''The first way [to shift cultural connotations of femininity] is by not buying into masculinist presumptions about femininity. In feminism and in the queer community, there's a strong anti-feminine attitude. If you look at the gay male community, masculinity is praised, femininity is suspect. If you look at the lesbian community, masculinity is praised, femininity is suspect. We have to get that out of our heads. Whenever I hear a feminist argue that women are subordinating themselves to men when they dress up, to me it sounds like a slightly toned-down version of "women who dress provocatively are asking for it." It's the same argument.''

Transexual woman, Julia Serano, discussing some of the points behind her new book, ''Whipping Girl.'' (The Canadian)

''Most often, researchers tried to "game" the system by continuing to do their research as before while employing practices specifically designed to disguise the most controversial aspects of their research. Half (51%), for example, said that they removed potential ''red flag'' words from titles and abstracts of their subsequent NIH grant submissions. Deleted words included: gay; lesbian; bisexual; sexual intercourse; anal sex; homosexual; homophobia; AIDS; bare backing; bathhouses; sex workers; needle-exchange; and harm-reduction. As one interviewee put it: ''I do not study sex workers, I study women at risk''

Portion of a study by Joanna Kempner just published in the Journal of the Public Library of Science that concludes that a inquisition launched in 2003 by Republican Rep. Patrick Toomey had a chilling effect on the language used in sex-related research projects seeking government funding. (PLoS)

Tuesday, on November 4th -- I live in California -- so 8:15 was the happiest moment in my life. I was so happy, I was so proud of the country. We elected Barack Obama, and I was like, 'Man, we are moving in the right direction.' And then, about 11 o'clock, I was crushed. We took a huge leap forward, and then got dragged about 12 steps back.

When California passed Prop 8 -- Arkansas, gay couples, same sex couples can't adopt -- and in Florida, banning gay marriage. That was just heartbreaking. I felt like I was being attacked, personally attacked. Our community was attacked.

I got married October 25th. my wife is here. And you know, I don't really talk about my sexual orientation. Didn't feel like I had to. I was just living my life, not necessarily in the closet. Just living my life. Everybody that knows me personally, they know I'm gay. And that's the way people should be able live their lives, really.

If we had equal rights, we shouldn't have to be standing out there, demanding something that we automatically should have as citizens of this country. But I got pissed off. They pissed me off. I said, 'You know what? Now, I gotta get in your face.' And that's what we all have to do now. They pissed off the wrong group of people.

They have galvanized the community. We are so together now, and we all want the same thing, and we are not going to settle for less. Instead of having gay marriage in California, no. We're going to get it across the country. 'Cause when I leave -- when my wife and I leave California, I also want to have my marriage recognized in Nevada, in Arizona, all the way to New York.

How can you stop people from loving each other? How can you get uspet about love? And I'm sick of this stuff about, 'Oh, well, you made that choice. That's your choice.' Gay is not a choice. Being gay is not -- that's like telling me I chose to be a woman. I chose to be black. So are we saying that being gay is a choice, that people are straight because they chose not to be gay?

Now let's go get our damn equal rights! Come on!

Speech by comedian Wanda Sykes who was in performing in Las Vegas, NV, but also appeared at this rally for gay marriage rights to protest the recent passage of Proposition 8 which repealed legal same-sex marriages in that state. (Via aarikabari's YouTube video)

''Let's not sit by and just chant. We need to count on each other to write letters to Obama, to write letters to Biden, to write letters our Senate and House Members and demand, 'Let's see some real change we can believe in. Let's end the Defense of Marriage Act!''

One of several speakers taking part in a pre-march rally in front of the US Capitol as part of a nationwide protest against the passage of Proposition 8 in California which has repealed the marriage rights of same-sex couples.After a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, the march proceeded west across the National Mall to the World War II Memorial, and then over to the park in front of the White House. (Metro Weekly)

''We need you to start conversations. We need you to talk to people. Go out there to anybody who is even just questioning whether or not they believe whether gay marriage is right or wrong. We need you to talk to them, because that's how you change hearts and minds.... And even though sometimes it hurts -- and I know it hurts to talk to people who hate you -- but you have to do it, because we have to change minds.''

A speaker at the post-march rally in front of the White House in Washington, DC this past Saturday. (Metro Weekly)

''[The] Mormon Temple is suing the state [of California, where we were married] to abolish all of the marriages that happened before hand. So, it's sort of up in the air as to where we stand. We're hoping that we're still married.... [Taking part in the protest] gets our voice out. It says that we've taken being treated as second class citizens for a long time, and we're done with it. This is ridiculous.''

