May 2009 Archives

''We will have an army of signature collectors out in the community and into the churches to make it happen. We have every confidence we can make this happen.''

Harry Jackson, a conservative preacher from Beltsville, Maryland, once again trying to force his militant, religious agenda on the citizens of Washington. The DC segment of his ''army'' has filed paperwork for a voter referendum on the issue of same-sex marriage.The DC City Council has already voted overwhelmingly to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside of the District, and indications are that the Council plans to fully legalize marriage for gay men and lesbians as soon as it is politically viable. Yvette Alexander of Ward 7 thinks it should be up to the voters to decide because she thinks District residents will support same-sex marriage as she has. The Washington Post reports that Jackson will have until early July to collect signatures from 5% of registered voters, which would be 21,000 signatures. (Washington Post)

"I will be wearing a suit, but don't be fooled, deep down inside, I am a queen! ... At one time, prom may have been a big popularity contest where the best-looking guy or girl were crowned king and queen. Things have changed and it's no longer just about who has the most friends or who wears the coolest clothes. Sure, I'm not your typical prom queen candidate. There's more to me than meets the eye."

Sergio Garcia telling the LA Times why he ran for the non-gender-specific title of Prom Queen at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, CA. (LA Times)

''Gays represent a small percentage of the population, but they are powerful church leaders, politicians, judges, and movie executives. For the most part they are white males who have sexed themselves out on perverted sex and they are never satisfied. They will keep pushing for more and more sexual freedom (which include sex with children) in search of sexual gratification until they lead America to destruction unless they are stopped.''

Quote from a recent editorial by Reverend Brenda Lee, a woman who appears to have been a writer for Informer, a small Georgia publication that specializes in the interests of some African-Americans. Lee was carted away by officers from an appearance of President Barack Obama in Los Angeles. Apparently, she had intended on personally handing Obama a letter urging him to stand firmly against gay marriage. (NBC LA) (Informer)

''Say no to same same sex marraige.''

Two typos found in the latest TV commercial from Maggie Gallagher's National Organization for Marriage. She is basically pushing the message that schools will force gay marriage on children: ''Massachusetts schools teach 2nd Graders that boys can marry other boys.'' But, as GoodAsYou.org points out, perhaps it is Gallagher and her staff who should have paid more attention in the classroom. Even after realizing their error on the spelling of "marriage," the second error remained on a re-posted version. (GoodAsYou)

"This is a national issue as you all know. And while I found that the decision today in California was depressing, we have the ability here in the Nation's Capital to take back the momentum; not only with the legislation that we've passed to recognize marriages adopted in other jurisdictions (including the 18,000 in California), but to take it further, and to recognize that soon same-sex marriages in the District of Columbia. We may not be the first in the country -- we'll be number 6 or 7 or 8 -- but we'll be there as the Nation's Capital. The whole country is going to see us. And they're going to have to deal with us because this is a national issue. A national issue about civil rights, about equality, about basic human rights.... We're not going to sit back, or be knocked down because of California, but we're going to keep the momentum going!"

Phil Mendelson, Washington, DC City Councilchairperson at Large, appearing at a rally in Dupont Circle is support of same-sex marriages. Mendelson has been a strong leader on the issue, and the City Council voted in favor of recognizing gay marriages that have been performed legally in other states. More than a couple hundred people came to the nighttime demonstration at the gay-favorite park in the drizzling rain. (MetroWeekly via YouTube)

''Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.''

Chief Justice Ronald George writing for the California Supreme Court which has decided 6 to 1 in favor of the voter-approved ban on gay marriages known as Proposition 8. Some 18,000 marriages that occurred in the few months before November will somehow also remain legal. Proposition 8 narrowly passed with 52 percent of the vote in the last election, and a variety of religious institutions working together are credited for turning out voters including Mormon, Catholic, Evangelical and African-American churches. (Reuters)

''This is a serious blow on religious freedom, and it opens the door for discrimination against any minority.... Nobody I talked to seemed to think the court would go against what it thought was the will of the people.''

Rick Schlosser of California Council for Churches which sought to overturn Propsition 8. (San Francisco Chronicle)

''While I believe that one day either the people or courts will recognize gay marriage, as governor of California I will uphold the decision of the California Supreme Court.... Regarding the 18,000 marriages that took place prior to Proposition 8's passage, the Court made the right decision in keeping them intact. I also want to encourage all those responding to today's Court decision to do so peacefully and lawfully.''

Part of a statement by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who in the past has mostly opposed legal recognition of gay marriage. (Politico)

''Patten was screaming biased, anti-gay language. We took him into custody as quickly as possible, so he would not incite the large crowd that was gathering.... There were all these women crying. They were just very agitated and visibly upset, not just by what they saw but by what they heard. That's the thing with a hate crime, it's not just the victim who is hurt, the whole community is affected.''

Provincetown Sergeant Chief Carrie Lopes, on the arrest of Eric Patten, 20, who was drunk when he assaulted two women near the Post Office Cafe. It is reported that Patten said he thought the women were gay men. He is said to have shoved one into a window and was seen by police punching one on the ground. The women were treated for minor injuries, but people at the favorite gay and lesbian vacation spot are left feeling a bit less safe. (Cape Cod Times) (Boston Herald)

"Historically, domestic partners of Foreign Service members have not been provided the same training, benefits, allowances and protections that other family members receive. These inequities are unfair and must end.... Providing training, medical care and other benefits to domestic partners promote the cohesiveness, safety and effectiveness of our posts abroad.''

