''The D.C. City Council has stated that their intention is to redefine marriage by going beyond recognizing homosexual marriage to allow them to be performed in the District of Columbia. This redefinition of marriage will permanently impact D.C. businesses, education, and the family unit without the voice of the residents being heard.''

Harry Jackson, a preacher at a Maryland church and a self-labeled conservative Chrsitian Democrat. Jackson failed several times this year to raise enough influence over the DC City Council and the DC Board of Election as he led several other preachers in an effort to halt the passage of a measure that will recognize same-sex marriages that have already been legally performed in other regions. While Washington, DC does not currently allow gay and lesbian couples to be married within the District, several Councilmembers have shared their intention to introduce legislation that will allow same-sex marriages to occur here at home, too. Jackson's latest attempt appears to be: 1) another attempt to maintain his waning presence in the national spotlight, 2) an effort to head off these pro-gay equality Councilmembers (ie. David Catania and Phil Mendelson). He was in April hugging on Tony Perkins of the anti-gay Family Research Council, which he mentions as well as Maggie Gallagher's National Organization for Marriage as partners of his efforts in a new video. Both FRC and NOM have listed their headquarters at Washington, DC addresses. (Washington Post)

Mary Cheney ... Great Falls, VA ... 1000.00 ... 05/14/2009

Taken from a public record website listing donations to the ''Portman for Senate Committee'' website. The website is for a Republican Senate candidate, Rob Portman, who used to be a Representative for Ohio and, according to RawStory and OnTheIssues, voted to ban gays from adopting here in the District of Columbia, and also voted in favor of adding a Constitutional Amendment to ban same-sex marriages. Both measures failed. Mary Cheney is well-known to be the lesbian daughter of former Vice President and Republican Congressman Dick Cheney. She has been a long-time Republican operative, but was also a corporate liaison for Coors to the gay community, and twice became a national focal point for gay-rights issues: when John Kerry mentioned her during a Presidential debate, and later when she became a parent herself along with her long-time partner Heather Poe. (RawStory) (OnTheIssues) (Federal Election Commission)

''We will make the case that her title was taken from her solely because of her support of traditional marriage..... A lot of those opportunities seemed to have dried up, which is why we have to clear her name.''

Charles S. LiMandri, an attorney speaking for Carrie Prejean, the former Miss California USA and evangelical Chrsitian beauty queen. Prejean became an instant person of interest during the national debate about gay marriage after she told the Miss USA Pageant's gay judge Perez Hilton that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Prejean nearly won the pageant, and Hilton launched a personal attack against her and the pair went on national media tours to promote their personal views on same-sex marriages, Proposition 8, and against one another. The whole debacle appears to have ended badly for both of the pseudo-celebs: Prejean eventually lost her title; Hilton lost credibility for using an anti-gay slur against another celeb. And yet, with this latest effort, it appears that the issue is not actually over for Prejean, despite her past actions and statements which appear to have indicated that she lost interest in the pageant's system. (NBC San Diego)

''I hope this victory sends a deafeningly loud message to other promoters and concert venues that singers who glorify violence against LGBT people, or any group of people, should never be welcomed. It shouldn't be necessary for us to pressure promoters to do the right thing; people like Banton should never have been booked in the first place.''

Lorri L. Jean, of the LA Gay and Lesbian Center, speaking out about the booking and subsequent cancellation of several tour dates for dancehall music performer, Buju Banton. The Jamaican musician has, for 20 years, tussled with gay activists in the U.S. and Britain over his heinous lyrics that clearly call for the injury and murder gay people -- especially gay men -- through the use of bullets and acid. His home nation of Jamaica is widely regarded as being among the top most dangerous and anti-gay environments in the world. Even in recent years, it has been reported that gays there have been chased, injured, and even murdered by mobs. For his part, Banton has defiantly shrugged off the confrontations, and a publicist once said he has moved on from his teenage years when he created the song, ''Boom Boom Bye-Bye.'' There doesn't appear to have ever been an apology issued from Banton himself. Though several performances of his current U.S. tour were canceled, it has been reported that others still remain. (Entertainment Weekly)

''The terminations and suspensions announced today are reasonable and appropriate in light of the agents' significant failure to follow department procedures, failure to report the use of force and failure to report an injury to an arrested person. The agents' misconduct that evening is simply unacceptable and TABC is right to have terminated them.''

A spokesperson for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission which just fired two agents and a sergeant were fired for their involvement in an over-the-top raid of a gay bar in Fort Worth, TX called The Rainbow Lounge. One man was hospitalized with a head injury and several others were arrested for under the charge of public intoxication. Police officers and agents involved in the incident claimed that gay patrons touched them in a sexual manner and made lewd gestures toward them. Eyewitnesses said people who were arrested were not intoxicated and no such offenses were conducted against the arresting agents. The firings came as a bit of a surprise because a lot of reluctance was shown on the part of officials to move forward with an investigation. It is hoped that the police will face disciplinary actions as well. A coincidentally or not, many have suspected that the police raid occurred as a reaction to the 40th anniversary observance of the Stonewall riots on that same day. (Dallas Morning News)

''Our snaps is like 'gag!' Not 'Too Wong Foo' snaps. That is soooo '98. That's so 'Living Color.'''

