Lez Wrap It Up: Sweden, Zurich, Jada, Sybil (oh, and a Phelps-A-Thon!)

With so much news and entertainment for the LGBT community each week it can be hard to keep up!

This weekly wrap up post features some of the top LGBT news stories that we saw around the internet as we were covering other features…

Sweden approves gay marriage

Sweden legislators have voted overwhelmingly to approve same sex marriage, the fifth European country to do so.

Indonesia’s Gay Serial Killer Releases a Memoir and a Pop Album

Though he faces a possible firing squad verdict handed down this month, the man responsible for the grisly murders of at least 11 people, including a mother and her toddler, is less focused on the end than he is being a creative artist. Indeed, behind prison bars, where he’s been since his July arrest, Ryan has penned an autobiography and a pop album.

Lesbian Refused Access to Dying Partner Meets Heart Recipient …

You may remember the story of Janice Langbehn the Seattle woman whose partner Lisa Pond suffered a stroke in July 2007 right before the couple and their three kids were scheduled to leave on a cruise vacation from Miami. Even after a power of attorney naming Langbehn was sent to Jackson Memorial Hospital, the hospital refused to allow Langbehn access to Pond, who died of a brain aneurysm about 18 hours after being admitted. Langbehn was finally allowed to see Pond as a priest delivered last rites. Langbehn recently had a bit more closure to that horrific episode. At a reception in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, she was able to meet Jerry Lawrence, whose life was saved after receiving Pond’s heart in an organ donation.

Sybil Shepard’s daughter comes out…

Clementine Ford, the daughter of Golden Globes Award-winning actress Cybill Sherperd has publicly acknowledged she is gay, telling the Advocate, “I am gay. I just wanted there not to be this big emphasis on it.”

Westpac to recognise same-sex marriage

Westpac, Australia’s second-largest bank and one of the largest employers in the nation, has agreed to recognise same-sex marriage. Joining the list of pro-gay marriage employers maintained by lobby group Australian Marriage Equality (AME), the bank said it would recognize same-sex marriages of its employees, effective immediately.

Equality watchdog under pressure as three executives quit

The Equality and Human Rights Commission, chaired by Trevor Phillips, has lost its chief executive and two commissioners in the last week. The Times suggests that staff feel the watchdog is too close to the government and not aggressive enough in protecting those in need of its services.

Teenage lesbians reprimaded at Oprah’s South African girls school

”You have been found guilty of physical contact of a sexual nature with another pupil on campus, harassment, bullying other girls on campus and of being dishonest by not telling investigators the whole truth.”

Zurich elects a lesbian mayor

As the city prepares for EuroPride, the people of Zürich have elected an openly gay woman as the Mayor. Forty-eight-year-old Corine Mauch has been living with her partner for many years. The organisers of EuroPride 09 said in a statement this afternoon that they were “overjoyed by the result of the election and congratulate Corine Mauch on her victory”.

Jada Pinkett Smith Says She And Will Are Not Gay

It’s been speculated more than once that Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are both gay, that they openly sleep with other people, and that the only reason they’re together is so they can continue to get non-gay film roles. But it seems that Jada has had enough of the rumors. And in a new interview with National Public Radio, she addresses them head-on, stating: “I don’t have an open marriage and no, we’re not gay – and you don’t trust that? Well then there’s nothing that I really have to say to anybody about anything, because at the end of the day, I’m living my life, and I’m happy.”

Aussie Priests Not Screened for Gayness

A Catholic church in Australia is denying rumors that they are following direct orders from the Vatican to test seminary students for homosexuality.

Its Job Done, Connecticut Gay-Rights Group Disbands

After working for a decade to change public policy and opinion regarding same-sex couples, the state’s most prominent gay-rights group is calling it quits. And that, say its supporters, is a good thing. “We accomplished our core purpose,” Anne Stanback, executive director of Love Makes a Family, said Wednesday, “and we want to end on a high note.”

Sarah Palin’s New Attorney General Calls Gays ‘Degenerates’

Alaska’s Gov. Sarah Palin announced that Anchorage lawyer Wayne Anthony Ross would be her new attorney general last Thursday. While Palin was never expected to pick a gay-friendly attorney general, her choice of someone who calls gays “degenerates” is more of a collective slap in the face than expected. He showed his unashamed prejudice in a letter to the state Bar.

D.C. makes formal bid for 2014 Gay Games

Metropolitan Washington Gaymes, along with organizations in Boston and Cleveland, have submitted formal bids to host the 2014 Gay Games. The three cities took their competing proposals to new levels this month in detailing for the Federation of Gay Games how each would run the games. Bids provided details about plans for the opening and closing ceremonies, sports programs and cultural events, plus overviews of the budget and management schemes.

Gay Sex Ad Led To Newsman’s Death

16-year-old John Katehis, a self-proclaimed Satan-loving sadomasochist who agreed to a drug-fueled rough sex romp for $60, has confessed to the murder of WABC newsman George Weber. Katehis admitted stabbing Weber, a longtime WABC reporter, after answering an ad on craigslist looking for rough sex.

Student Suspended for Dressing Like Girl

A male 11th-grader who came to school dressed in feminine clothing was removed from class on Friday, but nonetheless made the point he wanted to make. The Marion County Code of Student Conduct says that students must adhere to their own gender’s dress norms.

Man denies raping lesbian student

A 19-year-old lesbian was raped by a man after a night out, a court heard today. Daniel Fountain, 20, denies charges of rape and assault by penetration, assault and actual bodily harm. He told police they had had consensual sex. The prosecution said that Fountain’s account of the incident to the police was more like the story of a “pornographic film”. He told officers she had said she wanted to see him again and wished she was going back home with him, the court heard.

Phelps-A-Thon

Seems a couple of upstarts got it into their heads to start using Fred Phelps to raise money for LGBT causes. How you may ask? Simple! Get pledges for every minute that Fred Phelps preaches!!!!!! It’s so brilliant I wish I’d thought of it myself.