Portion of a notice coming from Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, that appears to address inequalities pertaining to the treatment of gay and lesbian diplomats. (CNN)

''This is the first time we've had two guys Samba for us.... Your styles were good, if I just stick with the dancing. I think you probably alienate a lot of our audience. We've always had the guys dance together on the show, but they've never really done it in each other's arms before.... Thank you for coming and sharing a first with us.... I'd like to see you both dancing with a girl.  You never know, you might enjoy that, too.''

''The same sex ballroom guys did remind me of 'Blades of Glory.' However, I'm not a fan of 'Brokeback' Ballroom.... I am very sad the word 'homophobe' is being used. That is someone who hates homosexuals. I dislike effeminate dancing! Wake up and listen! ... I believe overtly effeminate dancing destroys the opportunity for many male dancers to be supported. Being gay doesn't mean effeminate.''

''I wholeheartedly apologize for my Brokeback Ballroom Tweet. It was insensitive, ignorant and stupid. I have upset a number of dear friends.''

Nigel Lythgoe, a judge on the Fox TV show "So You Think You Can Dance," expressing his dislike of a pair of male ballroom dancers who tried out for the show. Misha Belfer, who is gay, and Mitch Kibel, who is straight, auditioned a piece of choreography that the three judges found confusing because neither of the men was playing a female role. Ultimately, they were both let go after each performed with a female partner later on. Lythgoe'a first comments aired on television, then he followed up the show with a series of Twitter comments for which he has finally apologized. (Fox via GLAAD on YouTube)

''The judges of So You Think You Can Dance critique auditioners and contestants on their overall performance, stage presence, technique and a wide range of characteristics. All dancers are aware when they audition they will be subject to the judges' opinions. We apologize if any viewers were offended by their remarks.''

A statement from the producers of Fox TV show ''So You Think You Can Dance'' on the Nigel Lythgoe constroversy over male dance partners Misha and Mitch. (E Online)

''It's a totally wholesome way to build family bonds while exercising your God-given right to be a bigot against the maricones.''

From a Comedy Central blog post that exposes (and explains) why anti-gay marriage ads are popping up on gay-friendly web sites. Maggie Gallagher's anti-gay National Organization for Marriage has apparently used Google's Adwords program to post banner advertisements on a wide variety of unsuspecting web sites. The ads, as Comedy Central points out, feature what appear to be happy, smiling Latino families, but when you click on the ad from the newly named "New York Marriage Fund," you get an alarming message that gay marriage is threatening New York and that kids need to be protected. Why Latinos? Because in New York City, certain religious organizations in the Latino community took the lead in organizing a vehemently anti-gay rally in downtown last weekend, similar to the way certain religious organizations in the DC area's African-American communities. The National Organization for Marriage and Focus on the Family are clearly using divide-and-conquer techniques to try to pit minority against minority yet again. What would Jesus think, indeed? (Comedy Central)

''For our society to continue to discriminate against people because of how they were born is unfair, unjust and profoundly inhumane. I did not reach adulthood and one day decide that I would become gay.... [Marion Barry,] Don't tell me how you loved us in the past. I feel just like Janet Jackson. What have you done for me lately?''

Phil Pannel speaking at a meeting of Ward 8 Democrats in Washington, DC. The organization voted 21 to 11 in favor of allowing gay marriage recognition in the District of Columbia. The Ward's City Council representative, Marion Barry, was not in attendance but was reportedly referred to several times. The former DC Mayor has recently taken a strong stance against gay marriage, though he says he is still for civil unions. He appeared with a group of African-American Baptist ministers in April to denounce the Council for voting unanimously to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere; and again at another meeting on the matter where he said there would be a "civil war" over the issue because black people in this city do not want gay marriage recognition. Barry also stated that there were very few people who are gay or think favorably about gay marriage in his Southeast Ward which is almost completely populated by African-Americans. (Washington Informer)

''This is a new conversation, particularly for the African-American community. We're all not going to agree, but with more conversation and dialogue I hope we'll see a little less defensiveness and fear on this issue.''

Jeff Richardson, President of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, remaining hopeful despite the fact that Ward 5 Democrats voted to reject the City Council's recent decision to recognize same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia. Ward 5 includes most of Rhode Island Avenue, areas north of Benning Road, and east of North Capitol Street. So far, members of Wards 2, 4, and 8 are reported to have voted in favor of same-sex marriage recognition. (Washington Examiner)

''I did date her. I'm not going to deny it, but I'm not going to say anything else.''

A quote obtained by ABC News from Valerie Vetrano, a lesbian who claims she secretly dated Francine Coppola, the mother of Carrie Prejean. The now infamous beauty queen and her family have been under a media microscope since Prejean told judge Perez Hilton, during the nationally televised Miss USA Pageant, that she was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Since that time, it has been reported that her parents divorced when she was a child, and that court records allegedly show that some kind of gay accusations were aired at that time; including a note from Prejean's sister that her father was living with a man who slept with other men. ABC appears to be confirming what originally appeared in Star Magazine. (ABC News)

''Francine explained how she was a Christian and that her loved ones would never accept her if she were gay.''

