''[I was] frustrated by the way Latinas were depicted on 'The L-Word,' They didn’t speak Spanish right and didn’t even cast Latinas.''

Author Elisha Miranda, on her motivations to create the new theater show, ''Pandora's.'' (NY Daily News)

''Every once in a while an issue comes to a community and, despite a cost, it comes to the conclusion that it has to stand up for its principles.... It has to do with speaking truth to power, and it's one of those roles that those of us lucky enough to be trained as lawyers hopefully take from time to time.''

Jeff Shields, president and dean of the small, independent Vermont Law School which bans military recruiters from campus because of the ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy. (TimesArgus.com)

It was a pretty simple application of our nondiscrimination policy.... It really arises out of our desire to make sure that all of our students have equal access to all opportunities, including the opportunity to serve in the military.''

Eric S. Janus, president and dean of William Mitchell, another law school which has banned military recruiters due to their anti-gay, discriminatory practices. (TimesArgus.com)

''We'll say things like, 'You're special. God made you special.' Because there aren't very many little girls out there that have a penis.... All of the male to female younger transgender children are obsessed with mermaids. It's because of the ambiguous genitalia. There's nothing below the waist but a tail. And how appealing is that for somebody who doesn't like what's down there?''

Renee Jennings, the mother of a 6-year-old transgendered child named Jazz. (ABC News, 20/20)

''We are very upset and saddened by their conclusion,” the Durkins said. “We have borne an extraordinary amount of pain over the past nine months, compounded by a protracted and at times ambiguous investigation. We now need time and privacy to grieve, and let our Ciara finally rest in peace.''

Portion of a statement from the family of Ciara Durkin, a lesbian who was killed by gunshot while stationed in Afghanistan. An Army investigation into her death has ruled that it was a suicide by a shot through the mouth. However, suspicion remains about her death because of a number of "cryptic" e-mails that indicated some odd and threatening occurances had her worried. (Times Online)

She did say to us that she had concerns about things she was seeing when she was over there.... She told us if anything happened to her, that we were to investigate it.... Ciara was a lesbian, and that's bound to come out. It is possible that someone over there found that out, and, you know, maybe they were very homophobic.

Fiona Caravan, a sister of Ciara Durkin, a lesbian whose death in Afghanistan was intially reported to have occurred in combat, however, the Army then said it was a non-combat death, and finally ruled her death as a suicide by a shot through the mouth. Many questions have the family asking if her death is another Army cover up similar to case of Pat Tillman. (Editor and Publisher)

''I feel proud of my church today.... I think a generational shift is what we are witnessing. There is a whole generation coming of age for whom acceptance is a given. The church is beginning to experience that sea change.''

Lisa Larges, national coordinator for That All May Freely Serve, an organization that advocates for gay equality in the Presbyterian Church, in reaction to the Christian institution's General Assembly vote (54-46%) to allow gays become ordained ministers. (LA Times) The church also moved to strike the only anti-gay language of it's constitution, the Book of Confessions, based on a faulty 1964 interpretation that added "homosexual perversion" to an English translation of the German Heidelberg Catechism of 1563. (courier-journal.com)

''Bulgaria is in the EU now. People have to accept us like normal human beings. We are not criminals.... Hostility comes from misunderstanding.''

51-year-old German engineer Peter Moews who lives in Sofia, Bulgaria, a Eastern European country that lies on the Mediterranean between Romania, Greece and Turkey. (AFP) Only 100-150 GBLT and supportive marchers took place and it is reported that rocks, eggs and even a petrol bomb were hurled at the group by right-wing extremists. (Reuters)

''I thought by asking my family to do this, I was simply asking them to send a strong message to Salt Lake City that they disagree with the idea that any church has the right to entrench clearly religious dogma into the constitution of a state or country.... I was just asking them to defend my civil rights.... I wanted to remain a cultural Mormon.... I thought there was a way, an opening up, but then all of a sudden, the church decides this ... and I'm not going to wait around."

''My sexual orientation certainly didn’t make a difference when I treated injuries and saved lives in the streets of Baghdad. It shouldn’t be a factor in allowing me to continue to serve.''

Army Sgt. Darren Manzella as quoted in an SLDN press release. Manzella spoke to the TV program ''60 Minutes'' in December 2007 about being gay and serving a 2nd tour of Iraq eventhough his command knew he was gay. Manzella also spoke with Metro Weekly in March of 2008. (SLDN)

''The discharge of battle-tested, talented service members like Sergeant Manzella weakens our military in a time of war. National security requires that Congress lift the ban on gays in the military and allow commanders to judge troops on their qualifications, not their sexuality.''

Adam Ebbin, the newly appointed Communications Director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, regarding the discharge of Sgt Darren Manzella. (SLDN)

''These men represent a new generation that has not been personally affected by AIDS in the same way that their older peers were.''

Richard Wolitski, acting director of HIV-AIDS prevention at CDC, adding to the details of a study that found that men who have sex with men were the only risk group in which infections rose annually from 2001 through 2006. For 13- to 24-year-old males, there appears to have been a 12% annual increase -- 8% for Hispanic men, 9% for white men and 15% for black men. (Washington Post)

''When you see a 15 percent yearly increase, that is an epidemic that is out of control.. And yet we don't see a response that recognizes it is an epidemic out of control.''

Phill Wilson, head of the Black AIDS Institute in Los Angeles. (Washington Post)

''I was referred to Mike Jones from the concierge at a Marriott hotel when I asked for a masseur. It was during the massage that it started to become sensual, and that led to him masturbating me. That was and is our only sexual contact, but it was immoral and it was this experience that caused me to confess immorality in my letter of resignation from New Life Church. During the conversation with Mike during and after the time he masturbated me, he told me about some drugs that he could get for me that would enhance my masturbation experience. I returned on five occasions and bought those drugs. I actually used them three times, throwing them away in shame before use two times. It is for these offenses that I confessed being immoral and deceitful.''

Major portion of an e-mail that is allegedly from the former New Life televangelist Ted Haggard, in which he appears to admit to having sexual activity with a gay male escort named Mike Jones, and also confirming Jones' other accusation that Haggard had used the drug crytal meth. The October 3, 2007 e-mail comes via a Haggard family friend, Kurt Serpe, who says he wanted the truth to be out about the matter. Jones, as you'll recall, came forward with his allegations of meeting with Haggard for the purposes of gay prostitution back in 2006, after he saw Haggard espousing hypocritical views about homesexuality. (KRDO)

"I thought it was important to know, so I could have clarity.... He craved sex, he was a sexaholic," says Serpe. He believes it had nothing to do with homosexuality, but more about masturbation and gratification. "This is something that he has been struggling with all of his life.''

Comments by Kurt Serpe, who is said to be a close family friend of Ted Haggard's for 20 years, regarding his impressions of the disgraced pastor's behavior. Serpe said he thinks that Haggard's experience was about masturbation but not gratification. (KRDO)

''By going ahead with the parade, we would have been as irresponsible as the religious extremists.... Jerusalem would have been set on fire.''

Jerusalem Gay Pride organizer Elena Canetti, explaining why a rally was held instead of a parade. It is said that far more police would have been required to protect a parade from ultra-Orthodox protesters and other anti-gay extremists in the "Holy City," which would have left other parts of the city open to threats being made by Palestinian bombers. (CBS News)

''Barack believes that we must fight for the world as it should be, a world where together we work to reverse discriminatory laws.... We are all only here because of those who marched and bled and died, from Selma to Stonewall, in the pursuit of a more perfect union.... The world as it is should be one that rejects discrimination of all kinds

Presidential candidate Barack Obama's wife, Michelle Obama, speaking at a Manhattan fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee's Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council. Although, Senator Obama (D-IL) does not support "marriage" for same-sex couples it is reported that he promises to work for benefits for civil unions on a federal level. (Forbes)

''This is an excellent decision for all Americans—gay and straight. We’re grateful the U.S. Supreme Court re-affirmed the constitutional right for all Americans to own a gun.... Unfortunately, too many LGBT Americans still face the threat of anti-gay violence. We're happy the Supreme Court has affirmed the right for us to protect ourselves and our families from harm. Self defense is not a privilege, it's a right. Gun ownership is a cherished and historic American right enshrined in our Constitution. Today, the right to bear arms lives on for all qualified, law-abiding citizens.''

Log Cabin Republicans President Patrick Sammon, in a statement relating the Supreme Court ruling that struck down the District of Columbia's to anti-gay violence. (LogCabin.org)

''Let me see if I can get your question right. You want to know why the Republicans are willing to say, 'Screw you,' to 30 percent or more of their voters and yet Democrats will bend over, grab the ankles, and say, 'Have your way with me,' for 10 percent and 2 percent of the population?.... A lot of money is coming from these kooks, and I'm not talking about just the blacks.... There is an answer to your -- basic question is, 'Why don't the Democrats say, ''To hell with you, you wacko nuts in the base,'' like Republicans do?'.... [T]he politically active gay community on the left is worth a lot of money. These people send the Democrats more money than you can possibly imagine. A lot of it from Hollywood, and the arts and entertainment.''

Talk show host Rush Limbaugh on his radio broadcast on June 23, responding to a caller who appared to be asking how the Christian/conservative portion of the population (at 30%) was politically expendable compared to black people (at 12%) and homosexuals (at a claimed 10%). (Media Matters)

''Despite a so-called opening in the area of gay rights ... homosexuals are still being arrested and fined in Villa Clara and ... beaten in Granma, Pinar del Rio and Santiago.... We know change is coming, but it's coming too slowly.''

Cuban activist Mario Jose Delgado, who said the unofficial gay pride event had been cancelled, and two organizers had been arrested. The event was not sanctioned by the government and was not associated with the organizations of President Castro's daughter, Mariela Castro, who has been a beacon of GLBT rights in recent months. (Sun-Sentinal.com)

''Destinations will need to further refine what they're offering the gay traveler. No longer will it be enough to say, 'Hey, we're gay-friendly. You should come here.''

Jeff Guaracino of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. remarking on efforts to hone the City of Philadelphia's efforts to market to the gay and lesbian community. (AP via Yahoo)

''Every community wants to be addressed specifically....I think the whole concept of the gay and lesbian market is so '90s. Because, just like the mainstream, gays and lesbians are looking for more personalization.''