Members of Vogue Evolution, a group of four gay men and one trans woman, who are competing on the MTV show ''America's Best Dance Crew.'' Their animalistic, martial arts-based routine left former N'Sync member JC Chasez tongue tied. Another group of local interest is ''Beat Ya Feet Kings,'' a group from Washington, DC. Both are guaranteed a spot in Week 4. (MTV)

''[I'll] say I'm a faggot, too. Let 'em prove I ain't gay.''

''We figured they would be easier targets because their [sic] are a lot of homosexuals around the area.''

Quotes provided by police from Bobby Singleton, a man who was just convicted of viciously attacking a gay man, Jimmy Dean, in July 2008. Dean suffered a broken back and carries permanent damage to the bones of his face which were crushed when Singleton repeated kicked and stomped on his head while he lay unconscious. Singleton's father is said to have apologized to Dean, blaming his son's bad behavior on an absent mother, the possibility of a bipolar disorder, and dropping out of high school. A second man, Jonathan Gunter, was also convicted and sentenced to 30 years for assisting in the robbery and assault. (Dallas Morning News)

''[Being gay] is the only absolute disqualifier, as far as I can tell. How can that be justified?''

Judge Gerald Cope, Jr, one of three judges on the appeals panel hearing the case being made by the state on behalf of Florida's Department of Children and Families, a government agency that seeks to continue a ban on adoptions by gay people in that state. Florida is currently the only state to have such a law in place. According to the Miami Herald, Judge Cope was noting that lawmakers have not chosen to forbid drug addicts, child molesters and murders from adopting -- but in the case of someone being gay, they're automatically disqualified. (Miami Herald)

''There is evidence that homosexuals have higher rates of mental disorders, suicide and domestic violence. This is a plausible rationale.''

Timothy Osterhaus, deputy solicitor general, speaking for the Florida Department of Children and Families. DCF is appealing a ruling made in November of 2008 by a circuit court judge that the 33-year-old ban on gay adoptions is unconstitutional. The case revolves around Martin Gill of Miami who is trying to adopt a pair of brothers whom he has cared for for several years. Florida does allow gays to foster children, but the blanket ban on allowing gays to become adoptive parents was enacted in 1977, in large part, due to the efforts of the infamous beauty queen and champion of social conservatism, Anita Bryant. (Miami Herald)

''I find it beyond comprehension, making us go do like -- effectively, a wedding challenge, when at least three of us on the challenge aren't allowed in that institution.''

Ashley on the Bravo Channel's reality competition, "Top Chef." Preeti, another lesbian contestant who has had a partner for 13 years shrugged it off as "this is the world we live in today.''

''The Court affirms OHR's ultimate determination that PFOX's application was denied legally. In NEA's judgment, PFOX is a conversion group hostile toward gays and lesbians.... Indeed, the HRA would not require NEA to accept an application from the Ku Klux Klan or a group viewed by the NEA as anti-labor union or racist.... Thus, PFOX's arguments miss the point. The NEA did not reject its application because PFOX's members include exgays, homosexuals, heterosexuals, or members of any other sexual orientation. Rather, NEA rejected PFOX's application because PFOX's message and policies were, in NEA's opinion, contrary to NEA's policies regarding sexual orientation.''

Portion of a decision handed down by DC Superior Court Judge Maurice Ross in the case of a complaint by the anti-gay organization, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays, which was denied a spot at the National Education Associations Expo 2002. In part of the ruling, the judge is said to have determined that the Office of Human Rights was incorrect in determining that the NEA did not have to grant PFOX a spot because so-called "ex-gays" are not a protected class under the DC Human Rights Act. Judge Ross says they are because the premise of the HRA is ''to end all discrimination based on anything other than individual merit.'' However, he contrasted that with the larger fact that the NEA had the right to determine that PFOX is a group with a mission that is focused on an anti-gay agenda, and therefore could be excluded along with other nefarious organizations. (Washington City Paper)

''If they're no longer gay, what are they? Under which category are they a protected class? It's a bizarre ruling.''

Peter Rosenstein in reaction to a minor court victory for PFOX, a DC-area anti-gay group that presents itself as the way for homosexual individuals to find some path away from the gay community and their natural same-sex desires through a religiously-based belief system. The X in their name is supposed to signify that their small, but persistent, band of believers are to be labeled "ex-gays." (Washington Examiner)

''We have to wait and see. I think that we have to give it it's due, at this point, and take them at face value that she's entered into the race, and the gender is what the South African's claim that the gender is.... I noticed, after the race, noone -- there was no celebration. There was no cheers.''

Sports commentator and former sprinter Michael Johnson giving a synopsis of the controversy surrounding Caster Semenya, an 18-year-old runner from South African who won a gold medal by such a wide margin that a gender verification test has been ordered. (via YouTube)

''I have no idea about that thing, because I don't hear that thing. Who said it, and I don't know. I don't give a dam about it.''