An unnamed source sharing gossip with the celebrity publication Star Magazine. The tabloid claims to have uncovered a secret side of Carrie Prejean's mother, Francine Coppola. Prejean recently went on an anti-gay marriage tour, even lending her face and fame to Maggie Gallagher's National Organization for Marriage. NOM is a socially conservative group that regularly turns to national media outlets to distribute its well-funded and disturbingly anti-gay messages. (Star Magazine)

''It's not dangling over my head. [Laughing] It may be dangling over yours, but it's not over mine. Yeah, I think speculation keeps things really interesting.... I'm so happy for him. He deserves it.''

Adam Lambert, the runner-up in this year's "American Idol" contest, when asked to confirm speculation about his sexuality that has been dangling over his head this season. Kris Allen, a married and seemingly wholesome guitar player beat out the early favorite who many have called a flamboyant glam rocker. Much press has been dedicated lately to numerous "So what if he's gay" commentary, but Lambert's unconfirmed sexuality proved to be an interest-generator for the top-rated, but aging program.(Entertainment Weekly)

''This whole thing is unbelievable - first my daughter got called into the principal's office as if she were in some kind of trouble, and then they treated her presentation like it was something icky. Harvey Milk was an elected official in this state and an important person in history. To say my daughter's presentation is 'sex education' because Harvey Milk happened to be gay is completely wrong.''

Bonnie Jones, mother of Natalie Jones, a elementary school student who did a research project about Harvey Milk after seeing Sean Penn win an Academy Award. The ACLU intends to seek an official apology and the opportunity for Jones to present her project to the class. (Examiner)

''I am not homophobic. In fact, I have two gay dads. See, I was born out of love. My two dads screened potential surrogates based on beauty and IQ. Then they mixed their sperm together and used a turkey baster. To this day, we don't know which one is my real dad. Which, I think, is pretty amazing."

Rachel Berry*, a starring character in the clever new TV series "GLEE" which premiers of FOX and Hulu.com this week. The musical-comedy show explores the motivations of a high school Spanish teacher and his students who struggle to maintain the after school Glee club. (Hulu.com)

''I am so pleased the Obama administration also recognizes Jenny's leadership and experience, and nominated her for this important position. I hope the Senate will act quickly on the nomination to confirm her.''

Washington state Governor Chris Gregoire on the the nomination of Jenny Durkan, an attorney from Seattle who is also a lesbian, to the post of U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington. (Seattle Post Intelligencer)

''This decision makes it significantly easier to strike down at least the application of 'don't ask, don't tell' in many if not most cases.... We're happy that this is not going forward to the Supreme Court at this point.''

Jon Davidson, of Lambda Legal, regarding the case of Major Margaret Witt, a Air Force flight nurse who was discharged for having a lesbian relationship. The Justice Department has apparently announced that it will not seek to overturn a San Francisco appeals court ruling that call into question the Constitutionality of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and how it relates to the the landmark win for gay sex in the Supreme Court case of Lawrence vs. Texas. (San Francisco Chronicle)

''I didn't really have a plan. My point is, by the time I was your age, I thought I knew who I was. But I had no idea. Like for example, when I was your age, I was dating men.... So, what I'm saying is, when you're older, most of you will be gay! .... The way I ended up on this path, was from a very tragic event. I was, maybe, 19, and my girlfriend at the time died in a car accident. And I passed the accident, and I didn't know it was her, and I kept going.... I started this path of stand-up, and it was successful, and it was great but it was hard because I was trying to please everybody, and I had this secret that I was keeping that I was gay. And I thought that if people found out they wouldn't like me, they wouldn't laugh at me.... Really, when I look back on it, I wouldn't change a thing. I mean, it was so important for me to lose everything because I found out what the most important thing was it to be true to yourself.''

Parts of a commencement speech delivered by comedian and talk show host Ellen Degeneres at her hometown college, Tulane University, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (TheEllenShowFan on YouTube)

''What's really been advantageous about this posting is it's gotten other retailers to call us and let us know that they too have been victims of the same band of criminals.''

David Franco of Universal Gear, a men's fashion store located that somewhat recently moved to 14th & P Streets from 17th Street. It appears that nine young men swarmed the store and ran out with armfuls of merchandise reportedly estimated to be worth $3,000. The post of the crime on YouTube has been seen thousands of times. It's being reported that very similar crimes have occurred at Rue 14 involving women, and again in Georgetown and at Fashion Centre in Pentagon City. (WUSA) (YouTube) (DCist)

''They will make for stronger families, and when we have stronger families, we have a stronger Washington state.''

Chris Gregoire, Governor of Washington, signing into law a bill that offers most (but not all) of the rights of marriage to gay and lesbian couples in that state. (Spokesman Review)

''And then finally, on "don't ask, don't tell" the president has said, and I share this, this is a policy that needs to change. It is a policy that was enacted by Congress, and so working with Congress to find a way to change it is something he's committed to doing with Secretary Gates.... [President Obama has] only been in for three-plus months. He's had a little bit to deal with.... This is a very important priority, but it is something that's going to need Congressional support so he's working with the military leaders on this.''

