''I blew up - because he came out saying I'm bisexual, and for all the conversations that we had had about, you know, are you gay, and his, you know, very adamantly I am not gay. Then he announced to me that he's bisexual, and I remember at the time, I just, I didn't understand. And so I blew up at the thought of him kind of, I don't know, almost mocking me, I think I felt, by saying I'm bisexual. I'm like, what does that mean? Bisexuality, does that mean you're going to be with a girl one day and a boy the next day and then switch back and forth? And so it was not a good time.''

Nadia Bucholtz, mother of a gay son, who came out at 13. She was relaying her reaction to her son's initial coming out. Later in her interview with Michele Martin of NPR, she says that she plans to treat her son's dating life the same as she did with her older heterosexual son -- the door will be open when he brings a guy over. (NPR)

''I told people that I was because I was, like, well, you know, I like guys, and I don't really like girls, but maybe I could -and I was kind of like hoping. So when I told her, I meant it a little bit, because I kind of wished it was true. but looking back at it, just the way she blew up, it just, it backfired, and it just made the time even worse than I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to help me, which it did eventually, but right afterwards, it was just really bad.''

Austin Bucholtz, 15, taking the bold step to discuss his coming out at 13 and how his family went from bad to good in dealing with his gay identity. (NPR)

''It's a very nuanced story. I mean, one of the interesting things that we have to look at is this, is that much of the anti-gay bullying and anti-gay harassment that's going on in middle schools and high school is more about gender non-conformity than it really is about being gay or lesbian. And by that I mean the kids who often get it the worst are bullies who are perceived as feminine and girls who are not perceived as feminine. And they tend to be the ones who get the most harassment in schools, and I spoke to kids who were more gender typical in the way they manifested, and they had a lot easier time.''

Benoit Denizet-Lewis, a gay writer who recently had a lengthy article published in the New York Times Magazine about kids in their early teens, middle school even, coming out as gay and what their experiences were like. He went on air with Michel Martin of NPR, and was answering her question if social response has progressed enough for gay kids: Is the glass half full or half empty? (NPR)

''We are going to be put on an international stage now, not just national, not just state-wide, but international. And people are gonna know us for more than teams that don't win so often, a burning river..... We've not had something we can show the entire world that Cleveland, Ohio is one of the best midwest cities in the world.''

Jamie Moore a coordinator who helped attract the Federation of Gay Games to grant the winning bid to Cleveland, OH over Boston, MA and our own dear Washington, DC. Some here have questioned the decision, but reports from rally's held in Cleveland for the selection committee indicate impressive crowds of enthusiastic supporters did turn out. This is said to be the biggest event that has ever graced the city of Cleveland, and promises to bring the city tens of millions of dollars from tens of thousands of visitors. (Fox 8)

''Cleveland demonstrated to the Federation of Gay Games that they understood the mission of the Gay Games and our principles of 'Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best.' We were highly impressed by the facilities and infrastructure, the widespread community support, their financial plan and the city‟s experience in hosting large scale sports and cultural events.''

Part of a statement put out by Kurt Dahl and Amy Ritt, co-presidents of the Federation of Gay Games. (GayGames.com)

Promotion video from Cleveland, Ohio's bid for Gay Games 2014:

Promotion video from Washington, DC's bid for Gay Games 2014:

''It's kind of a bittersweet situation for me, we worked hard ... we brought open government back to East Cleveland, we got the water rates lowered, we reduced crime by 40 to 75 percent, we brought respect back to the city.... The reality is the only thing that got him over was the media broadcasting the information, pictures that had not been authenticated.''

Eric Brewer, Mayor of East Cleveland, a town of about 25,000 residents on Lake Erie, that sits on the edge of the larger City of Cleveland, OH. Photos surfaced last week that some have alleged are the male mayor dressed in heels, wig and lingerie. While Brewer reacted with anger over the release and dissemination of photos, and the unsubstantiated claim that the photos were of him, he does not appear to have said that the photos were not of him. Despite many voters public statements that the photos shouldn't matter, voters chose his opponent, Gary Norton, Jr, by a margin of nearly 2-to-1. Norton says he has known about the photos for a couple of years. It has been stated by Brewer that some on the city's police force were responsible for peddling the photos to the public and the media; and that they did so in response to differences over certain police conduct. (Fox 8)

''I ain't against gay people. I'm just against it being promoted to kids.... I just mean that on some of these TV shows, they got dudes kissing. And kids are watching that shit. We can't have kids growing up with that.''

Portion of Vanity Fair interview with wealthy rapper Warren G who somehow links the financial irresponsibility of flashy hip hop stars with public gay affection. He then pits that against the best interests of children, yet says he has no problem with gay people ... just as long as they stay out of sight. The original question was, in part, about P-Diddy bragging of his Cristal and Picasso's, so it's not clear why Warren G began talking about gay people at all. (Vanity Fair)

"It felt like somebody had violated the honor and commitment that we as military veterans feel about our service.... All my brothers and sisters in uniform who are part of the gay community who aren't able to speak for themselves.... The billboards will be put back up.''

Tim Smith a US Marine who was featured in a visibility campaign for the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center in Tennessee. Just days after being posted in five downtown spots, the billboard that featured Smith and the slogan "I'm gay and I protected your freedom" was completely torn down. KLTV reports that he was honorably discharged after a military minister outed him. (KLTV)

''[The unclean spirit] came out.... [I'm] no longer gay, but it's still a process that I have to go through to be fully delivered. See, I'm not -- the spirit of homosexuality is not in me because I choose not to live in that way. I allow God, the Holy Spirit to come in me, to change the things that was in me, to do well outside of church.... They're called temptations.... The confusing part about that is -- what came out is the unclean spirit that was controlling the inside of me into doing what God calls an abomination.... God has to do the process in me. God has to change me, I can't do it myself. It's the Holy Spirit who guides me into walking straight. ... The spirit is gone, but my mindset of living that lifestyle is still there, so that's something that God has to change in me. The spirit is gone, which means, I am not fornicating with men.''

Jeffrey, a 16-year-old male appearing on the Tyra Banks show who says that he believes a homosexual spirit was cast out of him during an infamous exorcism that was widely distributed as a YouTube video earlier this year. Jeffrey tells Tyra that he does believe homosexuals go to Hell. (Tyra Banks)

''I don't believe you. When you ask a man if he's attracted to women, and he really is, he doesn't go, 'Women? Um, yeah.' .. I just want to let you know from my heart to yours that it's okay if you're not. It's okay to me if you're not.''

Tyra Banks on her talk show speaking with Jeffrey, the teenager who became famous on the internet as the subject of a exorcism for his "homosexual demon.'' (Tyra Banks Show)

Cameron: ''Yes, I've gained a few extra pounds while we were expecting the baby. Which has been very difficult, but apparently your body does a nesting, very maternal, primal thing where it retains nutrients -- some sort of molecular physiology thing. But that's science, you can't fight it. So, ....''

Mitchell: ''I'm not saying anything.''

Cameron: ''You're saying everything!''

TV's newest gay couple, featured in the ABC insult-heavy comedy ''Modern Family.'' Cameron, the heavier of the pair, invites Mitchell's judgemental family over to announce their adoption of a baby girl from Viet Nam in the pilot episode. (Modern Family via HULU)

"A baby isn't like a Marc Jacobs suit. You can't return it if it doesn't fit.''

Scotty arguing with his husband Kevin on the ABC drama ''Brothers and Sisters'' about their interest in adopting a baby. The show is starting its fourth season. (Brothers and Sisters via HULU)

''I know that they intended to silence us with hate. However, we are choosing to unite and come over that with a stronger voice, and a message that we are here - and we deserve equality as well as everyone else.''

Heidi Williams of the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center responding to the vandalism of a billboard that featured a gay marine, Tim Smith, saluting and the words, ''I'm gay and I protected your freedom.'' (WMCTV)

''That billboard is going to get a lot of reaction. There's a wow factor to it. That man was about 20 days away from being shipped to Iraq when he was kicked out under the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy. There's a constant battle for gay and lesbian people in the military. They're asked to be honest and honorable, but they have to be dishonest about who they are.''