5th Circuit: No birth certificate now for 2 dads

There’s a hold on an order to put both fathers’ names on the birth certificate of a boy born in Shreveport and adopted in New York State by a gay couple. State law lets only married couples or single individuals adopt. Officials say that means either Oren Adar’s name or Mickey Ray Smith’s name – but not both – should be on the birth certificate for the boy. New York law allows such birth certificates. The men’s attorney says adoptive parents won similar cases in Oklahoma, Virginia and Mississippi.

Drug bust used fake lesbians

Two policewomen, Merav and Michelle, posed as lesbian models and helped incriminate 46 drug dealers in the Sharon region, the Israel Police revealed last week, basking in the positive PR that followed.

Gay firefighter ‘killed himself after 15 years of bullying at work’

A man is seeking damages from a fire service after his civil partner killed himself after allegedly suffering 15 years of homophobic bullying and harassment at work. The man, who cannot be named, committed suicide on January 28th, days before his hearing was due to start. It is claimed he had been subject to discrimination and abuse from colleagues since coming out 15 years ago.

Alleged killer allowed to attend dad’s funeral

The 15-year-old boy charged with the Oxnard classroom gunshot death of a gay student has been given court permission to attend his father’s funeral. Ventura County Superior Court Judge James Cloninger ruled Monday that Brandon McInerney can temporarily leave juvenile hall for the funeral. The date for the private family service hasn’t been disclosed.

Pro-gay mayor says no thanks to group

Former Mayor Anthony Williams withdrew his application to join the Order of Malta after members of the Catholic service society complained he shouldn’t be allowed to join because he supports abortion rights and protections for gay unions.

Filed under: Columns, Featured, Lez Wrap It Up, Anthony Williams, Clementine Ford, Equality and Human Rights Commission, fake lesbians, gay firefighter, Gay Games, gay serial killer, Hate Crimes, Indonesia, Jada Pinkett Smith, Janice Langbehn, John Katehis, lawsuits, LGBT Sweden, Oprah Winfrey, Oprah's School in South Africa, Rape, Same-sex marriage, Sarah Palin, Suicide, Trevor Phillips, Westpac, Will Smith, Zurich

Lez Wrap It Up: Sweden, Zurich, Jada, Sybil (oh, and a Phelps-A-Thon!)

With so much news and entertainment for the LGBT community each week it can be hard to keep up!

This weekly wrap up post features some of the top LGBT news stories that we saw around the internet as we were covering other features…

Sweden approves gay marriage

Sweden legislators have voted overwhelmingly to approve same sex marriage, the fifth European country to do so.

Indonesia’s Gay Serial Killer Releases a Memoir and a Pop Album

Though he faces a possible firing squad verdict handed down this month, the man responsible for the grisly murders of at least 11 people, including a mother and her toddler, is less focused on the end than he is being a creative artist. Indeed, behind prison bars, where he’s been since his July arrest, Ryan has penned an autobiography and a pop album.

Lesbian Refused Access to Dying Partner Meets Heart Recipient …

You may remember the story of Janice Langbehn the Seattle woman whose partner Lisa Pond suffered a stroke in July 2007 right before the couple and their three kids were scheduled to leave on a cruise vacation from Miami. Even after a power of attorney naming Langbehn was sent to Jackson Memorial Hospital, the hospital refused to allow Langbehn access to Pond, who died of a brain aneurysm about 18 hours after being admitted. Langbehn was finally allowed to see Pond as a priest delivered last rites. Langbehn recently had a bit more closure to that horrific episode. At a reception in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, she was able to meet Jerry Lawrence, whose life was saved after receiving Pond’s heart in an organ donation.

Sybil Shepard’s daughter comes out…

Clementine Ford, the daughter of Golden Globes Award-winning actress Cybill Sherperd has publicly acknowledged she is gay, telling the Advocate, “I am gay. I just wanted there not to be this big emphasis on it.”

Westpac to recognise same-sex marriage

Westpac, Australia’s second-largest bank and one of the largest employers in the nation, has agreed to recognise same-sex marriage. Joining the list of pro-gay marriage employers maintained by lobby group Australian Marriage Equality (AME), the bank said it would recognize same-sex marriages of its employees, effective immediately.

Equality watchdog under pressure as three executives quit

The Equality and Human Rights Commission, chaired by Trevor Phillips, has lost its chief executive and two commissioners in the last week. The Times suggests that staff feel the watchdog is too close to the government and not aggressive enough in protecting those in need of its services.

Teenage lesbians reprimaded at Oprah’s South African girls school

”You have been found guilty of physical contact of a sexual nature with another pupil on campus, harassment, bullying other girls on campus and of being dishonest by not telling investigators the whole truth.”

Zurich elects a lesbian mayor

As the city prepares for EuroPride, the people of Zürich have elected an openly gay woman as the Mayor. Forty-eight-year-old Corine Mauch has been living with her partner for many years. The organisers of EuroPride 09 said in a statement this afternoon that they were “overjoyed by the result of the election and congratulate Corine Mauch on her victory”.

Jada Pinkett Smith Says She And Will Are Not Gay

It’s been speculated more than once that Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are both gay, that they openly sleep with other people, and that the only reason they’re together is so they can continue to get non-gay film roles. But it seems that Jada has had enough of the rumors. And in a new interview with National Public Radio, she addresses them head-on, stating: “I don’t have an open marriage and no, we’re not gay – and you don’t trust that? Well then there’s nothing that I really have to say to anybody about anything, because at the end of the day, I’m living my life, and I’m happy.”

Aussie Priests Not Screened for Gayness

A Catholic church in Australia is denying rumors that they are following direct orders from the Vatican to test seminary students for homosexuality.

Its Job Done, Connecticut Gay-Rights Group Disbands

After working for a decade to change public policy and opinion regarding same-sex couples, the state’s most prominent gay-rights group is calling it quits. And that, say its supporters, is a good thing. “We accomplished our core purpose,” Anne Stanback, executive director of Love Makes a Family, said Wednesday, “and we want to end on a high note.”