Tim Kaine, Democratic Governor of Virginia and current head of the Democratic National Committee, appearing on NBC's ''Meet the Press,'' and appearing to say that President Obama intends to repeal or revise the ban on gays in the military when he can get to it.(NBC)

''Why do they get to appeal to blacks as if blacks are their property and I can't go to that same group?''

More nonsense from Harry Jackson. Jackson, who regularly confuses gay marriage with racial issues, and who claimed that a belief in Jesus leads to conservativism, has reportedly boasted that he voted for George W. Bush in the past and John McCain in this past election. In stark contrast, 95% of District of Columbia's residents voted for Barack Obama, so it's rather curious that Jackson, a preacher from Beltsville, Maryland, has anointed himself as the righteous speaker for the interests of all of Washington's black residents. (Washington Examiner)

''Marriage is a religious act. From the dawn of time, it's been between a man and a woman.''

Ralph Chittams, an African-American Baptist minister from Hillcrest, who insists there is no comparison between race-based prejudice and the religious-based prejudice that he promotes against gay and lesbian couples who are seeking marriage. (Washington Examiner)

''There is a feeling that white activists from out of town, that they're sort of the setting the agenda. It's an arguable point. But I think it's too early to say, 'Black D.C. thinks this or black D.C. thinks that.'''

Sean Bugg, co-publisher of Metro Weekly speaking with the Washington Examiner on the perceived, and too often promoted, divide between the interests of the black community and the gay community. (Washington Examiner)

A Jewish rabbi joins Hispanic preachers at an anti-gay marriage rally in New York this past weekend to call marriage-seeking gays incestuous "perverts" who are an offense to God and want to make NYC "Soddom on the Hudson":

''Florida law specifically provides that adoption decrees from other states must be recognized in this state. Regardless of whether the trial court believed that the Washington adoption violated a clearly established public policy in Florida, it was improper for the trial court to refuse to give the Washington judgment full faith and credit.''

Judge Whatley from part of a decision by the Lakeland, FL appeals court which has decided that a Kimberly Ryan did not have the right to bar keep her former lesbian lover, Lara Embry, from seeing their jointly-parented daughter. In a complicated case, it is reported that Embry and Ryan had one child each and that they had adopted each other's child. However, after moving from Washington state (where their adoptions were legal) to Florida, the couple broke up and Ryan refused to allow Embry visitation of their daughter. An earlier trial ruled in favor of the child's biological mother Ryan, who is now married to a man, and based their ruling on Florida's state-wide ban of same-sex couples being allowed to adopt. (Courthouse News Service)

''I believe I am doing the right thing. It will help lots and lots of people.... I hope this rally will make an impact and let our voices be heard.''

Part of a speech by Ethan McNamee, a Colorado third-grader who decided he wanted to do a speech as part of a gay marriage rights rally on the steps of the state capital. (Denver Post) (KMGH)

''Some students had made a really derogatory comment that 'If a gay person kisses you, you could die.' ... From the very beginning we talked about the fact there are going to be people that are opposed and very upset about what he wanted to do.'

Kyle Kimmal, third grade teacher to Ethan McNamee, explaining part of the motivation behind McNamee's decision to give a speech on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol in support of gay marriage. It's reported that he also found out a lesbian couple in his neighborhood could not get married. (KMGH)

"Now all of a sudden I've got someone who wasn't a spouse before, that I had no responsibility for, who is now getting claimed as a spouse that I now have financial responsibility for. So how do I pay for that? Who pays for that? You just cost me money.''

Michael Steel, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, giving an address to the Republican state convention in Georgia, and appearing to say that the equal treatment of legal gay and lesbian spouses would be an undue financial burden on small businesses. (Associated Press)

Satirical look at Steele's statement from Lee Stranahan:

''Today, they are not only fighting for lesbian and gay freedom here in Russia. They are also fighting for the soul of Russian democracy.... If the right to assembly is taken away from gay and lesbian people here in Russia, then other Russians have to fear for their own freedom.''

A man who identified himself as Andy Thayer of the Gay Liberation Network in Chicago, speaking calmly with reporters in Moscow as he was being pulled away by the city's police. (via YouTube)

''They were detained not for breaking the law, but as a warning that holding events unsanctioned by the authorities is unacceptable. After a cautionary talk and establishing all their identities, the detainees will be released.''

A Moscow police spokesperson explaining the reason why police quickly descended on a bold gay rights rally held in that city. Activists had hoped that gay-supportive attendees of the Eurovision song contest would join them in an unapproved Pride Parade. It is reported that authorities in Moscow did approve of anti-gay protesters that gathered in other areas of the city, and that the Mayor has repeated referred to gays as "satanic." (UPI)

From Huffington Post:

''The defense ministry confirms that Minister Jose Bayardi has signed a decree lifting the ban imposed by the 1973-85 military dictatorship. The army said Wednesday it has received the decree, which has yet to be signed by President Tabare Vazquez.''

''To get fundamental reform in this instance requires a legislative vehicle.... The president made a promise to change this policy; he will work with the Joints Chiefs of Staff, the administration and with Congress to ensure that we have a policy that works for our national interests.''