Will Batts of the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center speaking with the media about a series of billboards placed around the area to promote the center, visibility and coming out. Just a few days later, the billboard that Batts was discussing was completely ripped down. (Memphis Flyer)

''Although the initial references might have been inoffensive if considered on their own, they prompted an exchange with one of the programme's guests which gave the references the appearance of perpetuating or reinforcing a potentially offensive stereotype.... The programme team were reminded of the need to avoid any possibility of being seen to endorse offensive sexual stereotypes.''

Findings of the BBC's Editorial Complaints Unit about an episode of the Graham Norton Show. The Unit, which says it reviewed the episode after receiving a single complaint, decides what is and is not acceptable on broadcast television in the United Kingdom, somewhat similar to the FCC in the United States. (BBC News)

Graham Norton [displaying illustration for patent]: ''This is a 'Jumpsuit for a Woman and Method of Use' ... The thinking behind it is, if a lady is wearing a jumpsuit, going to the toilet is very difficult. So, this is where he's gone with this invention. Now, I don't know why they've some strange lesbian to be the model for this. But they have. Obviously, the lesbian pissing in the jumpsuit was a big market. So, lesiban, full bladder here, 'What am I gonna do?'''

Ruth Jones: "She may not be a lesbian. Come on now. She may just --.''

Graham Norton: "You're right. She could have gone to a very bad hairdresser. So, here she is -- anyway, there's nothing wrong with being a lesbian!''

Ruth Jones: ''No, but I'm just saying, what does a lesbian look like?''

Graham Norton [pointing to illustration]: 'That!'''

Famous gay talk show host Graham Norton speaking with British actress Ruth Jones and Greg Kinnear on his late night talk show. His show often features asides and the one being discussed was about a series of patents for weird inventions. The show aired in March of 2009. (BBC2)

''I do. I am no longer opposed to that. I think if people want to make commitments that last a lifetime, they ought to be able to do it. I have long-favored the right of gay couples to adopt children.

''I think what made me change my mind was -- I looked at one day -- I said, 'Look at all this stuff you're for: I've always believed that -- I've never supported all these moves, the moves of a few years ago to ban gay couples from adoption. 'Cause there are all these kids out there looking for a home. And the standard in all adoption cases is: What is the best interest of the child? And there are plenty of cases where the best interest of the child is to let the gay couple take them and give them a loving home.'

''So, I said -- you know, I realize that I was over 60 years old. I grew up in a different time, and I was hung up about the word. I had all these gay friends. I had all these gay couple friends, and I was hung up about it. And I decided I was wrong. That if -- that our society has an interest coherence and strength, and commitment, and mutually enforcing loyalties, then if gay couples want to call their union 'marriage,' and a state agrees -- and several have now. Or a religious body will sanction it -- and I don't think the state should be able to stop a religious body from sanctioning it. I don't think the rest of us should get in the way of that. I think it's a good thing, not a bad thing.''

Former President Bill Clinton responding to CNN new anchor Anderson Cooper about his recent change of mind on gay marriage. President Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton (who serves as the current US Secretary of State) have both stated in the past that marriage is between a man and a woman in their opinion, as has current President Barack Obama. Both presidents say now that they support full repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, while Secretary Clinton has said in the past she supports repealing Section 3 which denies equal Federal marriage benefits to any same-sex couple whether they are legally married by a state or not. (CNN)

Both Deeds and McDonnell voted to exclude sexual orientation from a list of hate crimes. They voted against recognizing same sex-marriages and for a measure urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment describing marriage as between a man and a woman. Deeds changed his votes on those measures when both were amended in their final versions.

Deeds and McDonnell voted to put on the ballot a state constitutional amendment prohibiting civil unions and same-sex marriage. Deeds said he voted for the amendment because he believed that it codified laws banning same-sex marriage. But he said he came to regret his decision and to believe that the language was discriminatory and said so publicly before the 2006 balloting.

Charley Conrad, president of the Virginia Partisans Gay and Lesbian Democratic Club, which has endorsed Deeds, attributes his views to a rural upbringing and said he trusts that Deeds's views have changed. "He likes to say he is a work in progress,'' he said.

Taken from the Washington Post's review of Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell, the Democrat and Republican candidates for Virginia's next Governor. Virginia has a recent history of voting moderate Democrats into the state's highest office which is somewhat at odds with the perception that the overall population of the "Old Dominion" holds conservative values and tends to vote for Republicans. (Washington Post)

Bob McDonnell has consistently exhibited his strong dislike of gay rights in favor of conservative "Biblical values.'' Whereas, Deeds' record reflects apprehension to change the status-quo of Virginia's exclusionary laws towards GLBT equality. So, unfortunately, Deeds' new-found regrets are coming across as plattitudes to many gays and others who find Deeds is lacking both a sense of conviction and a clear message. McDonnell has held onto a modest lead over Deeds in the polls throughout the campaign, though a recent poll indicated that Deeds may be closing in, possibly to as much as 4 percentage points. The small but densely-populated Virginia suburbs to the west and south of Washington, DC are said to harbor the state's most politically progressive and gay-friendly populations. (Politico).

''I am demanding that WKYC-TV3 identify any and all sources who can confirm that the pictures broadcast in its newscast were actually of me, where they were taken, who took the pictures, when they were taken and the identity of the alleged person they claim I knew who copied them from my computer.... Instead of enforcing state laws that prohibit the dissemination of obscene materials, I have been informed that members of the East Cleveland Police Department, along with the Chief of Police, were actively engaged in their dissemination....''

Portion of statement put out by the current Mayor of East Cleveland, OH, Eric Brewer. Apparently, the Mayor and members of the city's police force do not get along very well. Local TV staion WKYC reports that nearly 50 photos emerged, many of a male who closely resembles the mayor in women's lingerie, some sexually explicit. It is not entirely clear if Mayor Brewer is denying that the photos are of him or not. His upcoming election opponent, Gary Norton, says he had nothing to do with the photos, that they are a distraction for what the city needs, and he condemns whomever put them out. The police have responded to the Mayor's complaint with an equally unprofessional missive in which the mayor is mocked several times with the the word "HE" in quotes and capital letters. The timing of the Mayor's issues are only compounded by the death this week of his ailing father. (Cleveland Leader) (WKYC)

''I guess we won the protest, because they left first.''

Julie Aker, a student at Brooklyn Tech, in New York, who was one of nearly 200 who staged an impromptu protest to scare away 5 of the heinous "Westboro" churchmembers who held up anti-gay signs. The students' victorious show of unity reportedly occurred because "word of mouth" spread through the school that the Kansas-based hate group had shown up in their neighborhood. (New York Times)

''Notwithstanding the distasteful and repugnant nature of the words being challenged in these proceedings, we are constrained to conclude that the defendants' signs and [what it has on its Web sites] are constitutionally protected.''

Judge Robert B King of the 4th US Court of Appeals in Richmond ruling in favor of the infamous church run by the Phelps family of Kansas. The gay-hating church protested the funeral of Matthew Snyder, a Marine who was being buried in Westminster, MD. His father sued several of the Phelps family members and won $11 million for invasion of privacy, but that award was reduced to $5 milliion. Judge King's court effectively dismisses even that reduced amount by finding that the church's hate-filled speech is protected, even at a funeral where they're holding signs that say ''Thank God for dead soldiers.'' Phelps adult daughter is said to be a practicing lawyer. (Baltimore Sun)

''I guess, of the three, I would [have dinner with] Limbaugh, because it would be very painful, and he would come with the painkillers which he always has handy.''

Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank responding to comedian Jay Leno's question, "If you had to have dinner with one of the following political conservatives, which one would you choose: Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, Ann Coulter.'' (Jay Leno Show)

''It was a whole big drama at school. Some guys made fun of us, others hit on us. Most middle-school guys are total, complete morons.''

Kera, a girl who tells the NY Times that she was 10 when she realized she was bisexual, and was caught off guard by bullies when she and another girl began dating. (NY Times)

''It seems like I spent the entire year in the principal's office trying to get them to protect my son. But they would say things like, 'Well, what did he do to provoke them?' We live in a very conservative area with very vocal parents, and I believe the school didn't want to be seen as going out of their way at all to protect a gay student.''