Caster Semenya responding to a reporter's inquiry about rumors that she was born male. Semenya recently won a gold medal in the women's 800m. And questions about her gender and possible involvement in ''doping,'' arise from the outward masculine indications including her musculature, her voice, and her breakout athletic ability. Even her short cornrows look out of place as she runs along side her pony-tailed competitors. (KCAL)

''I've no doubt about what I see. It's my girl. She comes from me. I gave birth to that girl, she came from my womb.''

Dorcus Semenya, mother of gold medal-winning runner Caster Semenya who's gender is in doubt despite the ability to produce a birth certificate which indicates she is female. (BBC)

''I think we did OK. But it's a shame that anyone had to go through this.''

Janey Kay, 60, of Tucson, AZ commenting on the verdict reached against a man who attacked her at a dog-racing track. Kay fairly recently had surgery to transition from male to female, and testified that a drunken man who she did not know, Ray Young, approached her and asked if she was a drag queen, then attacked her after she said no. Ray says he is gay and supports gay, lesbian, bi and transgender groups in his area. (Arizona Daily Star)

''I let her know that I was one of the family, that I was homosexual.''

Ray Young, a man who has been convicted of assaulting Janey Kay, a transgender woman. He has reportedly been sentenced to 30 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and 3 years probation. He characterized the incident as a misunderstanding and claims Kay grabbed at his face after he allegedly asked her if she was a drag queen. (Arizona Daily Star)

''The overall error rate is 11.72 percent, barely up from 11.68 percent, which we reported Friday. In order to make the November statewide ballot, the referendum's overall rejection rate must not go over 12.4 percent.''

Brian Zylstra writing on the blog for the Secretary of State which indicates that over 103,000 signatures have been checked for R-71, a referendum which seeks to overturn the recently adopted law extending the rights of gay and lesbian domestic partnerships -- a law also known as the ''everything but marriage'' law. Hope for a defeat is fading since just a few thousand more signatures are needed to be called valid for the anti-gay group's effort to qualify for the November ballot. (Washington Secretary of State)

''The gay community will benefit. The gay community has roughly 15 million members in the United States and tens of millions world wide. Millions of internet websites are targeted on the gay community. A well managed top level domain .gay will help to connect the gay end user and those who try to reach out to him.''

An explanation of why a group is trying to petition for a new top-level domain (eg. *.com, *.edu, *.travel) called *.gay. They say Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers is going to open up to the possibility of hundreds of new TLDs, and applications for suggestions are to be accepted in 2010. While it is said to be regulated in some way, it is not clear how gay-positive sites only would be given such addresses or how they would remain gay-positive sites once the ownership relapses or is sold. (dotgay.com)

''I'm hoping to bring a new kind of conversation to TV about sex--an honest conversation, one that's informed without being (too) wonky, funny without being (too) cruel, sexy without being (too) cheesy. Basically, my sex-advice column--but on the teevee!''

Dan Savage, best known for his sex advice column, ''Savage Love,'' but also for his books and numerous appearances on popular cable news shows like ''Politically Incorrect'' and on the radio program ''This American Life.'' (The Stranger)

''On Friday, I just felt like this was a great dream and I'd wake up and it won't be real. This morning, especially right after I preached, the emotional came whirling up. I couldn't sing. I was just filled with tears. It was wonderful.''

Anita Hill, pastor of Saint Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church, reacting to the ELCA vote to lift a ban on gay and lesbian clergy. Hill is reported to be in a same-sex relationship and the congregation had to ''unofficially'' ordain through a vote of 181 to noting. (WCCO)

''We have always welcomed gays and lesbians to our church, but according to the word of god, we do not believe they are to be ordained. I am not speaking out against the gay and lesbian community, but I am speaking out against the ordination of gays and lesbians as pastors and bishops and leaders of the church - and the blessing of same-sex marriages.''

Richard Mahan, pastor of St Timothy Lutheran Church, doing a bad job of explaining why he has decided to cover up the word ''Lutheran'' on their sign after leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to remove a ban on gay clergy and recognize gay marriages.

''I had my arms around her, and she had her arms around me.... I turned around, and I looked at him, and I said, 'Are you serious?' And I said, 'It's 2009. My first reaction, I just couldn't believe that this was happening.... His exact words were, 'This is a family establishment, people are trying to eat.'''

Aiy'nah Ford, a lesbian who was asked to leave the Tastee Diner in Silver Spring, MD after being affectionate with her girlfriend, Torian Brown. According to news reports, she alleges there was a heterosexual couple kissing at the time. The couple organized a protest of sorts -- a dine-in -- that a number of other lesbians attended to show support and seek an apology, though none was apparently offered at the event. (News Channel 8)

''The Tastee Diner is a family restaurant, and it doesn't matter if you're straight or if you're gay. If you start going beyond the point of kissing and things start to get a little X-rated, we're going to ask you to stop.''