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs explaining where the process stands of repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell, a/k/a the policy that bans gays from serving openly in the military. President Obama made a campaign promise to get the ban repealed but it's not clear what significant actions, if any, has taken place to move toward the end of this institutionalized policy that openly discriminates against gay men and women in the Armed Services. (CBS News)

''We had a little bit of a dilemma with Carrie, who's here, who's lovely, and who gave a very, very honest answer when asked a very tough question at the recent pageant. It's the same answer that the President of the United States gave. ... If her beauty wasn't so great, nobody would have cared.''

Miss USA pageant owner Donald Trump announcing that he fully supports Carrie Prejean, the current Miss USA California, who has courted controversy with a tour of appearances promoting her anti-gay marriage views. A number of previously semi-nude photos of Prejean were revealed in the last week, as well. Despite both of these developments, Trump has made the final decision to allow her to continue with her title. He also referenced Barack Obama's past statements where he flatly stated that he does not support gay marriage but does support civil unions. (MSNBC via YouTube)

''Not only do I hold this belief, but as Mr Trump said, the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, and many Americans agree with me in this belief.... As [Judge #8] was trying to be self-promoting and hateful, while I have remained silent since, I am honored to be here today.''

Carrie Prejean doing a little rewriting of the last couple of weeks. The runner up to the Miss USA crown made several appearances in the last week at church and at the National Press Club to lend her name, face and story to the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage. She is likely correct, though, that top gossip blogger Perez Hilton has done plenty of self promotion during his own media appearances to confront the anti-gay marriage views of Prejean and Maggie Gallager of N.O.M. (MSNBC via YouTube)

''I believe when I express my opinion I have the responsibility to do it respectfully.... I believe Californians may disagree on some things, but we all take pride in our state's diversity.''

Lines read by a gathering of past pageant winners including Brook Lee and Megan Tandy for a short video response that attempts to address the negative feelings surrounding the current Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean, who is reported to have been a no-show for this public service announcement.

''Despite what 'Family Guy' would have you believe, I'm not gay.... This is one where it's okay for the people who have made that leap to kind of yank the rest of the nation forward. While you have people who are deliberating as their watching Dr. Phil, 'Gee, am I okay with this or not?' -- you have couples who are waiting to get on with their fucking lives, and why should they have to wait for these people.''

Funny man Seth MacFarlane, creator of and voice actor for the animated TV shows ''Family Guy'' and ''American Dad,'' speaking about his support for gay marriage. (Real Time with Bill Maher)

''I asked that my name be removed in protest of NPR's policy of not 'naming names' of closeted or rumored-about politicians - even those who actively suppress gay rights, and thus whose sexual identities are of significant importance to the press.''

Nathan Lee, a self-described ''journalist and an out gay man,'' who had his review of the movie ''Outrage'' censored to fall in line with the editorial policies of National Public Radio. The above comment was reportedly left by Lee on the NPR web page that featured his altered review, but the comment was removed. ''Outrage'' deals with closeted politicians who attack the gay community while on the Hill, but then seek out same-sex partners. The controversy around the movie is basically in the eye of the beholder -- it's either considered ''outing'' or ''hypocrisy.'' (IndieWire) (NPR review)

''We have had preliminary discussions with the leadership of the Pentagon, Secretary Gates, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, this is, as you know, George, better than most, this is an issue that is not going to be a light switch but more of a rheostat in terms of discussing it and building - having the discussions that have to be had with the military in order to make sure the good order and discipline of the military ... I don't know if [Don't Ask, Don't Tell will be overturned]. We'll have to -- the president has said that he is in favor of that. We'll just wait -- we'll have to wait and see -- as a result of the deliberations and as a result of the -- in the months and weeks ahead. We have a lot on our plate right now. It has to be teed up at the right time so - to do this the right way.''

General James Jones, a White House National Security Advisor, speaking on camera with George Stephanopolous (ABC News program ''This Week.'')

''When I got the letter [of dismissal], I was extremely angry. The letter is basically saying, bottom line, 'Lieutenant Dan Choi: You're fired! You're a West Point graduate. You're fired. You're an Arabic linguist. You're fired. Deployed to Iraq, willing to deploy again. Doens't matter. Because you're gay, that's enough grounds to kick you out.' ... That's nothing compared to saying that my unit is not professional enough [and that it suffered a lack of good order and discipline.]''

Dan Choi of the New York Army National Guard returning to the Rachel Maddow show where he previously stated on television, "I am gay." (MSNBC)

Wanda Sykes, comedian and Hollywood actress who recently came out as a lesbian, taking on the politics of DC at the 2009 White House Correspondents Dinner:

''The gay and lesbian community has been supportive of Carrie. It's just been overwhelming.... I'm not gay.... Just this past Sunday [Carrie's mother and I] had our arms around each other, praying in church.''

William Prejean, father of controversial beauty queen Carrie Prejean of the Miss USA California pageant. This piece from E! has an interview with her divorced father who is relaying his interpretation of gay people's feelings about his daughter, Carrie, about the statements made during his divorce from Prejean's mother that he might be gay, and about his current relationship with his ex-wife. Prejean of course, has positioned herself to become the newest darling of conservative media and politically motivated people like the extremely anti-gay Maggie Gallagher and Alaska's Republican Governor Sarah Palin. (E! Online)

''Ms. Prejean accused me, in front of our daughter, of homosexuality.''

