July 2008 Archives

"You get the sense that maybe he wasn't seeing Angie as a person. Then you get an idea of the violence behind this act."

Crystal Middlestadt, director of Training and Education for the Colorado Anti-Violence Program, reacting to the details of the murder of MTF transgender Angie Zapata. Her overnight sex partner allegedly stated to policed that after beating Zapata, he'd thought he'd "killed it." (Denver Post)

[Allen Ray Andrade] told investigators that Zapata performed oral sex on him but wouldn't let him touch her, ... spent the night at Zapata's apartment, but in separate beds. ... Andrade noticed several photographs that led him to question Zapata's gender.... He grabbed Zapata's crotch area, felt male genitalia and became angry, the affidavit says. He told investigators that he took a fire extinguisher off a shelf, struck Zapata twice in the head... he covered Zapata with a blanket and started gathering evidence he thought might link him to the crime when he heard gurgling sounds and noticed Zapata was sitting up. That's when he picked up the fire extinguisher and hit her again....

Summary of Associated Press article based on the affidavit filed by the Greeley, CO police. Allen Ray Andrade, 31, allegedly killed Angie (Justin) Zapata, 20, after meeting her through the online social service MocoSpace. (Associated Press)

"It's been devastating. I never thought this would happen, for one thing. And not from a public sector job.... This is about the right of everybody to be treated equally with respect.... It has been said that evil triumphs when good men do nothing. I'm not exactly a man anymore, but I'm not going to do nothing."

Vandiver Elizabeth Glenn, a transgender woman formerly known as Glenn Morrison, who was fired after telling supervisors at the General Assembly Office of Legislative Counsel in Georgia that she was going to formally transition and would not come to work anymore as a man. (Associated Press)

''The leaders of the state of Georgia should be an example of fair-mindedness and ethical decision-making. Our client was a successful and professional employee who was fired because her boss didn't like who she is."

Cole Thaler, Transgender Rights Attorney in Lambda Legal's Southern Regional Office based in Atlanta, which has filed a Federal lawsuite on behalf of Vandiver Elizabeth Glenn. (Lambda Legal)

"I can't do it anymore. Every time I go through there, it's tearing my insides out.... I don't want to keep confusing these kids. This just can't happen anymore. There are kids running in and out, and it's so embarrassing."

Karen Deamons, a pre-op M2F transgender who was required to use the men's locker room at city-run Cudell Recreation Center in Cleveland, OH. After suffering three strokes, she has been prescribed water exercise for mobililty. Women complained after six months when she used the bathroom stalls to change; and after talking with city officials agreed to use the men's room, but there are no stall doors in that bathroom. She has filed a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. (Examiner DC)

;''Portraying a gay family in a story that is not simply about gay families shows that these families exist too and are just as normal as other types of families. I really can't see how that can affect the quality of the story itself. I guess there are people who really feel very threatened when you try to open up perceptions on sexuality and gender identity.''

Karin Salmson, the co-founder of the new Vilda publishing house, whose new Hug line of children's books break away from "pink is for girls" traditions, as well as incorporating images of working women and gay parents. (AFP)

''We used to know how well we were doing by the number of Safeway bags our customers would store behind the counter. As time went on, we saw fewer and fewer Safeway bags, because people weren't shopping there -- they were shopping at Whole Foods.''

David Franco, owner of the Universal Gear clothing store now located near 14th and P Streets. (Washington Business Journal)

''The residents and businesses used to only intersect in the [liquor board] hearing room, and that wasn't healthy. But, with the worsening economy, we're very worried about independent businesses on 17th, and we're all in the same boat now.''

Joel Lawson, president of the Dupont Circle Citizens Association. (Washington Business Journal)

''This is a true victory for equality. In repealing this law we've sent the message loud and clear that in Massachusetts, we respect and honor all families. We've ridded our state laws of the last vestige of discrimination against same-sex couples, and we once again lead the way for equality for all people.''

Marc Solomon, Executive Director of MassEquality, in a statement following the Massachusetts House of Representatives decision to repeal an archaic law used by former Governor Mitt Romney to effectively ban gay couples from marrying who are not residents of the state. Recently, the Massachusetts Senate also voted to repeal the law, so now the bill is headed to current Governor Deval Patrick who is expected to sign the measure into law. (Boston.com)

''My position is: It’s not the reason why I’m running for president of the United States, and I think that two-parent families are best for America... I think that it is important for us to emphasize family values, but I think that it's very imprtant to understand that we have other challenges, too. I’m running for president of the United States because I want to help with family values. And I think that family values are important, when we have two-parent-- families that are of parents that are the traditional family.... I am for the values that two-parent families, the traditional family, represents.... Many of these decisions are made by the states, as we all know.''