Nadia, mother of 15-year-old Austin in Michigan, who says she took a job as a lunch lady at her gay son's school to watch over him after he came out. He says that in 8th grade he was called ''fag'' every day. (NY Times)

''No one says to [boys who like girls]: 'Are you sure? You're too young to know if you like girls. It's probably just a phase. But that's what we say too often to gay youth. We deny them their feelings and truth in a way we would never do with a heterosexual young person.''

Eileen Ross of the Outlet Program, a Mountain View, CA youth program. (NY Times)

''We don't think Census is doing us dirty here. They improved the way they designed the form, so they got fewer false reports from opposite-sex partners. But I still think it doesn't mean we're getting the full picture of LGBT people across the board.''

Jamie Grant of NGLTF responding to the lower tally of same-sex couples, from 754,000 to 565,000, between Census Surveys from 2007 and 2008. The full 2010 Census has been controversial for it's initial refusal to include data fields that would count legally-married same-sex couples. That early decision appeared to be led by official's interpretations of the ''Defense of Marriage Act'' which prohibits the Federal government from recognizing any marriages other than one male and one female. But reports are that a request from the Obama Administration has caused the Census to rework that policy. The 2008 Survey also provided more evidence that marriage is slowly falling out of favor for the overall population -- nearly 3 out of 10 women report having never been married. (USA Today)

''It's been a few years, but not that many, since I was closely associated with pre-adolescent boys -- boys who are like 10-12 years of age. But it is my observation that boys at that age have less tolerance for homosexuality than just about any other class of people. They speak badly about homosexuals [audience chuckles]. And that's because they don't want to be that way, they don't want to fall into it. And that's a good instinct.

''After all, homosexuality, we know -- studies have been done by the National Institutes of Health to try and prove that it's genetic, and all those studies have proven that it is not genetic. Homosexuality is INFLICTED on society.

''I had a very good friend who was -- who was in the homosexual lifestyle for a long time, then he had a religious conversion. And he bought an old motel that he turned into a hospice for some of his former associates who were dying of AIDS. He helped -- he helped almost 300 men die. This man was a real hero. But he knew that he wasn't as healed as he thought he was. He was able to resist temptation, he was able to resist sin. But he wasn't healed enough to take on the responsibilities of marriage. He was a brilliant man in the sense that he knew himself. He knew his limits.

''He and I had a conversations about the MALADY he had suffered. And one of the things he said to me, that I think is an astonishingly insightful remark -- he said, 'All pornography is homosexual pornography. Because all pornography turns your sexual drive inwards.' Now think about that.''

''And if you tell an 11-year-old boy about that, do you think he's going to go out and get a copy of Playboy. I'm pretty sure, he'll lose interest. That's the last thing he wants. That's a good comment. That's a good point. And that's a good thing to teach young people.His name is Jim Johnson; he's a friend of mine. He ran an organization called, 'Beyond Rejection Ministries' and I consider him one of the most heroic men I've ever met.

''All pornography is homosexual because it turns your sexual drive inwards. And that, in fact, is what it does. I know couples now, who are struggling with a husband's addiction to pornography. It's a terrible thing and that's what happened. If it doesn't render you homosexual, it at least renders you less capable of loving your wife. And it's something you need to be healed of.''

Michael Schwartz, reported to be the chief of staff for Senator Tom Coburn, speaking at the ultra-conservative convention called ''The Value Voters Summit.'' (ThinkProgress)

''Since I am not a full-time trans, it is not really feasible for me to have my 'femme' photo on my license. This is discrimination, pure and simple... I and others like me basically go into Hunters in costume [as women], and now our government-issued ID needs to reflect this, even if we live our daily lives primarily as men?''

Andy, a Illinois bar patron who is unhappy with a new restriction put forth by Hunters Nightclub near Chicago, IL. The owner says prostitution advertisers on CraigsList say they are going to his bar, and he's afraid he might lose his license if he does require patrons to look like their ID. (Chicago Tribune)

''When they first did it, it was absolutely striking - we said, 'Oh my God - you can actually put some computation behind that. That pulls the rug out from a whole policy and technology perspective that the point is to give you control over your information - because you don't have control over your information.''

Hal Abelson, an MIT computer science professor of two students, Carter Jernigan and Behram Mistree, who created a program they call "Gaydar" that they say can predict who is gay based on the friends they have on Facebook. The development of the program came from an analysis that showed out gay men have significantly more gay friends. So, men who do not declare that they are gay, yet have gay male friends on their Facebook list, are more likely to be gay. However, the same program failed to predict who are lesbians or bisexual men and women. The researchers say their ability to do data mining of social networks so easily exposes further privacy concerns for people who use social networks, extending affiliations to religious or political conclusions as well. (Boston Globe)

''When you performed a marriage for gay penguins using taxpayer money on government property, you were symbolically taking a stand for the gay marriage agenda.... See, you couldn't possibly understand: When gays marry, it ruins marriage for the rest of us. So, either you annul the wedding, or I'll publicly ask for your resignation.''

A character from on NBC's ''Parks and Recreation'' going after Leslie, played by comedian Amy Poehler, for marrying two sexually active penguins at the show's Pawnee Zoo, without realizing they were both males. (NBC)

''In making this filing, the department is bound by the only precedent that exists, which is that no court has found such a right to federal benefits based upon marital status to be constitutionally required.''

Tracy Schmaler, spokeswoman for the US Justice Department, on their recent request for a US Court in Massachusetts to dismiss a lawsuit brought on by several legally married gay couples who have been denied federal marriage benefits. Schmaler says that the Department's position is that the US Congress passed the "Defense of Marriage Act," and therefore it is up to Congress to extend benefits to gay marriages. President Barack Obama is widely known for taking a dual stance on gay marriage -- thinks DOMA should be repealed, but personally believes marriage is for heterosexual couples only. (Reuters)

''Carrie is going to obey, I think, the most frequently repeated command in the Bible: Be not afraid. God bless you, Carrie.''

Maggie Gallagher, leader of the anti-gay political operatives at the National Oragnization for Marriage, making an introduction for Carrie Prejean, the former Miss USA California who was fired by pageant organizer Donald Trump earlier this year. (Washington Independent)

'''I knew that God had a plan for me that night, and I knew as I was beginning to say, 'I think that it's great that American's can choose one or the other,' I was respecting the individual who was asking me the question. My father always taught me to show respect, to be civil. I was honoring knowing that he was an openly gay man. I said, 'In no offense to anyone out there, that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be, between a man and a woman.' ... I am so proud of the stance that I took. I am so proud of the answer I gave. And God chose me for that moment. He chose me for that moment, because he knew that I would not only be the one to stick up for Him, and for the truth, but also, He knew that I am strong enough to get through all of the junk that I have been through.... Being a 22-year-old college student, at least I wasn't at the time. But now I have a new outlook on this. And I am disgusted at the way some people can be so intolerant, it disgusts me.... I never asked to be thrown into politics. I never thought I'd be speaking at major event with, uh, previous Presidential candidates. But you know what. I am proud of the stance that I took. And I know that God called me for such a time as this. And even though -- even though I didn't win the crown that night, I know that the Lord has so much of a bigger crown in Heaven for me.''

Carrie Prejean, the deposed beauty queen from California who is famous only for her media battle with gay gossip blogger Perez Hilton and their low-brow battle over the issue of gay marriage. Prejean's repetitive speech and crocodile tears received a standing ovation by eager attendees of the "Value Voters Summit," a gathering of socially conservative politicians run by the anti-gay organization Family Research Council held here in Washington, DC. (Right Wing Watch)

11:51 a.m.: Depuyt asks Deeds about gay adoption, currently illegal in Virginia. Deeds says something about not supporting discrimination and knowing families look different. He doesn't quite answer. Deeds shifts the topic to right-to-work laws, which McDonnell just accused him of not supporting. Deeds says he's supported by both unions and businesses. What does McDonnell have against working women?

From a LiveBlog at the Washington Post about the debate between Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell, the Democratic and Republican candidates for the heated race for Governor of Virginia. McDonnell's opposition to virtually all things gay is now well established, but Deeds has not shown as much strength on GLBT issues as his supporters would prefer. He is currently losing in the polls against the socially conservaitve McDonnell in what is traditionally thought of as a state that is home to a mostly conservative voting block, though the last couple of Governors have been moderate Democrats. (Washington Post)

Both men agreed that the state's current statutes -- which allow a single parents to adopt regardless of sexual orientation (but not without the approval of the gov't) -- was enough. Deeds seemed eager to drop the topic though, saying "I leave it up to the decision of the courts in every situation" before changing the subject to right to work laws.