Thomas Roth, president of San Francisco-based Community Marketing Inc., which specializes in marketing to gays and lesbians. (AP via Yahoo)

''Money is not not a problem for me. I am ready to give Ajit everything, a beautiful life.... (I'll) fulfill all his dreams. But he has no right to insult my love.''

Dipu Ghosh, an M2F transsexual who had a sex change at the request of her gay male lover, Ajit Mondal, so the couple could marry. However, Ghosh alleges that Mondal lost interest in her after the process became irreversible. He has disappeared an Ghosh has lodged a complaint to police in West Bengal, India. (Express India)

''We just went through the ceremony and at the end of the ceremony I pronounced them man and wife.... [The clerk of Circuit Court in Newport News called] and he says 'Do you realize that that was two men? And I said, I won't tell you what I said but I said 'No, I certainly did not know that they were two men. If I had known that I wouldn't have done it.'"

Marriage commissioner Al Coward who presided over the ceremony of Antonio Blount, 31, and Justin McCain, 18. McCain allegedly used the name "Justine" and wore female gendered clothing. A deisgn flaw of the Virginia Driver's license near the gender field may have contributed to the marriage granting incident. The couple is said to have triggered suspicion when McCain returned to the court to file for a name change, "Penelope Skye Ariana Goldberry." [video](WSET-TV)

''I feel like a failure for not holding her hand... For Lisa, who was the love of my life, my soulmate, who I miss ever day -- but I'm finding the strength to speak out so this does not have to happen to any other family. What happened to us was very wrong.... You know, we knew sign language: We could have at least signed in her hand while she could have felt it. And we didn't get to do that.''

Janice Langbehn speaking at an emotional press briefing about a lawsuit that she and her three adopted children are bringing against Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Lanbehn's partner, Lisa Pond, suffered a brain aneurysm aboard a gay-friendly cruise ship this past February. After being taken to JMH, Lanbehn and the children were denied visitation by the hospital even after having documents faxed from their home in Washington state. [video] (Local 10 News)

''[The Hospital social worker, Garnett Frederick,] provided a warning: 'You're in an anti-gay city and in an anti-gay state and you can expect to get no information about your partner and no access to your partner unless you get before a judge.... In this case, of course, we have a durable power of attorney that not only allowed Janice to get information, but required the hospital to give her information''

Beth Litrell, an attorney with Lambda Legal, remarking on the hospital visitation denial of Janice Langbehn to see her dying partner, Lisa Pond. [video] (Local 10 News)

''The church's teachings and position on this moral issue are unequivocal. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and the formation of families is central to the Creator's plan for His children. We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to ensure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage.''

From a letter from Latter Day Saints leaders that was to be read in Mormon churches across California on Sunday. The organization is said to have run a similar fundraising campaign in 2000 supporting Proposition 22 that eventually led to the initial ban on gay marriages in the state. (Federal News Radio)

''And while it may initially seem strange to see two white boys performing gay rap, any misgivings soon give way thanks largely to the duo's high-energy performance, which is oftentimes simply explosive.'' -- Theatre Mania reviewer Dan Balcazo.

''As one of the lyrics proclaims, 'it's Romeo meets Romeo,' complete with an ample supply of scatological language, swaggering attitude and a keen, often hilarious sense of observation about gay life.'' -- Associated Press reviewer Michael Kuchwara.

Reviews of the musical production, ''Bash'd,'' a rap opera featuring T-Bag (Chris Craddock) and Feminem (Nathan Cuckow), telling the story of two gay lovers whose relationship is marred by violence. Music samples are on the web at myspace.com/bashd, and more info at homohiphop.blogspot.com. (cbd.ca)

-- Dennis McGrath, spokesperson for the Twin Cities Archbishop John Nienstedt, who disallowed a parish in south Minneapolis from holding its annual gay pride prayer service at St. Joan of Arc Church. The service, set for Wednesday, June 25, will now be characterized as a "peace service." (Star Tribune)

-- From a statement by Boy George's management. The denial of a U.S. visa may put the singer's U.S. summer tour in jeopardy. (Reuters UK)

''It is our policy to listen to consumers. We recognise that some consumers raised concerns over the content of the ad and this prompted our decision to withdraw it.''

Nigel Dickie, director of corporate affairs for Heinz UK, explaining why the condiment company pulled an ad for Deli Mayo after just one week. The ad features a man in a kitchen wearing a delicatessen chef's outfit. Two children call him ''mum'' and head off to school, then another hurried man enters saying, ''See you tonight, Love.'' They kiss and the delicatessen chef says, ''Love you! Straight home from work, Sweet Cheeks.'' It is reported that about 200 people complained that the ad was offensive or inappropriate. (Guardian UK) (YouTube)

''The mum transforms into a New York deli chef because this sandwich taste is so good.... It's like having your own deli chef in the kitchen. It wasn't intended to be a gay couple, it was intended to be a humorous metaphor for these great-tasting sandwiches.''

Nigel Dickie of Heinz saying the ad had been pulled because it failed in its message. (BBC News)

''This is an episode of 30 Days that GLAAD would have liked to support for its commendable effort to share the authentic story of everyday lesbian and gay parents and their families and the opposition they face in trying to provide a stable and nurturing home for their children. However, FX Networks’ insistence on airing - and refusal to correct the record on - this defamatory misrepresentation makes that impossible. It is unacceptable that FX Networks and its parent company 20th Century Fox would provide a platform for the inaccurate and dangerous claims of anti-gay activists - misinformation that can put gay and lesbian parents and their families in harm’s way.''

GLAAD Senior Director of Media Programs Rashad Robinson remarking on a refusal by the FX Network to remove or at least counter a comment by Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council where he states that, ''Homosexuality is associated with higher rates of sexual promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and child sexual abuse, and those are all reasons for us to be concerned about placing children into that kind of setting." The inaccurate statement is said to occur without rebuttal in an upcoming episode of Morgan Spurlock's ''30 Days'' where an anti-gay mother lives with a gay couple that has four children. (GLAAD)

''Actually he was trying to get me to come over to where he was, and I responded by telling him that wasn't my name - that my mother didn't name me a 'faggot' or a 'he-she,' so he got upset and approached me. And that's when it started.... I was afraid. I had had enough. Like I said, I thought the other officers that were witnessing this would at least try to stop him.... I mean, he hit me so hard. Like the third time he hit me, it split my skull and I had blood coming out. So I jumped up.... I couldn't breathe, and they just made me lay there," Johnson said. "Nobody checked to see if I was okay. My eyes were burning. My skin was burning. I was scared to death. Even the nurse came in and she just ignored me, and I begged her to help me.''

Duanna Johnson, an M2F transgender who was arrested on February 12 on allegations of prostitution, recounting the abuse she received at the police booking center. In a tape of the incident that has come forward, an Ofc. Bridges McRae can clearly be seen punching Johnson in the face several times. He is apparently wearing gloves and has handcuffs wrapped around his fist. Another officer, James Swain is seen holding her down briefly while she is being hit. Johnson can be seen defending herself, then sitting back down, at which point she is maced and put on the floor in handcuffs. Other officers in the room appear to do nothing and a nurse who enters the room also appears to do nothing to assist Johnson. [video] (WMC-TV)

''Women make up 15 percent of the armed forces, so to find they represent nearly 50 percent of Army and Air Force discharges under 'don't ask, don't tell' is shocking.... Women in particular have been caught in the crosshairs of this counterproductive law.''

Aubrey Sarvis, Executive Director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, remarking on the organization's statistical study of servicemembers who were discharged in 2007 -- a total of 627 gay men and lesbians (up slightly from 612 for 2006). (New York Times)

''I can't talk to you. I am forbidden from talking to the media.''

Former head of New Life Church, Ted Haggard, apparently evading questions from a reporter. Haggard is said to have left a ''restoration program'' and returned with his wife to Colorado Springs, a city that is know to be a center of activity for the Evangelical movement. Haggard, who reportedly had a history of expressing anti-homosexual sentiments, was the center of media attention in late 2006 after a male prostitute came forward to say that he'd had sexual relations with Haggard and seen him use methamphetaime; though Haggard only confessed to ''sexual immorality'' and purchasing but not using the drug. (Colorado Springs Gazette) (Associate Press)

''Doesn't it matter, even when someone is dead, that his most fervently held private life, and the unnecessary explicit details of his marriage, are exposed against his wishes? We believe that it does matter, and that both our parents' good legacies have been damaged.''

Portion of a letter from three children of the late Episcopal Bishop Paul Moore. Another of Bishop Moore's daughters, Honour Moore, has written a book, ''The Bishop's Daughter,'' that discusses her famous father's life, his civil rights work, their family, and his previously undiscussed sex life with men, including one ''close friend,'' Andrew, who she met after her father passed away. An portion of Honour Moore's work was published in The New Yorker in March. (Courant.com)

''As a man of his time and place and class and education, he made a choice that a lot of people made, which was to keep that part of his life secret and to do the work in the world and the church that he wanted to do.... My mother never told anyone else what she knew about my father," Honor Moore said. "That was an incredible gift to him.''

Honour Moore discussing the secret bisexuality of her father, Episcopal Bishop Paul Moore, and her new book, ''The Bishop's Daughter.'' (Courant.com)

''Yes, we have set a wedding date.... How do I feel about it? I obviously feel like it's long overdue. I think someday people will look back on this like women not having the right to vote and segregation and anything else that seems ridiculous that we don't all have the same rights.... Planning a wedding is very stressful. It's crazy. My gardener is now invited.''