Michael Lindsay and Dr Patrick Kelly, who were married in California earlier this year. They plan to fight for their right to marry by protesting in front of Baltimore's City Hall as part of a nation-wide public demonstration against anti-gay marriage measure that passed on November 4, effectively halting all sames-ex marriages. (WBAL via YouTube)

''Duanna bravely confronted the Memphis Police Department officers who brutalized her while she was in police custody. At great personal cost, Duanna was the public face of our community's campaign against racism, homophobia, and transphobia. There was no justice for Duanna Johnson in life. The Mid-South Peace & Justice Center calls for justice in the investigation and prosecution of Duanna's murder.''

Statement about the shooting death of Duanna Johnson from the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center. Johnson was a MTF transgender who became famous in the Memphis, TN area after a tape surfaced of police beating her and pepper spraying her in the face and leaving her without medical attention. She had been brought to the police station on charges of prostitution and was handcuffed during the incident. It is reported that she was in the process of bringing a lawsuit against the police department. Two officers had already been fired for their conduct. Neighbors and even her lawyer have described Johnson's life as troubled. (Memphis Flyer)

''It is false to conclude that yesterday's suspicious package came from gay protesters. Overwhelmingly, gay and allied Utahns have expressed their pain, frustration and commitment to securing rights through peaceful demonstrations and marches.''

From the Utah Pride Center, a GBLT center in Salt Lake, responding to the accusations by the Mormon church and the ''Yes on 8'' that gays are responsible for mailing white powder to Mormon temples in Salt Lake and Los Angeles as retaliation for their leadership role to repeal gay marriage in California. The anti-gay groups are calling the two incidents ''acts of domestic terrorism.'' The FBI has determined that the substance was non-toxic. (Contra Costa Times)

''This is not democracy. This is not American. This is terrorism, for want of a better word. The gays have become everything they accused their opponents of," added her fellow guest, Wilson Clyde. "They're intolerant of me, of my beliefs and my way of life. They're nothing more than extremists who are trying to intimidate and silence anyone who disagrees with them.''

Renee Scheffers, a guest at a wedding at the Salt Lake Temple in Utah which was interrupted by police sirens and officers in hazmat suits after a church worker claimed to have opened an envelope containing white power. Another nearby church reported graffiti and others allegedly reported broken windows which appeared to have been caused by a bb-gun. (Independent.co.uk)

''I feel we are being picked on. We are not the only group that supported this proposition, so why do they only blame us? Last week, thousands came here to protest. It made me sad, more than anything.''

Sister Sugiyanto, a Mormon visiting Salt Lake City, UT from Indonesia. (Independent.co.uk)

''I'm fed up and disgusted with religious institutions taking political stances and calling them moral when it's nothing but politics. It's hypocrisy. Meanwhile they enjoy tax-free status while trying to deny me rights that should be mine at the state and federal level.''

Dennis Williams, a prostester outside of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New York City. (NBC New York)

''We decided that we wanted to hold out for the real thing. Parties are fun, but it's not about the celebrating piece of this. It's about honoring the magnitude of the rights that we will be granted, and we wanted to jump in and take advantage of that right away.''

Peg Oliveira who legally married her new wife Jennifer Vickery in New Haven, Connecticut on Wednesday, November 12, 2008. (NY Times)

''We... think about the heartbreaking vote in California, knowing that a justice movement is not won or lost by one case or one vote. Connecticut sends a message of hope and promise to lesbian and gay people throughout the country who want to be treated as equal citizens by their government.

Bennett Klein, a lawyer for Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, which litigated the Connecticut court case that led to legal gay and lesbian marriages beginning this week. (http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-marriage13-2008nov13,0,6138711.story)

''In my lifetime, I've seen it go from 'the love that dare not speak its name' to today, when we have a love that can be declared on the steps of New Haven City Hall.''

Garret Stack who married John Anderson, his partner of 28 years, in Connecticut. (Boston Globe)

''It's not the end. I think this will go back to the courts. This will go back to the Supreme Court [in California which has] very clearly declared this unconstitutional.... ... Look, I learned the messages from lifting weights. Sometimes I try to lift the weight 10 times, and I failed. But the 11th time I lifted it. And I learned that you should never, ever give up. And I think it's the same with [Proposition 8] as with Proposition 11, they should never give up. They should be on it and on it until they get it done.''