McDonnell was more comfortable talking about the issue, firmly stating that VA law says it is best that a heterosexual couple is "the best" environment for a child, but also agreeing that the law allowing for single parent adoptions was a good one. "I think Creigh and I agree on this one," he said quickly.

From the Hotline On Call blog about today's debate between Virginia's candidates for Governor -- Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat Creigh Deeds. (HotlineOnCall)

''Thank you for showing me that same-sex ballroom dancing can be very strong and very good. You know, I got myself into trouble last time saying, 'I'm going to ask you to dance with girls.' I would very much like for you to do the choreography, and see if there is any difference in how you handle that.''

Nigel Lythgoe, the primary judge on the Fox reality competition, "So You Think You Can Dance," complimenting the audition of a gay couple, Jacob Jason and Willem De Vries. Over the summer, Lythgoe got into trouble with the show's gay-supportive viewers and some of his own friends, when he made several cheeky remarks about a pair of male dancers (one gay, one straight). Ultimately, the couple's technique was not strong enough when they were individually paired with female dancers. But Lythgoe stated unnecessarily that he was not a fan of "Brokeback ballroom" -- a reference to the well-known, award-winning film "Brokeback Mountain" about two closeted gay cowboys. Lythgoe apologized fairly soon afterward saying he'd unintentionally hurt a lot of people's feelings. Also, news that Adam Shankman, an out gay choreographer and movie director, has been included as a permanent judge for this season. The news was pleasing to the gay media watch organization GLAAD. (Reuters) (SYTYCD @ Fox) (GLAAD)

''There's a lot of same-sex couples out there that are now afraid to come out and audition for shows like 'So You Think You Can Dance.' We just want to make sure that America knows that there's a whole force of same-sex dancers -- there's a world of same-sex dancers!''

Willem De Vries, 29, a Latin ballroom dancer who appeared on audition faze of Fox's ''SYTYCD'' with his gay male dancing partner Jacob Jason, 29. (SYTYCD @ Fox)

''With today's historic vote, we are one step closer to ensuring that Ohioans will not be fired or kicked out of their homes just because of who they are or who they love.''

Chris Redfern, Ohio's Democratic Party Chairman, referring to the passage of HB 176 in the Ohio House of Representatives. The bill, which is designed to add "sexual orientation and gender identity" to a number of protections afforded to other minority groups, is headed to the Ohio State Senate where it may face a tougher challenge. (Daily Sentinel) (Ohio.us)

''George and I are thrilled. It's pretty historic for us. It's going to be a great experience for both of us to see how well we really know each other after 22 years together.''

Brad Altman will appear with his spouse, George Takei, on ''The Newlywed Game,'' a long-running program that is currently broadcast on Game Show Network. (NY Daily News)

''THE NEWLYWED GAME returns with 65 brand new episodes, some featuring appearances by celebrity couples, including "Star Trek's" Mr. Sulu, George Takei, and his spouse Brad Altman--the first same-sex couple ever cast in the history of the series.''

Press release from producers of ''The Newlywed Game,'' a GSN (Game Show Network) program that first aired on broadcast TV over 40 years ago. George Takei and Brad Altman were married during the brief period of time when gay and lesbian marriage was legalized in California and when it was torn away again by the infamous Proposition 8. (Reuters)

''[Probably] the most important effect of this will be when ENDA passes. The EEOC will be the agency responsible for issuing regulations for its enforcement. Having Chai there to set the framework for the initial regulatory response to ENDA is important beyond words. Mazel tov!''

Nan Hunter, professor at Georgetown Law, writing on her blog about the nomination of her long-time partner, Chai Feldblum, who was just nominated to be the first openly gay Commissioner of the EEOC. (Hunter for Justice)

Chai Feldblum is a Professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center where she has taught since 1991. She also founded the Law Center's Federal Legislation and Administrative Clinic, a program designed to train students to become legislative lawyers. Feldblum previously served as Legislative Counsel to the AIDS Project of the American Civil Liberties Union. In this role, she developed legislation, analyzed policy on various AIDS-related issues, and played a leading role in the drafting of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and, later as a law professor, in the passage of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. She has also worked on advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights and has been a leading expert on the Employment Nondiscrimination Act. As Co-Director of Workplace Flexibility 2010, Feldblum has worked to advance flexible workplaces in a manner that works for employees and employers. Feldblum clerked for Judge Frank Coffin and for Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun. She received her J.D. from Harvard Law School and B.A. from Barnard College.

Bio released by the White House for Chai Feldblum, who is an out lesbian and one of her many well-known accomplishments is her work as an advocate for GLBT rights. (WhiteHouse.gov)

''Oh, sweet pea. Now, you listen to your Auntie Vida. I want you to believe in yourself, imagine good things and moisturize, I cannot stress this enough.''

Patrick Swayze as Vida Boheme from the 1995 Hollywood drag queen fantasy, "Too Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar." Swayze, 57, died today after a very public battle with pancreatic cancer. He was also the leading male in romance movies like "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost," as well as "The Outsiders," "Point Break," and as the motivational speaker with a secret shame in "Donnie Darko."

''What happened to the customers was an assault. They were not free to go. There was no suspicion any of them had committed a crime. This is unbelievable.''

Alan Begner of the Atlanta, GA Eagle bar which was raided Monday night by police who forced 62 patrons to lie face down on the bar room floor for up to two hours. Allegedly, their identifications were taken and background checks were run on everyone. No patrons were arrested, though 8 employees were arrested on permit violations -- which is a far cry from the anonymous complaint of drug dealing that triggered an undercover investigation where police claim they witnessed public sexual. Chief of Police, Richard Pennington, apologized that the their liaison to gay and lesbian community, Danni Lynn Harris, was not invited to join the police in their activity to observe and curtail anti-gay slurs, which 10 patrons have already lodged complaints about. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

''I love you guys. This is for my * fans. You're the best fans in the world and I love you. And it's for God and for the gays!''

The curious talent known as Lady Gaga, finishing out her acceptance speech for "Best New Artist" at the MTV Video Music Awards. Two of pop's most legendary ladies paid tribute to the late Michael Jackson -- his sister, Janet Jackson, performed, and Madonna spoke at length of her personal 1991 interaction with the "King." Also, P!nk flew with a high-wire number, Beyoncé Knowles stepped up with a revised "Single Ladies" routine, and Lady Gaga made a bloody mess of her song "Paparazi" -- in a good way, we think. But, it was hip-hop's most gay-friendly male artist, Kanye West, who stole the show -- in the worst way possible. He took the microphone from "Best Female Video Award" winner, Taylor Swift, to say repeatedly that Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" was one of the "best videos of all time" -- as if no one knew that. Beyoncé was shocked. And 19-year-old Taylor Swift -- resembling the pivotal moment from the movie "Carrie" -- was unable to continue her acceptance speech because of all the booing for Kanye West's amazingly rude and unnecessary comment. (He has since apologized on his blog.) Beyoncé took home the show's biggest award, "Video of the Year," but graciously donated her air time to Taylor Swift so she could finish basking in the light of her first big win. (MTV Most Talked-About Moments)

''Because of the traveling that I do, and the life I have, maybe it wouldn't be the fair thing for a child. But after seeing Lev today, I would love to adopt him.... It's so moving to see these children, to see people -- like little Lev in the front row on David's knee -- smiling when he hasn't got a mom or a dad, is one of the most moving things for me.''

Elton John, one of the world's most famous singers and openly gay celebrities at an AIDS Foundation press conference. The boy is said to be an orphan whose parents both died from AIDS. (Associated Press)

''Why does the census ask if people are young or old, black or white, married or single? It's because we want to understand if the country is meeting the public-policy needs of those Americans. That's particularly so for LGBT Americans.''

Joe Solmonese of HRC explaining the need for collecting information on same-sex couples in the 2010 U.S. Census. Data is to be released in 2011. (Washington Post)

''When we say we'd like to talk about inclusive services that include LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) people, they ask how many are there. We really don't yet have a way to provide that the way we can with, say, Hispanics or women.''