Lisa Wilkes, whose family reportedly owns the Tastee Diner in Downtown Silver Spring, MD. She is apparently defending the request by staff recently to ask a lesbian couple to leave. The news report says a surveillance would be made available, but the one that was presented to DC news cameras was of poor quality, so no determination could be made of what could or could not be considered appropriate for a ''family restaurant.'' (NBC 4)

''Beginning August 15, 2009, all domestic flight passengers will also be required to provide the airlines with their birth date and gender.... This potentially becomes difficult if you have transitioned but your identity documents reflect an old gender marker. In this case, you may choose to submit the gender marker consistent with your gender identity so that the ticket agent is less likely to notice an inconsistency between your submitted gender and your perceived gender expression.''

From a list of guidelines prepared by the National Center for Transgender Equality regarding the Transportation Security Administration's new proceedures. The gender identity issue is said to be a requirement to help prevent false positives on watch lists being maintained for security issues like terrorism. But as Washington City Paper points out, not everyone's gender is going match what is on their ID, especially in the case of individuals who are transitioning from male to female or vice versa. (NCTE) (Washington City Paper)

''Among his primary duties, Matt will help manage the Division's Criminal Section and pursue key policy priorities. He will represent the Division in many capacities, including work with Congress and the LGBT community.''

Portion of statement from the Department of Justice regarding the hiring of Matt Nosanchuk as a Senior Counselor. President Barack Obama's approval ratings have slipped rapidly over issues like health care; financial bailouts for banks, auto makers and insurance companies; and an inability to command a Congress run by his own Democratic party. Gay and lesbian people have been among his strongest supporters, but many are voicing alarm over the Justice Department's stance in support of the Defense of Marriage Act which prohibits the Federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages at any level, and guarantees the rights of states to ignore same-sex marriages performed legally in other states. Others wonder when the ban on gay servicemembers will be lifted, and why the Administration is allowing the military to continue discharging admirable soldiers under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. (Washington Post)

''Swelling, bruising, fractures, a busted lip -- stuff like that.... They did not break my spirit. I'm still standing today. And I'm still who I am.''

Steven Harmon, a 15-year-old boy in Portage, Michigan, who was beaten by two 17-year-olds. He recently came out to his friends and family. (WWMT)

''[As the gay, naked guy] I was treated fine [in prison]. I was never assaulted.... I know, without question, that there are personal issues involved for the prosecutor. I don't know why. The prosecutorial misconduct has been egregious.... My personal opinion, [the judge] was trying to discriminate against me [by not letting potential jurors be questioned on their feelings about homosexuality]. ... I do believe that [if I were a heterosexual I would not have gone to jail.] I don't think that you or anyone else could deny that we, as homosexuals, face discrimination.''

Richard Hatch talking to ''Today'' show host Matt Lauer. Hatch was the cocky, often nude, contestant to first win $1 million from the popular CBS reality show ''Survivor.'' A couple of years later, Hatch was convicted of tax evasion. He was given a four-plus year sentence, and today is out of jail but remains under house arrest. He claims the IRS has never sent him a bill for what he allegedly owes. (Today)

''This man was dressing up to conceal his identity, and in this case he specifically resisted with force, using a chemical mace weapon to defeat the security guard trying to apprehend him at the time. We're glad to have him in custody.''

Lieutenant Paul Sparks of Montgomery County Police on the arrest of Jonathan Bradley, who appears to be a MTF transgender individual. Bradley was caught on camera a month ago, allegedly trying to steal an expensive Chanel dress from Saks Fifth Avenue on Wisconsin Avenue; and then pepper spraying an officer and running away. It is reported by Fox5 that Bradley was identified by tips and caught after being stopped for a traffic violation. Bradley's face is clearly visible in the video, and the fact that police caught on camera wearing women's clothes, trying to steal women's clothes, and was wearing women's clothes a month later -- it seems odd and inaccurate that police and the news would repeatedly claim that Bradley was a man dressing as a woman for criminal purposes only. (WTTG/Fox 5)

''We didn't seem to find any homeless people that were homeless because they're gay or lesbian, or folks that were denied loans because they're gay or lesbian or folks who were denied jobs.''

Jim Minnery of the Alaska Family Council on his winning influence over Dan Sullivan, Republican Mayor of Anchorage Alaska, to get him to veto a equal rights ordinance passed by the city's Assembly in a 7-4 vote. Unfortunately, 8 votes are needed to enact the ordinance which would have added sexual-orientation to the city's current anti-discrimination law. The Mayor stated that he personally didn't see any evidence of discrimination and that his office was inundated with calls and e-mails opposing the ordinance 4-1. Supporters of the law say there does not exist any effective structure for gay and lesbian people to file legitimate discrimination complaints, so then, obviously, the mayor can say he hasn't seen any. (KTUU)

''I sat through several other testimonies session and I listened and I sat with my brother through one and he had to leave because he was physically ill from the things people were calling him.''

