Top General Sparks Outrage: Calls Same-Sex Relationships “Immoral”

Financial Guru Suze Orman Comes Out Publicly

Financial advisor, writer and TV personality Suze Orman has come out publicly as a lesbian. In a February 25 New York Times Magazine interview with writer Deborah Solomon, Orman acknowledged she has a life partner named Kathy Travis whom she has been with for seven years.

Orman is known for her tough-love approach to advising people about money management and her women-focused financial wisdom. She has authored numerous bestselling money advice books, including her latest, Women and Money.

Orman noted in the Q and A with Solomon that she wants to marry her partner, to whom she refers as K.T., partly to ensure they can inherit each other’s wealth.

“Both of us have millions of dollars in our name,” she said. “It’s killing me that upon my death, K.T. is going to lose 50-percent of everything I have to estate taxes. Or vice versa.”

Related Articles:

New York Times Magazine – Feb. 25, 2007
She’s So Money
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/25/magazine/25wwlnq4.t.html?_r=1&ref=magazine&oref=slogin

AfterEllen.com – Feb. 25, 2007
Suze Orman Comes Out
http://www.afterellen.com/people/2007/2/suzeorman

Minneapolis Star-Tribune – Feb. 25, 2007
Sheryl Crow, Patricia Field, Suze Orman
http://www.startribune.com/217/story/1025076.html

MPAA Announces New Ratings Guidelines; Equality for LGBT Films Remains to be Seen

January 24, 2006 — The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has announced it is revamping its rating system of feature films. Previously, how a film was given the grade of G, PG, PG-13, R or NC-17 was secret. Under the new guidelines, standards for each rating will be available publicly on the MPAA web site. In addition, the MPAA's Classification & Rating Administration will describe the demographic make-up of the ratings board, though their identities will remain hidden. The changes were announced at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

Last year's festival saw the premiere of This Film Is Not Yet Rated, an investigation into the MPAA's film rating system and its profound influence on American culture. The documentary examined whether Hollywood studio movies and independent films are rated equally for comparable content, and whether sexual content involving LGBT characters faces tougher scrutiny by the MPAA. Director Kirby Dick presented a compelling case that the MPAA's lack of transparency and its financial ties to Hollywood studios negatively impact the success of LGBT films, most of which are independently produced.

In an interview with Daily Variety discussing the MPAA's new transparency, Chairman and CEO Dan Glickman admitted that Dick's film had an impact. "The documentary made it clear that we probably haven't done as much as we can to explain how it all works," Glickman said.

But Dick is not buying the new guidelines. In a January 24 opinion piece for the Los Angeles Times, Dick calls the changes "almost entirely cosmetic" and that they "only go a small way toward fixing a broken system." He continues, "Even more disturbing, the ratings board, as my documentary clearly demonstrates, rates films with homosexual scenes much more restrictively than films with similarly shot scenes of heterosexuality. But the MPAA has refused to disavow its discrimination against films with gay content."

The MPAA has not disputed this charge, but instead suggests filmmakers embrace the NC-17 rating. "It's one of our ratings, and I'd like to see it used more," Glickman told Variety.

NC-17 was created to take the place of X in an effort to reduce the stigma of such a rating, but NC-17 films face an uphill battle in finding an audience as many newspapers and television networks will not run ads for a film rated NC-17. Because Pedro Almodóvar refused to trim a sex scene between two men in 2004's Bad Education, and Atom Egoyan opted not to make changes to a ménage à trois in 2005's Where the Truth Lies, both films were left with an NC-17.

This Film Is Not Yet Rated has been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary. The DVD was released on January 23 and features a Q&A with Kirby Dick, deleted scenes and the theatrical trailer.
 

MPAA official site:
http://www.mpaa.org/

This Film Is Not Yet Rated official site:
http://www3.ifctv.com/thisfilm/about.php

Related articles:
Los Angeles Times – January 24, 2007
"Rated R for Ridiculous"
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-oe-kirby24jan24,1,5915810.story

Los Angeles Times – January 19, 2007
"Movie ratings get a much-needed makeover"
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-ed-mpaa19jan19,1,749915.story?coll=la-news-comment

Daily Variety – January 16, 2007
"MPAA, NATO reform ratings system"
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117957535.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

GLAAD.org
"This Film Is Not Yet Rated explores anti-gay bias of MPAA ratings system"
http://www.glaad.org/eye/film_not_yet_rated.php

Study Shows Most College Freshmen Support Marriage Equality

A majority of college freshmen support marriage for same-sex couples, according to UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute, which surveyed more than 270 thousand students at 393 schools.

The survey, released Jan. 19, found that in 2006, 61 percent of new freshmen agreed that same-sex couples should have the right to marry, up 3.3 percent from 2005.

The UCLA study surveyed student opinions on several social and political issues.

Related article:
Los Angeles Times – Jan. 19, 2007
Majority of freshmen view gay marriage as OK
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-freshmen19jan19,0,6657121.story?coll=la-home-headlines

UCLA Higher Education Research Institute Press Release – Jan. 19, 2007
More College Freshmen Now Show Interest in Politics,
UCLA Survey Reveals
http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/heri/PDFs/CIRPPressRelease06.PDF

For Media Inquiries, Contact:
UCLA News
Kathy Wyer
(310) 206-0513
wyer@gseis.ucla.edu
www.newsroom.ucla.edu

Congressman Works To Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Democratic Representative Marty Meehan from Massachusetts said he will attempt to reintroduce legislation to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in response to former Joint Chiefs Chairman John Shalikashvili's New York Times op-ed supporting gays serving openly in the U.S. Military. In a statement released Tuesday Meehan said, "There is no place in this country for discrimination, be it on the basis of race, creed or sexual orientation, and there is certainly no place for institutional discrimination codified in federal statute."