Karen Taylor of Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders. This post article also quotes right-wing social conservatives, like FRC's Peter Sprigg, who plan to use the first U.S. Census data being collected about same-sex couples to draw pre-set conclusions that gays don't want to get married, so they shouldn't be given the opportunity. (Washington Post)

''It is the easiest way to find those people who are destroying Islam and who want to dirty the reputation we took centuries to build up.... We make sure they know why they are being held and give them the chance to ask God's forgiveness before they are killed.''

Abu Hamizi, 22, boasting to The Guardian UK how he uses his computer science degree to track down gay men for unimaginable types of torture and execution in Iraq. The article includes a horribly graphic photo of two gay men lying in the street, shot dead in the head. The story says some 130 gay men have been murdered in Iraq this year. (Guardian.co.uk)

''He didn't follow what Islamic doctrine tells but he was a good son. Three days after his kidnapping, I found a note on my door with blood spread over it and a message saying it was my son's purified blood and telling me where to find his body. We found his body with signs of torture, his anus filled with glue and without his genitals.''

Azhar al-Saeed, mother of a gay son who was murdered in Iraq. According to the article police say these killings are related to sectarian violence, not specifically targeted at gays, and that all Iraqis are under their protection. (Guardian.co.uk)

''No patron was arrested. I was under the impression the only time you needed a license... is if they're strippers. These dancers were in their underwear.''

Richard Ramey, owner of the Eagle bar in Atlanta relaying his side of a raid that was conducted by police on his establishment Thursday night. He says the community complaint was over noise, and that patrons were handcuffed and forced to floor where they were forced to empty their pockets in the search for drugs. (Atlanta Progressive News)

''Everyone was ordered to get on their stomachs and face down during this ordeal. As far as I could tell everyone was searched at least once, most of us twice. Most, but not all, of the officers were incredibly derogatory and insulting whether they found evidence of drugs or not.... When asking why, we were met with derisive remarks and no explanation. I am furious at how we were treated and can't believe that this has happened in this day and age. The officers present were incredibly rude to anyone who dared to ask what was happening and several were openly hostile towards the gay patrons.''

Allan Vives, a patron who says he was at the Atlanta, GA Eagle bar when it was raided by some 15 police officers who handcuffed employees and dancers -- anyone wearing underwear on their "Underwear Night" -- and forced them to the ground without explanation. Several undercover officers are said to have been at the bar in advance. (Atlanta Progressive News)

''I'm thinking, this is Stonewall. It's like I stepped into the wrong decade.''

Nick Koperski, another patron of the Eagle bar in Atlanta, GA. Early reports of a bar raid suggest 8 were arrested, and some anti-gay sentiment may have been expressed by officers involved, though these early details of the incident have not been verified. The police charged the owner and establishment of providing adult entertainment without a permit. A tip of illicit sex was said to have been reported to the office of Mayor Shirley Franklin. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

''For me, I have to be honest, it's a particularly satisfying point in time to have a community and the council that is so committed to marriage equality. The debate is almost over here. The acceptance, while not universal, is substantial.''

David Catania, Washington, DC Councilmember At Large, speaking with the Washington Post about the 10 DC City Council sponsors of the "Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009." Mayor Adrian Fenty has also stated his support for gay and lesbian marriage equality. The upcoming bill is designed to remove gender-specific qualifications for marriages performed in the District of Columbia.

Three Councilmembers have not signed on: Yvette Alexander who earlier said her Christianity was called into question by pastors who were angry at her for voting for an earlier gay marriage bill; Harry Thomas, Jr, whose Ward 5 Democrats voted to reject the idea of that same bill; and Marion Barry who has closely aligned himself with socially conservative pastors who have claimed that DC's African-American majority is united against marriage for gay couples in the District. Barry, who was once considered friendly to the gay community, called the Council immoral, and chanted "Say no to same sex marriage in DC!"

Those pastors, the Evangelical Family Research Council, the political organization N.O.M., and the Washington Catholic Archdiocese have teamed up in an effort to force the Council and the Board of Elections to put same-sex marriage on the ballot for a public vote. They are asking people from other states to tell their state's Congressmen to block the District's ability to implement gay marriage which, unfortunately, the Constitution allows them to do. (Washington Post)

''Turing was a quite brilliant mathematician, most famous for his work on breaking the German Enigma codes. It is no exaggeration to say that, without his outstanding contribution, the history of World War Two could well have been very different....''

"In 1952, he was convicted of 'gross indecency' - in effect, tried for being gay. His sentence - and he was faced with the miserable choice of this or prison - was chemical castration by a series of injections of female hormones. He took his own life just two years later.''

''Turing was dealt with under the law of the time and we can't put the clock back, his treatment was of course utterly unfair and I am pleased to have the chance to say how deeply sorry I and we all are for what happened to him. Alan and the many thousands of other gay men who were convicted as he was convicted under homophobic laws were treated terribly.''

''...So on behalf of the British government, and all those who live freely thanks to Alan's work I am very proud to say: we're sorry, you deserved so much better.''

Outakes from an official apology issued by Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown for Alan Turing. A petition was signed by thousands of people asking for recognition of the famous groundbreaking code breaker and computer scientist. (Number10.gov.uk) (Guardian.co.uk)

''There certainly is evidence Semenya is a hermaphrodite. But the trouble is the IAAF now have the whole ANC and the whole of South Africa on their backs. Everything is going to have to be done absolutely by the book, no question of a challenge to our findings. There's all sorts of scans you do. This is why it's complicated. In the past you used to do a gynaecological exam, blood test, chromosome test, whatever. That's why they (the findings) were challenged, because it's not quite so simple. The problem for us is to avoid it being an issue now which is very personal: of the organs being a hermaphrodite, of not being a 'real' woman. It's very dramatic.''

An unnamed source reported to be close to the investigation of Caster Semenya, a South African track star who recently won a gold medal in the Women's 800m by a surprisingly wide margin. Questions about Semenya's gender and qualification for competition against other women immediately made headlines around the world. If this finding is accurate that Semenya, 18, does not have a womb and internal testes instead of ovaries, then it blurs the lines of distinction and puts in doubt her future in competitive sports. (Daily Telegraph)

Cover of image "You Magazine" a People-type magazine that asked track star Caster Semenya to be a model. Her dramatic makeover is of interest because until today, there has been widespread speculation that she has been either a man cleverly competing in women's sports or taking heavy doses of testoserone-like performance enhancing drugs. But, it is being reported today that test results have been leaked to the press, and she is said to be intersex -- that is naturally possessing physical traits of both sexes. (You Magazine)

''Washington Families Standing Together announced Wednesday night that the group won't appeal Tuesday's ruling on Referendum 71 by Thurston County Superior Court Judge Thomas McPhee.... That clears the way for a statewide vote on R-71 this November.''

Brian Zylstra on the Washington Secretary of State's blog explaining, again, thate Referendum 71 will be put on the November ballot, and that public will be voting to re-approve gay domestic partnership rights, not reject R-71. (Washington Secretary of State)

''When people sign a referendum or initiative petition, they are trying to change state law. We believe that changing state law should be open to public view.''

Brian Zylstra of the Secretary of State's office which is on the side of public disclosure in the legal battle over Referendum 71 -- a ballot initiative designed to overturn the Washington state legislature and the Governor who have approved a bill that extends many of the legal benefits associated with marriage to same-sex domestic partnerships. (Associated Press)

''The court has said, and said rightly, that the ability to participate, even anonymously, in the political process is a long and respected right in the United States.''

Stephen Pidgeon the attorney for an group that is working to keep gay relationships from earning any legal recognition called "Protect Marriage." The issue at hand is not same-sex marriage, but the extension of benefits to civil partnerships; and Pidgeon's clients have successfully submitted, and subsequently defended, enough signatures to place a referendum on the next ballot that is very likely going to roll back those recently adopted legal benefits. The courts in Washington thus far have sided with the socially conservative group on several occasions in the last few weeks, including the validity of petitions that have not been signed by the signature gatherer, which is required by state law. (Associated Press)

''My move to the suburbs was strictly the spirit of the Lord operating in my life. Even though I was a heathen then, I know it was divinely ordained by God. Now, I go to the Montgomery County school boards and speak out against the gay agenda.... There is a large population of ex-gays, but they dare not speak as I speak about being ex-gay. They dare not associate too openly with me because then people may think they are ex-gay.''