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger speaking on camera with CNN about the passage of Proposition 8, which he had recently spoken out against. But, before the Supreme Court granted same-sex marriage in the state this year, he spoke out against gay marriages. The Governor, a former weightlifting champion, appears to blame passage of the bill on a weak, underfunded campaign against the voter-approved measure combined with strong religious and minority cultural support. (CNN via YouTube)

''In San Francisco, on Friday night, about 1,000 people gathered in the streets in protest. In Los Angeles, on Saturday, 12,000 people converged in the Silver Lake neighborhood. And in more conservative San Diego, also on Saturday, another 10,000 people took to the streets. On Sunday, about 2,500 people gathered on the steps of the state capital in Sacramento to protest at a 3-hour rally against the marriage ban. And, it being Sunday and all, hundreds of people gathered to have their voices heard outside the Saddleback Church, the Evangelical mega-church in Orange County, California, that pushed for the ban after hosting the candidates this summer. About 4,00 people assembled outside Oakland, California's Mormon temple, protesting that church's involvement in the campaign for Prop 8 as well. Church members contributed an estimated 40% of the individual donations made to the $30 million 'Yes on 8' fund. More than 3,000 protesters filed past the church of Latter Day Saints Chuch and headquarters and Mormon temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. And, in Chicago, on Saturday night, hundreds of people gathered to speak out against Dr. James Dobson, in town for his Radio Hall of Fame induction.... According to a former spokesperson for the 'No on 8' campaign, the protests are being organized 'grassroots style.' You have Facebook and MySpace and CraigsList postings and even text messages.''

Dr. Rachel Maddow reporting on her MSNBC news and opinion show. (Rachel Maddow Show)

''I want to sincerely apologize for the derogatory word I used. It was insensitive and inappropriate of me and I am deeply sorry that I may have offended anyone.''

Mickey Rourke apologizing for using the word 'faggot' when referring to a news writer. The actor has said in the past that he has plenty of gay friends and they ''toss the word around.'' (Marc Malking at E! Online)

''And tell that faggott who wrote all that shit in the paper I'd like to break his fu&king legs.''

Actor Mickey Rourke, responding to paparazzo who asked him if he was dating Evan Rachel Wood, his female co-star in a new film called, ''The Wrestler.''

''We can't wait for any large scale organization to get the word out for us. We have 1 week to put together a NATIONAL PROTEST and start a mobilized movement for equality! When we all come together as one voice on November 15th, we will show the nation that we can do more than just talk, we can act!... It's very simple: Infiltrate, Educate, and STOP HATE!''

From Join the Impact, a hastily-constructed website that organizers are using to generate gatherings of same-sex marriage supporters on November 15 in cities across the U.S. including Washington, DC (Join the Impact)

"I identify mostly as a heterosexual male, but I just happen to like to look like a female.... The first 30 seconds they think, 'Am I in a freak show? Is there a camera behind me? What's going on here?' And then we get down to discussing whatever the issue is -- whether it's city business or business or whatever -- and they figure out, 'Oh, well, this guy's different but he knows what he's talking about.'"

Stu Rasmussen, 60, who just won a mayor contest in Silverton, OR and is a MTF transgender with breast implants, yet also maintains a relationship with a live-in girlfriend of nearly 35 years. (MSNBC)

''Whites voted very narrowly against the ban, 51-49 percent. Asian-Americans voted the same. Hispanics voted for it, by 53-47 percent. Blacks voted for it, overwhelmingly, 70-30. Blacks can be said to have put it over the top. Hypothetically, had no blacks voted, we compute a vote of 50-50.''

ABC News Polling Director Gary Langer remarking on the perception that black voters who turned out for Barack Obama deserve particular blame for the passage of the anti-gay marriage voter initiative known as Proposition 8. (ABC News) 

''I think that he [Mr. Obama] was very resolute in his statements along with Senator Biden. If anything might have added to the confusion it was how that statement was misconstrued. The support against Proposition 8 among African Americans wasn't eroding until a mailer from Yes On 8 [the campaign driving Proposition 8] had a picture of Barack Obama with a statement that he supported Yes On 8 [though he doesn't].''

Andrea Shorter, Director of And Marriage For All, a gay rights advocacy group. (ABC News)

''African-American Democrats are fiscally progressive (to wit, in favor of more government benefits for low-income Americans) but many are socially quite conservative, due to the influence of the black church. As the Bee article notes, black support for the ballot initiative to ban gay marriage is what propelled it to victory. This may come as a surprise to many white liberals who believe African-Americans to be on their side on social issues as well as financial issues.''