Presidential candidate Senator John McCain reiterating his negative view of gay couples to adequately qualify to adopt and raise children, but refusing to be matter-of-fact and say he is against gay adoptions. (ABC News)

''We call it 'pumping' because that's just a signature name that we came up with our own language. They get pumped because they want to enhance their body to look more convicing of a female.... What is the better illusion versus having to put on fake breasts, or fake hips, fake butt -- when you can have the alteration done? Now the way that we have them done is not the proper way to do it, but it's less costly so a lot of girls go to the route of doing bootleg silicone injections. The more convincing that you look as a female, you know, it increases your chances of looking better and doing better in a competition.... The national level pageants will give you more prestige in different places, and also the prize package is much higher.''

Vega Olivia Perry speaking on camera to the Virginian-Pilot about her problems with appearnce-enhancing silicone injections. [video] (HamptonRoads.com)

''The basic concept is that if you make people feel good about themselves, the more likely they are to protect themselves and take care of their bodies.... The reality is that many transgender people do not have doctors. They don't feel comfortable going to other routine providers. We want to create that safe feeling for them and eventually have them adopt Park Place Medical Center as their home."

Dr. Subir Vij, a doctor at the Park Place Clinic in Norfolk, VA that says for half a day on Friday's they provide care specifically for transgenders that includes hormone presciptions through a program that is funded by the Health Department and MAC cosmetics. (HamptonRoads.com)

''I don't understand why anybody would do this. All we know right now is that the suspect was not connected to the church in any way. I have no idea if the man had some sort of political or cultural agenda (TVUUC had just put up a sign welcoming gays to the congregation), or if it's just some lunatic acting for no reason at all.''

Portion of an blog post by "Elrod" who says he was a member of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, where a man armed with a shotgun began shooting, apparently at raondom from the hip, at adults attending a children's play. (The Moderate Voice) The Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church's social activities include a Spectrum Cafe which is noted on the organization's web site as "social gathering place for Knoxville area high school youth who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender." (Out And About)

''Greg McKendry stood in the front of the gunman and took the blast to protect the rest of us.”

Barbara Kemper, a witness to a mass shooting at a Knoxville, TN church. The gunman was said to have opened fire on an audience inside the church as they watched children perform the musical ''Annie.'' No motive is yet known for the shooting and the gunman was reportedly not a member of the church. (KnoxNews.com)

''The Sex Lives of Animals at The Museum of Sex presents an uncensored story of the natural world, moving animal sexuality beyond the confines of reproduction and mating, towards discussions of orientation and cognition. By exploring the most intimate part of life, where it is often said we are most animal like, we can appreciate the significance of research on animal sexuality and, perhaps, extrapolate these concepts to larger issues regarding sexuality in general.''

Description of art exhibit at the Museum of Sex in NYC entitled, "The Sex Lives of Animals" that features lifesize sculptures of animals engaged in sex play including a deer threesom, genital-rubbing female bonobos, and dolphins using a blowhole in a creative way. (Rune Olsen)

''Nike is strongly opposed to discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting athletes regardless of their sexual orientation. The advertisement in question is based purely upon a common insight from within the game of basketball -- the athletic feat of dunking on the opposition, and is not intended to be offensive. However, after listening to concerns expressed around specific executions, we have decided to drop them from the campaign to underline our ongoing commitment to supporting diversity in sport and the workplace. Nike has a strong record of support for diversity and is proud to have been honored with a 100 percent score over several consecutive years in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index.''

Statement e-mailed by Nike to media outlets regarding their decision to drop their current Hyperdunk print ads that feature male baskeball players jumping in the air and rubbing their groins in (assumably) opposing male players faces. Catchphrases are superimposed over the images that make the ads appear homophobic, such as: "That Ain't Right," "Punks Jump Up," and "Isn't that Cute." Much criticism was generated by blog sites like Gawker. (ESPN TrueHoop) (The Oregonian)

''She was always happy," said Alicia Portillo, one of Angie's friends. "She loved music. She didn't care what people thought of her. She always just wanted to be who she was, and that was female, and to be loved.... Angie gave me the power to not care what people thought of me.''