Susan Case, one of the hundreds of people who reportedly were angered by Mayor Dan Sullivan of Alaska who chose to veto an Assembly-approved ordinance that would have added "sexual-orientation" to the city's existing anti-discrimination ordinance. (KTVA)

''This ordinance was going to force small-business owners particularly to accommodate people who choose a certain lifestyle. Once you give special rights to homosexuals then the next step is you legalize homosexual marriage and so forth.''

Jerry Prevo, a Baptist preacher in Anchorage who apparently helped to influence Republican Mayor Dan Sullivan to veto the addition of ''sexual orientation'' through an ordinance passed by the city's Assembly. It is reported that Sullivan just began his term in office last month, and that his father, George Sullivan, was also the mayor of Achorage, and that he vetoed the the first equal rights guarantee for gays back in 1976. (NY Times)

''This administration does not support DOMA as a matter of policy, believes that it is discriminatory, and supports its repeal... Consistent with the rule of law, however, the Department of Justice has long followed the practice of defending federal statutes as long as reasonable arguments can be made in support of their constitutionality, even if the department disagrees with a particular statute as a policy matter, as it does here.''

Legal brief filed by Attorney General Tony West in the case of a California gay couple vs. the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. (Los Angeles Times)

''Today, the Department of Justice has filed a response to a legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, as it traditionally does when acts of Congress are challenged. This brief makes clear, however, that my Administration believes that the Act is discriminatory and should be repealed by Congress. I have long held that DOMA prevents LGBT couples from being granted equal rights and benefits. While we work with Congress to repeal DOMA, my Administration will continue to examine and implement measures that will help extend rights and benefits to LGBT couples under existing law.''

Statement from President Barack Obama regarding the Justice Department's defense of the anti-gay marriage law passed by Congress in the 1990s and signed into law by Bill Clinton. The law effectively forbids the entire federal government from ever granting rights, benefits and privileges to any gay or lesbian couple that has been legally married, and it specifically allows states to ignore the marriage status of gays and lesbians who have been legally joined in other states. (Los Angeles Times)

''It took a transgender woman to bring out the feminine side of Beyonce tonight.''

Judge Lil Mama on the MTV program, "America's Best Dance Crew" complimenting the hair-twirling dance moves of Leiomy Maldonado of the series' first gay/trans group, Vogue Evolution. With a message delivered personally by singer & actress, Beyonce, the group did a number with "African flava'' to her song ''Deja Vu.'' The prize is $100,000. (MTV)

''I'm running on the gay marriage, no religion, legalization and taxation of marijuana platform. I don't have a chance.''

Actor Brad Pitt on ''The Today Show'' taking about the possibility that he may run for Mayor of New Orleans. (The Today Show)

''I grew up in a religious family, a religious community. It just doesn't make any sense to me. It just doesn't work for me in the long run. You know, I never wanted to step on anyone else's religion and their beliefs, that's what's great about our country.... Like gay marriage. You have a group of people telling other people how to live their lives. And you can't do that.... [To the Christians watching the show], you really have to check what country you're living in, because the freedom that allows you to practice your religion, is the same freedom you're stepping on. That's not right.''

Brad Pitt speaking with host Bill Maher on the HBO show Real Time. (HBO)

''Please accept my apology for interrupting your speech at Netroots Nation.... Your defense of why you signed them was unnecessary because we all understand the politics and the reality of how it came to be. I wasn't seeking an explanation. I was hoping that you would take the opportunity to strongly express your support for repealing both of those laws and to help make it a reality. You are in a unique position to explain why now is the time to repeal them. You can help change the political dynamic and usher in the vision that you held in 1992 and that I believe you still hold today.... Perhaps today you could help President Obama in his effort to be a fierce advocate for the gay community.''

Part of a public letter by Lane Hudson, a gay blogger who stood up during Bill Clinton's speech at a conference last week to ask the former President if he would call for a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and Don't Ask, Don't Tell right now. (Huffington Post)

''I expect some day people will look back at this fight for equality like we now look back on oddly antiquated anti-miscegenation laws. I'm proud that I'll have stood on the right side of history: In support of full marital rights for same-sex couples. My stance on this issue isn't politically expedient. I am the first Muslim in the legislature. Homosexuality is strictly forbidden in Islam. As such I have evinced much grief from my most conservative supporters.''

Portion of an op-ed written by Saqib Ali, Maryland's Delegate for the 39th District -- Montgomery Village, North Potomac and Germantown. (Gazette)

''What I feel is that, people have elected me to not only do what is popular but to do what is right. And I think that is the real definition of a leader. But if people did what was popular, only, then we probably never would have had the Civil Rights Act in the '60s.... I represent people who are of all faiths, and of no faiths, and if I simply try to force my religion on to all these people and the people of Maryland, as they do in a theocracy, I would be doing a disservice to my constituency and a disservice to my religion in fact.... There's a very strict separation, in my mind, between church and state -- or religion and state.... To the members of the clergy, and to my family members who are very upset at me, I say, 'Look, I understand that you disagree. And if you are opposed to this, I strongly urge you not to perform same-sex marriages.... But let those people in the state who want those rights and protections that come with civil marriage. Let them have it, because it doesn't affect my marriage. It doesn't affect anybody else's marriage. It doesn't harm us in any way.''