Bonnie Erbe, columnist and host of the PBS news show, ''To the Contrary.'' (US News)

''The Obama people were thrilled to turn out high percentages of African Americans, but (Proposition 8) literally wouldn't have passed without those voters.''

Gary Dietrich, president of Citizen Voice. (Sacramento Bee)

''I wasn't surprised by the Latinos. Basically, Latinos and the Anglo population were fairly close. The outlier of the proposition was African Americans. Many are churchgoing; many had ministers tell them to vote."

Steve Smith, senior consultant for No on 8. (Washington Post)

Although many of the state's black political leaders spoke out against Proposition 8, an exit poll of California voters showed that black voters favored the measure by a ratio of more than 2 to 1. Not only was the black vote weighted heavily in favor of Proposition 8, but black turnout -- spurred by Barack Obama's historic campaign for president -- was unusually large, with African Americans making up roughly 10% of the state electorate.

Portion of LA Times article highlighting black voters disdain for gay marriages. (LA Times)

''The first problem with Proposition 8 was the issue of marriage itself. The white gay community never successfully communicated to blacks why it should matter to us above everything else -- not just to me as a lesbian but to blacks generally. The way I see it, the white gay community is banging its head against the glass ceiling of a room called equality, believing that a breakthrough on marriage will bestow on it parity with heterosexuals. But the right to marry does nothing to address the problems faced by both black gays and black straights. Does someone who is homeless or suffering from HIV but has no healthcare, or newly out of prison and unemployed, really benefit from the right to marry someone of the same sex?''

Jasmyne A. Cannick, a black lesbian writer who blames the outdated civil rights tactics of the ''No on 8'' campaign because the same-sex marriage campaign was run by white gays, she says in her opinion piece to the LA Times. (LA Times)

Many churches in the black community were proud to represent themselves as being against same-sex marriage. Several protests have been organized at Mormon churches which, proportionally, had a far larger impact having raised millions of dollars for the 'Yes on 8' campaign; but it has been reported that there are currently no protests planned against any black churches. Many news articles are focusing on the black-versus-gay aspect and skipping over the other ''usual suspects,'' Evangelicals and Catholics, who raised more money and coordinated efforts even better than black, religious organizations, and should therefore be given equal if not greater credit/blame for pushing Proposition 8 "over the top".

''"I heard put the knife down, put the knife down, David, and then I heard gunshots.''

Harry Boyd, the building manager of a Logan Circle condo where police shot a gay man, David Kerstetter, who was allegedly wielding a knife when they arrived because a report of his door  being kicked in. Neighbors are quoted as saying Brazitis became severely depressed after his partner died last year and that he had some history of emotional issues including an earlier suicide attempt in the building's garage. (WJLA) The home of Kerstetter and his late partner, Paul Brazitis, was featured in Metro Weekly's Environs in 2003.

"When I tried to grab it away from him, he started hitting me, trying to attack me. He was very aggressive and very threatening and it definitely scared me... It was really upsetting I was really shaken up. Um, you know, it kind of put a damper on the evening, but, overall, I said, 'I don't want to let this guy get to me.' It, like, it's not worth it. He's not worth my time."

Steve Kensinger who was attacked by a McCain party attendee after the election results. Kensinger and Zack Pesavento, who was with Kensinger, were going down 16th street to celebrate Obama's victory at a spontaneous gathering outside of the White House, but on the way they were assaulted by the intoxicated GOP supporter who grabbed Kensinger's rainbow flag. Channel 7's news camera caught the end of the incident on video tape. (WJLA)

''We feel that our marriage is valid. There is no language in Proposition 8 that says it's retroactive. However, the bigger picture -- we are concerned about the others that did not get married, and others that will want to get married in the future. This is a fundamental right -- all inclusive as the Supreme Court of California has ruled. This is taking away that fundamental right.... It is going to be challenged and ultimately, we will prevail.... Election night was an evening of bittersweet irony. We were listening to an African-American making a victory speech as the President-elect of this nation. I felt proud to be an American. And when he said, 'We're renewing the promise of America,' it resonated as a Californian, where 52% of the people that voted, voted for discrimination.... In the same way that the Civil Right struggle traveled that long road to get to that point where we have an African-American President-elect, we know that we have that long road ahead full of rocky parts....''