Alicia Portillo, a lesbian friend of Angie (Justin) Zapata, 18, who was found dead in her apartment with wounds to her head and neck, and her green PT Cruiser is missing. (Rocky Mountain News)

''We want the whole community involved to find this person who hurt my sister and to let everyone be aware that all she wanted was to be beautiful.... We want this violence to end. Transgender people deserve to be treated with respect.''

From a statement released by Angie Zapata's sister, Monica. (ABC News)

''The bottom line is, we can't rule it in [as a hate crime], we can't rule it out.... We believe the victim knew or was an acquaintance with the suspect.... We don't have a problem using 'Angie.' We don't want to offend the family or anyone with gender concerns, but for it to be a good, clean prosecution, we can't identify a victim who doesn't exist.''

Sargeant Joseph Tymkowych, of the Greely, CO police, on the details of the murder and the necessity to identify Angie Zapata by her male birthname, Justin. (ABC News)

''[Getting caught and arrested] was a huge relief and it took me about a year to admit to myself that I'd done it -- deliberately.... The truth is, cruising has gone on for as long as there have been men trying to hide their sexuality.''

Singer on George Michael elaborating on his public sex scandal, his drug use scandal, and his hairline among other topics with morning talk show ''Good Morning America.'' (RedLasso)

''We're disappointed, but the court concluded that we were right, but were too late in filing.... ‘If I didn’t think we had a strong chance to win, I wouldn’t recommend to my client that we appeal.''

Jonathan Shurberg or Equality Maryland reacting to the ruling by Judge Robert Greenburg in the case of a transgender rights bill that has been block by opponents who gathered signatures to put the measue on a ballot for Montgomery County voters to decide. The Judge ruled that advocates of the rights bill failed to challenge the required number of signatures by a February deadline, even though he agreed with them that the required number of signatures should have been significantly higher. (Gazette.net)

"Following conversations between the Human Rights Campaign and senior Mars representatives, the company has agreed to pull its most recent ad using stereotypes of gay men to sell its Snickers product line. HRC applauds Mars for taking swift and appropriate action.''

Statement by HRC Workplace Director Daryl Herrschaf excerpted from a press release posted on the Human Rights Campain web site. (HRC.org)

''They told me to take off my clothes to rape me or they would kill me immediately. This moment was the worst moment in my life.... I told my family that I was beaten by them, but I did not dare to tell my family that I was raped by them. I could not say it, it's too much shame.''

''Kamal,'' a gay man in Iraq who says he was kidnapped and raped by a militia for 15 days, noting that they figured out that he was gay because he had shaved his chest. [video] (CNN)

''Gay men and lesbians in Iraq face a lot of risks right now, because homosexuality is sometimes interpreted by people in Iraq as being a Western import. So they can sometimes be targeted by insurgent groups or militias, in part, because of animosity toward the West and, in part, because homosexuality is not well-accepted in Iraqi society.... The biggest threats right now are from militia organizations, who will attack and actually sometimes kill gay men and women.''

Scott Portman of the Heartland Alliance, a group that promotes human rights worldwide. (CNN)

''Now if there is misconduct, there are regulations to deal with that misconduct. But we're talking about orientation -- not misconduct, here. And that is the premise of my question to you, Ms. Donnelly, is that you're saying that our military -- the greatest military in the world, one I was honored to serve with when I first put the uniform on back in 1993 -- is not as professional as 24 other countries, because they can understand what is right and what is wrong.''

Congressman Patrick J Murphy (D-PA), an Iraq war veteran, debating vigorously with Elaine Donnelly, the President for the Center for Military Readiness, a conservative organization that want's to keep the ban on gay and lesbians serving in the miitary but also to do away with the ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy because they believe it is inconsistent with the ban and affects unit cohesion. (C-SPAN 3 video via Nancy Pelosi's YouTube channel)

''Thomas rode out the first 24 hours [of labor] at home. His wife, Nancy, was his coach and then they wen to the hospital where a midwife delivered the baby. It was not a C-section: It was a vaginal birth. Susan comes from Thomas' mother's name. Juliette is his wife's middle name. She weighed 9 lbs 5 ounces. Perfectly healthy.... [Thomas wife, Nancy,] is actually breastfeeding the child through a process called a processed called 'induced lactation....'''