Meehan introduced a similar bill in 2005, which attracted 120 co-sponsors, including Republican Chris Shays of Connecticut. It is unclear how much support Meehan will have in Congress. Probable '08 presidential contender, John McCain, recently called the policy "very effective." John Hutson, a retired two-star Navy admiral, said Tuesday he thinks allowing gays to serve openly in the military would strengthen rather than weaken the cohesion of fighting units. "I think it will absolutely happen, but probably not during the Bush administration."

Related Articles:

Associated Press - January 3, 2007
Former general backs gay policy change

All Headline News - January 2, 2007
Army Gen.: "Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy" Out

Media Inquires, Contact:

Steve Ralls
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN)
(202) 328-3244, ext. 116
sralls@sldn.org
www.sldn.org

Anti-Marriage Equality Amendment Advances in Massachusetts

Massachusetts' lawmakers voted on Jan. 2 to advance a proposed Constitutional amendment that would prevent marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

More than 8,500 same-sex couples have married in the Commonwealth since the state's Supreme Judicial Court ruled in 2003 that it is unconstitutional to deny gays and lesbians marriage licenses. Incoming Gov. Deval Patrick again spoke out in support of marriage equality before the vote but his predecessor, Mitt Romney, and others continue to support the amendment.

Lawmakers met on the last day of the current legislative session while the amendment needs 50 or more votes in two consecutive sessions in order to go before voters in 2008.

Related Stories:

Boston Globe - Jan. 2, 2007
After second vote, gay marriage ban still advances

New York Times - Jan. 2, 2007
Massachusetts Considers Gay Marriage Ban

Reuters - Jan. 2, 2007
Massachusetts lawmakers approve gay marriage vote

Media Inquiries, Contact:

Marc Solomon
MassEquality
(617) 878-2300
www.massequality.org

Rabbi Devon Lerner
Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry
(617) 878-2391
www.rcfm.org

Carisa Cunningham
Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD)
(617) 426-1350
www.glad.org

Media Inquiries, Contact:

Rabbi Devon Lerner
Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry
(617) 878-2391
www.rcfm.org

Flood Claims Life of Out Audio Book Narrator Kate Fleming, 41

Kate Fleming, one of the country's most talented narrators of audio books, died after a flash flood swept into the basement studio of her Seattle home on Dec. 14. She is survived by Charlene Strong, her partner of 10 years.

A stage actress in the late 1980s, Fleming segued into book narration when she moved to Seattle in the early 1990s, narrating for Books on Tape, Blackstone Audio Inc. and BBC Audiobooks America. A tribute to Fleming on the Blackstone website describes her as "one of the top narrators in the business" whose "rich voice and restrained style suited her to an extraordinary range of material." Two years ago, Fleming founded Cedar House Audio to produce her own audio books and direct other actors while continuing to narrate.

"When I met her, she was recording out of her bedroom closet," Strong told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. "When she died, she was working with BBC North America and Random House. She was a remarkable individual. Remarkable. You hear people say that, but I'm not kidding. There wasn't a day that didn't go by that that girl didn't make me laugh hysterically. I don't know how I got so blessed."

Related Articles:

Seattle Post-Intelligencer - Dec. 18, 2006
"Kate Fleming, 1965-2006: Actress a star in the world of audio books"

NPR Morning Edition - Dec. 19, 2006
"Book World Loses Narrator Kate Fleming"

Los Angeles Times - Dec. 24, 2006
"Kate Fleming, 41; narrator was a star in the audio book world"

Researchers Blast Dobson for Distorting Research

Renowned author and New York University psychologist Carol Gilligan is denouncing Focus on the Family head James Dobson for distorting her work in a recent Time magazine column. Gilligan posted her views on Monday in a video on YouTube.com.

"I was stunned to hear that James Dobson quoted me in Time magazine," Gilligan says in the video. "I had no idea. I was mortified." Gilligan goes on to explain that there is nothing in her research that would lead anyone to agree with Dobson's claim that gay and lesbian families are unhealthy for children.

Professor Kyle Pruett of Yale University's School of Medicine is also criticizing Dobson for misusing his research. When Pruett, the author of Fatherneed: Why Father Care is as Essential as Mother Care for Your Child, learned that he was quoted in Dobson's Time essay, the professor sent a letter to Dobson urging him to stop citing his research. Pruett called Dobson's analysis of his research on fathers "destructive and highly prejudicial" and used "cherry-picked" information.

Related Article and Video:

Inside Higher Ed - December 19, 2006
Fighting a Distortion of Research

YouTube.com - December 17, 2006
James Dobson Distorts Research...Again!

Marriage Equality Becomes Law in South Africa

South Africa became only the fifth country in the world -- and the first in Africa -- to extend marriage to same-sex couples on Nov. 30 after Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka signed a bill into law that legalized such unions.

The South African Constitutional Court ruled last December that the government had one year to change the country's marriage laws to allow gays and lesbians to marry. The Civil Union Act takes effect on the eve of the court's deadline.

Canada, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium are the other countries that allow marriage for same-sex couples while marriage equality in Massachusetts has been a reality since 2004.

Related Articles:

365Gay.com - Nov. 30, 2006
South Africa Gay Marriage Bill Becomes Law

Associated Press - Nov. 30, 2006
South Africa becomes the first country on continent to legalize gay marriages

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Samiya Bashir
Freedom to Marry
(212) 851-8418
www.freedomtomarry.org

Paula Ettelbrick
International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC)
(212) 216-1256
www.iglhrc.org

Poll: Two-Thirds of Americans Now Support Legal Recognition for Same-Sex Couples

The Wall Street Journal, Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, reports on Zogby poll results released today by Third Way, showing a five-point increase in support for legal recognition and protection for gay and lesbian couples since the 2004 elections.