Ellen Degeneres speaking about her marriage plans with her girlfriend Portia de Rosi at the Kodak Theatre after winning her 4th Daytime Emmy. (Associated Press)

Interpreted results from Pew Forum and LA Times study of official views of various religious institutions toward same-sex marriage. (Pew Forum) (LA Times)

''If enacted, (the November initiative) would eviscerate the principle of equal citizenship for gay and lesbian people and strip the courts of their authority to enforce basic constitutional guarantees.... [The measure will] destabilize our Constitution and our basic government plan ... by establishing that any group may be deprived of equal protection and fundamental rights through a simple majority vote. ''

Stephen Bomse, lawyer for Equality California and other groups that are entering into a lawsuit that hopes to derail the November voter initiative to make gay marriage illegal in the the state again. (San Francisco Chronicle)

''This is something that I struggle with all the time. Because, you know, I have a friend who is gay and he told me of the pain that he went through, and from the moment he was young, he had those feelings. And who am I to say you didn't have those feelings? I struggle with it everyday. Because, you know, of my faith, and what my faith says about, you know, being gay. And my friends, who I love dearly, who are. So, its something that, everyday, that I ask God about.... He also says that 'There are some things that I don't want you to do.' ... The Bible does address gay people.... I'm not trying to judge anyone, it's just something that I struggle with.''

Sherri Shepherd, actress and talk show panelist, on the her daytime TV show ''The View'' replying to Barbara Walters whether she believes gay people are born gay or not. She's also known for previously saying on the show that she did not believe in Evolution, that she did not know if the world was flat, that she would not allow her son to wear a dress while he lives in her house, and that nothing predates the Christians because Jesus came before the Greeks and the Romans. (RadarOnline)

''My gay family & friends, as well as myself, KNOW I am not a homophobe. For years now I've known gay is not a choice; one's skin color doesn't determine one's intelligence level; & red hair doesn't mean you're someone's stepchild. You see, it's not the words, it's their intent. I never said, nor suggested, that being gay is wrong, but apparently, based on your outrage to my flu-infused rant, you do! .... Homophobic? I'm in Queens Of The Stone Age for crissake!''

Josh Homme, in a written statement responding to suggestions that he was a homophobe because of an angry rant that was taped at a Norwegian Wood concert. A teen apparently thew a shoe at the band, Queens of the Stoneage, and Homme responded by saying he would ''buttfuck him in front of his friends,'' and then called him a "pussy," "chickenshit fucking faggot" and ''fucking little faggot,'' among other things in front of thousands of cheering teen fans. (ChartAttack.com) (YouTube)

''These students want to be able to go in peace without fear of being watched, laughed at or groped.... They don't have problems with transvestites but going to the same private area, like a toilet, makes them uneasy. The transvestite kids may behave even more effeminately than the girls do, but their anatomy is still like that of a boy.''

Sitisak Sumontha, Director of the Kampang School, a 1,500-student technical college in Thailand that has created a bathroom for use by transgender students including a door icon that is half-male, half-female. (Telegraph.co.uk)

''[The Office of Children and Family Services] has wisely said these students need an environment that is safe and that helps them reach their full potential. It's absolutely needed. Transgender youth talk about how they were at wits' end just trying to survive in these facilities.''

Ross Levi, public policy director at Empire State Pride Agenda, remarking on a new policy for transgender youth that went into effect on March 17. Transgender youth in NY juvenile detention centers will now be allowed to wear their choice of uniform and underwear, go by whatever name they choose, and request special housing. It is reported that the policy is the result of a $25,000 settlement that was paid to a 15-year-old, transitioning M2F transgender who had her hormones taken away and was only called by her male name in 2005. ()

''All adolescents experience developmental and social challenges. However, LGBTQ youth frequently face additional pressures based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.... Clinicians should help LGBTQ youth explore their feelings about their gender identity or sexual orientation, along with related issues and questions, in a safe, affirming manner. Clinicians should help youth reduce co-occurring problems or distress related to their gender identity or sexual orientation, and develop their strengths, coping skills, and resiliency.''

Excerpts from a sweeping new policy statement instituted by New York's Office of Children and Family Services that is directed primarily at transgender youth held in juvenile detention centers. (Gotham Gazette)

''We're pulling the plug.... [Volunteers] don't want to be aligned with bigotry and homophobia and hatred.''

Michael Heath, executive director of the evangelical group, Christian Civic League of Maine. Heath's initiative was designed to repeal all rights, protections, and benefits afforded to gays and lesbians. Reportedly, Heath's group had only collected 5,000 of the 55,000 valid signatures needed to send their proposal to the state Legislature. Two other similar separate efforts are still underway. (Boston Globe)

''Past experience shows that the parade greatly offends, deliberately and unnecessarily, the feelings of Jews, Muslims and Christians, who view its sheer existence, and the blatant manner in which it takes place, as a desecration of the holy city and of the values with which they were raised.''

Portion of a letter from Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski and city manager Yair Ma'ayan to the High Court of Justice in support of a petition by conservatives to block the city's Gay Pride Parade. (Haaretz)

''The case raises a whole series of questions about the basis for which people can be denied medical treatment, particularly the extent to which gays or lesbians could be denied access to reproductive technology.''

Joan Hollinger, a professor of family law at UC Berkely regarding the case of Guadalupe "Lupita" Benitez which is headed to the Supreme Court of California. Benitez told Dr Christine Brody that she is a lesbian and that she was seeking fertility treatments. The doctore responded to Benitez that she would not perform intrauterine insemination on her for religious reasons. The court case apparently boils down to whether the religious doctors may choose turn away from providing services to specific groups of people. Benitez says she was not treated by Brody because of her sexual orientation; Brody's lawyers insist that the doctor will not provide said fertility services to any unmarried women. (Boston Globe)

''It's not about a political statement, it's about legally in California -- the California Supreme Court says everybody is equally entitled to marriage. This is the first time -- George and I have been together more than 21 years in good times and bad times through sickness and health and for the first time we can legally marry each other and I'm just thrilled.''

Brad Altman, long-time partner of actor George Takei, talking live with CBS ''Early Show'' about his proposal to Takei and their California wedding plans. (CBS News)

''Obviously, we have some concerns about any individual that comes into our park that is loitering and not there for what we consider the normal use of the park.... Safety is absolutely our number one issue.... This is not an uncommon situation for any kind of park.... There is a tendency toward people misusing their privileges at a park.''

Dianne Cabot, of the Prince William County Park Authority in Virginia, speaking about the arrest of at least eight men at Locust Shade Park in the restrooms and parking lots. Charges reportedly include: solicitation for crimes against nature, criminal solicitation, indecent exposure, obscene sexual display. InsideNoVA.com has posted the men's photos and names. (InsideNoVA.com)

''It is with sadness that Matt and Kevin announce that their relationship has come to an end.... Their separation is amicable.''

Portion of a joint statement released by comedian Matt Lucas and long-time partner Kevin McGee. Lucas is best known for his work on the TV show 'Little Britain' where he portrays many characters including the unflattering gay stereotype known as Daffyd Thomas, 'The Only Gay In the Village.' The TimesOnline quotes Lucas before their legal union as saying, ''We are very much in love, but also it’s important that gay couples have the same rights as straight couples.'' It is said that the divorce equivalent of a civil union is called a ''dissolution order.'' (Times Online)

''There have been arguments and things said and after a while it has become draining and upsetting. It has been enormously painful for them both to admit they are better off apart.... Kevin also made noises about the amount of time he was spending at work with David (Walliams). They concluded that their lives have grown apart and that they have just fallen out of love... Matt is really concerned because it does not do much for the image of gay civil partnerships. But he thinks that you can't live in a loveless marriage and if it's over, then it's over.''

An unnamed friend speaking to This Is London Magazine about television comedy star Matt Lucas who is breaking up with his partner, Kevin McGee, who he shared a legal civil union with just a year and a half ago. Lucas is reported to be worth 15 million British pounds. (ThisIsLondon.co.uk)

"It's a theme I embrace. Because all Justice Department employees have the right to be proud of who they are and the work that they do here."

Attorney General Michael Mukasey speaking to DOJ Pride members at an awards ceremony, and living up to a pledge to Sen. Russ Feingold to reverse policies set by predecessors John Ashcroft and Alberto Gonzales that prohibited the GLBT group from meeting at Main Justice’s Great Hall. (Legal TImes)

''We feel like the minority, which is rare... We thought we'd be the only heterosexual couple, but we heard there have been others.''

Reed Bennett-Eisen who, with his fiancée Ilana Friedkin, was surrounded by same-sex couples while waiting in line to get their marriage license. (San Francisco Chronicle)

''It's more exciting.... We'll never forget, right? It was the same time they legalized gay marriage.

Ana Pacheco who married her husband, Squires, at San Francisco's City Hall. The groom's mother reportedly grabbed a lesbian couple to witness the heterosexual couple's ceremony. (San Francisco Chronicle)

''Marriage between 'gender neutral' couples is legal in California, but our union is not recognized by the Federal Government and we don't get the over 1,000 Federal benefits automatically extended to heterosexual couples. This inequality, thanks to the Defense of Marriage Act, was voted on by congress and signed into law by President Clinton. What a can of worms that has turned out to be ... President Bush believing in and talking to an imaginary sky god and wanting to make an amendment to our Constitution that would ban two people in love from getting married. The Government has no business in checking out the gender of two people who want to be married. Presidential Candidate John McCain was living in adultery with his present wife Cindy while still married to his former wife. According to the Bible, he should have been stoned to death for adultery.... Since our marriage is not recognized by the Federal Government, the carving over the Supreme Court of the United States is just meaningless words, the words that say, 'Equal Justice Under The Law.

Portion of a press release from bisexual millionaire, Charles Merrill, 73, who has been in a same-sex relationship with Kevin Boyle for 116 years. Merrill is an artist and ''fervent atheist'' who has not paid his taxes for 3 years in protest of the federal government's adoption of DOMA. He faces 3 years in jail and a $25,000 fine. (StreetInsider.com)

''I think this is an example where the results of scientific research can have important social implications.... You have all this antagonism against homosexuality because they say it's against nature because it doesn't lead to reproduction. We found out this is not true because homosexuality is just one of the consequences of strategies for making females more fecund.... We're still working on lesbianism, but were not getting to the same result, and possibly we'll come out with a completely different explanation.''

Andrea Camperio-Ciani, an evolutionary psychologist at the University of Padova, who studied 200 Italian families and found that two genes that work in a ''sexually antagonistic'' way increases fecundity in women and decreases fecundity in men. (Live Science)

''Sexuality is a tricky question.... You get into transgender—it embraces all of that—and you have people's fear and dislike of things that are different. Nobody is more different to an average person than a transgender person, and that makes them nervous..... [Transgender groups] haven't done any lobbying yet.... They insist the gay community will do it, and they are wrong to say the gay community will do it. They have done a very bad job.''