Democratic Delegate Saqib Ali, of Montgomery County, Maryland, speaking to Michelle Martin on NPR's ''Tell Me More.'' Ali says he expect marriage equality to be enacted by 2011 in Maryland. (NPR)

Former President Bill Clinton wagging his finger at a heckler, said to be Lane Hudson,  during his speech at Netroots Nation. He seems to be alluding to members of Congress like Barney Frank, who at the time supported Don't Ask, Don't Tell, unconvincingly framing it with an additional clause of "Don't Pursue.'' Clinton called it a decent compromise at the time of signing. Regarding DOMA, President Clinton publicly disavowed any support for gay marriage up until about two weeks ago. He indicated at the time, that DOMA was divisive and unnecessary -- then he signed it into law. His wife, Hillary Clinton, as the Secretary of State, is the head of the State Department to which the former President refers in this speech. Unfortunately, it is common knowledge that she, and current President Barack Obama, have openly said that they don't believe in marriage for gay men and lesbians. At best, they have said they support civil unions and benefits, and that it is a matter for individual states to consider. Both have promised to get DADT repealed, and Obama has said the same about DOMA. Obama's Administration has not to date responded effectively to inquiries and complaints regarding the apparent lack of movement on his campaign promises to the GLBT community -- except for to say that they're working on a number of things, and they're kind of busy with much bigger issues. Thanks to Mr. Hudson's interruption, this is probably the first time Bill Clinton has directly addressed these questions at length in a public forum. (CSPAN / Wonkette)

''I think it's great, man. I like my fans. It's just another person... Oh yeah, we got gays in Wasilla -- Anchorage. They're all up here.''

Man of few words, Levi Johnston , also known as the father of Sarah Palin's grandchild, responding to an interview on the Bravo TV network from Alaska. An e-mail question was sent to ''Watch What Happens Live!'' by a gay blogger, Andy Towle, asking if Johnston knew he was something of a ''gay pin-up boy.''

''For the past four years, movement among California voters towards marriage equality has been stagnant.... [The] percentage of support for marriage equality jumped from 38 percent in 2000 to 43 percent in 2004 to 46 percent in 2005, and has hovered between 46 and 47 percent since then.... [The] buyers' remorse we had all heard about anecdotally following the Proposition 8 vote is not borne out by the numbers. So many of us had hoped beyond hope that our rallies, demonstrations and expressions of sadness and anger would have caused voters who voted yes to change their position. That is not the case.''

Taken from the report released by Equality California regarding their 2012 strategy to overturn the anti-gay marriage law born out of Proposition 8. (Equality California)

''In fact, I think that gay men are actually the most to blame for many of the problems in the fashion industry, like the absence of womanly curves on the runway, and the hideous, figure-assaulting trend that is the tent dress, which no women who have tits, and no straight men who have an appreciation for tits, have any use for.''

Tracie Egan a fashion blogger for the Gawker network, taking a swipe at the prospect that Perez Hilton's latest fashion venture, CoCoPerez, can compete with her own work. Egan says in her post that her boss is a gay man.

''Love Won Out is not an inexpensive event to stage, and rarely, in over 50 cities where it's been held, have we ever made back our investment, despite good attendance.''

Jim Daly of Colorado-based Focus on the Family explaining why their anti-homosexual conferences, called Love Won Out, are being handed over to Exodus International, another infamous "ex-gay" organization that pretends to pray the gay away. (Denver Post)

''I respectfully disagree that the existence of this continued prejudice leads to the conclusion that there is a widespread view of gays and lesbians as contemptible and disgraceful.''

US District Judge Denny Chin ruling on the merits of a case being brought by Howard K. Stern against Rita Cosby. Stern is the lawyer and alleged ex-boyfriend of Anna Nicole Smith, most famous for claiming that he was the biological father of late model's child. The lawsuit claims that Cosby's libelous book defamed Stern in a number of false allegations including that he engaged in oral sex with Larry Birkhead, the man who was in fact the father of the child in question. (Reuters)

''We had an episode that went all the way to the script phase in which Stewie does come out. ... But we decided it's better to keep it vague, which makes more sense because he's a one-year-old. Ultimately Stewie will either be gay or be a very unhappy repressed heterosexual. It also explains why he's so hell-bent on killing Lois and taking over the world. He has a lot of aggression, which comes from confusion and uncertainty about his orientation.''

Comedy creator, writer, and actor Seth MacFarlane answering a common question about his animated ''Family Guy'' character Stewie. In addition to many other funny and controversial plot lines, he describes one idea his team had where the talking baby goes back in time to change Leviticus. (Playboy)

''This is designed to put pressure on the mayor, Eleanor and council members....This should not be decided by the council...This is probably the most contentious issue in the 21st century. Let the will of the people decide.''