Moderate Democratic group Third Way touts increasing public receptivity toward gay rights, two years after Bush profited from anti-marriage stance. In post-election Zogby International poll, nearly two-thirds of voters support legal recognition for gay and lesbian couples. Although gay-marriage bans passed in seven states, they "have lost their impact as a wedge issue," argues Third Way's Rachel Laser. Arizonans defeated such a ban.

In 2004, the National Election Pool's exit poll showed 60% support for relationship recognition.

Related Articles:

Third Way - Nov. 17, 2006
Press Release: Post-Election Poll Shows Progress On Gay And Lesbian Issues

GLAAD - Nov. 8, 2006
Press Release: GLAAD Urges Media to Examine LGBT Perspectives on 2006 Vote

Veterans Appeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) filed a brief on Nov. 13 on behalf of 12 gay and lesbian veterans challenging the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

The appeal, filed with the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, challenges a federal judge's April 2004 decision to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the policy. The plaintiffs argue that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" denies gays and lesbians constitutional rights to privacy, free speech and equal protection.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' ... embodies a startling disconnect: At a time when the military is experiencing well-documented recruiting difficulties, and has been reduced to bending the rules to fill its ranks ... the Armed Forces continue to discharge distinguished service members in substantial numbers simply because they are gay."

"Every qualified American who wishes to serve our country should be allowed to do so, regardless of sexual orientation," said C. Dixon Osburn, executive director of SLDN. "We are confident in the strength of our case, and believe the days of Don't Ask, Don't Tell' are numbered."

Related Articles:

Associated Press - Nov. 14, 2006
Gay Vets Appeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

U.S. Newswire - Nov. 14, 2006
Lesbian and Gay Military Veterans Appeal District Court Ruling on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'; 12 Veterans Ask First Circuit to Reverse Lower Court Ruling

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Steve Ralls
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
(202) 328-3244, ext. 116
sralls@sldn.org
www.sldn.org

San Francisco Appeals Marriage Ban

The City of San Francisco and about a dozen couples have filed an appeal to the California Supreme Court challenging an October ruling against marriage equality by an appeals court.

The 1st District Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 decision, ruled that limiting marriage to heterosexual couples did not violate the constitutional rights of gays and lesbians. The court also said that voters and the legislature, rather than the judiciary, have the right to decide whether same-sex couples can marry in California.

Supporting the appeal, Nathan Barankin, a spokesman for State Attorney General Bill Lockyer's office, said "We've long said that this question won't be resolved until the (state) Supreme Court has a chance to rule on the issue. We expect that the Supreme Court will agree to review the case.''

If California's Supreme Court agrees to hear the appeal, it can take up to a year or longer to reach a decision. If the Court does not accept the appeal, the ban on same-sex marriage will stand. The Court's justices have 90 days to announce their intentions.

Related Articles:

Boston Herald - 11/14/06
San Francisco appeals same-sex marriage ruling to state Supreme Court

The New York Times - 11/14/06
San Francisco Appeals Gay Marriage Order

FOX NEWS - 11/14/06
San Francisco, Gay Couples Appeal Court's Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

San Francisco Chronicle - 11/15/06
THE BATTLE OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: Lockyer won't oppose review state's high court likely to take case

LGBT Funders to Philanthropy Community: 'All Families Matter'

In a full-page advertisement that appeared in a special Nov. 13 "Giving" section on philanthropy in The New York Times, funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues (www.lgbtfunders.org) focused the attention of the philanthropic community on the important issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population -- and on how those issues are an integral part of the broader pursuit of social justice for all Americans.

The "All Families Matter" ad is available to view in pdf form here.

[ Download PDF ] (file size: 560 KB)

The ad, sponsored by the Arcus Foundation, encourages funders to address the unique and universal needs of LGBT people:

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and families live everywhere and deserve basic human rights. Like others, they seek job security, freedom from harassment and violence, non-discrimination in housing and government services, protections for their families, and the freedom to marry. LGBT families want the same ability to contribute to, and participate in, all that our society has to offer. Despite these families' contributions and needs, only one-tenth of one percent of all foundation dollars comes to their aid.

We thank those who are meeting the challenge to end discrimination and promote progress. And we invite all members of the nonprofit and philanthropic community to learn more and do more to meet the real needs of all families.

For additional information, visit Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues at www.lgbtfunders.org. Media inquires can be directed to Robert Espinoza via email at robert@lgbtfunders.org.

Update from GLAAD on Media Coverage of Ted Haggard Story

As we enter the final hours of 2006 campaign coverage, the story of Ted Haggard continues to draw media attention across the country. Portions of Haggard's letter to his church yesterday have posed some challenges and raised some questions in terms of how media should report on them.

In a remark that has been interpreted as referring both to himself and to gay people broadly, Haggard wrote that, "There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all of my adult life." GLAAD is working closely with media to help them understand that such a characterization, if referring to gay and lesbian Americans, is profoundly offensive.

We are working to ensure that as media outlets continue their coverage of Ted Haggard in the days and weeks ahead, they will examine how an apparent belief that being gay is repulsive and dark is clearly a central element of this story.

Related Resources:

GLAAD Campaign 2006 Coverage

Arson Fire Destroys Denton, Texas, Gay Bar

An early morning fire at Mable Peabody’s Beauty Parlor and Chainsaw Repair destroyed the longtime gay bar in Denton, Texas.  Investigators have determined it was arson because fires had been set in more than one location.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been called in to help with the investigation.

The gay club, which opened 27 years ago, had been vandalized before being torched.  Kelly Sanders, who has owned the bar for the past 13 years, says liquor was stolen and chairs were thrown all over.  She would like to reopen but says it’s too soon to decide.