Sen Barney Frank (D-MA), as quoted by a Village Voice article that explores the gay community's tendency to sacrafice transgender inclusion to achieve equal rights legislation. Also quoted in the article are opinions from Mara Keisling, Kai Wright, Matt Foreman and others. (The Village Voice)

''I came out to my parents, and they were OK.... Nobody stopped being my friend. Sometimes, when I'm around something, like 'That's so gay,' will slip out, but then they apologize. They try not to use that stuff because they know they'll offend me.''

Ramsey Santos, 16, president of the Gay-Straight Alliance at Manual Arts High School in South Los Angeles. The article notes a wide variety of comments from a discussion held in a 9th Grade classroom about this week's legalization of gay marriage. (LA Times)

"[The murdered victim, Mario] was in the wrong place at the wrong time.... He became a victim of that defendant's machismo and utter disregard for human life.... 'Hey, baby, you want to come with us?' Villazano [the shooter] said. How much for you to come with us and do both of us?' ... That defendant then lowers his arm, shoots the third shot and shoots Mario in the back of the head."

Prosecutor Leah Case, during the trial of Cesar Villazano, who is accused of killing Mario Oscar Mosqueda (a/k/a "Thalia") outside of a restaurant and gay bar in Daytona Beach. The victim (who was in drag at the time) and a friend were said to be out celebrating a birthday, when the defendant, Villazano, propositioned the victim's friend. After being put off, Villazano began shooting a gun. Villazano was hit in the back of the head by a third bullet; and the defendant is supposedly going to claim that it was an accident. (News-JournalOnline.com)

''I think for me, I feel like we've been married spiritually a long time. But to have the state recognize the marriage, it just feels really important.... To have an end to the discrimination that I think has been perpetrated is what it really means.''

Christopher Dye who married his partner of 13 years, Daniel Szpak, at the County Administration Center in San Diego, CA. (SignOnSanDiego.com)

“There are about a thousand things left out of domestic partnerships,” Bearman said. “A lot of issues aren't covered.... This is something I have to do to protect myself and my life partner. It's not to upset people or their beliefs. I know it will be hard for people to accept at first, but I hope people will see its not going to hurt them.... If it does get taken away, at least we could say we did it, and in our hearts we'd still be married.''

Terry Bearman who married his partner of 22 years, Michael Crampton, at the Santa Barbara County building in Lompoc. (The Lompoc Record)

''Marriage is a confirmation of the importance of love and commitment in a healthy society.... It is a fundamental right to which all people are entitled and I am proud that I can officiate the eternal unions of these Oakland couples.''

Oakland, CA Mayor Ronald Dellums, officiating over wedding ceremonies along with U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, at City Hall. [NBC 11 video] (The Daily Voice)

''We want that piece of paper.... We want to be be able to say, 'Yes, we legally did it. Yes, we are legally recognized.''

Jenifer Terrazas who married Kristin Maddox at the Sacramento County clerk's office. (KCRA 3 News)

''This is the most meaningful day of my life. I've always wanted to get married.... I just never thought it'd be possible.''

Lia Shigemura who married Helen Zia, both of Oakland, at the San Francisco City Hall. (News Channel 8)

''Today really is a good day for citizens of San Diego who are part of the LGBT community and their friends and family.... We appreciate the support of people who understand what this is really about.... The constitution is about rights for all citizens. We too want to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and we promise to take it seriously.''

San Diego Councilwoman Toni Atkins, who is gay. (Fox 6)

You have asked whether the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”), Pub. L. No. 104-199, 110 Stat. 2419 (1996), would prevent the Commissioner of Social Security (the 'Commissioner') from providing the non-biological child of one member of a Vermont civil union with social security benefits on account of that individual’s relationship with the child. We conclude that it would not. Although DOMA limits the definition of 'marriage' and 'spouse' for purposes of federal law, the Social Security Act does not condition eligibility for CIB on the existence of a marriage or on the federal rights of a spouse in the circumstances of this case; rather, eligibility turns upon the State’s recognition of a parent-child relationship, and specifically, the right to inherit as a child under state law. A child’s inheritance rights under state law may be independent of the existence of a marriage or spousal relationship, and that is indeed the case in Vermont. Accordingly, we conclude that nothing in DOMA would prevent the non-biological child of a partner in a Vermont civil union from receiving CIB under the Social Security Act.

Portion of a opinion released from Steven Engel, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, in response to an inquiry by a lesbian couple, Karen and Monique. The couple entered a Vermont civil union, Monique gave birth to a son, Elijah, and though Karen did not adopt Elijah, she does appear as '2nd parent' on his birth certificate. (AM Law Daily) (US Department of Justice)

''I now pronounce you spouses for life in the sight of God, the Jewish community and all people.''

Reform Rabbi Denise Eger officiating over the final 15-minutes of a ceremony to join Robin Tyler and Diane Olson, to lesbian activists who brought a ground-breaking lawsuit against the unconstitutional ban against same-sex marriages in the state of California. (Fox 11 LA)

''I'm 66. If they had let me get married 10 years ago, I would have been 20 pounds lighter and I wouldn't have needed airbrushing..... This is a civil rights movement. The courthouse is the place where we were turned down.''

Robin Tyler after she and her long-time partner of 15 years, Diane Olson were legally married on the steps of the Beverly Hill courthouse. The couple are the original plaintiffs who brought a 2004 lawsuit charging that the ban on gay marriage was against the California state constitution, and they went to the courthouse to obtain a license on a number of years each Valentine's Day but were turned down. They were given the honor of being the first same-sex couple to legally wed in Los Angeles County. (LA Times)

''Other gays and lesbians are excited, but my straight friends are really excited. I guess they understand, maybe because they are used to ritual and the meaning of it, and they watched me struggle for this.''

Robin Tyler, amid champagne flutes and slices of wedding cake, remarking on her wedding ceremony to Diane Olson. (The Jewish Journal)

''I believe the family is a cornerstone for a strong society, and I'm all in favor of everything we can do to build up the values that make strong families.... I think the values matter more than the gender of the people making up the heads of those families.''

Rev. Susan Russell of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena who has already been blessing unions of same-sex couples for 16 years. (AP via San Jose Mercury News)

''One of the ongoing confusions is the fact that the difference between civil marriage and religious marriage is very blurred in American society. The fact that clergy can act as agents of the state regarding marriage licenses just contributes to that blurring.''

Jay Johnson, an Episcopal priest and a director at the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, regarding certain clergy that support gay marriages but not sign state marriage certificates. (AP via San Jose Mercury News)

''Most of us at the very least are very open to this whole idea that marriage rights should be granted, certainly on a secular basis.... But a rabbi will have to decide what they are going to do based on their understanding of the tradition, what they feel comfortable doing.''

Rabbi Robert Ourach, of the Temple Beth Israel of Fresno, who is reported to agree with the court ruling but is undecided on wether he'll officiate over ceremonies. (AP via San Jose Mercury News)

''The granddaughter had just finished having sex with another 16-year-old girl and was in an upstairs bedroom. Beddell walked in and found them together. The neighborhood girl ran out of the house to her nearby home while Beddell was beating her granddaughter with the cane. Neighbors said they saw Beddell leave the house a short time later. She was accompanied by her limping granddaughter. The two of them went to the other girl's house to tell her mother what they had been doing. Beddell returned to her home with her granddaughter and continued to beat her with a belt. Police were called to the house to investigate a report of child abuse.''

Portion of a report made by police invetigators in the case of Joyce Y. Beddell, 61, of Pennsylvania, who found her 16-year-old granddaughter in bed with another girl. Beddell beat her with a cane until it broke. She stated that she had a right to discipline her granddaughter as she saw fit. She's being held on several charges and a $10,000 bail. (ReadingEagle.com)

''We have to remember to say, 'I do.' OK?''

Phyllis Lyon, 83, speaking to her lesbian partner, Del Martin, 87. The couple are to be legally married Monday in California. Lyon and Martin are founders of the first national lesbian organization, Daughters of Bilitis, and have been together for 55 years. The couple was previously the first marriage of 4,000 same-sex weddings that were performed by Mayor Gavin Newsom in 2004, but the legality of those ceremonies was soon overturned by California courts. (San Francisco Chronicle)

"Four years ago, when they agreed to be married, it was in equal parts to support the mayor and to support the idea that lesbians and gay people formed committed relationships and should have those relationships respected.... It's so endearing because they do seem excited and a little bit nervous....It's like the classic feelings anyone has as their wedding day approaches.

Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, commenting on the relationship of her friends, Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, who are to be married Monday evening in California by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. (Fox News)

''This is a very interesting study demonstrating a possible neurobiological relationship in brain size between gay men and straight women.''

Paul Sanberg, professor of neurosurgery and director of the University of South Florida Center for Aging and Brain Repair in Tampa, commenting on conclusions made by researches at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. The study found, in part, that gay men and straight women had symmetrical brain hemispheres, while straight men and lesbians had assymmetrical hemispheres. (Washington Post)

''I do think this is pointing to some type of neurobiological underpinning [to sexual orientation].... It's hard to know if that's related to genes, or what might happen in the womb -- I think those are the two primary options.''

Keith A. Young, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine in Waco, theorizing on how the Swedish study's results might be related to genetic or prenatal influences. It is noted in the article that "convential wisdom" says gay male sexuality could have genetic factors but not lesbians. (Washington Post)

"The observations cannot be easily attributed to perception or behavior.... Whether they may relate to processes laid down during the fetal or postnatal development is an open question.... These observations motivate more extensive investigations of larger study groups and prompt for a better understanding of the neurobiology of homosexuality.''

Portions of a statement from researchers at the Sweden's Karolinska Institute whose study of 50 heterosexual and 40 homosexual brains observed, through scans, the subjects' brain symmetry and blood flow to the amygdala. (Reuters)

''In accordance with Xbox LIVE policy, the gamertag RichardGaywood is no longer allowed. Please change your gamertag before playing Xbox LIVE.''