Sarah Palin’s New Attorney General Calls Gays ‘Degenerates’

Alaska’s Gov. Sarah Palin announced that Anchorage lawyer Wayne Anthony Ross would be her new attorney general last Thursday. While Palin was never expected to pick a gay-friendly attorney general, her choice of someone who calls gays “degenerates” is more of a collective slap in the face than expected. He showed his unashamed prejudice in a letter to the state Bar.

D.C. makes formal bid for 2014 Gay Games

Metropolitan Washington Gaymes, along with organizations in Boston and Cleveland, have submitted formal bids to host the 2014 Gay Games. The three cities took their competing proposals to new levels this month in detailing for the Federation of Gay Games how each would run the games. Bids provided details about plans for the opening and closing ceremonies, sports programs and cultural events, plus overviews of the budget and management schemes.

Gay Sex Ad Led To Newsman’s Death

16-year-old John Katehis, a self-proclaimed Satan-loving sadomasochist who agreed to a drug-fueled rough sex romp for $60, has confessed to the murder of WABC newsman George Weber. Katehis admitted stabbing Weber, a longtime WABC reporter, after answering an ad on craigslist looking for rough sex.

Student Suspended for Dressing Like Girl

A male 11th-grader who came to school dressed in feminine clothing was removed from class on Friday, but nonetheless made the point he wanted to make. The Marion County Code of Student Conduct says that students must adhere to their own gender’s dress norms.

Man denies raping lesbian student

A 19-year-old lesbian was raped by a man after a night out, a court heard today. Daniel Fountain, 20, denies charges of rape and assault by penetration, assault and actual bodily harm. He told police they had had consensual sex. The prosecution said that Fountain’s account of the incident to the police was more like the story of a “pornographic film”. He told officers she had said she wanted to see him again and wished she was going back home with him, the court heard.

Phelps-A-Thon

Seems a couple of upstarts got it into their heads to start using Fred Phelps to raise money for LGBT causes. How you may ask? Simple! Get pledges for every minute that Fred Phelps preaches!!!!!! It’s so brilliant I wish I’d thought of it myself.

5th Circuit: No birth certificate now for 2 dads

There’s a hold on an order to put both fathers’ names on the birth certificate of a boy born in Shreveport and adopted in New York State by a gay couple. State law lets only married couples or single individuals adopt. Officials say that means either Oren Adar’s name or Mickey Ray Smith’s name – but not both – should be on the birth certificate for the boy. New York law allows such birth certificates. The men’s attorney says adoptive parents won similar cases in Oklahoma, Virginia and Mississippi.

Drug bust used fake lesbians

Two policewomen, Merav and Michelle, posed as lesbian models and helped incriminate 46 drug dealers in the Sharon region, the Israel Police revealed last week, basking in the positive PR that followed.

Gay firefighter ‘killed himself after 15 years of bullying at work’

A man is seeking damages from a fire service after his civil partner killed himself after allegedly suffering 15 years of homophobic bullying and harassment at work. The man, who cannot be named, committed suicide on January 28th, days before his hearing was due to start. It is claimed he had been subject to discrimination and abuse from colleagues since coming out 15 years ago.

Alleged killer allowed to attend dad’s funeral

The 15-year-old boy charged with the Oxnard classroom gunshot death of a gay student has been given court permission to attend his father’s funeral. Ventura County Superior Court Judge James Cloninger ruled Monday that Brandon McInerney can temporarily leave juvenile hall for the funeral. The date for the private family service hasn’t been disclosed.

Pro-gay mayor says no thanks to group

Former Mayor Anthony Williams withdrew his application to join the Order of Malta after members of the Catholic service society complained he shouldn’t be allowed to join because he supports abortion rights and protections for gay unions.

Filed under: Columns, Featured, Lez Wrap It Up, Anthony Williams, Clementine Ford, Equality and Human Rights Commission, fake lesbians, gay firefighter, Gay Games, gay serial killer, Hate Crimes, Indonesia, Jada Pinkett Smith, Janice Langbehn, John Katehis, lawsuits, LGBT Sweden, Oprah Winfrey, Oprah's School in South Africa, Rape, Same-sex marriage, Sarah Palin, Suicide, Trevor Phillips, Westpac, Will Smith, Zurich

Lez Wrap it Up: Poor Lesbians, Ms.Cleo, the Gay Test

With so much news and entertainment for the LGBT community each week it can be hard to keep up!

This weekly wrap up post features some of the top LGBT news stories that we saw around the internet as we were covering other features…

Equality on the move in Delaware

Delaware is taking hopeful steps toward equality. The state Senate has defeated a proposed amendment to the state constitution seeking to define marriage as between a man and a woman. The state House has passed a non-discrimination bill – unfortunately, it does not include gender identity.

Teen Charged for Killing Gay Journalist

The teenage boy accused of stabbing a New York journalist pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and weapons charges. Sixteen-year-old John Katehis, who was arraigned Wednesday night in Brooklyn, is being held without bail.

Gay and lesbian couples are more likely to be poor, study finds

“The myth of gay and lesbian affluence is just that–a myth,” says a study published March 20 by the Williams Institute. The study, titled “Poverty in the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Community” is not the first to challenge the myth of gay and lesbian affluence. But it is the most complete, and the first to use actual census data and other well-regarded studies to track family growth and health indicators.

Gov’t to enable Japanese to marry foreign gay partners overseas

The Justice Ministry plans to enable Japanese nationals to marry same-sex partners who have citizenship in countries where gay marriage is legally approved, ministry sources said Thursday. The ministry will issue certificates necessary for such marriage of Japanese citizens and foreigners, the sources said, adding the ministry will soon convey the decision to its legal affairs bureaus across the nation, the sources said.

Wichita pastor gets $14,000 settlement from city

The city of Wichita will pay a Wichita pastor more than $14,000 as part of a settlement in a case stemming from his 2007 arrest at a gay pride event. In a consent order, issued this week, the city said Wichita police officers and the city violated Pastor Mark Holick’s “rights to free speech, due process, and free exercise of religion by arresting him based on his religious speech in a traditional public forum.”

Catholic Churches Sign Up to Administer ‘Gay Test’

The Vatican — arguably the most out of touch religious leadership in the world — strongly urges Catholic Churches to test wannabe preachers on their sexuality. Now, is that a urine or a blood test?