Related Article:
The Dallas Morning News – March 21, 2007

New Mexico Moves One Step Closer to Domestic Partnerships

In a 30-23 vote, members of the New Mexico House approved a bill that would give domestic partners, gay or straight, the same rights as married couples.  The vote occurred during the overnight hours of a special session of the New Mexico Legislature.  Governor Bill Richardson had called lawmakers back into session after they failed to pass the domestic partner bill and several others before adjourning last weekend.

The bill now goes to the Senate, which is boycotting the special session, but will return on Saturday.  Some accuse the Governor of playing politics by using the special session to push the domestic partner legislation. Richardson is the keynote speaker at a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles on March 24; some believe he wants the bill approved by then so he can
use it in his speech.

Related Article:
Santa Fe New Mexican - March 22, 2007
New Mexico House Approves Domestic Partnership Bill
http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/59018.html

Two More Hate Crimes Reported in Colorado

Nima Daivari, a 24-year-old law student from New York, was assaulted early Sunday morning while walking in downtown Denver. Daivari said the incident began when a man walked past him and made an anti-gay comment. Daivari confronted the man, resulting in a fight.

Daivari has filed a complaint against a Denver police officer, saying the officer failed to arrest the man for the attack. The Denver Police Department is investigating the officer’s conduct.

In another incident last weekend, police filed hate crimes charges against two men following the beating of a 30-year-old man outside the Loose Caboose bar in Sterling, Colo.

The man had told a woman in a bar he was gay, and as he left the bar, one of the suspects made an offensive remark to him about his sexual orientation. Then the suspect began hitting the man, knocking him to the ground. The man suffered multiple injuries to his face and body.

These incidents follow two other recent attacks in Colorado. In late February, while walking home late at night, a female student was assaulted in Boulder after telling two men she was a lesbian. Earlier this month, also in Boulder, two gay men were assaulted while walking down a street.

Related Articles:

Rocky Mountain News-March 21, 2007
Denver Police investigate officer for improper handling of hate crime incident
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5432587,00.html

Towleroad-March 21, 2007
Denver cop under investigation for ignoring gay bashing
***Warning: story contains strong language***
http://www.towleroad.com/2007/03/denver_cop_unde.html

Sterling Journal-Advocate-March 20, 2007
Two Sterling men charged with hate crime in attack on gay man
http://www.journal-advocate.com/articles/2007/03/20/news/local_news/local1.txt

Gay Man Attacked While Walking In Downtown Boulder, Colorado

Boulder police have arrested two University of Colorado students following a weekend attack on a 23-year-old gay man.

The victim was walking with his arm around a 19-year-old man in downtown Boulder early Sunday morning.  The two suspects then started making derogatory comments to the couple and a fight ensued.

Eric Schorling and Adam Perez, both 21, have been arrested for assault and bias-motivated crimes.

Related Articles:

Media release on attack from Boulder Police Department:
http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6759&Itemid=2475

Boulder Daily Camera – March 12, 2007
Assaults may be hate crimes
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2007/mar/12/assaults-may-be-hate-crimes/

Rocky Mountain News – March 12, 2007
CU students arrested in attack on gay man
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5411910,00.html

KMGH-ABC 7 Denver – March 11, 2007
Boulder Police arrest 2 men on assault charges
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/11225786/detail.html#

All Eyes on Denton, Texas, as Gay Bashing Trial Begins

A trial for 26-year-old George Young of Denton, Texas, was scheduled to get underway March 8.  Young is charged with a misdemeanor assault count and could also face an additional charge under the James Byrd Hate Crimes Act.

Young is accused of assaulting Christopher McKee in December 2005. Shortly after leaving a popular tavern on Fry Street, McKee kissed a gay friend goodbye.  After being followed to his car, McKee was then beaten and kicked.

The case against Young was dismissed last fall due to a technicality. After a protest by LGBT rights advocates, the case was re-filed. Denton County District Attorney Paul Johnson, who took office in January, has vowed to prosecute the case as a hate crime.

Read the case history at:
http://justice.dentoncounty.com/isapi/UVLink.isa/dentonco/WEBSERV/CriminalSearch?action%253Dview%26track%253D203430027

Related stories:

KXAS-NBC 5 – March 8, 2007
Trial scheduled to begin in Denton County gay assault case
http://www.nbc5i.com/news/11202513/detail.html

Dallas Voice – March 7, 2007
Long awaited Denton County gay bashing trial finally set to begin
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/44/3749

Colorado Lawmakers to Consider Adoption Bill

Legislators have introduced a bill to the Colorado General Assembly that would allow any two unmarried people to adopt each other's children.  The legislation includes same-sex couples and other unmarried couples.

Colorado law currently prohibits gay and lesbian couples from adopting each other's children; only married couples are given that right.

Read the language of House Bill 07-1330 as introduced in the Colorado General Assembly at:
http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/Clics2007A/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/02F7BABC52F718BD87257268007869DE?Open&file=1330_01.pdf

Related Articles:

Denver Post – March 6, 2007
Lawmakers to consider giving same-sex couples the right to adopt
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_5366926

Denver Post – March 7, 2007
Colorado lawmakers to consider change to adoption law
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_5370977

Denver Post – March 7, 2007
Denver Post readers react to bill
http://www.denverpostbloghouse.com/2007/03/06/gay-parents-to-adopt-in-co/#comment-90960

Colorado Springs Gazette – March 7, 2007
Colorado General Assembly considers bill to amend state's adoption laws
http://www.gazette.com/onset?id=19856&template=article.html

Boulder, Colo., Police Investigate Reported Hate Crime

A 21-year-old female student from Naropa University in Boulder, Colo., is recovering from a brutal attack by two male suspects.  The victim was assaulted while walking home from a party in the early morning hours Wednesday.