A message that was sent to Xbox 360 owner Richard Gaywood -- his verified, legal name -- to establish his gamertag, a network identifier used for logging on to interactive, multi-player video games. (Kotaku)

"We want the Xbox LIVE community to have the freedom to express themselves, but we also have a responsibility to create an inclusive, safe environment.... While it may be clear to some that Gaywood is a legitimate surname, it may not be obvious to other Xbox LIVE members. In this case, a complaint was filed by a member of the community, requiring the Xbox LIVE team to examine the gamertag within the context of the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use. Based on the these guidelines, it was necessary for the gamertag to change."

A response attributed to Microsoft Xbox team member Stephen Toulouse in regards to the ban of the gamertag, ''RichardGaywood." Recenlty, there was another controversy over another gamertage, ''TheGAYERGamer,'' after it was banned for the possibility that it could be in some way offensive to parents of children due to sexual connotations. (Kotaku)

"I still want to continue making music. But definitely, I've got things to do outside of music. Not acting, in case anyone's wondering.... Just a quieter life to lead, I think, would be nice.... It's starting to become a more and more strange thing to be in the public eye these days. I think the worlds going completely mental.... Mainly the reason is because I'm 45 and I think pop music should be about youth culture.... It shouldn't be an endurance test."

Singer George Michael, former star of the 1980s band Wham! and successful solo artist of R&B, dance and jazz; speaking on-camera during an interview with BBC. He states that todays celebrity is damaging and he'd like to stay away from his own "idiocy" and not be used as a "cover" for more important news. [video] (BBC) George Michael is to appear at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC on July 29, 2008.

''The people I worked alongside showed great kindness to me at a very difficult time, and I wanted to thank them all in a way that would show my appreciation.''

DJ and singer Boy George, of the 1980s band Culture Club, speaking about a free concert that he is to give on August 17 for the sanitation department of New York City. He spent a week of community service after going to court over a false police report and possession of cocaine in 2006. (KBS Radio) Boy George is to appear at the 9:30 Club in DC on July 30, 2008.

''Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join these men in a holy covenant of love and fidelity.... Such a covenant shows us the mystery of the union between God and God’s people and between Christ and the Church.''

Rev Martin Dudley, at St. Bartholomew the Great in London, at the opening of a marriage ceremony between two gay priests, Rev. Peter Cowell and the Rev. Dr David Lord. The language and ceremony are being called a "highly provocative act" by some leaders in the Church of England beyond those of any gay blessings before. (Telegraph.co.uk)

“What shocks me is that this is happening in the Church of England that first brought the Gospel to us. The leadership tried to deny that this would happen, but now the truth is out. Our respect for the Church of England will erode unless we see a return to traditional biblical teaching.”

Rev Henry Orombi, the Archbishop of Uganda, calling the blessed union of two priests "blasphemous" and demanding that the Archbishop of Canterbury to take decisive action. (Telegraph.co.uk)

''When I first got the case, I thought it was important that he plead guilty. That he admit it, that he could get a felony, that he serve time in prison. So, we'll be getting all three of those -- and register as a sex offender, which, I believe is for life.''

Stanley Levco, Special Prosecuting Attorney speaking on camera to reporters after 34-year-old Glenn Murphy, Jr., the former head of Indiana's Clark County Republican Party, pleaded guilty to performing oral sex on a sleeping, drunk 22-year-old male whom he had shared a bunk bed with after a party. Murphy is said to have advised fellow Republicans on using wedge issues like same-sex marriage against Democrats; and also to have possibly committed similar involuntary acts on other men. [video] (WLKY) (Courier-Journal.com)

"It seems to me that this is a matter needing immediate attention and one that very plainly belongs in the hands of the legislature and the executive branch."

Superior Court. Judge Patricia Hurst, referring to her own ruling that Margaret Chambers and Cassandra Ormiston, a lesbian couple that were married in Massachusetts, cannot be divorced in Rhode Island because same-sex "marriage" is not recognized in the state. The judge then appeared to question the estranged couple's access to equal protection under the Family Court Act of 1961. Ormiston is said to be renting a home in Massachusetts for one year to qualify for a divorce in that state instead. (http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode_island/articles/2008/06/12/judge_raises_constitutional_issue_in_ri_gay_divorce_case/)

"It is because of me — I definitely think [my show] has helped the movement.... Before it came out, everyone was still a little apprehensive about [same sex relationships]," she said. "Then they realized, 'Wow, everyone is really into this stuff, and it is fine.' The next thing you know, [gay marriage] is legal."

VH1/MTV ''reality'' show personality ''Tila Tequila'' as quoted by Us Magazine. Ms. Tequila is also said to be a former Playboy model and her show plays off a bisexual dating competition theme. (Us Magazine)

"And I'll always remember the first thing my dad did was, [he] wrapped me in a bear hug and said, 'Well, we love you no matter what.' ... It was the easiest coming out experience that anyone could possibly have."

"I am extremely pleased that we managed to get this last stage passed. Now we have to tackle the prejudice which still exists in society."

Finance Minister of Norway, Kristin Halvorsen, who also leads the Socialist Left Party. Norway has had registered partnerships since 1993. (Aftenposten) The new law, according to The Norway Post, allows same-sex marriage, repeal the Partnership Act, allow for adoption evaluations to equal heterosexual couples, and give lesbians access to medically assisted reproduction.

''A lot of people wanted to make a statement, and others got married for no other reason other than suddenly they could.... It's very easy to get caught up in the moment, in an exciting historical time, and this newfound freedom and opportunity of the revolutionary moment often overrides the personal issues that marriage usually involves.... It's like someone who gets anxiety about where they sit in a theatre. Put them in an aisle seat, where they know they can get out at any time, and they never get nauseated. But put them in the middle of the row and they start to tremble and sweat. Suddenly they get married and they think, ‘Oh my God, I'm stuck.'''

Jo Ann Citron, a divorce lawyer in Massachusetts, remarking on the reasons why some same-sex couples are failing to stay together. Other experts offer opinons about gay divorces rates including lack of family support, inability to define roles. One Canadian 10-year-long lesbian relationship is used as an example of how things can go wrong quickly -- they broke up after just 5 days of legal marriage. (TheGlobeAndMail.com)

''[The Broadway Baptist] membership knows [some couples are openly homosexual] and has entrusted them with positions of church leadership.... The church has not risen up and said homosexuality is wrong.''

Rev. Bart Barber, a Southern Baptist Convention delegate explaining why a North Carolina pastor, Rev. Bill Sanderson, has called for Broadway Baptist of Texas to be ousted from and disassosciated with the Southern Baptists. At the root of the matter is the request by some Broadway Baptist gay couples to have their portraits included in a church directory. (Star-Telegram.com)

"It's just a headache.... Had it been in the middle of the night after we closed, that would have been really bad."

Steve Ledlow, General Manager for Grand Central, one of Baltimore's most popular gay nightclubs. Reportedly, the building had just recently had it's roof repaired by storm damage. One firefighter was burned in his face and the extreme summer heat only made their efforts more difficult. The bar area of Grand Central is to remain open. (Baltimore Sun)

“The videotape that is currently being circulated is several years old and captures Shia playing a game among friends in which he uses a derogatory word toward a friend.... He regrets having used the word in any capacity and is very embarrassed that this footage is being seen by anyone.”

A representative for actor Shia LaBeouf, co-star of the films ''Transformers'' "Indiana Jones: Crystal Skull,'' relaying an apology for a video on TMZ and YouTube that shows LaBeouf saying, ''You're a faggot, dog,'' to an apparent friend in an attempt to get his friend to slap him. (E! Online)

''We try to make a reflection of them and their lives, so when they walk into the celebration they say, 'Gosh, this looks just like Pete and John,' or you know, 'Mary and Sally.' So, that's what we aim to do.''

Jennifer Spiegel, a wedding planner, speaking at California's first ever 'Gay Wedding Expo.' (Associated Press via YouTube)

''Spending by resident same-sex couples on their weddings, and by out-of-state couples on tourism and their weddings, will boost California's economy by over $683.6 million in direct spending.''

Taken from a study by the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at UCLA School of Law. (ABC News)

(Fox 11 KTTV via YouTube)

''I'm 36 weeks now and almost due but I feel fantastic. Every day Nancy and I think about how we just cannot wait to hold our daughter for the first time, to finally get to touch her and see her face.... All the people who really know us and love us, our friends and family, have been incredibly supportive. So much so we might even have more children. We will just see what the experience is like with our daughter's arrival first and then give it some thought.''

Thomas Beatie, an F2M transgender, speaking about his pregnancy, insemination by wife Nancy (a former female bodybuilder) with a syringe, and what they expect of their future family life. Thomas posed for a series of fantastic photos for the article, some nude. (News of the World)

"Our case is an attempt to end the insult that our island is suffering, both in Greece and internationally.... The name Lesbian has been distorted and insulted by giving it a sexual connotation, which is totally unjustified and unnecessary.... This must not be confused with homosexual or gay rights, or human rights or women’s rights, or whatever. They can do what they want with their bodies and they can call themselves what they want — but not lesbians."

Dimitris Lambrou, one of three plaintiffs from the island of Lesbos (pop. 100,000), which is suing Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece to force them to change their name. Lesbos is said to have been the birthplace of Sappho, a Greek female poet, some 2,600 years ago, and whose work, in part, professed infatuation and love for other women. (Telegraph.co.uk)

"It's the difference between the same-old, same-old, and a new path for South Carolina and the country.... I'm delighted to have the opportunity to shine a light on (Brown's) record, and it won't be what people expect."

Linda Ketner, the openly gay, winner of the Democratic primary of South Carolina's 1st District. Ketner is reported to be the heir to the Food Lion chain and a newcomer to politics. She has written columns for Q-Notes, a LGBT publication of South Carolina. (Charleston.net)

"First district voters have soundly rejected ultra-liberal candidates like Linda Ketner in the past, and I am confident they will do so again this November."

South Carolina's GOP Chairman Katon Dawson. Ketner is to face Republican incumbent Henry Brown for a US Representative seat for that state. (MyrtleBeachOnline.com)

''They day that the [young residents here] were painting [these stones,] a child had written on their's -- 'Kill' or 'Die....' And so one of the volunteers had taken it to Larry and said, 'Can you fix this?' And so he painted over it beautifully with rainbows and flowers [three days before his death]."