J. Grace Harley, an "ex-lesbian," and one of the very few people that reporter Amanda Hess of the Washington CityPaper could actually find in the DC/MD/VA area that claim to be ex-gay. Yet operatives like Harley and the leaders of PFOX (not to be confused with the original pro-gay P-FLAG) position themselves as leaders of a great movement. Inspiration for the investigation appears to be the recent ruling by an area judge that ex-gays should be a protected class, but that exclusion of their political efforts at an NEA conference is in no way illegal. Conclusion: Ex-gay movement is money moving toward a whole lot of nothin'. (Washington City Paper)

"Even as he resigns in shame, former California Assemblymember Michael Duvall is wallowing in hypocrisy. While engaging in extra-marital affairs, he used 'family values' as a justification to vote against every bill that would have provided any measure of equal treatment or fairness to LGBT people. He used the same justification to support taking away the lawful right of same-sex couples to marry. Now he has the temerity to protest that his adultery (with lobbyists) 'is a private matter' and asks that 'everyone respect the privacy of all involved?!''

Beginning of a press release from Lori L. Jean of the Los Angeles Gay Center regarding the resignation of Republican Mike Duvall from the California State Assembly. Duvall was exposed on a California TV news station boasting about two extra-marital affairs in lurid detail. He is said to have run for Orange County office on a platform of "family values" and has since consistently voted against measures of equality for GLBT people. (LA Gay Center)

• Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination based on sexual orientation. (Nov 13, 2007)
• Voted YES on Constitutionally defining marriage as one-man-one-woman. (Nov 13, 2007)
• Voted YES on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. (Sep 30, 2004)
• Wilson scores 0% by the HRC on gay rights.

Anti-gay voting record of Senator Joe Wilson, a Republican from South Carolina, who earlier this evening yelled at President Barack Obama, "You lie!" His extremely unusual outburst during a speech by the President of the United States was condemned by members of both major parties. He was reacting to a statement by President Obama who said illegal immigrants wouldn't benefit from certain changes to health care reform. Wilson reportedly stared at his Blackberry after his egregious lack of decorum and "darted" from the room. He has since apologized. (On the Issues)

''It is 100 percent irrelevant in this race. What's relevant in this race is what the records of the candidates are on issues that the voters care about and, number two, who's got the best ideas to be able to create jobs and build infrastructure and build a better Virginia. That's what's relevant.''

Robert McDonnell, the current Republican candidate for Governor, who brought into question a black, female judge's sexual orientation a few years ago. According to the Washington Post, Verbena Askew, a Circuit Court judge, was up for reappointment, but became entangled in allegations of sexual harassment from ''a female colleague.'' During hearings on the matter, McDonnell alone made the argument that ''certain homosexual conduct'' was against Virginia laws, and that conduct would disqualify someone from being a judge for violating Virginia law. Askew, who has continually denied being gay, was not reelected in January of 2003 to her position. In June of 2003, the US Supreme Court declared that states' sodomy laws, like Virginia's, were unconstitutional. (Washington Post)

''Being gay and Christian, we find that we constantly have to defend ourselves. And so it would be nice to get this out there. And maybe, you know, maybe people will get over it one day. 'Cause, quite frankly, we really don't care what they think.... We're gonna use our Midwest charm a lot.''

Dan McMillen, 21, who plans to travel the world with his brother, Sam McMillen, 23, as part of the TV competition, ''The Amazing Race.'' (CBS)

Growing up Christian in a conservative community, neither one of them felt comfortable enough coming out at an early age but after doing so, they've found a whole new bond with one another and instantly became closer through honesty and trust. Sam and Dan will tell you that being gay is only one of the many aspects of their lives.

Part of the bio about Dan and Sam, gay brothers on this season's "The Amazing Race," to premiere Sunday, September 27. (CBS)

''Guess what? Go ahead... nope... keep guessing... Okay, I'll just tell you--I'm gonna be the new judge on American Idol!''

Comedian, talk show host, and America's most famous married lesbian, Ellen Degeneres, announcing on her Twitter feed that she will be the new Judge on the long-running TV talent show ''American Idol.'' (TheEllenShow via Twitter).

''I think the way it works is you start like 'The Office' or like 'Queer as Folk,' You start quite close, and then as those start to work ... they develop a personality and life of their own. I personally think the danger is to make too many radical changes to the format too early. We've been down that path with a couple of shows - it becomes a compromised format at that point.''

Charlie Pattinson, a British television producer, who plans to work with MTV to bring a new version of his raunchy and raucous teenage drama, ''Skins,'' to Baltimore, MD. No telling what will translate from the UK original which features lots of sex , lots of drugs, lots of bad bad behavior, and lots of laughs ... and at least one openly gay teen boy, Maxxie. (Variety)

''The creators already have done focus groups in Baltimore.... They've met with kids here and found out what they're experiencing, where they go to school, and where they hang out. They wanted to set the show someplace that is a good cross-section of the country. I think they chose Baltimore because it has diverse ethnic groups and socioeconomic levels and urban and suburban areas.''

Liz Gateley, VP of MTV series development, describing some of the path that the UK TV show "Skins" is taking on it's way to be imported as an Americanized version. The show will be set and filmed in Baltimore. The British version of the series was an exciting and controversial sensation, though interest waned after the first season. The show's ensemble cast of characters included story lines for Maxxie, a gay male teenager. (Baltimore Sun)

''We're proud that we got to show the world that anybody can do anything they want.... We love our community. Everyone out there, go for what you want. Go for your dreams. Don't let nothing stop you!''

Leiomy Maldonado, the transgender woman who became the focal point of drama during this season's "America's Best Dance Crew." Her group, Vogue Evolution, was eliminated in the fifth week of the show. They made some history as the series' first gay/trans dance troupe, but their last routine -- a combination of trampoline jumps, voguing, and the face-patting ''Halle Berry'' dance -- could not compete with the other four groups high-flying acts. Last week, Maldonado received personal criticism by one judge, Lil Mama, who later apologized for calling out her transgender status in a way that was perceived by some fans as insensitive and out of place. (America's Best Dance Crew)

''I said, well, I can't do that. And they said, 'In that case, the pastors' planning committee is asking you not to participate in the service.'''

Reverend Larry Eastlack of the Oakfield United Methodist Church who was supposed to participate in the annual Community Worship Service for Oakfield's Labor Daze celebration. But after he wrote a public letter to the local newspaper and then defended his belief, he was given the cold shoulder by socially conservative leaders of other churches. Then, after Eastlack opted not to pursue the matter, the event was canceled due to the conclusion that protests in support of gay marriage might occur in the small town. Eastlack says he and others are saddened by the situation, and that he believes that a separation of church and state allows worshipers to support both Biblical convictions and the extension of benefits and responsibilities to married same-sex couples. (WKBW)

''...our Elders have stated that having you take part (in the Sept. 6 service) would send a message to our community and respective congregations that 1. We are in agreement with your stance or 2. We are willing to pretend that unity exists.''

Portion of a letter from Bill Smith and Mark Perkins who are reportedly fundamentalist pastors from the Oakfield Community Bible Church and the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church in New York state. The letter was sent as an admonishment to Reverend Larry Eastlack of Oakfield United Methodist Church for writing a letter to the local newspaper that said Christians can support civil marriage for gays despite their Biblically-derived religious convictions against homosexuality. Apparently, after receiving the letter and backing up his support for gay marriage, Eastlack decided not to participate in the annual Community Worship Service at the 25th Annual Labor Daze celebration in Oakfield.(The Batavian)

''I tell that to gay couples and they're like, 'Are you kidding? We're awful.' But by and large if you look at tapes of a straight couple sitting there and carrying on about something -- versus a gay couple -- the straight couple will much more quickly become contemptuous or start criticizing each other.''