Demand Wal-Mart Support GLBT Employees

The worlds largest grocery retailer, Wal-Mart has been fairing well in this fragile economy where consumers seek out lower prices. GLBT employees among other groups of workers at Wal-Mart’s stores are not being given the fair end of the deal.

Therapists offer gay ‘treatment’

A significant minority of mental health professionals had agreed to help at least one patient “reduce” their gay or lesbian feelings when asked to do so. The survey, published in the journal BMC Psychiatry and conducted by London researchers, involved 1,400 therapists. Many were acting with the “best of intentions”, said the lead author.

Bloomberg Pushes for N.Y. Marriage-Equality

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg urged state legislators to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage on Wednesday night, citing increased support for marriage equality in his appeal for lawmakers to “do the right thing.”

John Kerry’s Plea for Asylum for Gay Brazilian Married to U.S. Citizen

Sen. John Kerry is asking U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to grant asylum to a 29-year-old gay Brazilian man, allowing him to reunite with his American husband in Massachusetts, The Associated Press (AP) reports.

Gay worker sues Microsoft for discrimination

A British worker for Microsoft is suing the computer giant in London, alleging discrimination. Jamie Durrant, 38, claims in his complaint to the labor tribunal that the company failed to take action despite numerous complaints he was being harassed by fellow workers.

Jim Carrey gay movie “too risque” for American audiences

Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor’s upcoming dark comedy may have problems acquiring U.S. distribution, thanks to an explicit sex scene in the film.

Gay Clubs: No Bachelorettes Allowed

Gay bar patrons in Chicago — and across the country — have decided they don’t want the fact that they can’t marry rubbed in their faces on a Friday night.

Microsoft Funding Gay Cruises?

Times are good for young tech entrepreneur Lorenzo Thione, an Italian wiz whose search-engine company Powerset was recently purchased by Microsoft for $100 million.

Secret AIDS Charity Spreading Lies?

The Beverly Hills-based Center for AIDS Prevention appears to have no history, no financial records, no ties, no outreach, and loads of false information — but one massive advertising campaign.

Ms. Cleo Is Now A Lesbian – Wonder If She Saw It Coming?

Ms. Cleo is now a lesbian, wonder if she saw that coming. The woman also known as Youree Dell Cleomili Harris moved from Davie to Lake Worth, came out as a lesbian, released a spoken-word CD, and started a radio show. Sounds as if people are still willing to free a scammer with precious green.

LGBT workers call for ‘dignity and respect’ at work

The top priority of LGBT staff is “dignity and respect” at work, a Unite survey has shown. The union’s Have Your Say survey also revealed that workers believe trade unions must use education to eliminate homophobia and tackle discrimination.

Italian footballer calls homosexuality ‘a sin’

Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie has denounced homosexuality as a sin and said it is “seen like fashion” these days. According to Goal.com, which translated remarks made in the footballer’s newly-released autobiography, he discussed his Christian beliefs and recommended that gay people should read the Bible.

“Jersey Four” Lesbian Gets Jailed for Assault

A New Jersey lesbian pleaded guilty on Tuesday to assaulting a man in 2006. Renata Hill will serve the remainder of a three-year sentence for reportedly stabbing Dwayne Buckle after he made sexual comments to her and the group of women she was with, according to Newsday.

Spain Counters Pope, Sends Condoms to Africa

Spain announced that it will send a million condoms to Africa to fight the rampant spread of HIV on the continent. The announcement comes a day after Pope Benedict XVI stated that condoms do not slow the spread of HIV but rather “increase the problem.” On his way to Cameroon, the pope told reporters, “You can’t resolve [AIDS] with the distribution of condoms.” The disbursement of the condoms are to fight HIV with a proven method, the Spanish health ministry said in a statement today. “Condoms have been demonstrated to be a necessary element in prevention policies and an efficient barrier against the virus.”

Gay West Point grads come out

Thirty-eight West Point graduates came out of the closet Tuesday, announcing the formation of an organization to fight the ban on gays serving openly in the military. In a statement, the group said that they are prepared to help the military college make the transition to LGBT equality once the ban is lifted.

Gay-themed film cost Oklahoma teacher her job

Gay rights groups are complaining about the firing of a rural Oklahoma high school teacher who lost her job last week after assigning a play about the 1998 death of a gay college student. But the tiny school district says the move came after the teacher held a mock “funeral” for a canceled film production of the play.

Tyson Beckford Loves the Gays (But Not That Way)

Model Tyson Beckford hosts Bravo’s Make Me A Supermodel, a show we love to hate (and hate to love). And, like any attractive fella working in the runway biz — especially when he doesn’t sport lady arm candy like some others — Beckford’s often been lumped into the “Isn’t he gay?” category. Allow him to definitely put those rumors to rest…

Israel Grants Gay Dad 2 Months Off Work

The National Insurance Institute authorized Israel’s first-ever “maternity” leave for a male couple.

Lamba Legal urges court to reject Howard K Stern’s gay defamation claim

LGBT charity Lambda Legal has filed a brief arguing that a federal court should reject Howard K Stern’s claim that being called gay is defamatory and entitles him to collect damages. Stern’s lawsuit concerns passages in a book titled Blonde Ambition: The Untold Story Behind the Death of Anna Nicole Smith.

Thoughts on Butchness Sparked by Rachel Maddow

“A butch lesbian, at least in the ideal, is not the best of both worlds, male and female — she is a new world. She is the discovery, every day, of how a woman can be a woman without the trappings of femininity.” –Malinda Lo, “Rachel Maddow, Butch Fatale,”

New Zealand: SMS service launched for teenagers questioning sexuality

Young people with questions about sexuality can now them ask via text message, with a personalised reply promised within 48 hours.