Vicky Murphy, Director of Development at Casa Pacifica, speaking about , Lawrence King, an openly-gay, 15-year-old boy who was shot in the head at school this past February by a 14-year-old classmate, Brandon McInerney. Larry King is reported to have lived for several months at Casa Pacifica, a home for abused and neglected children. Brandon McInerney is being charged as an adult in the murder and hate crime, for which he could spend life in jail, and this report says their town is divided over that decision. [Audio] (NPR: All things Considered)

''I am proud to join with our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered brothers and sisters in celebrating the accomplishments, the lives, and the families of all LGBT people during this Pride season. Too often, the issue of LGBT rights is exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core, this issue is about who we are as Americans.''

''It's time to live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect. Let's enact federal civil rights legislation to outlaw hate crimes and protect workers against discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Let's repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell and demonstrate that the most effective and professional military in the world is open to all Americans who are ready and willing to serve our country. Let's treat the relationships and the families of LGBT Americans with full equality under the law.''

''We are ready to accomplish these goals because of the courage and persistence of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people who have are working every day to achieve equal rights. The gay couple who demand equal treatment in our family laws as they raise their children; the lesbian soldier who wants nothing more than to serve her country openly and honestly; the transgendered workers who asks for the simple dignity of being judged by the quality of their work. Generations of LGBT Americans, at once ordinary and extraordinary, have made possible this moment in our history. With leadership and hard work, we can fulfill the promise of equality for all.''

A statement released by Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL). (pride.barackobama.com)

"Genital herpes alone will not cause serious problems for most people.... But some people will have painful genital sores and the infection fosters the spread of HIV. We advise New Yorkers to protect themselves and others. Using condoms consistently will help you avoid getting or spreading genital herpes."

Dr. Julia Schillinger, Director of Surveillance for the Health Department's Bureau of STD Prevention and Control, and author of a study that found that NYC has an overall genital herpes infection rate of 26% (7% higher than the national average of 19%); and that an even higher percentage of women (36%), black people (49%), and gay men (32%) were estimated to be carriers in New York City. (CBS 4 Miami)

"Ever since encountering Annie Proulx's extraordinary story I have wanted to make an opera on it.... It gives me great joy that Gerard Mortier and New York City Opera have given me the opportunity to do so."

Composer Charles Wuorinen who has been commissioned by the New York Opera to translate the original short story, ''Brokeback Mountain,'' by author Annnie Proulx in to an opera to premiere in 2013.(Variety)

"I think it's a marvelous idea.... And so did Annie Proulx ... she liked the idea of it being an opera, and she liked the idea of Charles composing it.... He was very impressed with the movie adaptation of the short story, and he thought it would be quite marvelous as an opera. In a way, it's a good old-fashioned love story."

Howard Stokar, manager for Charles Wuorinen, elaborating on the development of an operatic version of ''Brokeback Mountain,'' a short story about Ennis and Jack, two Wyoming cowboys who fall in love but spend much of the next 20 years in heterosexual relationships due to societal pressures, that was made into an award-winning film. (Playbill Arts)

"It was quite a long journey.... My prior religious beliefs and faith dictated that it wasn't right and it wasn't moral. But you go into so many homes [of gay couples,] and you feel the happiness - you really did - it was kind of incredible."

State Representative Paul Kujawski of Webster, MA, a socially-conservative Catholic Democrat who voted three times for a ban of gay marriage, discussing questions he asked himself that led to a conversion to kill a proposed anti-gay state constitutional amendment. (San Jose Mercury News)

"I cry at them. It's a powerful thing that we're doing for these [gay] couples.... [For older couples, it's] something that never in their whole life did they think they would be able to do, and it gives them ... dignity."

Claire Watts, a 69-year-old retiree and grandmother who is a justice of the peace in a small town near the tip of Cape Cod. (San Jose Mercury News)

''In terms of the game and the rules, there is absolutely nothing different between the rugby teams, and in terms of the standards of the sides, these can be very high in teams playing in the upper leagues.... Certain people just feel happier playing in circumstances where they won't be discriminated against.''

Justin Gyphion, captail of the Cardiff Lions, discussing the Gay Rugby World Cup, known as the Bingham Cup, in Dublin from June 13-15. The Washington Renegades are said to take part, too. (ICNetwork.co.uk)

"We have the news media calling for her response, and we need to issue a news release today, but she really needs to be assured of your legal assistance before she speaks to them, as we fully expect to be sued and our own counsel is not being of help."

Excerpt from an e-mail from Assistant Clerk Glenn Spencer to a conservative Christian group, Alliance Defense Fund, seeking legal assistance for Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett. It is reported that Barnett and her office will continue to process marriage licenses for heterosexual and same-sex couples but will refuse to perform any civil ceremonies for either beginning June 13 -- just four days before gay marriages become legal in the state of California. (LA Times)

"Because of long-term administrative plans, budgetary reasons and the need to increase security for the election, the clerk's office will cease solemnizing weddings, which is discretionary on the part of the county clerk."

Portion of a statement released by Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett regarding her decision to stop officiating over any civil unions before gay marriages are slated to begin to be legally recognized in California. (LA Times)

"There was something very strange about [Sir Richard F. Burton's] sexuality. I sensed from the lingering way he described boys that he definitely found the male body superior to the female. But it is difficult for us to relate to that because gay sexuality hadn't really been invented then. There would have been no muscle bars with bottles of poppers."

Bisexual, British actor Rupert Everett, discussing his latest work, a documentary where he traces the path of Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton, a 19th Century explorer who was very much interested in sex and sexual literature. In the interview with the Telegraph reporter, Everett also is quoted on seemingly harsh remarks about the British Army's ethics, the Catholic church, the reception of his autobiographical book, Hollywood and several of his co-star actresses. (Telegraph.co.uk)

''[On] the night of June 3rd, I burst into tears. I was so upset. It was a painful moment.... It's a heartbreak in Hillary losing.... None of us will tolerate one more minute of the Bush administration, which is what McCain represents. There's too much at stake. [Ultimately the LGBT community will be united behind Obama to] win our country and, in many ways, our planet back."

Elizabeth Birch, a supporter of Hiliary Clinton and former head of the Human Rights Campaign, apparently urging Clinton's gay supporters to unite behind the winning Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama. (Queerty)

"He has a vision for America that includes us. This is a man that looks out across America, across the landscape of what he has called that unlikely story that is America, and he sees us.... He sees that we're a part of the fabric of America."

HRC's Joe Solomonese also urging lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender voters to rally behind the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama during an LGBT Conferene Call. (PolticalAffairs)

''We know that there are a lot of people who have supported Senator Clinton who are on the call with us today and we greatly appreciate that. We know that each of you will take your time to wrap your head around the situation, to hopefully join Barack in his venture moving forward at whatever point you are comfortable doing so. We certainly recognize the pain that goes with some of this, but know that you have a welcome home here that we need your help, that we want your help. We will take it whenever you are ready should you get to that point.''

Barack Obama Deputy Campaign Manager, Steve Hildebrand, speaking directly to gay voters who favored Hiliary Clinton for president during an organized LGBT Conference Call that featured several prominent gay and lesbian leaders. (PolticalAffairs)

''[This is] probably for the first time since the 1992 convention, we have an extraordinary opportunity to make history as a community. We have four months to do it, so we must gather and unite in our opposition to McCain and in an opportunity to really create something special in this country - not only for the country, but for ourselves and future generations of LGBT people.''

David Mixner, a well-known gay activist, and former supporter of John Edwards and personal friend of Bill Clinton, speaking to voters on the LGBT Conference Call. (Queerty)

"It was just approved. The operations will begin to be carried out as soon as the Cuban medical team is ready to start.... We see transsexualism as a special reality that requires a special response from society.... We have also presented the arguments for a decree law on gender identity that would legally establish that a sex reassignment operation is not necessary for obtaining a change of identity, in the case of diagnosed transsexuals. That would basically amount to social recognition of their identity"

Mariela Castro, head of the National Centre for Sex Education (CENESEX) and daughter of President Castro, speaking on the recent approval to offer gender reassignment as part of the nation's health care system. Mariela Castro has become a leading pro-GLBT voice and policy maker on the island nation. (IPSnews.net)

"When you pay your taxes, nobody asks you which is your sexual option. Why discriminate against you when you freely choose what to do with your body?"

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in remarks at the first ''National Conference of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transvestites and Transexuals.'' (Earth Times) (GMA News)

"I will say this. He made a lot of people very mad. But at least it gave us something to talk about. We're still talking about it."

An unnamed woman who was present at a taping of a new talk show hosted by Bruno, a gay Austrian fashion model. Audience members were paid $50 to attend but many walked out of the show in anger when Bruno brought out a toddler that wore a t-shirt proclaiming he was gay. (''Bruno'' is an alter ego that's often used by British funny man Sasha Baron Cohen -- a/k/a ''Ali G'' -- to expose unsuspecting people's homophobia. (Dallas Morning News)

"I'm relieved that this tug-of-war with my daughter is over.... This has been a very long four years. My daughter and I need some time to be together. She needs her other mom."

From a statement by Janet Jenkins whose former, legally-recognized parter, Lisa Miller, fled from Vermont to Virginia to avoid the court-granted visitation rights of Jenkins to their daugther, Isabella, who they had been raising together. The Virginia Supreme Court has overturned an earlier lower Virginia court's decision that allowed the state's anti-gay marriage law to be used to declare Miller as the sole parent. It has been reported that Jenkins had declared that she was no longer a lesbian, as well. (Lambda Legal)

"As far as I'm concerned they're scum.... It's enough to take a life - there were three of them on me and I was left for dead."

Stephen Scott of Newtownabbey (an area in the northeast part of the United Kingdom) who says he was the victim of a homophobic attack -- kicked, punched and shouted at -- by three teens as he was walking home.

"I have a very lovely psychiatrist who works with me in my offices and his Christian background is that he tries to help homosexuals - trying to turn away from what they are engaged in.... I'm happy to put any homosexual in touch with this gentleman and I have met people who have turned around and become heterosexuals."