Patrick Rogers of People Magazine speaking with Good Morning America about the baby girl, Susan Juliette Beatie, born to F2M transgender father Thomas Beatie.. (Towleroad)

''She's so precious, I just can't stop staring at her. Just holding her is the best feeling in the world.... Susan is a miracle! And we're finally the family we've been dreaming of.''

Thomas Beatie, speaking to People Magazine after giving birth to his daughter at Bend, Oregon's St. Charles Medical Center. (People)

''[Madonna outed me] during an interview with a gay magazine. She casually mentioned it but the only people who knew I was gay at the time were my boyfriend and immediate family. I was upset she didn’t consider my feelings - she couldn't understand why I was upset, why I objected to her using me to get credibility with the gays.... My relationship with her was threatening to Guy. I suppose he felt insecure and wanted to push me out. It wasn't necessary. He's also very uncomfortable with gay people.''

Christopher Ciccone, 47, speaking out about his estranged sister, Madonna, who he has written a book about, ''Life With My Sister Madonna.'' In his interview with Metro UK, he speaks about gay jokes from Guy Ritchie's friend, her lack of gay dancers, the couple's possible divorce, and more. (Metro.co.uk)

''All the victims were, or are, homosexual. He has taken advantage of their sexual preferences and violated them.... The crimes are very serious. He’s victimized vulnerable people. He didn’t believe they would dare report him because of their sexual orientation and because they met on the internet. This makes the crimes extra serious''

Swedish public prosecutor Fredrik Ingblad who has successfully convicted a man only described as being 35-years-old, of robbing a number of men whom he had met via internet chat rooms allegedly for sexual dates, and finally stabbing to death a 43-year-old man in Stockholm. (TheLocal.se)

''I have no idea why they did what they did. Some people in the jail suggested it was for money. I never saw any [cash] pass. The guards, they got no big payout. They were stupid and backward. They did it for ... giggles. [Suspected police killer, Lee] Woods was very trans-phobic. He'd see me and say things like he would get me killed. So I started writing inmate statements, telling Correction what I saw. For a long time, they ignored it.... They turned a blind eye to whatever he did. There was a specific time in May when he brandished a shank, a lighter, a scalpel and then lit a fire outside his cell with the lighter.... This is a cop-killer. I would tell the guards, 'OK, I'm transgender. Woo hoo. But this guy would kill you, rob your mother, that's what you have to remember.''

Mariah Lopez a pre-op M2F transsexual who persisted in exposing New York prison guards' preferential treatment of a suspect, Lee Woods, who was allegedly involved in the murder of Police Officer Russel Timoshenko. Not only did they ignore the Wood's bad behavior, the fired guards may have supplied him with marijuana and alcohol, a handcuff key, a cellphone sim card, even had sex with the suspect. (NY Daily News)

''I think it will probably upset the purists. But one thing we wanted to make clear was that Sebastian was gay and that Charles although terribly fond of him is heading in another direction sexually.... Waugh had a very skilful way of skating over the sordid details so we can imagine what we like about them. This ambivalence was probably the result of his own sexual ambivalence.... The producers of the television version probably wanted to include such a scene back then. But that sort of thing was a lot more controversial in 1981 than it is today.... ''

Kevin Loader, producer of then new film adaptation of ''Brideshead Revisited'' that was published by a male author named Evelyn Waugh in 1945. The book's character Lord Sebastian Flyte has been revised to make him more overtly gay, but it has also be said that his teddy bear, Aloysius, will not be prominently featured in the new movie. A widely-seen TV series was aired in 1981 and made a star of Jeremy Irons. (Telegraph.co.uk)

"This is a good decision for lesbians everywhere. A court in Athens could not stop people around the world from using it. It was ridiculous.''

Vassilis Chirdaris, lawyer for the Gay and Lesbian Union of Greece, which was being sued by three residents of Lesbos, the Aegean island that was the home of Sappho, a woman who wrote poetry that professed her love for other women (Reuters)

''Thursday, July 24, 11:00-12:00 -- LGBT Portrayals in Comics -- With the increased number of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) characters in both mainstream and indie comics today, it's time to examine how they're faring. Has this increased presence meant better and more complex portrayals, or is there more to be explored? Has the call for "positive" portrayals been beneficial, or has it left LGBT characters one-dimensional? And what can we expect in the future? Join moderator Patricia Jeres (Prism board member and talent and industry relations chair) and panelists Perry Moore (author of Hero, winner of the Lambda Literary Award; executive producer of Disney's The Chronicles of Narnia series), Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman), Judd Winick (Green Arrow and Black Canary), and Bob Schreck (group editor, DC Comics) for this insightful discussion. Room 10.''