TMZ relaying a statmement from a document filed during 1996 divorce of Carrie Prejean's father. It is reported that her father, William Prejean, was accused of being gay by his wife at that time because he was, apparenlty, living with a gay man. (TMZ)

''One time my sister & I went in the hallway of my dad's apartment, & his roommate's door was open all the way & we saw [the roommate] in bed with another man. I don't think it's right for my sister & I to have to live that way.''

Portion of another court document uncovered by TMZ said to be from Carrie Prejean's older sister. This is being put forth as possible motivation why Carrie Prejean may have such a strong stance about homosexuality and same-sex marriage. (TMZ)

''I was out of work for eight weeks, spent a week in the hospital. That was the first time I really felt thankful for the sense of the security we had, with Rich there, talking with the physicians, helping make decisions. ... It really made a difference. .... More than once. I was introducing Rich and said, 'This is my partner,' and they'd say, 'Oh, what kind of company do you own? What business are you in?''

Gary Chalmers, explaining the differences between being a committed gay couple and being a married gay couple has made his life and his husband, Richard Linnell, in Massachusetts. This long AP article emphasizes that despite the continuing grumblings of a few religious conservatives, Massachusetts society has kept on going with business as usual five years after gay and lesbian couples began legally marrying in that groundbreaking state. (Associated Press via Yahoo)

''No, I'm not [saying being gay is wrong]. Absolutely not! Take that back, because I do not mean that.... I'm about ready to do a lot more than point my finger at you.... I'd take you outside and give you a punch across the face because that's not what I mean.... I think you're hurting innocent people.... You know that people come to their sexual behavior through a variety of means. Some people prefer that it remain private.''

Doug McKelway of DC's own cable channel NewsChannel 8 arguing with Mike Rogers of BlogActive who appeared on "Let's Talk Live" to discuss the new film, "Outrage," which tackles the issue of closeted politicians on Capitol Hill. The next day McKelway said he would not apologize to Rogers for the way the interview was conducted. (NewsChannel 8 via YouTube) (BlogActive)

''A student on campus was browsing inappropriate content online and recognized me.... He copied and pasted some images and sent an e-mail to some friends. GCC is a pretty small school, so the e-mail spread like wildfire.... They (suspended) me based on my occupation. I was not doing anything illegal.... I've paid my entire way through school and, truth is, if I didn't do porn, I wouldn't be able to (attend) GCC.''

John Gechter, 22, who was suspended for 16 months from Grove City College, a conservative Christian school in Pennsylvania. Gechter's video work can be found under his stage name Vincent DeSalvo. He's says he considers himself bisexual and Christian and is surprised by the amount of hate e-mail he's received from fellow students, and also that the school violated his rights because he kept his secret adult video life completely separate from the college. (Sharon Herald)

"Premarital sex, heterosexual or homosexual, or any other such conduct that violates historical Christian standards [is subject to disciplinary action].... We are one of the most conservative Christian colleges in the country, so why would he be surprised this would cause a stir?"

Amy Clingensmith, Communications Director for Grove City College, explaining why John Gechter, a senior at the Pennsylvania school, has been suspended over his hidden career in gay pornography. (Sharon Herald)

''I think you can certainly anticipate that [gay marriage] is in the future of the District of Columbia. How soon, we don't know. But this is a huge step forward in being -- having a law that recognizes marriages from other jurisdictions. And I do believe that nationally there's movement on this issue. Just in the past six to 12 months -- you just announced Maine being the latest state to grant same-sex marriages. I think, just as marriage used to prohibit people from different races from being able to marry each other in this country, and that was done away with; I think prohibiting same-sex marriage will be done away with also in this country.''

Adrian Fenty, Washington, DC's Mayor, responding on camera to a question about the District "being next in line to perform gay marriages." The DC Council voted 12-1 in spite of a protest by a number of preachers, mostly African-Americans, who object to the morality of gay marriage and of gay rights being comparison to the black civil rights movement. Fenty, incidentally, is the child of a mixed-raced family. (WTTG Fox 5)

''I've got so many gay fans and they're so loyal to me and they really lifted me up. They'll always stand by me and I'll always stand by them. It's not an easy thing to create a fanbase. ... Being invited to play [the San Francisco Pride rally], that was a real turning point for me as an artist.''

Pop singer Lady Gaga talking about the work involved in becoming a rising star. (MTV)

''Some things are worth fighting for, and this is one of them. It's not something I can let go softly into the night. . . . I recognize the Democrats are in the majority, but I represent the majority of Americans on this issue.''