Iris Robinson, a Member of Parliament from Northern Ireland, speaking with BBC Radio about the anti-gay beating of Stephen Scott. [audio clip] (BBC)

"One of the things that kept coming up was people who had a conflict between their religious identity and their sexual identity.... They were being told 'you are gay and you need to embrace that' but they were not happy with that and I had a very sad case of a man - who I was treating for something else, who took his own life.... I don't want to be in a position again where I lose someone because they have been told something that is factually inaccurate, change is extremely difficult but it is not impossible. A lot of the research has never been disproven but it has become politically unacceptable to talk about it.... But really the work I'm focussing on is for the people out there who say that they don't want to [decide they want to be gay-identified to the world].''

Dr Paul Miller, a Christian psychologist who engages in ex-gay therapy and is at the heart of a political uproar between Member of Parliament Iris Robinson and the British gay community after she told a gay bashing victim to seek ex-gay therapy. Miller refers to his work as "sexual reorientation cases." (News Letter)

"This shows how strong the Islamic gay bashers feel they are.... The Dutch nationality of the gay bashers of Rembrandt Square should immediately be taken from them and they should be expelled from the country today.... The Netherlands can show no mercy for these people who damage our society in this way. Either they will win, or we will win."

Dutch Member of Parliament, Martin Bosma reacting to a reported attack on Mike Du Pree, a gay male model who was pulled away during a fashion show, and assaulted by an alleged gang of 10 Muslim teenagers. (Pink News)

"I don't use my music to voice my politics - I don't think of myself as a political person.... I have passions that become political - whether it's my sexuality, or my eating habits or my religion. I think music itself should transcend all those things. I've never used it to promote my gayness, necessarily. Music is about the listeners' relationship with the music.

"I'm a Tibetan buddhist, that's foremost.... And I have a lot of Tibetan friends. So it's my job, in a way, to be a voice of the Tibetan people.... I think the Olympics has, historically, been a political platform.... This is no exception, especially with a country who's been historically very cryptic and don't want people questioning their human-rights practices. And it's the Chinese government, not the Chinese people."

Canadian singer k.d. lang, remarking on her recent trip to Canberra, Australia to join pro-Tibetan demonstrators protesting the Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay. (Uptown Music)

"We're going to wait until it's legal everywhere, because otherwise, I said to Kelli, we'll be going around touring the country on the marriage tour every state by state.... The same way it was illegal for black and white people to marry at one point and people couldn't conceive of that ever being different, I do think that two consenting, law-abiding adults who want to share their life together should be allowed to do that."

Comedian Rosie O'Donnell remarking on the future of her relationship with Kelli Carpenter-O'Donnell. (HollywoodScoop.com)

''It was never an option [before].... You realize more when something like [the Supreme Court decision] happens that you've been treated like second-class citizens. But it's simply a matter of our rights and freedom.... I haven't been planning on [a fantasy wedding], so I don't know.... I don't have one of those books made up. I'm going to have to give that some thought.''

Gay actor T.R. Knight of ''Grey's Anatomy'' on his thoughts about the possibility of getting married to Mark Cornelsen, his boyfriend of one year. They were at a mass-ceremony event arranged by the Matthew Shepard Foundation and Love and Pride jewelry. Talk show host Jay Leno also attended the event. (E! Online)

We knew that the Supreme Court was going to be coming down with their ruling. (We'd heard) that it was probably going to be positive. So I was planning on asking Brad to get married.... We were at home in the kitchen and we had the TV going, and when the word came down suddenly Brad got on his knees in front of me. And I said, 'What are you doing?' He said, 'George, will you marry me?' I said, 'Yes. You beat me to it. I meant to ask you.

"The best man is my colleague from Star Trek, Walter Koenig, who played Chekov, and the matron of honour is Nichelle Nichols. And Leonard (Nimoy) and his wife Susan are on the (guest) list.... We have only 200 seats.... Our contact list has, like, 3,500 names, so we have to whittle it down and I don't know if William Shatner is going to make the cut."

Actor George Takei giving details about his engagement and plans to marry his partner Brad Altman. (Telegraph.co.uk)

''No, we have not been in touch [with George Takei and his soon-to-be husband] but I wish the happy couple all the best. George deserves a moment of happiness.''

William Shatner's reply in a prepared statement to George Takei's wedding announcement. (NY Post)

"The California Supreme Court today filed an order in the marriage cases, denying requests to stay its decision until after the November 2008 election and denying petitions for rehearing,"

From a statement from the California Supreme Court. They had been asked by opponents to hold off on allowing same-sex marriages until voters can have their say on a November ballot that may ban the official unions again. (AFP)

"It would have been unprecedented to postpone constitutional rights based on speculation of how a political scenario may or may not play out.... Folks can get married on June 17."

Dennis Herrera, San Francisco City Attorney, remarking on the CA Supreme Courts final approval of gay marriages. (Reuters)

"I just believe, frankly, in the sanctity and unique status of marriage between man and woman. That's what I believe. And that's what I support. And that's what I will fight for."

Arizona Senator and Presidential candidate John McCain at a campaign rally in Tennessee. He was replying to a woman who said she was in support of civil unions, not marriage, but was concerned about ''the sanctity of marriage'' and referred to McCain's own twice-married status, calling infidelity a "terrible cancer on this country;" and finally saying that gay marriage needs to be talked about in the context of the preservation of marriage. McCain received loud applause to his anti-gay marriage stance. [video] (PageOneQ)

"I welcome the news that the people of California will have the opportunity to decide on the question of the definition of marriage, rather than having that decision made by judicial fiat as the California Supreme Court asserted in their recent ruling."

A quote attributed to a statement said to be from John McCain's campaign regarding the collection of signatures to put a proposal to ban on same-sex marriage on California's November ballot. (Ben Smith at Politico) (San Jose Mercury News)

"However, a look at Senator McCain's record paints a very different picture. Like President Bush, Senator McCain opposes equal benefits for same-sex couples. Like President Bush, Senator McCain opposes the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to prohibit discrimination against GLBT Americans in the workplace. Like President Bush, Senator McCain opposes expanding the hate crimes act to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Like President Bush, Senator McCain supports the military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy."

Excerpt from a new web presentation from the Human Rights Campaign that seeks to shed light on Senator McCain's positions against gay rights. [video below] (HRC)

"You can count of two hands how many people I've been with.... I was one of those late bloomers. I had sex for the first time when I was 21... with a guy. When I was 28 to 30, I lived with a guy for two years....

"As a young kid, I was sexually abused.... I think in some way it may play a part, but I think it's a spectrum -- sexuality, you know -- from 0 to 100, everyone falls somewhere in the middle. Whether it's your genetics, based on your history. You know, I know many, many people who had the same exact situation as I did as a kid who didn't turn gay....

"When I started my TV show, I told Warner Bros. and all the networks that I was gay, and I didn't imagine coming out, because it didn't seem like such a big issue to me. But I wanted them to know, and they were like, 'No, it's fine.' When I went on the air, there was no Perez Hilton. There was no 24-hour internet. There was no TMZ. Nobody asked anyone if they were gay....

"[Losing $10 million on the play with Boy George] would have bothered me more if I lost other people's money.... This is a troubled guy with a serious drug addiction. And an immense amount of talent.... I think [the failure of the show] was a combination of that and me being sued at the time, and it was on the front of the Post every day, you know, ''Rosie the anti-Christ.'' It's not a great way to sell tickets....

"[Watch porn?] Of course. Not with my children. But sometimes I will with my spouse.... Not a lot of women in it.... [I look at them] and I'm like, 'Oh, geez! What happened to her? What is she doing? She probably has two kids at home....' If you're gonna watch the porno, the [gay] male -- men porno stars, you can visually see that they're enjoying themselves....

"It's only men think that [women should shave]. Because, when women, lesbians, see other women without hair down there, they think of pre-pubescent girls... I don't know any lesbians who do....

"[President Bush] said, in the middle of a war, he needs to have a press conference. And all the TV stops, and we're sitting there, and I'm like, 'Oh, my God, what's happened? We lost our platoon or something there.' And he's like, 'I just want to say that -- what's going on in San Francisco is ruining the moral fiber of the country.' And I was so fucking mad! I was like, 'You know what, Kelly. Let's get on a plane and get married...."

Rosie O'Donnell mostly joking around on the Howard Stern Show, to promote her upcoming appearances at some performances of Cyndi Lauper's ''True Colors Tour 2008'' (in DC on Saturday, June 7). During their hour-long chat, the two comics also discussed in-depth her experience with ''The View'' and its many hosts; her own talk show and magazine lawsuit; her crushes on Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Angela Bassett, Matthew McConaughey, Mariska Hartigay and her wife, Kelli; Madonna, Britney and Lindsay; and her admiration of Barbra Streisand; her Gay Cruise, Danny Noriega and the comic Ant; WTC Building 7's suspicious collapse; and lots more.
(The Howard Stern Show)
(YouTube audio from OnTheSternShow.com)

"When I was a teenager, all my friends came out [gay]. And then I figured, 'Okay, me, too!' And then, afterwards, it was like, 'Oh, It's not really my thing.' And then I had to tell them I was straight.... They were gonna ditch me, and then they did ditch me. And then, when my sister came out, 'I was like, you're not ditching me! I don't care....'

"[The song,] 'True Colors' is just one of them healing songs, and I never realized what it meant to the community. When I first heard it and started singing it, I actually lost one of my dear friends, Gregory. And he died of AIDS in 1985. So, when I went in to sing 'True Colors,' I was thinking of him....

"I was having a discussion with my friend about inclusion.... Think about the gay community, and think about how excluded they are.... I'm friends and family of, so what are you supposed to do? Watch your friends and family be discriminated against and have their civil rights chipped away, little by little by little -- and not say anything?.... I try to write stuff that people say every day in conversation. And I've heard that, and I'm sure you've said it yourself. And I took expressions from everyday life and put them into these rhythms.... I wrote ['Same Ol' Fucking Story" with Rich Morel]. It's just about people getting back up again."

Singer Cyndi Lauper talking at length about her 'True Colors' tour and her life-long experience of supporting gay people. During the half-hour interview she revealed an intimate experience with a girl friend; discussed rumors of Britney joining the tour, her son Declyn, and the makings of her new dance album; and she sang a unique, live version of ''All Through the Night.'' (HowardStern.com)

"I didn't allow anything.... They knew it and turned it around and arrested me. I have never been so humiliated in all my life. It's just awful."

