former Californai beauty queen Carrie Prejean for stating during the Miss USA pageant that she is against gays being extended legal marriage status. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation had sought an apology from Hilton for promoting the notion that it's okay to use the word ''faggot'' and call someone ''gay'' as an insult during an argument. (PerezHilton.com)

''I've been unfaithful to my wife. I developed a relationship with a -- what started as a dear, dear friend from Argentina. Um, it began innocently, as I suspect many of these things do.

South Carolina's Republican Governor Mark Sanford, yet another "family values" social conservative who has had to come out publicly as having an affair outside of his marriage. Sanford mysteriously dropped out of sight for a week, and the official falsehood from his spokespeople was that he was hiking the Appalachian trail. But, unsurprising to most, it turns out that he was actually visiting a mistress in Argentina. He has stated that, as a matter of legal policy, gays and lesbians should not be allowed to marry; and while he was a Member of the House of Representatives, he voted against the right of same-sex couples and unmarried people in Washington, DC to have the ability to adopt children. (AP via YouTube)

''Loose your hold, in the name of Jesus, you homosexual sprit-tah! We call you out right now. You have no power! ... Come on homosexual demon! We want a clean spirit! Get out of the way!''

Portion of the outrageous behavior seen in a video from church leaders at the Manifested Glory Ministries. The people at the small ''storefront church'' in Bridgeport, Connecticut appears to have an African-American membership, and a number male and female adults can be seen surrounding what looks like a teenage boy performing a ridiculous "exorcism'' on him. They place their hands and feet on him as he writhes around on the floor and is even thought to have vomited at one point. (Fox 4)

''Parade spectators MUST stay behind barricades. Only registered parade entries, Parade Marshals, police, and other city officials will be allowed in the street.''

Organizers of Chicago Pride Parade which is instituting new restrictions that put a damper on many of the favorite interactive features of the event including an end to tossing items such as beads, condoms and candy, use of water cannons, and the ability of any observers to enter the street to hop on or off of floats. City safety regulations are being cited as the reason, and it is reported that last year one person fell off a float and broke their leg. (CBS2)

''We're in no way going to promote invading anyone's privacy, especially in this scene.'' -- Mark Rutstein

"[N]ow everyone who walks through the door has a camera in their pocket.'' -- Ed Bailey

Mark Rutstein of Cobalt and Ed Bailey of Town Danceboutique responding to the possibility that cast members of ''The Real World DC'' might stop by the popular 17th Street gay bar. The concern is that television cameras would end up filming gay patrons who did not want to be filmed because they might be closeted or other reasons. The reality show's home base is well know to be located in Dupont Circle at 20th and S Streets NW; and the newest series is slated to air in 2010. (Washington Post)

''While I've long been for extending every benefit of marriage to same-sex couples, I have in the past drawn a distinction between a marriage-like status ("civil unions") and full marriage rights. The reason was simple: I was raised to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman.... But the fact that I was raised a certain way just isn't a good enough reason to stand in the way of fairness anymore.... But I am also proud to now count myself among the many elected officials, advocates, and ordinary citizens who support full marriage equality for same-sex couples.''

Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut in a public opinion piece reprinted on his official government website explaining his change of heart toward support for gay marriage. (Dodd.Senate.gov)

''No, no, no. You're not a fucking artist. You're a fucking faggot.''

Perez Hilton, one of the world's top celebrity gossip bloggers, during a heated argument with hip-hop musician Will.I.Am. It's not clear how the argument started or even what it was about, but it's reported that Hilton claims to have been hit in the face by Will.I.Am's manager more than once. (TMZ)

''The other night in Toronto, after feeling physically threatened by a verbally abusive Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, I chose the most hurtful word I know to hurl at him.... I can't take it back. I did what I thought was best at the moment to stand up for myself in a non-violent yet still assertive way. Clearly, I am not homophobic. Also, I am not nor have I ever claimed to be a spokesperson for the gay community. I am just speaking for myself, a gay man.''

Perez Hilton responding to criticism of his use of the word ''faggot'' during his earlier argument with Will.I.Am. He says he is the victim of violence and should not be ridiculed for what happened to him. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has asked Hilton to apologize. Recently, of course, Hilton went on a flurry of talk shows and on his own blog to defame California beauty queen Carrie Prejean for taking a public stand against gay marriage. So, some now find it ironic that he is saying he is not a spokesperson for the gay community. In a hot-headed video blog about the altercation, Hilton dug his un-PC hole deeper by repeating the most deplorable f-word again as he recounted what was said at the time. (PerezHilton.com)

''It legitimizes use of a slur that is often linked to violence against our community. And it sends a message that it is OK to attempt to dehumanize people by exploiting anti-gay attitudes.''

Rashad Robinson, Senior Director of Media Programs at GLAAD, in a statement released about Perez Hilton's latest controversy. (GLAAD)

''Sadly, the effort to redefine marriage against the wishes of a majority of the people is, with help from activist judges, succeeding.... In order to defend the institution of marriage, uphold the rights of individual states, and maintain the will of the people, I believe we are compelled to amend our country's constitution.''

''The effort to pass a constitutional amendment reaffirming marriage as being between a man and a woman only is being undertaken strictly as a defense of marriage against the attempt to redefine it and, in the process, weaken it.... Marriage is an extremely important institution in this country and protecting it is, in my mind, worth the extraordinary step of amending our constitution.''

John Ensign, Republican US Senator from Nevada and yet one more married, social conservative whose career has imploded with a sex scandal. The quote above remains on his official government website, and dates back to February 25, 2004. Up until the Senator admitted to "violating the vows" of his marriage, he was considered a possible Republican Presidential candidate. (ensign.senate.gov)

From the Los Angeles Times:

Overall, the poll showed a majority of voters in Los Angeles support the right of same-sex couples to legally marry, with 56% in favor and 37% opposed.... White voters were most emphatic in supporting same-sex marriage, with 68% approving of it and 27% opposing. African American voters were almost the opposite, with 54% opposing same-sex unions and 37% supporting them. Opposition to gay marriage by African Americans was widely seen as a major factor contributing to the passage of Proposition 8. In the current poll, Latinos were split, with 45% supporting same-sex marriage and 46% opposing.

From Google's Twitter feed:

google - A rainbow with your search results for our LGBT friends & family. Happy Pride Month. http://bit.ly/f32sB (works on desktops only).

From the Wall Street Journal:

The White House said Thursday it was seeking ways to include same-sex marriages, unions and partnerships in 2010 Census data, the second time in a week the administration has signaled a policy change of interest to the gay community. The administration has directed the Census Bureau to determine changes needed in tabulation software to allow for same-sex marriage data to be released early in 2011 with other detailed demographic information from the decennial count.