From the Calendar of Events associated with Comic-Con 2008, a huge comic book convention being held in San Diego, California this week. (comic-con.org)

''The captain of the charter vessel called for help; said that he had a man overboard. Police boats and also a Coast Guard vessel were called to the scene. At first, the person refused to come out of the water, but they, at some point, got him aboard. A fight ensued on the back of the police boat. The suspect grabbed a taser from an officer.''

Lieutenant Ken Franke, of the San Diego Harbor Police, speaking about the death of Steven Paul Hirschfield, 37, of West Hollywood, who allegedly fell or jumped off a gay party boat and then attacked the police who tried to rescue him. [video] (KABC) Some 800 people were aboard the Inspiration Hornblower for a chartered event put together by promoter Bill Hart. [video] (KGTV)

Each newlywed team of Contestants must be legally married to each other (legal marriage defined as one that is legally valid in all 50 state of the United States) and, upon Producer's request must be able to provide proof of marriage (i.e. a marriage certificate) that shows that Contestants are legally married to each other.

Portion of ''Eligibility Requirments'' document for the TV game show, ''The Newlywed Game,'' that appears to be excluding of married same-sex couples since their legal unions would not be recognized in all 50 states. (GoodAsYou.org)

''I think the gay-rights people want it to be a gay-rights issue, because it makes a poster child out of my son.... That bothered me. I'm not anti-gay. I have a lot of co-workers and friends who are gay.''

Greg King, the adoptive father of murdered 15-year-old, Larry King, who his father reportedly says was likely not gay but wanted attention, even though he'd worn make-up and heels, told school friends he was gay, and told other boys in the lockerroom that they ''look hot.'' King was shot dead in class by Brandon McInerney, 14, who King had allegedly asked to be his Valentine just days before. (Newsweek)

''We have a student on campus who has chosen to express his sexuality by wearing make-up. It is his right to do so. Some kids are finding it amusing, others are bothered by it. As long as it does not cause classroom disruptions he is within his rights. We are asking that you talk to your students about being civil and non-judgmental. They don't have to like it but they need to give him his space. We are also asking you to watch for possible problems. If you wish to talk further about it please see me or Ms. Epstein.''

Portion of an e-mail sent to teachers by Lawrence King's school office on January 29. (Newsweek)

''I have done three girl-on-girl kisses on-screen. And, yet, I've never experimented in real life. When lesbian friends tell me they're in love with me after our friendship has been cemented, it always shocks me.''

Actress Selma Blair, of 'Cruel Intentions' and 'Hellboy' speaking to Playboy magazine. She says she also rehearsed her sex scenes with actress Stana Katic. (Stuff.co.nz)

''My client has done nothing wrong. He has served the community of Hollywood with honor and distinction for over 10 years. The only reason someone would criticize my client is that he publicly has a different lifestyle.''

Al Milian, attorney for Hollywood, Florida police officer Michael Verdugo, from a statement released regarding the officer's forced paid administrative leave. After appearing as a contestant on the HGTV realtity show, ''Design Star,'' several gay blogs posted photos and allegations that Verdugo was the star of a gay bondage video in 1996, noting his tatoos in both appearances. The alleged video is posted on the explicit video site XTube. In a separate development, Verdugo was also recently booted from the reality show. [video] (Local10.com)

We don't discriminate. We want to make sure if anyone tried to use TaxCut online they had a recourse here.... When the ACLU brought this to our attention, we agreed with them.''

Denise Sposato, a spokesperson for the tax return filing company H&R Block, responding to an issue raised by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of a gay Connecticut couple. The tax company's software did not support tax returns for civil unions in their state and recommended that they take their returns to a company branch office which would cost same-sex couples more. H&R Block has offered several choices of compensation. (Boston Globe)

"Any man or woman who dresses up and behaves like the opposite gender in public will be questioned and legal action will be taken against him or her.''

Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief, following up on the arrest of 40 tourists, and a threat issued back in May to arrest any transvestites caught in public. Apparently, he perceives an increasing number of cross-dressers in the Arab country, and plans to deport them for being against Dubai's "social values." The fast-developing, rich, sea-side nation is probably best known in America for last year's controversial announcement by Halliburton to move it's corporate headquarters to Dubai. (PinkNews.co.uk)

''We didn't know what to do. He [was] a very large man. I'm not a very big woman.... It seems like if I had made a scene, he would have ejected us.... If [the stadium's representatives and management] try to spin it and try to pacify us, we will take it further.''

Laura, 33, who says she was holding the hand of her domestic partner, Cai, 37, during a B-52's slow song at the True Colors Tour. She alleges that a security guard at the Qwest Field WaMu Theater shinded a flashlinght in their face and on and their hands, and he then indicated for them to stop being affectionate with a finger across the neck gesture. (TheStranger.com)

This is one of the most pernicious statutes on our books.... This bill puts the final nail in the coffin of those dark days.''

Massachusetts State Senator Dianne Wilkerson, a Democrat and the government branch's only black member, remarking on the Senate's vote to repeal the arcane, racist law that was used by then Governor Mitt Romney to deny same-sex couples from coming in to the state to be married since it is not legal for gays to be married anywhere in the USA (California recently excepted, of course). (Time.com)

''We are pleased that Senator McCain clarified the remarks, and we thank the senator for once again re-iterating his belief that issues concerning marriage and family laws should be left up to the states — not the federal government.''

Patrick Sammon, the president of Log Cabin Republicans, releasing a statement of support for Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, who immediately became a target of condemnation for stating his oppositon to all adoptions of children by gay people because ''both parents are important in the success of a family.'' McCain's camp later said their candidate could have ''been clearer'' in stating that he believes adoption is a state issue; although he apparently still personally disapproves of gay families being able to adopt. (NY Times)

''The investigation revealed that the men had met on a website called Manhunt.net and had arranged to meet with a third party at 70 Abbeyville Lane for sex.... I think that the third party arranged it. I don't think they had any idea about who owned the house. I think they probably felt that the third party owned the house.... To use such manifest lack of judgement, poor judgement and discretion is -- it's just crazy to think what the consequences of that could be.''

Police Chief Kapaka of Greenburgh, NY, remarking on the case of a Catholic arts school principal, Gabriel de Jesus, and another man who have been charged with trespassing, public lewdness and disorderly conduct for hooking up in the back yard of an abandoned house. A third man is being sought who allegedly arranged the meeting on the gay social site ManHunt, was "last seen running naked down the street." (LoHud.com)

''Perez you area FAT GAY PIG! Angelina is an ugly whore! You love her because she is a fag lover! Her brother is a gay jerk just like your fat ugly ass! MANGELINA is a disgusting, gross skank!''

Contents of an e-mail allegedly sent to gossip blogger Perez Hilton by an Ohio woman who was fired from her job at Menorah Park over the unauthorized message. Hilton published her full name and e-mail address on his site, and she and her company reportedly received hundreds of angry complaints at the office. The fired woman is now trying to sue Hilton for $25 million. (TheSmokingGun.com)

''I think that we’ve proven that both parents are important in the success of a family so, no I don’t believe in gay adoption.''

Senator John McCain responding to a question that asked if he opposed gay adoptions like President George Bush. (New York Times)

''I respect the rights of the states to make those decisions. I obviously am personally in favor of preserving the unique status of marriage between man and woman. And I also would point out that we passed a thing called the Defense of Marriage Act, which I know you’re familiar with, where we said that states were not required to recognize in their states the decision that other states made. In other words, if the state of Massachusetts recognized marriage between man and --- had allowed same-sex marriage, that does not mean that that decision can be imposed on the state of Arizona. The state of Arizona will make that decision.''

Republican presidential candidate John McCain continuing his campaign against equality of access to the benefits of marriage for America's same-sex couples. (New York Times)

"There are deaths in public places on the grounds that the victim is gay.... My own death threats have declined considerably. I think I've become rather boring now to the public at large on this particular issue so I'm thought to be unremarkable."

Sir Ian McKellen, actor and gay rights advocate, speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr talk show alongside gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson who is visiting the UK during the Anglican Church's Lambeth Conference even though he's been banned from the official meeting of bishops. (UK.Reuters.com)

''At first, of course, I did not know what was going to happen and, with death threats having come in, that enters your mind.... I must say I was really overcome and got quite tearful afterwards with sadness for this young man. He clearly felt very strongly about what he believed. I thought, you know, there is this place in his heart that has been filled up with all this darkness and it could be filled with love.''

Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, speaking about a heckler who called him a "heretic" during a sermon that he was giving in the United Kingdom. The larger Anglican church is experiencing extreme strains over the idea of allowing Robinson, as a gay man, to serve as an ordained leader of the clergy. Some churches in the US and UK are said to be turning to conservative Anglican church leaders in Africa, who hold harsh opinions about homosexuality in general, for guidance. (Telegraph.co.uk)

''I tell my friends all the time, I'm like, 'What makes them think talking about me is going to make me change who I am?' They can talk about me. They can do anything. But I'm still Saro. It doesn't bother me.''

Saro Harvey, 15, speaking to the Washington Post for an article about what it's like to be a gay, lesbian or bisexual teen in the area's school system. (Washignton Post)

''Unlike people of my generation, where there was very little visibility and a great sense of sadness, these kids know gay people are out there. They have a language now to understand their feelings.''

Kevin Jennings, Founder and Executive Director of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, remarking that he ''never anticipated'' that gay-straight clubs would be forming in middle schools, adding the need to create age-appropriate literature in response.

''The word is, according to multiple sources in Montgomery and elsewhere, that King was recently caught by his wife in a gay affair with a male aide and banished from his home.''

From the Locust Point Journal blog. Troy King is the conservative, Republican Attorney General for Alabama. He is said to have been a leading contender for the next Governor's race, and was, according to Edge Boston, until recently, part of the Alabama Leadership Team for Presidential Candidate, John McCain. They also attribute numerous, hateful anti-gay statements he wrote in the 1990s at the University of Alabama. (Locust Fork Journal)

"This has been a question we've been looking at for quite a long time... It's not something the bureau could arbitrarily or casually decide to change on a whim, because our data is used by virtually every federal agency.... We're not destroying data; we are keeping that data," O'Connell said. "We are just showing the data published in a way that is consistent with the way every other agency publishes their data.''

Martin O'Connell, chief of the Census Bureau's Fertility and Family Statistics Branch, trying to justify why the U.S. 2010 Census will purposefully have legally married same-sex couples be recorded as "unmarried partners," even in California and Massachusetts, as a reaction to the federal Defense of Marriage Act and other mandates. (San Jose Mercury News)

''I don't support changing the definition of marriage," Reed said, "but whether this is the appropriate ballot measure, we'll have to wait until it goes on... I support the extension of benefits, and I supported the exension of protections from discrimination for same-sex couples and I'll continue to do that — but I don't support changing the definition of of marriage.''

Mayor Chuck Reed of San Jose, CA, telling an inquiring reporter his till-now unknown position on the anti-gay marriage ballot measure in California known as Proposition 8. [video] (CBS 5)

''In 2004, Gov. Mitt Romney applied this arcane law, the so-called "1913 Law," to keep out-of-state same-sex couples from marrying in Massachusetts. The law, in fact, was rooted in discrimination: it was enacted to limit the number of interracial marriages that could be performed here by stating that if it were disallowed by the home state, a couple could not be married in the Commonwealth. Romney, a staunch and vocal opponent of marriage equality, turned to that statute, which had not been used for decades, to reject out-of-state gay and lesbian couples.''

From the web site of Mass Equality, a gay rights advocacy group in Massachusetts, asking for voters to contact legislators to vote down an old, racist law that was revived by conservative, Mormon ex-Gov. Mitt Romney to prevent anyone who resides outside of the state of Massachusetts from taking advantage of that state's landmark legalization of same-sex marriages. (MassEquality.org)

''If you're going to show them as a couple, it has to be real... There was one line in the Next Generation episode, 'So, how long have you two been together?' and that was as much as there was in 1987. There's a lot more now.... It's not a big deal to anybody on the Enterprise. There is no bias in the 23rd century. It's not about AIDS or homosexuality. The true message is to give blood, and that's always going to be relevant.... Star Trek works best when it takes these kinds of chances," Cawley said. "And it's high time [homosexuality] was talked about on Star Trek.''

James Cawley, producer of the online-only video series, "Star Trek Phase II," speaking about his team's current episode, ''Blood and Fire.'' The two-part episode was originally written for ''The Next Generation'' by David Gerrold in 1987, but was allegedly put on hold by studio executives because they were squeamish about the inclusion of an openly gay couple. (Baltimore Sun)

''[Employees] exercised extremely poor judgment in approving participation in the program.''