Surge in anti-gay hate crime cases

Hate crime cases involving anti-gay sentiment shot up in Santa Clara County last year, a striking increase that a leading prosecutor attributes to controversy over Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on gay marriage. Anti-gay incidents accounted for more than half of hate-crime cases last year — 56 percent — a big jump from only 15 percent in 2007. There were 14 anti-gay cases out of 25 hate-crime cases in 2008, compared with only 3 out of 20 in 2007.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom Grand Marshall of Long Beach Pride Parade

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will serve as political grand marshal at the 26th annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Parade. Newsom is often credited with opening gay marriage in California.

Two Yakima lawmakers stand up for just rights for same-sex couples

For the third time in three years, lawmakers in Olympia are ready to pass legislation that would extend benefits to same-sex couples.

Mexico has its first openly gay mayoral candidate.

Mexico has its first openly gay mayoral candidate. Miguel Antonio Galan will be on the ballot this summer seeking to take Guadalajara City Hall, on the Mexican Social Democratic Party (PSD) ticket. The selection of Galan came on Friday when the PSD picked its official slate of candidates for local elections in the industrial region, reports the Spanish news agency EFE.

Extraordinary Conceptions Extends Helping Hand

If you are an Intended Parent and you have lost money with the disappearance of the Michael Charles Holding Company and Surrogenesis, Extraordinary Conceptions, LLC would like to offer a helping hand by discounting your Egg Donation and Surrogacy Cycle. We know how hard you have worked and how many years you have suffered and to have a company like Surrogenesis give you false hope that your dreams of having a child will come true, only to steal your life savings blind is appalling.

Iowa Gender-Neutral Marriage Bill Dies

Unfortunately, it looks like the Republican leaders in Iowa learned a little something from the headless Kentucky GOPers who were so busy suing each other that they forgot to be anti-gay and inadvertenly let their anti-gay adoption bill die.

Filed under: Columns, Featured, Lez Wrap It Up, anti-gay, arrested lesbians, Beverly Hills California, Brooklyn New York, Career, Catholic Church, DADT, definition of marriage, Delaware, Discrimination, Don't Ask Don't Tell, employers, Employment discrimination, Extraordinary Conceptions, Gavin Newsom, Gay Club, gay lawsuit, Gay Test, Gays in The Military, Hate Crimes, HIV/AIDS, Howard K Stern, Iowa, IVF, Jim Carrey, John Katehis, John Kerry, Lambda Legal, lesbian couples, LGBT asylum, LGBT Brazil, LGBT Israel, LGBT Italy, LGBT Mexico, LGBT New Zealand, LGBT poverty, LGBT teens, Long Beach California, Make Me a SuperModel, Marriage Equality, Michael Bloomberg, Microsoft, Movies, Ms. Cleo, New Jersey, Newsday, Nicola Legrottaglie, Pastor Mark Holick, Pride parade, Prop 8, Rachel Maddow, Renata Hill, The Vatican, TV shows, Tyson Beckford, West Point, Wichita Kansas

Lez Wrap it Up: Poor Lesbians, Ms.Cleo, the Gay Test

With so much news and entertainment for the LGBT community each week it can be hard to keep up!

This weekly wrap up post features some of the top LGBT news stories that we saw around the internet as we were covering other features…

Equality on the move in Delaware

Delaware is taking hopeful steps toward equality. The state Senate has defeated a proposed amendment to the state constitution seeking to define marriage as between a man and a woman. The state House has passed a non-discrimination bill – unfortunately, it does not include gender identity.

Teen Charged for Killing Gay Journalist

The teenage boy accused of stabbing a New York journalist pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and weapons charges. Sixteen-year-old John Katehis, who was arraigned Wednesday night in Brooklyn, is being held without bail.

Gay and lesbian couples are more likely to be poor, study finds

“The myth of gay and lesbian affluence is just that–a myth,” says a study published March 20 by the Williams Institute. The study, titled “Poverty in the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Community” is not the first to challenge the myth of gay and lesbian affluence. But it is the most complete, and the first to use actual census data and other well-regarded studies to track family growth and health indicators.

Gov’t to enable Japanese to marry foreign gay partners overseas

The Justice Ministry plans to enable Japanese nationals to marry same-sex partners who have citizenship in countries where gay marriage is legally approved, ministry sources said Thursday. The ministry will issue certificates necessary for such marriage of Japanese citizens and foreigners, the sources said, adding the ministry will soon convey the decision to its legal affairs bureaus across the nation, the sources said.

Wichita pastor gets $14,000 settlement from city

The city of Wichita will pay a Wichita pastor more than $14,000 as part of a settlement in a case stemming from his 2007 arrest at a gay pride event. In a consent order, issued this week, the city said Wichita police officers and the city violated Pastor Mark Holick’s “rights to free speech, due process, and free exercise of religion by arresting him based on his religious speech in a traditional public forum.”

Catholic Churches Sign Up to Administer ‘Gay Test’

The Vatican — arguably the most out of touch religious leadership in the world — strongly urges Catholic Churches to test wannabe preachers on their sexuality. Now, is that a urine or a blood test?

Demand Wal-Mart Support GLBT Employees

The worlds largest grocery retailer, Wal-Mart has been fairing well in this fragile economy where consumers seek out lower prices. GLBT employees among other groups of workers at Wal-Mart’s stores are not being given the fair end of the deal.

Therapists offer gay ‘treatment’

A significant minority of mental health professionals had agreed to help at least one patient “reduce” their gay or lesbian feelings when asked to do so. The survey, published in the journal BMC Psychiatry and conducted by London researchers, involved 1,400 therapists. Many were acting with the “best of intentions”, said the lead author.

Bloomberg Pushes for N.Y. Marriage-Equality

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg urged state legislators to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage on Wednesday night, citing increased support for marriage equality in his appeal for lawmakers to “do the right thing.”

John Kerry’s Plea for Asylum for Gay Brazilian Married to U.S. Citizen

Sen. John Kerry is asking U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to grant asylum to a 29-year-old gay Brazilian man, allowing him to reunite with his American husband in Massachusetts, The Associated Press (AP) reports.

Gay worker sues Microsoft for discrimination

A British worker for Microsoft is suing the computer giant in London, alleging discrimination. Jamie Durrant, 38, claims in his complaint to the labor tribunal that the company failed to take action despite numerous complaints he was being harassed by fellow workers.