Actor and gay-rights advocate, George Takei, with his partner Brad Altman, expressing their views to the CBS national morning TV program. (CBS News)

''I'll tell you what's not exciting, though. What's going on here in California -- Proposition 8 passed. You know, I've been talking a lot about this on the show, and it's a Proposition that would ban gay marriage. And it's something that I am very invested in. And it would be the first time in history that they would change the state constitution and take rights away. That's just amazing.... There was a demonstration here on Wednesday night, and just before I walked out here, I was watching the news, and there's a huge, huge peaceful demonstration going on in the streets, and I say 'Good for you!' And I support you, and if I wasn't here, I'd be out there with you.... Here's we're taking a giant step towards equality, and then this is happening, and I don't understand it.

''51% of you think that I am a second class citizen.... [My wife] and I are not allowed the same right under the state constitution as any other citizen. Okay, so I am taking that to mean I do not have to pay my state taxes because I am not a full citizen.... I don't mean to get too personal here. But there is a lot I can do with the extra half a million dollars that I will be keeping instead of handing it over to the state of California. Oh, and I am sure Ellen will be a little excited to keep her bazillion bucks that she pays in taxes, too.... Today the gay citizenry of this state will pick themselves up and dust themselves off and do what we have been doing for years. We will get back into it. We love this state, we love this country and we are not going to leave it.... We will not rest until we have the full rights of any other citizen.''

(MelissaEtheridge.com)

US President:
BARACK OBAMA WINS!

California Proposition 8: (91% reporting @ 5am WST)
51.9% FOR
48.1% AGAINST
Eliminates Right of Same Sex Couples to Marry

Arkasas Act 1:
56.1% FOR
43.8% AGAINST
An Act Providing that an Individual who is Cohabiting Outside of a Valid Marriage May Not Adopt or be a Foster Parent of a Child Less than Eighteen Years Old.

Arizona Proposition 102:
YES: 56%
NO: 44%
Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.

Florida Amendment 2:
62.1% FOR
37.9% AGAINST
Marriage Protection Amendment

"I was very excited when they told me that Erica and Callie were going to have this relationship. And I really hoped we were going to show what happens when two women fall in love and that they were going to treat it like any heterosexual couple on TV. And so I was surprised and disappointed when they just suddenly told me that they couldn't write for my character anymore..... I'm not written out. My final scene is just me heading to my car. I honestly don't know what happens in the next episode."

Brooke Smith who played Dr Erica Hahn reacting to the news that her lesbian doctor character will be removed from the show after this Thursday's epiosode, and that she has been fired from the popular ABC TV show because network executives did not like the character. ''Grey's Anatomy.'' Her interview with Entertainment Weekly has a taped discussion from earlier in the year where the actress discusses ''continuing gay panic'' about last year's finale and likely ''cold feet'' among network powers. (Entertainment Weekly)

''Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian. Clearly it's not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show - Calliope Torres. Sara Ramirez is an incredible comedic and dramatic actress and we wanted to be able to play up her magic. Unfortunately, we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke's character would sustain in the long run....  I believe it belittles the relationship to simply replace Erica with 'another lesbian.'''

Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes responding to the Entertainment Weekly article about the sudden removal of a lesbian doctor from the show ''Grey's Anatomy.'' (Entertainment Weekly)

''We are very upset about this and apologize to any site visitors from the state of California that might have been offended by the ads.... They may see the ads and think I'm some hypocritical gay guy who is taking money from anybody and has no morals. I won't even accept ads from companies that aren't gay-friendly.''

Joe LaMuraglia of GayWheels.com expressing his dismay that Google's AdSense banner revenue program allowed "Yes on 8" ads to appear on his site when vistors from California surfed his site. The article quotes the anti-gay advertiser who requested the banners as saying their organization did not specifically target GayWheels.com -- they just let Google place ads where they please. (LA Times) Google's and its founder donated thousands of dollars to the "No on 8" campaign in September.

[Note: MetroWeekly.com also uses Google AdSense and has experienced good results. Early on in the advertising program, some anti-gay ads did show up on our site, but after expressing our dismay, Google appears to have tweaked their settings, and our site has had an overwhelmingly positive experience with the internet giant. AdSense also has added features that allow individual client sites to weed out specific advertisers, though there is some delay.]

''Naturally, we want to see ourselves represented and have our stories told. But this (broadening representation) is also important because we know that images on TV and in the movies have a lot of power and influence. They can go a long way toward helping others embrace the LGBT community with love and acceptance.... [Kevin's Uncle Saul coming out at 60+ on 'Brothers and Sisters' is] a very genuine situation -- someone coming out late in life and dealing with all that entails.... [Callie and Erica on 'Grey's Anatomy' are] another very wonderful and real story of women learning to understand their same-sex attraction...."