Ward 5 ANC commissioner Bob King on the reason he is trying to overturn the DC Council's near-unanimous vote to begin legal recognition of same-sex marriages which have been performed in other areas. Several of the city's Democratic groups voted on their acceptance of gay marriages, and only Ward 5 stood agaist the decision as it allowed a group of socially conservative ministers to dominate the issue. (Washington Post)

This is a fabulous city. The city's hot right now -- hot in lots of ways.

So, let me just say a couple things. First of all, there's a lot of reasons that we need these games here in DC. We've already been voted the best fitness city in the country! We have, not only fabulous, but a growing GLBT community. We have organized sports in so many different ways. We've got triathalons, marathons, 10-milers, baseball, football -- and so I think what you have in the nation's capital, in 2009, is everything coming together right at the right time. And we are more than ready to host the Gay Games, without any question.

But just having excitement, a great community, a hot city, right now, is not all. You really do have to be willing to put your money where your mouth is. You've got to be willing to put the resources of government at the disposal of the big committee. I know this, having worked on the Marine Corps Marathon, National Marathon, Nations Triathalon. We just hosted ITU. There's going to be a lot of organization and logistics.

So, to the community, to our big committee, to our review panel, what I'll say to you as the Mayor of the District of Columbia is, we will put the resources of the government at your disposal. We will make sure not only that we do everything necessary to make these games successful, but that they are the best Games ever, and no other city will ever be able to match the amount of support and resources we put into it.

''I am honored to be your Twit. Less than a year ago, I was told about this Twitter thing. And I said, 'Okay. I will join the Twitter thing. And I will need followers. But I warn you, I don't have any idea where I'm going.' And now, less than a year later, over 2 and a half million of you are following me.''

Lesbian comedian and talk show host Ellen Degeneres, winner of the Teen Choice Award's first ever Teen Choice Twit for 2009. (Teen Choice Awards)

''I would like to thank every single gay, transgendered, bisexual, heterosexual teenager throughout the nation. This award is going to be shared by me with you and it makes all of you as fierce as me. Bam!''

Miss J (a/k/a J. Alexander) of ''America's Next Top Model'' who used a snap to thank the teens who voted for him to win Choice Fab-u-lous at the Teen Choice Awards. Several other gay celebs were up for the award including Carson Kressley, Rex Lee, Perez Hilton and Michael Urie who at least plays a gay on ''Ugly Betty.'' (NJ)

''It has come to our attention that the Rhode Island event organizer and purpose of the event fall outside of our sponsorship guidelines.... Tim Hortons and its store owners have always welcomed all families and communities to its restaurants and will continue to do so. We apologize for any misunderstanding or inconvenience this may have caused.''

Statement posted on the website of Tim Hortons, a doughnut chain that came under fire when it appeared on the list of sponsors for Maggie Gallagher's stunt event called "Rhode Island's First Annual FREE Celebrate Marriage and Family Day" which is to be held this coming Sunday, August 16, 2009. Her infamous organization says on the same brochure that her National Organization for Marriage was founded "in response to a growing need for an organized opposition to same sex marriage" in Rhode Island. (Tim Hortons) (NOM-RI)

''I'm not consciously trying to change people's moral opinions on anything. I really am trying to focus on the music. And if as an indirect result, (people) are more open to different types of lifestyles, then that's awesome, I'm thrilled about that. But that's not my goal.''

Adam Lambert, runner up in this year's ''American Idol,'' the televised contest for singers on the surprisingly amount of openness he's received from fans in reaction to his being openly gay. Lambert was recently in DC as part of the Idol tour and says in this interview he strolled the streets of Georgetown incognito. (The Toronto Star)

''It's extremely distressing to consider that in 2009 suicide is a top three killer of young people, and it's truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. ... It's vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value.''

Prepared statement attributed to Daniel Radcliffe, star of the ''Harry Potter'' series of films, regarding his generous donation to The Trevor Project, a organization that operates a hotline for gay teen at risk of suicide. (The Trevor Project)

''We are trying to find an act that represent America on the world stage. And from where I see it, a bunch of lip-synching old drag queens who can't dance, is not what America needs right now. Not exactly Barack Obama is it?''

Piers Morgan, a judge on the NBC show ''America's Got Talent,'' referring to the Diva League after their vampire-inspired performance to Rhianna's song ''Disturbia.'' The Diva League is on of the top 40 acts sent to the talent search's Las Vegas finals. They a creation of several performers who can be seen at Washington's own gay dance club Town Danceboutique.

"This is an outrageous accusation...as a gay man myself, I can safely say the Station does not discriminate against gay people. Charles' claim that the Station discriminates against gay people is untrue and offensive."