Jim Carrey gay movie “too risque” for American audiences

Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor’s upcoming dark comedy may have problems acquiring U.S. distribution, thanks to an explicit sex scene in the film.

Gay Clubs: No Bachelorettes Allowed

Gay bar patrons in Chicago — and across the country — have decided they don’t want the fact that they can’t marry rubbed in their faces on a Friday night.

Microsoft Funding Gay Cruises?

Times are good for young tech entrepreneur Lorenzo Thione, an Italian wiz whose search-engine company Powerset was recently purchased by Microsoft for $100 million.

Secret AIDS Charity Spreading Lies?

The Beverly Hills-based Center for AIDS Prevention appears to have no history, no financial records, no ties, no outreach, and loads of false information — but one massive advertising campaign.

Ms. Cleo Is Now A Lesbian – Wonder If She Saw It Coming?

Ms. Cleo is now a lesbian, wonder if she saw that coming. The woman also known as Youree Dell Cleomili Harris moved from Davie to Lake Worth, came out as a lesbian, released a spoken-word CD, and started a radio show. Sounds as if people are still willing to free a scammer with precious green.

LGBT workers call for ‘dignity and respect’ at work

The top priority of LGBT staff is “dignity and respect” at work, a Unite survey has shown. The union’s Have Your Say survey also revealed that workers believe trade unions must use education to eliminate homophobia and tackle discrimination.

Italian footballer calls homosexuality ‘a sin’

Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie has denounced homosexuality as a sin and said it is “seen like fashion” these days. According to Goal.com, which translated remarks made in the footballer’s newly-released autobiography, he discussed his Christian beliefs and recommended that gay people should read the Bible.

“Jersey Four” Lesbian Gets Jailed for Assault

A New Jersey lesbian pleaded guilty on Tuesday to assaulting a man in 2006. Renata Hill will serve the remainder of a three-year sentence for reportedly stabbing Dwayne Buckle after he made sexual comments to her and the group of women she was with, according to Newsday.

Spain Counters Pope, Sends Condoms to Africa

Spain announced that it will send a million condoms to Africa to fight the rampant spread of HIV on the continent. The announcement comes a day after Pope Benedict XVI stated that condoms do not slow the spread of HIV but rather “increase the problem.” On his way to Cameroon, the pope told reporters, “You can’t resolve [AIDS] with the distribution of condoms.” The disbursement of the condoms are to fight HIV with a proven method, the Spanish health ministry said in a statement today. “Condoms have been demonstrated to be a necessary element in prevention policies and an efficient barrier against the virus.”

Gay West Point grads come out

Thirty-eight West Point graduates came out of the closet Tuesday, announcing the formation of an organization to fight the ban on gays serving openly in the military. In a statement, the group said that they are prepared to help the military college make the transition to LGBT equality once the ban is lifted.

Gay-themed film cost Oklahoma teacher her job

Gay rights groups are complaining about the firing of a rural Oklahoma high school teacher who lost her job last week after assigning a play about the 1998 death of a gay college student. But the tiny school district says the move came after the teacher held a mock “funeral” for a canceled film production of the play.

Tyson Beckford Loves the Gays (But Not That Way)

Model Tyson Beckford hosts Bravo’s Make Me A Supermodel, a show we love to hate (and hate to love). And, like any attractive fella working in the runway biz — especially when he doesn’t sport lady arm candy like some others — Beckford’s often been lumped into the “Isn’t he gay?” category. Allow him to definitely put those rumors to rest…

Israel Grants Gay Dad 2 Months Off Work

The National Insurance Institute authorized Israel’s first-ever “maternity” leave for a male couple.

Lamba Legal urges court to reject Howard K Stern’s gay defamation claim

LGBT charity Lambda Legal has filed a brief arguing that a federal court should reject Howard K Stern’s claim that being called gay is defamatory and entitles him to collect damages. Stern’s lawsuit concerns passages in a book titled Blonde Ambition: The Untold Story Behind the Death of Anna Nicole Smith.

Thoughts on Butchness Sparked by Rachel Maddow

“A butch lesbian, at least in the ideal, is not the best of both worlds, male and female — she is a new world. She is the discovery, every day, of how a woman can be a woman without the trappings of femininity.” –Malinda Lo, “Rachel Maddow, Butch Fatale,”

New Zealand: SMS service launched for teenagers questioning sexuality

Young people with questions about sexuality can now them ask via text message, with a personalised reply promised within 48 hours.

Surge in anti-gay hate crime cases

Hate crime cases involving anti-gay sentiment shot up in Santa Clara County last year, a striking increase that a leading prosecutor attributes to controversy over Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on gay marriage. Anti-gay incidents accounted for more than half of hate-crime cases last year — 56 percent — a big jump from only 15 percent in 2007. There were 14 anti-gay cases out of 25 hate-crime cases in 2008, compared with only 3 out of 20 in 2007.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom Grand Marshall of Long Beach Pride Parade

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will serve as political grand marshal at the 26th annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Parade. Newsom is often credited with opening gay marriage in California.

Two Yakima lawmakers stand up for just rights for same-sex couples

For the third time in three years, lawmakers in Olympia are ready to pass legislation that would extend benefits to same-sex couples.

Mexico has its first openly gay mayoral candidate.

Mexico has its first openly gay mayoral candidate. Miguel Antonio Galan will be on the ballot this summer seeking to take Guadalajara City Hall, on the Mexican Social Democratic Party (PSD) ticket. The selection of Galan came on Friday when the PSD picked its official slate of candidates for local elections in the industrial region, reports the Spanish news agency EFE.

Extraordinary Conceptions Extends Helping Hand

If you are an Intended Parent and you have lost money with the disappearance of the Michael Charles Holding Company and Surrogenesis, Extraordinary Conceptions, LLC would like to offer a helping hand by discounting your Egg Donation and Surrogacy Cycle. We know how hard you have worked and how many years you have suffered and to have a company like Surrogenesis give you false hope that your dreams of having a child will come true, only to steal your life savings blind is appalling.