Parks, Recreation and Tourism director Chad Prosser explaining the cancellation of an gay-friendly overseas ad campaign that had been sign-off on already. An ad for Amro Worldwide that was to be paid for with tax dollars, had the headline, "South Carolina is so gay." (The State)

-- Andrew DeBaker, event co-chairman of the Green Bay, Wi. area's first full-fledged gay pride celebration. The event, called Pride Alive, marks a milestone for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Northeastern Wisconsin. (Greenbaypressgazette.com)

''It's a very empowering thing to be able to preside over these ceremonies. We've been working on this for such a long time.''

Comedy queen Margaret Cho who says she's been deputized by the city of San Francisco and performed two gay weddings at that city's Pride. (E! Online)

''Islington Council rightly considered the importance of the right of the gay community not to be discriminated against but did not consider the right of Miss Ladele as a member of a religious group. It decided that the service it provided was secular and that the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community must be protected. In so acting, Islington Council took no notice of the rights of Miss Ladele by virtue of her orthodox Christian beliefs.''

From the ruling of the Central London Employment Tribunal in favor of a religious discrimination complaint brought by, Lillian Ladele, a civil registrar who refused to conduct gay weddings as part of her job in Islington because she says same-sex unions are "sinful." (Telegraph.co.uk)

''Nowadays, I don't wear my collar when I am in countries which have supporters of homosexuals.... I am forced to dress like a civilian because those people are dangerous. They can harm anybody who is against them. Some of them are killers. They want to close the mouth of anybody who is against them.''

Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi's remarks before Christians at Kitunga archdeaconry, West Ankole diocese, also indicated that there was no "rights" to gay sex or lesbian marriage, and that homosexuals were making donations, building schools and offering scholarships to purposefuly take advantage of Africa's poor. Orombi, of the Church of Uganda, is notable because he is a leading force against gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson in the USA, and some American Episcopal congregations are said to be splitting off and turning to Orombi's anti-gay, conservative Anglican leadership instead. (New Vision)

''We have had other attacks like this from kids in the neighborhood. People pushing the kids, throwing things at them, at least once a week.''

Father Louis Braxton, Jr, an Episcopal who runs Carmen’s Place, a shelter for gay and transgender youth in Queens. Four teens have been arrested for punching the priest and attacking the shelter's residents with construction supplies and garbage. (New York Times)

"I just couldn't take it, Mama."

Natasha Akins calling out to her mother as she was being arrested by Houston police for shooting her Public Works co-worker Dave Whitfield, Jr, six times. Akins father claims that his daughter was dealing with harassment over her sexual orientation, however the victim, Whitfield, later denied that he personally said anything about it to Akins. The two had supposedly put a previous altercation behind them, where Mr Whitfield had knocked Akins unconscious for spitting in his face. This incident may have been triggered by a third co-worker's teasing Akins about being punched out earlier. (KHOU 11 News) (KHOU 11 News)

''They said it was to essentially poke fun at wrestling - two guys rolling around on the floor, all sweaty.... It set the crowd off lobbing beers. They had beers in plastic cups. Those things can get some distance on them actually.''

Fort Smith police sergeant Adam Holland, commenting on an event held in Texarkana, AR, called ''Blue Collar Brawlin'' that was to feature a ''cage fighting'' event. Some 1,600 people are reported to have attended the event, but were angered when what they witnessed was two men ripping each others' clothes off, fondling and kissing. Hidden-camera funnyman Sasha Baron Cohen is suspected to have been behind the filmed stunt, for his upcoming film, "Bruno," that will likely follow the awkward, homophobia-inducing situations depicted on his TV show. He is also suspected of setting up a fake talk show involving a gay baby. (Telegraph.co.uk)

''Attention Customers, This store does not believe in Gay & Lesbian marriages. Any same sex activity which includes kissing, hugging, touching or anything that would make our customers feel uncomfortable is prohibited in the store.''

Message from a sign seen at a Rite Aid Pharmacy in New York City. The gay web log Queerty reports that four such signs allegedly appeared in the store that had a signature of "Tom Marquez, Rite Aid Management" However, it is unclear if Tom Marquez is some type of manager or who may have posted these signs as a spokeswoman for the company is said to have called the signs vandalism. (Queerty)