Salvatore Garanzini who, along with his long-time partner, Alapaki Yee, have founded the Gay Couples Institute in San Francisco. Garzani says the arguments among gay and lesbian couples is largely the same as heterosexuals -- trust and cheating -- but differs slightly in a need to speak with someone who understands gay sex issues, and also expectations carried over from heterosexual family models or the more complicated issues of having children. (Washington Post)

''My current partner is a man. Before him, my partner of two years was a woman, with whom I discussed health insurance, kids, houses and marriage. You can bet that I found the fact that our marriage wouldn't have been legal to be wrong as hell. That doesn't mean that what NOM is trying to do and how they are trying to do it are not important to hear about.''

Monica Hesse, a 28-year-old writer for the Washington Post, is said to have unintentionally drawn angry responses from gay marriage supporters with her coverage of Brian Brown, the Executive Director of the infamous National Organization for Marriage. NOM's Brown and Maggie Gallagher have positioned themselves as media darlings as the saviors of heterosexual marriage. They have launched numerous advertisements, websites, and activities in an effort to rally public opposition to same-sex marriage. And they have said repeatedly that extending marriage rights to gay men and lesbians threatens the education of children and the foundations of American families. Hesse's article was apparently meant to be an introduction to Brown who has just moved to the unwanted offices to downtown Washington. The ombudsman of the Washington Post, Andrew Alexander, says her article is perhaps being misinterpreted due to a headline she did not create -- "Opposing Gay Unions With Sanity & a Smile" -- and a lack of an opposing point of view. (Washington Post)

''This political group opposes putting crosses up in honor of fallen policemen, has attacked the National Day of Prayer and advocates for same-sex marriage, so it's not surprising that they are attacking the governor for accepting invitations to speak at Louisiana churches.''

A flailing statement released by Melissa Sellers, spokesperson for Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. His office is responding to criticism from Welton Gaddy, pastor for Northminster Baptist Church in Louisiana and president of the Interfaith Alliance, over the revelations that Governor Jindal wasted tens of thousands of dollars traveling to churches to preach about his conversion from Hinduism to Christianity. Gaddy points out that the government has no business pushing a religious agenda, and asked for an apology from Jindal and a return of the $45,000 and other expenses charged to Louisiana taxpayers for his actions which have crossed over the line into a form of government endorsement of religion. In speaking with news show host Rachel Maddow, Gaddy points out that his office's attack on same-sex marriage is a non-response to questions about Jindal's misuse of taxpayer's funds. (Associated Baptist Press)

''From the very beginning of our 30 year history, we have supported equal rights for all people. The legalization of marriage for gay and lesbian couples in Vermont is certainly a step in the right direction and something worth celebrating with peace, love and plenty of ice cream.''

Walt Freese, CEO of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, explaining in a press release why the company has renamed their popular flavor "Chubby Hubby" to "Hubby Hubby" for the month of September. Vermont began to perform and register marriages for gay and lesbian couples on September 1. Same-sex marriages remain a hot obsession of many conservative, religious, political organizations, and in the case of both Maine and Washington state this week, they have succeeded in submitting enough petition signatures to put gay marriage and marriage-like laws up for a public vote. Most agree that the American public remains, at best, slightly skewed toward the rejection of marriage equality, but often favors a compromise of civil unions. Here in DC, similar efforts are being spearheaded by Catholic, Evangelical and Baptist political groups. (Reuters)

''Homosexuality is wrong and disgusting, but I'll take free ice cream.''

A woman with her child in tow appearing briefly at the end of a CBS News video. She yells at workers in a Ben & Jerry's ice cream van who are offering free samples of "Hubby Hubby." The flavor is actually a renamed version of their popular "Chubby Hubby." which has been renamed for the month of September in celebration of the expansion of marriage to gay men and lesbians in Vermont. (CBS via YouTube)

''I would like to clarify anything that was misunderstood from Sunday's show. My remarks were never meant to be disrespectful regarding Leiomy's gender nor offensive to the LGBT community, which has been a community that has supported me in all my endeavors. However, in hindsight, I recognize that my words may have come across as hurtful. I spoke with her privately after the taping to express that it was not my intent to offend her or any member of the transgender community and that I still live for Vogue Evolution.''

Lil Mama, a judge on the MTV show ''America's Best Dance Crew,'' extending an apology to Leiomy Maldonado, the transgender woman who dances with a voguing group, Vogue Evolution. Lil Mama has praised Maldonado in the past, but earlier this week criticized her for walking out of auditions, and in part said her behavior was unacceptable, and stated, "You were born a man and you are becoming a woman. If you're going to become a woman, act like a lady.'' Maldonado was at first receptive to Lil Mama's criticism of her technique but rolled her eyes when it turned personal, and many fans of the show were put off by Lil Mama's wording as well. (GLAAD)

''Lil Mama's comments during her critique attempted to impose standards of conformity for gender identity and expression -- a mistake that many people make.''

Rashad Robinson of GLAAD explaining his organization's interpretation of Lil Mama's comment toward Leiomy Maldonado, a contestant on the MTV dance competiton, ''America's Best Dance Crew.'' Maldonado's group, Vogue Evolution, is the first gay/trans group to appear on the series. (GLAAD)

''I fully support this legislation, and believe it guarantees that all Maine citizens are treated equally under our State's civil marriage laws. But I also have a Constitutional obligation to set the date for the election once the Secretary of State has certified that enough signatures have been submitted. I am confident that Maine voters will make the right decision on this important issue when they cast their ballots in the fall.''

Quote from John Baldacci, the Governor of Maine, who announced today that a petition successfully passed. It will place on the November ballot a new law that was passed by the legislature that would have extended marriage rights to lesbian and gay couples, but is now going to be put on hold. (Office of the Governor of Maine)

"We will continue to let the voice of the Church, the teachings of the Church, be heard as clearly as it can be heard. That is why we have sent out so much material to our priests to help them explain this to our faithful people.... This is not a local issue.... People always look at the District of Columbia through a magnifying glass, and we need to be aware of that."

Donald W. Wuerl, Archbishop of the Washington Catholic Church, explaining why he sent out a letter to 300 area Catholic priests to remind them that their Church leadership opposes the legalization of, ceremonial performance of, and extension of equal status to gay and lesbian marriages. The timing of his letter points to a coordinated effort by being organized by religious and political organizations to head off the upcoming proposal members of the City Council for the District to allow legal marriage ceremonies within the District of Columbia. (Washington Post)

''It is ironic that at the same time the city is asking for voting representation in the U.S. Congress, its leaders are denying residents the opportunity to participate in the democratic process for an issue with widespread implications for children and families.''

Ronald Jackson of the DC Catholic Conference. (Archdiocese of Washington)

''And while there's a push for voting rights and the idea that D.C. would have a right to vote in Congress, it's a little incongruous that there's this attempt to block the right of D.C. voters to have their say on an issue of this much import -- the very definition of marriage.''

Brian Brown of the National Organization for Marriage. (WashBlade)

DC Board of Elections has a viewable document of Harry Jackson's ''Marriage Initiative of 2009'' that seeks to add the following line to the laws of DC:

Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in the District of Columbia.

The list of anti-gay marriage operatives which have publicly spoken about and petitioned for a restriction of marriage to heterosexuals only now include in part:

Donald Wuerl, Archdiocese of Washington, 145 Taylor Street NE
Ronald Jackson of the DC Catholic Conference, 145 Taylor Street NE
Harry Jackson Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, 1100 1st Street SE
Walter Fauntroy New Baptist Church, 17th Street NW
Howard Butler, Whittier Place, NW
Anthony Evans, 7th Street NE
Melvin Dupree, Naylor Road SE
Dale Wafer, 19th Street NE
Robert King, Apple Road NE
James Silver, Chestnut Street NW
Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, 801 G Street NW
Austin Nimocks of the Alliance Defense Fund, 801 G Street NW
Timothy Trace of the Alliance Defense Fund
Brian Raum of the Alliance Defense Fund
Brian Brown, National Organization for Marriage, H Street NW (new office)

''I'm the only man in the history of this town with the best gay and straight clubs at the same time, and I'm about to lose everything!''