Neil G. Giuliano of GLAAD expressing his pleasure at the current progress of many networks (especially ABC) when it comes to including gay and lesbian characters in scripted shows, and also on reality television serious. (San Jose Mercury News)

''Tell Senator Mitch McConnell to be straight with Kentucky! Was Mitch McConnel discharged from the United States Army in 1967 for committing homosexual act with another soldier?..."

The New Republic magazine claims a flyer that may have been mailed to thousands is an example of "gay baiting" by Democrats. (The New Republic)

''I do worry if being a pundit is a worthwhile thing to be. Yeah, I'm the unlikely cable news host. But before that I was the unlikely Rhodes scholar. And before that I was the unlikely kid who got into Stanford. And then I was the unlikely lifeguard. You can always cast yourself as unlikely when you're fundamentally alienated in your worldview. It's a healthy approach for a commentator.''

Dr. Rachel Maddow, the host of MSNBC's ''Rachel Maddow Show,'' speaking about her journey, as a self-described butch lesbian, from being an ACT-UP AIDS activist to being television's newest successful news show host. (New York Magazine)

''I've stated my opposition to this [Proposition 8]. I think it's unnecessary. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I am not in favor of gay marriage. But when you start playing around with constitutions, just to prohibit somebody who cares about another person, it just seems to me that's not what America's about. Usually, our constitutions expand liberties, they don't contract them.''

Senator Barack Obama [D-IL] responding to an MTV viewer's write-in question, "What is your reaction to Proposition 8, and would you vote yes or no on it?'' He also addressed the issue of student loans on the program. (MTV)

''According to an email received from a voter in the Sixth Senate District, which is in western Nassau County on Long Island, voters are being informed that Gay City News supports Democrat Kristen McElroy because 'she will vote for gay marriage, and advance the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender agenda in Albany.'''

From a Gay City News article about reports that their own paper's name is being used as the source of annoying robo-calls, automatic voice message phone calls made to people's home. They speculate that the perpetrators a tactic of "motivation of pulling out Republican votes among those opposed to same-sex marriage.'' (Gay City News)

''I can't just redefine a word. I can't take the word heterosexual and say that it means someone who has a sexual preference for plants. Right, so by the same token, no one else should take the word marriage and redefine it to mean something else that they feel it should mean.''

Tom Byrne. half of a non-gay couple displaying the type of convoluted nonsense that is close to overturning gay marriage in California. He and his wife posted a "Yes on 8" sign on their lawn, and are alleging that vandals spraypainted over that sign, and then "NO ON 8" in large red letters on their garage. Voter sentiment on the issue is said to have been tipped in favor of defeating gay marriages thanks in large part to twisted TV advertisements backed by church-raised dollars. (CBS News)

''I was like, 'this is so strange. All these people, who have been important parts of my life, are all coming out and are either being asked to leave their church or choosing to have nothing to do with their church.' And I just wasn't sure where I stood. Then I thought, 'How can I condemn these people for their love of another?' .... Gay marriage is a civil rights issue. All these people are being denied their rights. To me, the churches have so much power in that area that even liberal politicians like Barack Obama won't say anything definitive about it. And that's just really sad.''

Rev. Jay Bakker, the punker son of former televangelist Jim Bakker and the late Tammy Faye Bakker Messner, speaking about the gay-is-ok revelation he had after several friends came out to him as gay a couple of years ago. He frequently does work with Soulforce, a gay and gay-supportive group that reaches out to, and often protests at, large Evangelical political and educational institutions which demonstrate intolerance toward the GLBT communities. (United Church Observer)

''We have a general rule that all instruction should be age appropriate, and this clearly was not.''

Jeff Cook, a Hayward, CA shool board member who says that some type of action should be taken against Tara Miller, an kindergarten teacher at Faith Ringgold School of Arts and Science, who allegedly had her students sign pledge cards from the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to not use and speak out against homophobic language. It is reported in this Fox News piece that a parent was furious upon seeing her child's signature, and also that various conservative organizers are using this as another frightening example of how "pro-homosexual" views are spreading through the California school system. (Fox News)

''Barack is an intellectual guy, and I know he has been thinking through his position on gay marriage, and what is fair for all people. But he is just not there with us on this issue.''

Michael Bauer, a fundraiser and adviser for Democratic presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama [D-IL]. According to this New York Times, the answer to why Obama does not support gay marriage is his religion, while his opponent, Senator John McCain [R-AZ], is guided more by generational and cultural reasons than religion. (New York Times)