After rejecting sexual advances from two men, the victim told them she was gay.  One of the men then punched and kicked her in both the head and face, leaving the woman seriously injured.

Boulder Police are searching for the two suspects and are treating the case as a hate crime.  Boulder Pride is planning a march and rally Friday night to raise awareness about the incident and the overall issue of hate.

Boulder Police Release Suspect Sketch:
http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6655&Itemid=2475

UPDATE – Feb. 26, 2007:
Suspects in possible hate crime caught on video
http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=65339

Denver Post – Feb. 21, 2007
Boulder police investigating assault as possible hate crime
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_5276638

Rocky Mountain News – Feb. 21, 2007
Boulder investigates possible hate crime
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5368310,00.html

Boulder Daily Camera – Feb. 22, 2007
Assault may be a ‘hate crime’
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2007/feb/22/assault-may-be-a-hate-crime/

KCNC CBS-4 (Denver) - Feb. 21, 2007
Boulder police look into possible hate crime
http://cbs4denver.com/topstories/local_story_052175808.html

KUSA-NBC 9 (Denver)  - Feb. 21, 2007
Possible hate crime leaves woman severely beaten
http://www.9news.com/video/player.aspx?aid=30099&bw=

Boulder Police Department – Feb. 21, 2007
Press Release: Police investigate second degree assault
http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6622&Itemid=2475

Additional Resources:

Boulder Pride
http://www.boulderpride.org/

California High School Journalists Prevail in Free Speech Case

Former Bakersfield, Calif., high school journalists have won their battle against the Kern High School District over censored articles about gay teens.

A Kern County Superior Court judge issued a court order on November 16 holding the school district to a new policy that gives students the right "to exercise freedom of speech and of the press." The decision comes a year and a half after the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California filed a lawsuit on behalf of staff of The Kernal newspaper who had fought to publish a series of articles exploring the lives of gay students.

The articles, initially pulled by the school principal in April 2005, ran last November virtually unchanged.

Related Articles:

The Bakersfield Californian - November 16, 2006
Students Censorship Suit Nears Settlement

American Civil Liberties Union - November 16, 2006
California High School Journalists Win Free Speech Victory

Student Press Law Center - November 17, 2006
Settlement Reached in East Bakersfield High School Case

Hawaiian Becomes Highest-Ranking Transgender Official

Hawai'i Candidate Becomes Highest-elected Transgender Official in the Nation.

Civil Rights Attorney and transgender woman, Kim Coco Iwamoto earned a seat representing Oahu on Hawai'i's statewide Board of Education. She is now the country's highest-ranked official who is transgender.

Iwamoto, a transgender woman, was one of three who received a seat on the board. She campaigned against six other candidates. The board of fourteen oversees Hawai'i's 285 public schools that have a total enrollment of 180,000 students.

Her father, Robert Iwamoto, Jr. stated, ""As a father, I am proud of all my children when they set goals for themselves that are life-affirming and benefit a greater good. I feel that same sense of pride in Kim Coco."

Kim Coco Iwamoto earned a law degree from the University of New Mexico and serves on the Board of Advisors for the National Center for Transgender Equality.

Related Articles:

Associated Press - Nov. 8, 2006
Oahu Elects Highest Ranking Openly Transgendered Person in Nation

Star-Bulletin - Nov. 8, 2006
Races Show Early Leads for Top Spots'

KITV 4 - October 12, 2006
Board of Education Candidate Profile: Kim Coco Iwamoto

Additional Resources:

GLAAD Media Reference Guide - Transgender Terminology & Languagen

Arizona Voters Reject Anti-Marriage Equality Amendment

Arizona voters became the first in the country to defeat a measure that would ban marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Proposition 107, which would have also prevented local municipalities, public universities and other institutions from offering benefits to unmarried couples, received less than 50 percent of the vote. Phoenix Mayer Phil Gordon and retired University of Arizona President Peter Likins were among the high-profile Arizonans who publicly opposed the amendment.

Twenty-seven states have passed such measures, including seven on Tuesday.

Related Articles:

Arizona Daily Star - Nov. 8, 2006
Ban on Gay Marriage Trails, But Some Mail Votes Aren't In

Arizona Republic - Nov. 8, 2006
Voters Reshape Legal Landscape in Arizona

Associated Press - Nov. 8, 2006
Anti-Gay Marriage Measure Loses in Arizona

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Stacia Schacherer
No On Prop 107
(602) 462-2200
www.noprop107.com

Gay Indiana Teen Denied Entrance to Prom for Wearing a Dress

West Side High senior Kevin Logan was recently denied entrance to the senior prom for wearing a dress. The school's principal, Diane Rouse, is responsible for the decision.

A self-described drag queen, 18-year old Logan has been dressing in women's clothing for the entire school year to the disdain of school administration. Some students have embraced Logan's identity saying, "wearing a dress wasn't hurting anybody."

Ken Falk, director of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, believes West Side violated the First Amendment when Principal Rouse denied Kevin admission to the prom. Kevin, like many of the West Side seniors, was looking forward to attending the event.

While the school did refund the $85 for the ticket, the administration has refused talks with Kevin's mother. Kevin returned to school to find supportive students and teachers. After months of being targeted by Principal Rouse, Kevin is determined to graduate in June.

Kevin is considering filing a complaint and, if necessary, pursuing additional litigation.

Related Media Coverage:

Advocate.com - May 25, 2006
Gay boy in a dress barred from school prom

Gary Post-Tribune - May 26, 2006
Gay teens unite over school's dress code

Chicago Sun-Times - May 26, 2006
No prom; lots of support for man who wore gown

Associated Press - May 26, 2006
No Prom for Boy in Dress

Indiana Legislator Pushes Anti-Gay Adoption Bill

Indiana Sen. Jeff Drozda (R-Westfield) plans to introduce a bill to ban adoption by all unmarried couples in the state, including gay and lesbian couples.