Iowa Gender-Neutral Marriage Bill Dies

Unfortunately, it looks like the Republican leaders in Iowa learned a little something from the headless Kentucky GOPers who were so busy suing each other that they forgot to be anti-gay and inadvertenly let their anti-gay adoption bill die.

Filed under: Columns, Featured, Lez Wrap It Up, anti-gay, arrested lesbians, Beverly Hills California, Brooklyn New York, Career, Catholic Church, DADT, definition of marriage, Delaware, Discrimination, Don't Ask Don't Tell, employers, Employment discrimination, Extraordinary Conceptions, Gavin Newsom, Gay Club, gay lawsuit, Gay Test, Gays in The Military, Hate Crimes, HIV/AIDS, Howard K Stern, Iowa, IVF, Jim Carrey, John Katehis, John Kerry, Lambda Legal, lesbian couples, LGBT asylum, LGBT Brazil, LGBT Israel, LGBT Italy, LGBT Mexico, LGBT New Zealand, LGBT poverty, LGBT teens, Long Beach California, Make Me a SuperModel, Marriage Equality, Michael Bloomberg, Microsoft, Movies, Ms. Cleo, New Jersey, Newsday, Nicola Legrottaglie, Pastor Mark Holick, Pride parade, Prop 8, Rachel Maddow, Renata Hill, The Vatican, TV shows, Tyson Beckford, West Point, Wichita Kansas

Lez Wrap it Up: Poor Lesbians, Ms.Cleo, the Gay Test

With so much news and entertainment for the LGBT community each week it can be hard to keep up!

This weekly wrap up post features some of the top LGBT news stories that we saw around the internet as we were covering other features…

Equality on the move in Delaware

Delaware is taking hopeful steps toward equality. The state Senate has defeated a proposed amendment to the state constitution seeking to define marriage as between a man and a woman. The state House has passed a non-discrimination bill – unfortunately, it does not include gender identity.

Teen Charged for Killing Gay Journalist

The teenage boy accused of stabbing a New York journalist pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and weapons charges. Sixteen-year-old John Katehis, who was arraigned Wednesday night in Brooklyn, is being held without bail.

Gay and lesbian couples are more likely to be poor, study finds

“The myth of gay and lesbian affluence is just that–a myth,” says a study published March 20 by the Williams Institute. The study, titled “Poverty in the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Community” is not the first to challenge the myth of gay and lesbian affluence. But it is the most complete, and the first to use actual census data and other well-regarded studies to track family growth and health indicators.

Gov’t to enable Japanese to marry foreign gay partners overseas

The Justice Ministry plans to enable Japanese nationals to marry same-sex partners who have citizenship in countries where gay marriage is legally approved, ministry sources said Thursday. The ministry will issue certificates necessary for such marriage of Japanese citizens and foreigners, the sources said, adding the ministry will soon convey the decision to its legal affairs bureaus across the nation, the sources said.

Wichita pastor gets $14,000 settlement from city

The city of Wichita will pay a Wichita pastor more than $14,000 as part of a settlement in a case stemming from his 2007 arrest at a gay pride event. In a consent order, issued this week, the city said Wichita police officers and the city violated Pastor Mark Holick’s “rights to free speech, due process, and free exercise of religion by arresting him based on his religious speech in a traditional public forum.”

Catholic Churches Sign Up to Administer ‘Gay Test’

The Vatican — arguably the most out of touch religious leadership in the world — strongly urges Catholic Churches to test wannabe preachers on their sexuality. Now, is that a urine or a blood test?

Demand Wal-Mart Support GLBT Employees

The worlds largest grocery retailer, Wal-Mart has been fairing well in this fragile economy where consumers seek out lower prices. GLBT employees among other groups of workers at Wal-Mart’s stores are not being given the fair end of the deal.

Therapists offer gay ‘treatment’

A significant minority of mental health professionals had agreed to help at least one patient “reduce” their gay or lesbian feelings when asked to do so. The survey, published in the journal BMC Psychiatry and conducted by London researchers, involved 1,400 therapists. Many were acting with the “best of intentions”, said the lead author.

Bloomberg Pushes for N.Y. Marriage-Equality

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg urged state legislators to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage on Wednesday night, citing increased support for marriage equality in his appeal for lawmakers to “do the right thing.”

John Kerry’s Plea for Asylum for Gay Brazilian Married to U.S. Citizen

Sen. John Kerry is asking U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to grant asylum to a 29-year-old gay Brazilian man, allowing him to reunite with his American husband in Massachusetts, The Associated Press (AP) reports.

Gay worker sues Microsoft for discrimination

A British worker for Microsoft is suing the computer giant in London, alleging discrimination. Jamie Durrant, 38, claims in his complaint to the labor tribunal that the company failed to take action despite numerous complaints he was being harassed by fellow workers.

Jim Carrey gay movie “too risque” for American audiences

Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor’s upcoming dark comedy may have problems acquiring U.S. distribution, thanks to an explicit sex scene in the film.

Gay Clubs: No Bachelorettes Allowed

Gay bar patrons in Chicago — and across the country — have decided they don’t want the fact that they can’t marry rubbed in their faces on a Friday night.

Microsoft Funding Gay Cruises?

Times are good for young tech entrepreneur Lorenzo Thione, an Italian wiz whose search-engine company Powerset was recently purchased by Microsoft for $100 million.

Secret AIDS Charity Spreading Lies?

The Beverly Hills-based Center for AIDS Prevention appears to have no history, no financial records, no ties, no outreach, and loads of false information — but one massive advertising campaign.

Ms. Cleo Is Now A Lesbian – Wonder If She Saw It Coming?

Ms. Cleo is now a lesbian, wonder if she saw that coming. The woman also known as Youree Dell Cleomili Harris moved from Davie to Lake Worth, came out as a lesbian, released a spoken-word CD, and started a radio show. Sounds as if people are still willing to free a scammer with precious green.

LGBT workers call for ‘dignity and respect’ at work

The top priority of LGBT staff is “dignity and respect” at work, a Unite survey has shown. The union’s Have Your Say survey also revealed that workers believe trade unions must use education to eliminate homophobia and tackle discrimination.