Dialog from the title character in the video game release ''The Balad of Gay Tony.'' The newly released trailer does not allude to anything overtly homoerotic about this release, and Tony ''Gay Tony'' Prince is not actually the main character in the game, but the use of the word "Gay" in the title alone is a major breakthrough in visibility. The gamer community is notorious for the public exchange of foul, anti-gay insults. And, if Rockstar Games' latest guns-and-cars game proves to be  popular, it could be a much-needed boost for future GLBT inclusiveness. Unfortunately, this add-on for ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' is only available to owners of the XBox 360. (GayGamer.net)

''i was waiting for the next content!!! yahoo!!! allthough they made the world gay...into a gta title...THATS NOT COOL AT ALL..! but the ingame shit does look cool!! so good shit! rock*...just change the title!''

Comment taken from marceloguiliano a conflicted gamer commenting on G4TV's YouTube channel  about the latest Rockstar Games release, ''The Balad of Gay Tony.'' The videogame is actually a downloadable extension for XBox 360 players of Grand Theft Auto IV. This is the second extension in the long-running series, and much has been speculated over the reaction of it's strong fan base to a title containing the word "gay." Gay and lesbian characters and randomly generated pedestrians with cartoonish, stereotypical gay personalities have long been included in the violent series of games that focuses on anti-heroes performing criminal activity. (G4TV Youtube) (Rockstar Games)

''This is a really special day ... although it is different than our commitment ceremony. For us, this was taking part in a new right that had long been denied us.... I owned the house ... and I always worried, what if something happened to me?" Williams said. "Would Cori get the house? What would happen to her? It was scary.''

Claire Williams of Burlington, Vermont, who married her partner Cori Giroux at midnight on September 1, 2009, the first day that the state allowed lesbian and gay couples to legally wed. Williams and Giroux said they were previously joined in a commitment ceremony in Baltimore, MD, and then again in Vermont through a legally-recognized civil union. Vermont was the first state to offer civil unions, and is now the first state to enact same-sex marriages through a legislative measure. In fact, the legislature passed the bill twice after the state's Governor, Jim Douglas, vetoed the measure this past April. (Rutland Herald)

Sounding at times like an Old Testament prophet, Mr. McDonnell wrote that government must discriminate in favor of married couples and against "cohabitators, homosexuals or fornicators," for "[t]he cost of sin should fall on the sinner not the taxpayer."

Mr. McDonnell said his thinking has evolved, citing, among other examples, his support for child day care in a 1995 welfare-reform bill. He said that government should not discriminate against homosexuals (though he backed Virginia's constitutional amendment effectively banning same-sex marriage)...

Taken from an editorial that appeared in the Washington Post about Bob McDonnell, the Republican candidate for Governor in Virginia. McDonnell is said to have alluded to the thesis of his master's degree during an interview, after which a Post reporter retrieved the document which was written by McDonnell in 1994 when he was 34. This latest bit of information is receiving a lot of attention this week, though most people are already aware that McDonnell holds ''traditional'' conservative views on matters of interest to the GLBT community. Unfortunately, his Democratic opponent, Creigh Deeds, appears to have a confused position on gay marriage issues -- saying he voted against adding a ban to the Virginia constitution, but then insists ''marriage is between a man and a woman.'' McDonnell is said to be leading in the polls. The election is slated to take place on November 3. (Washington Post editorial) (Washington Post article)

''Let me share with you, one of the unique dynamics of DC that makes your prayer, your involvement, your writing your Congressman so very important: Currently, every law that is passed in DC has got to be approved by the Congress. In other words, DC does not really have 'home rule.' Once they pass a law, that law has 30 days in which Congress, in its legislative sessions can decide that the city should not take the measure that they have taken. So, right now, we have the opportunity to block same-sex marriage reciprocity. We have an opportunity to block the rise of an overt same-sex marriage law by having your Congressman say, 'Not on my watch.' And tell them, the people must decide... We can turn this thing around by signatures for a referendum. And we can say yes to marriage, no to same-sex reciprocity, no to the land becoming a modern Sodom and Gomorrah, because you've reached out and responded to your Congressman.... What happens in DC, doesn't stay in DC.''

Harry Jackson, political preacher from the Hope Christian Church Beltsville, MD. Jackson is speaking in a video he has released for a national audience, asking voters from other states to contact Congress and tell them that the DC City Council's votes don't matter because, as Jackson points out, all measures passed by the council can be reviewed and rejected by the members of Congress according to the Constitution. In April, Marion Barry, Ward 8 Councilmember and former DC Mayor, was the only city official who stood beside Harry Jackson and his crew to call the other Councilmembers immoral for voting to recognize same-sex marriages performed legally in other regions. (Via YouTube)

''My heart really wants to be here. But in a way, I'm not happy.... I really miss just being home.... The fact that I have fans out there -- you know, I'm the face of transgender -- that's what's keeping me on the show, and that's what keeps me motivated.''

Leiomy Maldonado, transgender dancer for the group Vogue Evolution, explaining in a backstage interview why she missed rehearsals and walked off stage while practicing for last week's episode of America's Best Dance Crew. She and her four gay dance partners have already been voted back to the show next week. (MTV / America's Best Dance Crew)

''I live for Vogue Evolution. Your performance was good but it wasn't excellent.... Leiomy, your behavior -- come on -- it's unacceptable. I just feel that you always have to remember your truth. You were born a man, and you are becoming a woman. If you're going to become a woman, act like a lady. Don't be a bird -- like, 'Oh, my God, I'm not doing this!' You know what I'm saying? It gets too crazy and it gets confusing. You're doing this for America. Even though you're the face for transgenders, you're the face for America with this group, and it's not about anybody else. It's about y'all. So, do it for the team!''

Lil Mama, a judge of the MTV dance contest ''America's Best Dance Crew,'' singling out Leiomy Maldonado for some alleged backstage issues that her group, Vogue Evolution, is having. The show is in it's 4th season, and Vogue Evolution is the first gay/trans group to have been featured. Most of the other groups competing this season have similar specialties -- all female, latin, asian, southern, african-american, etc. An exhausted Maldonado appeared to roll her eyes and not take the comments well. Many commenters on the MTV discussion board for the show say Lil Mama's comments were insensitive, despite her numerous previous statements in support of VE's work to shed light on the ''underground'' vouging community. (MTV / America's Best Dance Crew)

''Unofficial and incomplete figures from the state Elections Division shows Referendum 71 with sufficient signatures to make the Nov. 3 General Election ballot in Washington.... Sponsors, a campaign group called Protect Marriage Washington, submitted nearly 138,00o signatures on July 25, needing 120,577 to secure a ballot spot. As of Monday evening, after all signatures were checked, state checkers accepted 121,617 signatures -- a pad of 1,040 signatures.''

The unfortunate yet inevitable conclusion by the Washington state Elections Division which is saying that it has received just enough valid signatures from an anti-gay group called Protect Marriage Washington for Referendum 71 (a/k/a R-71). It is now very likely to appear on the next election ballot. It seeks to overturn Senate Bill 5688 that expanded certain rights to people in domestic partnerships. That bill was primarily intended to offer marriage-like benefits and responsibilities to gay and lesbian couples who are prevented from being married in the state of Washington at this time. David Ammons of the the Secretary of State's office has said that this is likely the "narrowest margin in history.'' (Washington Secretary of State)

''Based on what the Attorney General's Opinion says, if the declaration is not printed on the back of the petitions, our office will reject the petition sheets. Under the Attorney General's opinion, the declaration does not have to be signed. If it is not signed, our office will not reject the petition sheets. Since 2006, we have consistently advised all initiatives and referendum sponsors that they do not have to submit signed declarations on the back. They do have to submit petition sheets with the declaration printed on the back.''

Nick Handy, Washington State Elections Director, doing his best to explain why a number of the petitions for anti-gay ballot measure, R-71, were accepted even though they were not signed on the back by the petition gatherer as the law requires. A lawsuit over the matter has been filed, and Superior Court Judge Julie Spector is said to have already heard arguments today. The pro-gay supporters also want to know if it is ''valid to accept signatures of people who signed up to become voters at the same time they signed petitions.'' The State Secretary's blog also addresses a number of questions about the confusing effect of Referendum 71. Apparently, gay-supportive voters will not be trying to reject Referendum 71; rather, they are would be voting to accept the original Senate Bill 5688 (a/k/a the ''Everything but Marriage'' Bill). (Washington Secretary of State)