The decision to allow unmarried couples is currently up to individual judges. Drozda hopes his bill will "clarify" any "confusion in the courts" by specifically baring gay and lesbian couples from adopting.

The Lambda Legal attorneys representing a lesbian couple in the court decision believe the adoption law is discriminatory since same-sex couples cannot marry in Indiana.

If the Supreme Court chooses to hear the case, it is unlikely to result in a decision until after the next legislative session.

Related Media Coverage:

Indianapolis Star - May 11, 2006
Lawmaker Will Try to Bar Adoptions by Same-Sex Couples

Associated Press - May 11, 2006
Push planned to ban adoptions by gay, lesbian couples

365Gay.com - May 11, 2006
Indiana Lawmaker Seeks To Ban Gay Adoption

Illinois Governor Signs Domestic Partnership Bill

Governor Rod Blagojevich signed an executive order making Illinois the thirteenth state to offer domestic partnership benefits to state employees.

Though some state employees receive domestic partnership benefits already under union contracts, the new policy ensures that all state employees are eligible for domestic partnership benefits. The new law makes Illinois the third largest state to provide such benefits.

Related Media Coverage:

Associated Press - May 9, 2006
Blagojevich Extends Gay State Workers' Rights

365Gay.com - May 8, 2006
Illinois Anti-Group Hands In Referendum Names

Washington Blade - May 8, 2006
Illinois Offers D.P. Benefits to State Workers

The Advocate - May 09, 2006
Illinois Governor Grants Benefits to Partners of Gay State Employees

For More Information, Contact:

Roberta Sklar
Communications Director, The Gay and Lesbian Task Force
(646) 358-1465
rsklar@thetaskforce.org

Illinois Gay Marriage Opponents Submit Petitions

Anti-gay groups submitted what they claim are more than 345,000 signatures of Illinois residents who want to change the state constitution to define marriage as a relationship between "one man and one woman."

The "Protect Marriage Illinois" referendum would be only advisory, but backers hope the vote sends a clear message to the General Assembly to let voters cast a binding vote on the question in the fall election. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich stated that he is against amending the state constitution.

Although the state has not had an advisory question on the ballot since 1978, local gay and lesbian civil rights groups are preparing to fight the referendum.

Related Media Coverage:

Associated Press - May 8, 2006
Gay Marriage Opponents Submit Petitions

Daily Herald - May 08, 2006
Voters Will Get Chance to Define Marriage on Nov. 7

365Gay.com - May 8, 2006
Illinois Anti-Group Hands In Referendum Names

Washington State Senate Passes Domestic Partnership Bill

The Washington state Senate voted 28-19 to pass a bill allowing domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. The House will vote on the measure next. If passed, the bill will go to the desk of Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is expected to sign it into law.
 
Domestic partnership would provide enhanced rights for same-sex couples, including hospital visitation, the ability of a surviving partner to make funeral arrangements, and inheritance rights when there is no will. To enter into a domestic partnership, couples would have to share a home, not be married or in a domestic relationship with someone else, and be at least 18 years old.
 
During hearings earlier this year, lesbian and gay couples said they must spend thousands of dollars in legal fees to get the same rights and protections of married heterosexual couples.
 
“You have prevented us from marrying,” Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, told the Senate. “Please do not prevent us from caring for each other.”

Related Articles:
Spokesman Review – March 1, 2007
Senate OKs Domestic Partnership Bill
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=8999

KIRO7 TV – March 1, 2007
Wash. Senate Passes Domestic Partnership Measure
http://www.kirotv.com/politics/11146799/detail.html

Seattle Post-Intelligencer – March 2, 2007
Domestic Partnership Rights Backed
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/305820_partnerships02.html?source=mypi

Washington Anti-Gay Referendum Fails to Qualify

An anti-gay referendum to overturn a law prohibiting discrimination against gays and lesbians in the state of Washington failed to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot on Wednesday.

HB2661 prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in such areas as housing, insurance, credit and employment. After 30 years of efforts to outlaw anti-gay discrimination, HB2661 was passed by the state legislature and signed by Governor Christine Gregoire last January.

Related Articles:

Seattle Post-Intelligencer - June 7, 2006
Referendum 65: Voters Reject Bias [Editorial]

Seattle Post-Intelligencer - June 7, 2006
Eyman Fails to Deliver

Equal Rights Washington - June 6, 2006
Statement of Barbara Green, Executive Director

End "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Says Former Joint Chiefs Chairman

In an op-ed written for the New York Times former Joint Chiefs Chairman, General John M. Shalikashvili, says, "America is ready for a military policy of nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation." General Shalikashvili served as Chairman from 1993 to 1997, and was one of the people responsible for implementing Don't Ask Don't Tell during the Clinton administration. About his change of opinion he writes, "I now believe that if gay men and lesbians served openly in the United States military, they would not undermine the efficacy of the armed forces. Our military has been stretched thin by our deployments in the Middle East, and we must welcome the service of any American who is willing and able to do the job." General Shalikashivili notes a recent Zogby poll stating three quarters of armed service members are comfortable interacting with gay soldiers. He also sites the fact that 24 other nations, including Israel and Britain, let gays serve openly with none reporting morale or recruitment problems. The general goes on to say that "taking a measured, prudent approach to change, political and military leaders can focus on solving the nation's most pressing problems while remaining genuinely open to the eventual and inevitable lifting of the ban. When that day comes, gay men and lesbians will no longer have to conceal who they are, and the military will no longer need to sacrifice those whose service it cannot afford to lose."