Italian footballer calls homosexuality ‘a sin’

Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie has denounced homosexuality as a sin and said it is “seen like fashion” these days. According to Goal.com, which translated remarks made in the footballer’s newly-released autobiography, he discussed his Christian beliefs and recommended that gay people should read the Bible.

“Jersey Four” Lesbian Gets Jailed for Assault

A New Jersey lesbian pleaded guilty on Tuesday to assaulting a man in 2006. Renata Hill will serve the remainder of a three-year sentence for reportedly stabbing Dwayne Buckle after he made sexual comments to her and the group of women she was with, according to Newsday.

Spain Counters Pope, Sends Condoms to Africa

Spain announced that it will send a million condoms to Africa to fight the rampant spread of HIV on the continent. The announcement comes a day after Pope Benedict XVI stated that condoms do not slow the spread of HIV but rather “increase the problem.” On his way to Cameroon, the pope told reporters, “You can’t resolve [AIDS] with the distribution of condoms.” The disbursement of the condoms are to fight HIV with a proven method, the Spanish health ministry said in a statement today. “Condoms have been demonstrated to be a necessary element in prevention policies and an efficient barrier against the virus.”

Gay West Point grads come out

Thirty-eight West Point graduates came out of the closet Tuesday, announcing the formation of an organization to fight the ban on gays serving openly in the military. In a statement, the group said that they are prepared to help the military college make the transition to LGBT equality once the ban is lifted.

Gay-themed film cost Oklahoma teacher her job

Gay rights groups are complaining about the firing of a rural Oklahoma high school teacher who lost her job last week after assigning a play about the 1998 death of a gay college student. But the tiny school district says the move came after the teacher held a mock “funeral” for a canceled film production of the play.

Tyson Beckford Loves the Gays (But Not That Way)

Model Tyson Beckford hosts Bravo’s Make Me A Supermodel, a show we love to hate (and hate to love). And, like any attractive fella working in the runway biz — especially when he doesn’t sport lady arm candy like some others — Beckford’s often been lumped into the “Isn’t he gay?” category. Allow him to definitely put those rumors to rest…

Israel Grants Gay Dad 2 Months Off Work

The National Insurance Institute authorized Israel’s first-ever “maternity” leave for a male couple.

Lamba Legal urges court to reject Howard K Stern’s gay defamation claim

LGBT charity Lambda Legal has filed a brief arguing that a federal court should reject Howard K Stern’s claim that being called gay is defamatory and entitles him to collect damages. Stern’s lawsuit concerns passages in a book titled Blonde Ambition: The Untold Story Behind the Death of Anna Nicole Smith.

Thoughts on Butchness Sparked by Rachel Maddow

“A butch lesbian, at least in the ideal, is not the best of both worlds, male and female — she is a new world. She is the discovery, every day, of how a woman can be a woman without the trappings of femininity.” –Malinda Lo, “Rachel Maddow, Butch Fatale,”

New Zealand: SMS service launched for teenagers questioning sexuality

Young people with questions about sexuality can now them ask via text message, with a personalised reply promised within 48 hours.

Surge in anti-gay hate crime cases

Hate crime cases involving anti-gay sentiment shot up in Santa Clara County last year, a striking increase that a leading prosecutor attributes to controversy over Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on gay marriage. Anti-gay incidents accounted for more than half of hate-crime cases last year — 56 percent — a big jump from only 15 percent in 2007. There were 14 anti-gay cases out of 25 hate-crime cases in 2008, compared with only 3 out of 20 in 2007.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom Grand Marshall of Long Beach Pride Parade

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will serve as political grand marshal at the 26th annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Parade. Newsom is often credited with opening gay marriage in California.

Two Yakima lawmakers stand up for just rights for same-sex couples

For the third time in three years, lawmakers in Olympia are ready to pass legislation that would extend benefits to same-sex couples.

Mexico has its first openly gay mayoral candidate.

Mexico has its first openly gay mayoral candidate. Miguel Antonio Galan will be on the ballot this summer seeking to take Guadalajara City Hall, on the Mexican Social Democratic Party (PSD) ticket. The selection of Galan came on Friday when the PSD picked its official slate of candidates for local elections in the industrial region, reports the Spanish news agency EFE.

Extraordinary Conceptions Extends Helping Hand

If you are an Intended Parent and you have lost money with the disappearance of the Michael Charles Holding Company and Surrogenesis, Extraordinary Conceptions, LLC would like to offer a helping hand by discounting your Egg Donation and Surrogacy Cycle. We know how hard you have worked and how many years you have suffered and to have a company like Surrogenesis give you false hope that your dreams of having a child will come true, only to steal your life savings blind is appalling.

Iowa Gender-Neutral Marriage Bill Dies

Unfortunately, it looks like the Republican leaders in Iowa learned a little something from the headless Kentucky GOPers who were so busy suing each other that they forgot to be anti-gay and inadvertenly let their anti-gay adoption bill die.

Filed under: Columns, Featured, Lez Wrap It Up, anti-gay, arrested lesbians, Beverly Hills California, Brooklyn New York, Career, Catholic Church, DADT, definition of marriage, Delaware, Discrimination, Don't Ask Don't Tell, employers, Employment discrimination, Extraordinary Conceptions, Gavin Newsom, Gay Club, gay lawsuit, Gay Test, Gays in The Military, Hate Crimes, HIV/AIDS, Howard K Stern, Iowa, IVF, Jim Carrey, John Katehis, John Kerry, Lambda Legal, lesbian couples, LGBT asylum, LGBT Brazil, LGBT Israel, LGBT Italy, LGBT Mexico, LGBT New Zealand, LGBT poverty, LGBT teens, Long Beach California, Make Me a SuperModel, Marriage Equality, Michael Bloomberg, Microsoft, Movies, Ms. Cleo, New Jersey, Newsday, Nicola Legrottaglie, Pastor Mark Holick, Pride parade, Prop 8, Rachel Maddow, Renata Hill, The Vatican, TV shows, Tyson Beckford, West Point, Wichita Kansas