Nelson Keith Sloan, a man who called Raleigh, NC police about an alleged attack by another man, Ryan Christopher Flynn. Police charged both men with a "crime against nature," a Class I felony, a charge that carries up to two years in prison. Flynn was also charged with simple assault and communicating threats. (The News and Observer)

"I am grateful that the DA's office has a better understanding of the Constitution than the Raleigh Police Department.... However, as long as this law remains on the books it is a crime punishable by an arrest, a stay in jail, media attention, and a fine of $450 since that is how much it cost me to get out of jail."

Nelson Keith Sloan, commenting after prosecutors of Wake County, NC dropped "sodomy" charges against him and Ryan Christopher Flynn, an apparent sex partner who he says attacked him. It was determined the the acts between them were of consenting adults in private. Five years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot make private sexual conduct a crime. (The Charlotte Observer)

"I couldn't care less what these guys do.... I'm with the old Victorian lady who said, 'I don't care what people do as long as they don't do it in the street and scare the horses.' But you don't want me to decide which laws to enforce and which not to. My opinion shouldn't enter into it."

Joe Furmick, Wake County magistrate who booked Sloan, seeming to defend the Raleigh Police's original charge of a "crime against nature." (TradingMarkets)

"The ceremony took place this morning.... Two couples were married."

Anastasios Aliferis, Mayor of Tilos, a small Agean island, confirming that he had officiated over the marriage of a gay male couple and a lesbian couple. Though the marriages are not expressly legal, the mayor and couples felt that a loophole existed in the laws which does not specify that unions must be between a man and woman. (AFP)

"Everything went well, around twenty residents and relatives were present.... A step forward for equality has been taken."

"From this day, discrimination against gays in Greece is on the decline. We did this to encourage other gay people to take a stand."

Evangelia Vlami, a member of the Greek association OLKE, and one of the two women married at the ceremonies. (AFP) (BBC)

"Neither civil law nor the country's constitution refer to gay marriages.... If the Tilos mayor proceeds, he will have committed the criminal act of breach of duty."

George Sanidas, a Supreme Court prosecutor in Greece. (Boston Globe)

"We think this is good policy for the county. We're really pleased that the County Commission took this step. This is going to be good for the hospitals that will now have legal recognition of same-sex partners. It's good for county employees. It's good for the insurance companies. It's a win-win all around.

Heddy Peña, Executive Director of Save Dade. The adopted proposal will now allow registered couples, regardless of gender, to have visitation rights at hospital and jails, and will also allow the Florida county's employees to buy health insurance for partners and children. [video] (CBS 4)

"It's discrimination to leave out family members and putting strangers first; it's discriminatory and unjust."

Anthony Verdugo, a Christian Family Coalition member, who sought to have family members included in the proposal. It is reported that the conservative group now plans to fight the measure. (CBS 4)

"We're disappointed, we have been working for the past number of years...to educate California why our constitution should protect everyone equally.... This is not a surprise, but it's very disappointing that couples and families will have to work very hard this summer to protect our basic rights."

Jennifer Pizer, co-counsel for Lamda Legal, in response to the 1,120,801 signatures collected by organizers of a petition against same-sex marriage. 694,354 were needed, and 3% are said to have been verified. (San Jose Mercury News)

"LIMIT ON MARRIAGE. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Amends the California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: The measure would have no fiscal effect on state or local governments. This is because there would be no change to the manner in which marriages are currently recognized by the state. (Initiative 07-0068.)"

From a press release by Debra Bowen, California Secretary of State, announcing the acceptance of the Eight Measure to appear on the November 4, California General election. (CA.gov)

"I think it's written by guys, who happen to be gay, who are sluts. That's what I think.... Let's face it -- most men are sluts. That's what testosterone is.... It's too bad, because Darren Star is sort of a friend of mine and I always liked him, but you have a bunch of guys who are sluts writing for women and telling them they are supposed to act like this."

Former top model Lauren Hutton, respoding to a question on the "Today Show" about what she thought of "Sex and the City." She was there to talk about cosmetics that she sells, and ranted at length about the show's sperm-spewing writers eventhough she'd never seen the show. (MSNBC)

"The anti-Christ is going to make Hitler look like a choir boy.... He will become a blasphemer and a homosexual. ... this man is going to be partly Jewish, as was Adolph Hitler, as was Karl Marx."

An excerpt from a 2003 sermon given by the apocolyptic evangelist, Pastor Hagee, which reemerged this week as part of an effort to question ties between his numerous controversial opinions and support given to Republican Senator McCain and Independent Senator Lieberman. [video] (Huffington Post)

"HRC congratulates Gov. Ritter, Sen. Veiga, and Rep. Judd on taking this important step to advance equality for Coloradans.... As Gov. Ritter has said, this law is about basic fairness and treating people equally. Opponents of equality did their best to scare and divide Coloradans, but it’s heartening to see that their tactics were rejected. This is a positive step forward for Colorado, coming on the heels of two pro-equality laws enacted in 2007."

From a statement released by Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, about Colorado Governor Ritter signing a law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in housing, public accommodations, credit transactions, juror service, and other areas. (HRC.org)

"Henceforth, every woman and little girl will have to fear that a predator, bisexual, cross-dresser or even a homosexual or heterosexual male might walk in and relieve himself in their presence."

From a statement released by James Dobson, founder of the Colorado-based Focus on the Family. Dobson's argument played on fears that the pro-GLBT bill, because of the "transgender" and "public accommodations" aspect, would allow situations where adult men would expose themselves to girls in school bathrooms. (Examiner)

"[These female albatrosses] behave just like male-female pairs.... If a male comes up to one female in the pair, the second female gets really possessive.... They both lay eggs, and the one that is closest to the brood patch... is the egg that survives.... The longest we've seen them stay together so far is 19 years.... These albatrosses do socially stay with the same partners for long periods of time. It's just that they don't always mate with their partners exclusively."

Lindsay Young, a doctoral student studying behavioral ecology at the University of Hawaii. on the discovery one Laysan albatross colony where female pairs of the sea birds form relationships and even lay two eggs in a nest. It is noted that other types of sea birds and roughly 1,500 animal species overall are known to exhibit same-sex coupling. (Fox News)

"He really fashioned a whole generation, from the 50s onwards of women who were a lot more concerned both with their careers and sexually. He mirrored the times with the sexual revolution of the 60s and 70s and women going to work. He put them into trouser suits, he put them in ethnic, he put them in retro. His influence is huge, it's still huge."

Jayson Brunsdon, an Australian designer, remarking on the death of 71-year-old fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. [audio] (The World Today)

"I want people to understand that this is the work of one man who started when he was 21 years old and built an enormous career until 2002.... I don't know if fashion is an art but I know fashion needs an artist."

Pierre Bergé, longtime partner of designer Yves Saint Laurent, speaking last week (before Saint Laurent's death) in Montreal for the opening of a retrospective of the designer's work at the Musée des Beaux Arts. It is said that until the couple broke up in 1976, Saint Laurent and Bergé "were known as the most famous gay couple in the world." (Toronto Star)

"We have gathered in a very symbolic place to pay tribute to a person who was gay himself and at the same time had to conceal it because of repressive laws and disapproval in society."

Nikolai Alekseyev, a protest organizer, outside the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. About 20 protesters briefly unfurled a banner to protest the mayor of Moscow's refusal to allow a Gay Pride Parade again this year. Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has reportedly called homosexuality "satanic." It is said that a larger protest a City Hall did not happen because hundreds of riot police had gathered. Banners were hung from a nearby building instead and more than a dozen protesters are said to have been arrested. (International Herald Tribude)

"We are against the gay pride parade because we are Orthodox people, and Christ himself said the best way to deal with such people is to put a stone around their neck and throw them into the sea.... It was Jesus who said that."

Dmitry Antonov, of the Orthodox Brotherhood. A small group of counterprotesters are said to have thrown eggs and garbage at the event. It is reported that last year's gay pride protest resulted in a number of violent physical attacks on the gay group and supporters. (The Moscow Times)

"I think, a lot of people are confused by her masculine appearance, but I think it's really hot.... A lot of guys ask me [why not just be with a guy?]... First of all, she doesn't have guy parts... That's, actually, huge for me because the girl parts are what make it so fun."

Amanda and Joy, lesbian couple featured in Karmina's video, "The Kiss," explaining their femme blonde-butch brunette relationship. (CBSRecords channel on YouTube)

"At least it's another little baby step, although, the restrictions that we have, I think, are a little bit ridiculous.... We will follow what the parade organizers have allowed so that we can keep some common ground and not loose any."

Mitch Silvester representing the Southern Idaho Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center. After being rejected previously, the Center was allowed to participate in this year's community parade, "Western Days," with strict instructions not to use rainbow flags, pass out AIDS or drug information, and not use the organization's full name -- using "Southern Idaho Community Center" instead. Silvester explains more about it on camera for the news channel KTVB 7 [video].

"We just want them to be in the parade with everyone else, don't push your agenda, we don't have every single person in the parade pushing agenda, we just want them to come and have a good time, and that's all we are asking for."

Lisa Cuellar, board chair of the Twin Falls, Idaho parade, "Western Days," remarking on a purposefully-muted controversy that surrounds the gay float's inclusion at the mid-western community's anual celebration. (KTVB 7)

"They can do whatever they want, long as they keep it away from me."

Stacy Randell, a Twin Falls resident responding to the first-time inclusion of a gay float in the community's parade. It is reported that little reaction was garnered because few people could tell it was a gay float, though a group of high school supporters says they received a few "death glares" when they set up to support the group. (Times -ews)

"I've been through exorcisms. I've been through therapy. My question going in was, 'Can you change my thinking?' They said yes. After two years I said, 'Nothing's different. How long does this take?' My therapist said, 'Well, you'll just have to learn to live with it.' That's not what I wanted to hear.... I've been in the Christian music industry all my life.... But when I came out, that brought me to a dead end of being marketable in that world. The thing I'd hear was, 'Too bad all that talent's gone to waste.' "

Rich Cook, leader of Men Alive, a gay chorus of conservative Orange County, California, describing his journey on how he turned a negative coming out experience with his Christian friends and family into a full-sized gay men's chorus. (Orange County Register)