Link to Op/Ed
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/02/opinion/02shalikashvili.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Media Inquires, Contact:

Steve Ralls
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN)
(202) 328-3244, ext. 116
sralls@sldn.org
www.sldn.org

Mass. High Court Rejects Attempt to Force Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment Vote

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled on Dec. 27 that it could not force lawmakers to vote on a proposed Constitutional amendment that would ban marriage for same-sex couples.

The same court ruled in 2003 that it was unconstitutional to deny gay and lesbian couples marriage licenses. Same-sex couples began to legally marry in the Commonwealth in May 2004, but outgoing Gov. Mitt Romney and other marriage equality opponents filed a lawsuit late last month after lawmakers postponed a vote on the proposed amendment.

Related Articles:

Associated Press - Dec. 27, 2006
High court refuses to force lawmakers to vote on gay marriage ban

Boston Globe - Dec. 27, 2006
Romney may balk on lawmakers' raises
Waiting for action on gay marriage

Media Inquiries, Contact:

Marc Solomon
MassEquality
(617) 878-2300
www.massequality.org

Rabbi Devon Lerner
Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry
(617) 878-2391
www.rcfm.org

New Jersey Lawmakers Approve Civil Union, Transgender Rights Bills

The New Jersey Assembly approved a bill on Dec. 14 that would extend civil unions to same-sex couples in New Jersey. The state Supreme Court ruled in October that gay and lesbian couples must receive the same rights and privileges that heterosexual couples receive through marriage. Marriage equality supporters had urged lawmakers to support marriage, but legislators passed the civil union bill ahead of the six-month deadline imposed by the court.

In addition to civil unions, lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a bill that would make New Jersey the ninth state to include gender identity and expression in its anti-discrimination laws. Gov. Jon Corzine is expected to sign both bills into law.

Related Articles:

Associated Press - Dec. 14, 2006
N.J. Legislature Passes Bill To Legalize Civil Unions

New York Times - Dec. 14, 2006
Doubts Persist as N.J. Lawmakers Move Forward on Civil Union

Star-Ledger - Dec. 14, 2006
Civil unions law passes Legislature, goes to governor

Additional Resources:

Media Inquiries, Contact:

Barbra Casbar
Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey
(732) 887-8189
www.graanj.org

Steven Goldstein
Garden State Equality
(917) 449-8918
www.gardenstateequality.org

Laura Pople
New Jersey Lesbian & Gay Coalition
(732) 423-6197
www.njlgc.org

NFL Fines Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker for Using Anti-Gay Slur

The National Football League has fined Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter $10,000 for using an anti-gay slur to describe Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow, Jr., following a game between the two teams earlier this month.

Cameras captured Porter's use of the word 'fag' in an interview after a Dec. 7 game. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Ron Cook and other commentators and community activists had called on Porter to apologize. The linebacker did eventually apologize but added that he did not 'mean to offend anybody but Kellen Winslow.'

Related Stories:

KDKA [Pittsburgh, Penn.] - Dec. 14, 2006
Joey Porter Fined For Comment About Winslow

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Dec. 13, 2006
Steelers Notebook: Porter apologizes, but not to Winslow

Outsports.com - Dec. 11, 2006
Outsports Jock Talk: A Quick Look at What Caught Our Eye in the Day in Sports

Keithboykin.com - Dec. 9, 2006
Steelers Player Calls Opponent A Fag

Media Inquiries, Contact:

Cyd Zeigler
Outsports.com
(323) 841-8293
www.outsports.com

Second New Jersey Legislative Committee Endorses Civil Unions Bill

The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Dec. 11 to send a civil union bill to lawmakers despite objections from activists who continue to demand full marriage equality for same-sex couples in New Jersey.

The state Supreme Court ruled in October that gay and lesbian couples must receive the same rights and privileges that heterosexual couples receive through marriage. The court also set a six-month deadline for New Jersey lawmakers to pass a law that extends these benefits to same-sex couples but the state House Judiciary Committee approved the same bill earlier this month.

Related Articles:

Associated Press - Dec. 11, 2006
Civil unions for gay couples another step closer to law in NJ

New York Times - Dec. 8, 2006
A Civil Union Bill Advances Amid Criticism by All Involved

Star-Ledger - Dec. 8, 2006
Against their Wishes
Despite pleas from both sides, same-sex civil unions advance

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Steven Goldstein
Garden State Equality
(917) 449-8918
www.gardenstateequality.org

Laura Pople
New Jersey Lesbian & Gay Coalition
(732) 423-6197
www.njlgc.org

NYC Board of Health Rejects Transgender Birth Certificate Proposal

The New York City Board of Health voted on Dec. 5 to withdraw a proposal that would have allowed transgender New Yorkers to change the gender on their birth certificates without sex-reassignment surgery.

The board upheld the city's current rule that allows transgender New Yorkers to amend their birth certificates only if they can prove sex-reassignment surgery. Transgender activists had argued to the board that the change was necessary because of the difficulties transgender New Yorkers face without identification that matches their gender presentation.

Related Articles

Associated Press - Dec. 6, 2006
NYC Eases One Rule on Sex Change Records, But Keeps Second

New York Times - Dec. 6, 2006
City Drops Plan to Change Definition of Gender

New York Times - Dec. 6, 2006
Change of Course on Transgender Identification

Courts in Two States Uphold Lesbian Parents' Custody Rights

The Maryland Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on Dec. 4 on behalf of nine same-sex couples and a widowed man who are seeking the right to marry in the state.

Lawyers filed suit on behalf of the plaintiffs in 2004 arguing the state's ban on marriage for gay and lesbian couples violates the state constitution's Equal Rights Amendment. Baltimore Judge M. Brooke Murdock ruled earlier this year that the ban was unconstitutional, but the state appealed her decision.