Jason Chaffetz, a Republican Representative for Utah, stating his desire to stand in the way of this week's ruling passed by the Washington, D.C. City Council that will legally recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Even though the measure was passed with a near-unanimous vote, it is reportedly still possible for Congress to block the any laws created by the District government for 30 days. Caffetz did note that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi probably won't let his motion come up for vote. (Washington Post)

''There are two reasons really. One is that I enjoy working and even though many have this idealistic belief that the entertainment industry and studios like Walt Disney are gay friendly. For the most part they are, but that doesn't mean for them that business does not come first. It's a matter of economics.....Cogsworth, the character I did on Beauty and the Beast could be a bit flamboyant on screen, because basically he is a cartoon, but they didn't want Cogsworth to become Disney's gay character, because it got around a gay man was playing him. I haven't witnessed such things occurring in a long, long time.''

David Ogden Stiers, most famous for his role as the snooty Dr. Winchester in the long-running TV series M*A*S*H and also for his off-screen voice acting, explaining why he waited till age 66 to open up about his life as a gay man. (Gossip-Boy.com)

"In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions. I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage....This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State. It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine's civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government.''

Portion of a statement released by Maine Governor John E Baldacci, who signed into law ''LD 1020, An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom.'' He did leave some wiggle room in his statement for a future effort by Maine citizens to bring the new law up for vote by the people. Maine (as of September 14, 2009) will be the 5th state to legally recognize same-sex marriages after Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont (as of September 1, 2009). (Maine Governor Baldacci's website)

Sandy --
Thanks for the wonderful and thoughtful letter. It is because of outstanding Americans like you that I commeted to changing our current policy. Although it will take some time to complete (partly because it needs Congressional action) I intend to fulfill my commitment!
-- Barack Obama

Contents of a handwritten response from President Barack Obama to Sandy Tsao, a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from the Chicago area. (Windy City Times)

''I can honestly say I'm still at odds with the issue of gay marriage in the District of Columbia -- I still want to learn more about that issue. But I do know one thing, I do know that everybody is equal under God.''

Yvette Alexander, Washington, DC Councilwoman from Ward 7, explaining how her vote in favor of allowing same-sex marriages to be legalized in the District has developed. She is reported to have said that the gay political groups supported her for election despite that fact that she is personally opposed to same-sex marriage. But that the many ministers have joined together to threaten her political future for voting for the bill. The DC Council voted 12-1 to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, with Marion Barry of Ward 8 being the lone dissenting vote. (The Advocate)

''Christine made an error and...she's regretful that she did. She's assured me that it's not going to happen again.''

Chris Ariens, executive producer of Mediabistro, responding to an inquiry about the shoddy research done by blogger Christine Delargy for the Washington gossip site FishbowlDC. Delargy, without actually contacting Metro Weekly's office, reprinted a rumor she says came to her from an anonymous "source" which claimed that this very magazine was ceasing publication and going "online only." WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! After 15 years, Metro Weekly magazine is still going strong, according to your friendly publishers Randy Shulman and Sean Bugg. And the real truth is, our small but dedicated company has never had any plans to discontinue its beloved gay magazine. Delargy and her Fishbowl are just dead wrong. Thanks to Eric Wemple from Washington City Paper for setting the record straight and also to all of our readers for your support. (Washington City Paper)

The Miss Universe Organization just told us they've fired off a cease and desist letter to the National Organization for Marriage -- after NOM used footage from the Miss USA 2009 pageant in an anti-gay marriage commercial.

From the TMZ.com website which is reporting that Maggie Gallagher's National Organization of Marriage included, without asking, copyright video of conservative darling Carrie Prejean in its latest commercial against gay marriage rights. The Miss Universe pageant is said to be a joint venture between Donald Trump and NBC (TMZ)

''All hell is going to break lose. We may have a civil war. The black community is just adamant against this.... What you've got to understand is 98 percent of my constituents are black and we don't have but a handful of openly gay residents.''

DC Councilman Marion Barry for Ward 8 speaking to reporters after the council voted 12-1 to legally recognize gay and lesbian marriages performed in other states that do allow same-sex marriages. Last week, Barry appeared with a number of preachers to speak out against gay marriage, though he said he supports civil unions and, in fact, is recorded as a co-introducer of the bill that he is suddenly so adamantly against. (Washington Post)

''At a state level, it's up to them. I don't want it to be a federal thing. I personally still think it's wrong.... Queer means strange and unusual. It's not like a slur, like you would call a white person a honky or something like that.... I've had some friends that are actually homosexual. And, I mean, they know where I stand, and they know that I wouldn't have them anywhere near my children. But at the same time, they're people, and they're going to do their thing.''

Samuel Wurzelbacher, a/k/a Joe the Plumber, explaining to Chrsitianity Today what conservatism is, and what he thinks of gay marriage. Wurzelbacher became a sensation in the Republican party in 2008 when he confronted presidential candidate Obama on his proposed tax policy, but it was soon revealed that none of Wurzelbacher's allegations held up under the light. Yet he continues to enjoy a low level of celebrity as a spokesperson for the common man of the right wing. (Christianity Today)

''That's not a sensitive topic. I love my daughter.... [Growing up,] everybody quoted me and told me what to say, and 'You gotta do this, you gotta do that. I'm not doing that with my daughter. My daughter is 21, she can talk and speak her own mind, and express herself.... I think each of us has a right to choose who makes that medical decision for us. I think everyone has the right to share homes and finances with somebody that they care about. When it comes to marriage, I think that civil rights need to be for all.... My daughter understands my beliefs.''