WPLG-ABC 10 News Director Bill Pohovey, in a statement regarding the termination of anchor Charles Perez. Perez, who is gay, was terminated after filing a discrimination complaint against the Miami, Florida station for being switched from weeknights to a lower-paying weekend shift, claiming the demotion was a result of station management's "discomfort over the increasingly high profile of my sexual orientation." -- (Radar Online)

''I believe everyone should have the same rights. They say gay marriage ruins families and hurts kids. Well, I've had the privilege of seeing my gay friends being parents and watching their kids grow up in a loving environment... Would it bother me if a child of mine turns out to be gay? No, not one bit. Listen, I want my kids to live the lives they want to live. I want them to be fulfilled. I hope I teach my kids to be who they really are.''

Actor Brad Pitt, speaking about his life with Angelina Jolie, the meaning of marriage, and the children they share together. (Parade Magazine)

''We're not trying to encourage people to become 'ex-gay. But we have to acknowledge that, for some people, religious identity is such an important part of their lives, it may transcend everything else.'' -- (Wall Street Journal)

''At most, certain studies suggested that some individuals learned how to ignore or not act on their homosexual attractions. Yet, these studies did not indicate for whom this was possible, how long it lasted or its long-term mental health effects. Also, this result was much less likely to be true for people who started out only attracted to people of the same sex.'' -- (CNN)

Judith M. Glassgold, chair of an American Psychological Association task force that has for six years reviewed over 80 studies of of so-called ex-gay therapies, most of which were found to have "serious methodological problems." Part of the conclusion seems to be a suggestion for psychology professionals to direct their conflicted gay and deeply religious patients to seek out new, friendlier avenues of religious accommodation or even celibacy, rather than to turn to ex-gay groups, like Exodus -- organizations whose active and former members perpetually report on the ineffectiveness of the groups' misguided intentions. Read the APA's "Appropriate Therapeutic Resposnse to Sexual Orientation." (APA)

''On the surface, it seems kind of funny! A man, and that's certainly what it looks like to the investigating detective, walks into Saks in a short skirt and sandals, he -- she? -- picks out a very expensive dress, and tries to leave. But then it turns violent. Just before 8 o'clock last Thursday night, this woman -- or is it a man? -- police aren't absolutely sure, walked into Saks Fifth Avenue on Wisconsin Avenue carrying a large bag.''

Paul Wagner, a WTTG Fox 5 news correspondent, describing a shoplifting case at Saks 5th Avenue on Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase. According to the report, the suspect allegedly tried to steal a $2,400 Chanel dress, and then pepper sprayed a security guard before escaping. (Fox 5)

''The error rate was the highest of any seen during the first three days of scrutiny.''

Dave Ammons, a spokesman for election officials in Washington state, referring to the latest tally in the ongoing process of signature verification for Referendum 71. Washington's governor recently signed a domestic partnerships law that extends certain benefits to same-sex couples. Almost immediately a group began gathering signatures to overturn the measure which is being called the ''everything but marriage law.'' It is reported that the foes of the law succeeded in turning in 137,689 signatures from alleged voters who are asking for a public referendum for a new law that would overturn the recently gained domestic partner benefits. Approximately 14% of those signatures need to be thrown out to invalidate the petition, and the latest official word is that more than 12% overall have been thrown out due to duplicates, non-voters, and signatures that do not match. (Seattle Post Intelligencer)

''Our family is very unhappy about this. There's a glitch in the system. If my nephew is killed on a base that's supposed to be secure, and (Campos) killed himself in a military jail on suicide watch, we just don't understand how any of these situations can happen... We are feeling very sorry for his family that they have to go through exactly what we went through, having someone tells us our loved one is gone.''

Rose Roy, the aunt of August Provost, a Navy Seaman who was murdered earlier this year, speaking about the apparent suicide of his accused killer, Jonathan Campos. It has been widely speculated that Provost was killed in connection to his sexual orientation. It has been reported that he was open to others about being gay or bisexual, despite the military's continued ban on gay and lesbian soldiers. The Associated Press reports that Campos stuffed his own mouth full of toilet paper. (San Diego Union Tribune) (Associated Press)

''I know most of the coaches in the country are rooting for us to beat Notre Dame. ... [Coach] Charlie gives this talk, 'We do something special at Notre Dame,' and (the players) get up and they do this little cheer ... this little faggot dance.... Don't write that 'faggot' down. I was misquoted. Just please ... cover for me," McMackin said. "Go ahead, say 'faggot dance.' No. Please cover for me on that, too -- right Karl? I'll deny it.... I want to officially, officially apologize. Please don't write that statement I said as far as Notre Dame.... I don't want to come out and have every homosexual ticked off at me. You know what I mean, because I don't have any problem with homosexuals....

Greg McMackin, football coach for the University of Hawaii, during his speech at a media preview for the Western Athletic Conference in Salt Lake City. He was apparently referring to the Haka dance. (RGJ.com)

"I thought it was a joke at first, but he immediately opened fire.... People took cover under the bed and tables, but there were no screams. It's a small place. . . . Once you're inside there's nowhere to run."

Or Gil, 16, who was at the Tel Aviv Gay and Lesbian Association when a man dressed in black began shooting attendees of the weekly support group for teenagers. It's reported that at least two died -- a male counselor and a 17-year-old teen. (LA Times)