Related Articles

Washington Post - Dec. 4, 2006
As Md. Court Weighs Same-Sex Marriage, Plaintiffs Hear Echoes of Previous Fight

Baltimore Sun - Dec. 3, 2006
Court hears gay marriage arguments

365Gay.com - Dec. 4, 2006
Maryland High Court Urged To Strike Down Gay Marriage Ban

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Paul Cates
ACLU
(917) 566-1294
www.aclu.org/caseprofiles

Dan Furmansky
Equality Maryland
(301) 587-7500
www.equalitymaryland.org

Herndon Davis
National Black Justice Coalition
(323) 640-7377
www.nbjcoalition.org

Courts in Two States Uphold Lesbian Parents' Custody Rights

Courts in both Pennsylvania and Virginia have issued rulings in recent days that have upheld the parental rights of lesbian parents.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld a landmark lower court ruling on Nov. 29 that non-biological, non-adoptive same-sex parents have the right to primary custody of their children in the Commonwealth. The court affirmed Patricia Jones' custody of twin boys that she and her former partner of 14 years, Ellen Boring, had raised after it found that it was in their best interest to remain with Jones.

A Virginia appeals court issued a similar decision on Nov. 28 that upheld a Vermont Supreme Court ruling that awarded a lesbian woman joint custody of a child that she raised with her former partner before they separated.

Related Articles

Burlington [Vt.] Free Press - Nov. 29, 2006
Judge dismisses hazing allegations against University of Vermont fraternity members

New York Times - Nov. 29, 2006
Ruling Lets Women Share Rights Custody Fight

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Leonore F. Carpenter
Center for Lesbian & Gay Civil Rights
(215) 731-1447, ext. 16
www.center4civilrights.org

Carisa Cunningham
GLAD
(617) 426-1350
www.glad.org

Dyana Mason
Equality Virginia
(804) 643-4816
www.equalityvirginia.org

Jackie Yodashkin
Lambda Legal
(212) 809-8585, ext. 229
www.lambdalegal.org

Athens, Ga., Offers Domestic Partner Benefits

The Athens-Clarke County Commission voted December 6 to begin offering health benefits to the domestic partners of unmarried county employees. With the support of Mayor Heidi Davidson, six commissioners voted in favor of the proposal, while four voted against it. Georgia's state government affirmed the right of local governments to enact domestic partner benefit programs in 2005. Seven other Georgia municipalities provide domestic partner benefits.

Related Articles:

Athens Banner-Herald - December 7, 2006
Partner Benefits Passed

Athens Banner-Herald - December 5, 2006
Domestic Partner Benefits Are Fair, Right and Business-Friendly

Alabama Elects 1st Openly Gay Legislator

In Alabama's Democratic primary elections this year, Patricia Todd won a run-off for a seat in the Alabama State House of Representatives by 59 votes. Without a Republican challenger for the general election, Todd was slated to become the first openly gay individual in the history of Alabama to be elected to statewide office.

But her opponents' mother-in-law challenged Todd's victory, citing an infraction of a rare campaign finance law that had not been enforced by the state Democratic Party since 1988. After a party committee disqualified Todd last week, the Democratic Executive Committee restored her nomination by a 95-87 vote.

Related Articles:

Washington Post - August 27, 2006
Head Democrats in Ala. Restore White Nominee

Birmingham News - August 27, 2006
Todd Election Restored

New York Times - August 24, 2006
Issue of Race and Sex Stir Up Alabama Election

Athens, Ga., Offers Domestic Partner Benefits

The Athens-Clarke County Commission voted December 6 to begin offering health benefits to the domestic partners of unmarried county employees. With the support of Mayor Heidi Davidson, six commissioners voted in favor of the proposal, while four voted against it. Georgia's state government affirmed the right of local governments to enact domestic partner benefit programs in 2005. Seven other Georgia municipalities provide domestic partner benefits.

Related Articles:

Athens Banner-Herald - December 7, 2006
Partner Benefits Passed

Athens Banner-Herald - December 5, 2006
Domestic Partner Benefits Are Fair, Right and Business-Friendly

Transgender City Manager Put on Leave After Disclosing Transition

Steve Stanton, city manager of Largo, Fla., was placed on administrative leave Tuesday night after disclosing plans to undergo sex reassignment surgery last week. The City Commission voted 5-2 to place Stanton on paid leave while his departure is finalized. The vote followed a special four-hour meeting in which nearly 500 people packed City Hall. Sixty residents spoke, some praising Stanton and others saying his transition would negatively affect his ability as a leader.
 
Largo Mayor Pat Gerard was one of the dissenting voters. "I'm going to be embarrassed if we throw this man out on the trash heap after he's worked so hard for the city," Gerard said before the vote. "We have a choice to make: We can go back to intolerance, or we can be the city of progress."


Additional Resources:
GLAAD Media Reference Guide: Transgender Glossary of Terms
http://glaad.org/media/guide/transfocus.php <http://glaad.org/media/guide/transfocus.php>

Related Articles:
St. Petersburg Times - Feb. 28, 2007
Largo officials vote to dismiss Stanton
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/28/Tampabay/Largo_officials_vote_.shtml

Orlando Sentinel - Feb. 28, 2007
Vote targets transsexual city manager
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-largo2807feb28,0,1402817.story

Fox 13 Tampa Bay - Feb. 27, 2007
Largo city manager put on leave
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=2518827&version=8&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

St. Petersburg Times - Feb. 25, 2007
Stanton carefully built ‘circle of trust’
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/25/Tampabay/Stanton_carefully_bui.shtml

For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Mara Keisling
National Center for Transgender Equality
(202) 903-0112
www.nctequality.org