Marie Osmond, former teen singer and contestant on ''Dancing with the Stars,'' and arguably the most famous Mormon celebrity in the world, discussing on air the coming out of her oldest daughter, Jessica, as a lesbian in the Globe tabloid newspaper. She did not say she supported same-sex marriage but did say she supported gay couples having civil rights to make important decisions. (Perez Hilton)

"It's not surprising that three Northeastern states are the first to take this step. A majority of people who live in the Northeast say they approve of same-sex marriage. Solid majorities in the South, Midwest and West all oppose gay marriage."

CNN Polling Director Keating Holland referring to several states in New England that have or are likely to legalize same-sex marriage. The CNN Poll is in line with other polls that were released last week showing strong increases in support for gay marriages, though still below 50%. The results differ based on the question asked, but here's how they stack up:

• 44% pro, 54% con -- CNN
• 49% pro, 46% con -- ABC / Washington Post
• 42% pro, n/a con -- CBS / NY Times
• 38% pro, 55% con -- Quinnipiac University

Kathleen Sullivan (born 1955) Sullivan is a constitutional scholar and former dean of Stanford Law School who has been an active advocate for abortion rights and gay rights. She more recently has represented business interests before the court, and remains director of Stanford's Constitutional Law Center.

Profile of Kathleen Sullivan from a list of names being floated as possible replacements for Supreme Court Justice David Souter. (Washington Post) (Stamford)

''Rea was told that they are changing the White House Web site to turn it into a more governance-focused site to reflect progress, as opposed to a campaign and transition site. They said they have taken out many such points throughout the site (not just on LGBT policy issues) as part of this changeover, and are apparently modifying the site over the next few weeks.''

NGLTF representative responding to posts by gay blogger JoeMyGod over his and others concerns that the White House had deleted nearly all of it's explicit commitments to gay Americans on it's Civil Rights page. A side-by-side comparison of the alarming change can be seen at versionista. (JoeMyGod) (Politics Daily)

''Jesus loves you AND your partner and wants you to know how much he cares! thats like a daddy not loving his lil boy cuz hes gay and that is WRONG and very sad! like i said everyone deserves to be happy (sic).''

According to ContactMusic, Miley Cyrus (the teenage, worth-a-billion actress and singer) showed her support for same-sex marriage using Twitter to respond to gay gossiper Perez Hilton on the subject, even though Hilton and Cyrus publicly do not appear to be on the friendliest of. (ContactMusic)

''Parents need to realize that Cyrus is not the positive role model she was once thought to be. Take Action: Send Miley Cyrus a letter stating that you do not approve of her comments. Clearly she is confused and does not understand the Bible. Please pray for the Lord to open her eyes to the truth.''

Taken from the ''Current Issue'' page of an American Family Association web site directed at mothers, directing them to the religiously correct way to think about any celebrity who discusses the gays -- Carrie Prejean = Good, Miley Cyrus = Bad. (OneMillionMoms)

''It's not that the male skating has to totally obliterate the gay guys that are skating and the gay public that's watching it. You have to find a balance to male skating...you've got to stick with male skating and strength and the meat and potatoes.''

Elvis Stojko, male figure skater and Olympic medal winner, explaining why Canadian skating officials are attempting to butch up the dancing ice sport. Frilly men's costumes will likely be the first thing to go as the skating industry appeals to the hockey crowd to increase interest and TV ratings. (ABC News)

At its low, in 2004, just 32 percent of Americans favored gay marriage, with 62 percent opposed. Now 49 percent support it versus 46 percent opposed -- the first time in ABC/Post polls that supporters have outnumbered opponents.

CBS News / New York Times report this week that:

Forty-two percent of Americans now say same sex couples should be allowed to legally marry, a new CBS News/New York Times poll finds. That's up nine points from last month, when 33 percent supported legalizing same sex marriage.

By 55-38 percent, voters said they did not want their state to allow same-sex couples to marry. However, by 57-38 percent, they favored allowing such couples to form civil unions that would provide marriage-like rights and by 53-40 percent they supported allowing same-sex couples to adopt children.

''Yes, I am single.... No, definitely a woman. I'm done with the man thing. I did that. I need to move on in life. That's another part of being true to yourself. I think that's been a challenge, for me personally.... I think [coming out] was an on going process from the time I was 12.... I had a lot of things convincing me that God was punishing me because I was gay. That was a hard process for me.''

Kelly McGillis of ''Top Gun'' and "Witness" fame speaking on camera with the lesbian website SheWired. In addition to confirming her sexual orientation, she speaks about accepting her 51-year-old femininity, and says she'd like to get back to work acting, now that her two children are grown. (SheWired)

''We know that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn't because he was gay. The bill was named for him, the hate-crimes bill was named for him, but it's really a hoax that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills.''

Virginia Foxx, US House Representative from North Carolina, referring to the horrific murder of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old Wyoming college student, 10 years ago. The AP is reporting that Foxx is apologizing for her ''poor choice of words'' based on  but apparently not for standing in the way of expanding hate crimes legislation. The ''Matthew Shepard Act'' was passed on a vote in House despite Foxx and other conservatives who social conservatives who are making the argument that religious organizations won't be free to verbally bash homosexuals. (Associated Press) (Fox News)