San Diego Gay and Lesbian News

Familiar political distortions and myths continue being spread, notably by adversaries painting the LGBT community as rich elites. They twist reality to explain that we are rewarded more with privilege than burdened by discrimination. They argue again that ENDA is another way to seek preferential and undeserved special treatment under federal law.

The voice of the people in this country has spoken once again on the side of justice, in favor of the truth about marriage.

The Washington Times speculated yesterday that Marine Commandant James Conway might be gearing up to become a lead opponent of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Until we learn more about General Conway’s views on DADT from Conway himself, and what the Obama Administration plans to do should the general move out on an advocacy agenda, we address the Times article by highlighting glaring omissions in Rowan Scarborough's heavily biased reporting.

Faith leaders of the National Religious Leadership Roundtable, convened by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, are issuing a strong and unified call of support for the freedom to marry in Maine.

Kathleen Sebelius (pictured), Secretary of Health and Human Services, issued the following statement yesterday regarding repeal of the HIV Travel and Immigration Ban. The official rule change, which will go into effect at the beginning of 2010, was published in Monday’s federal register.

As we eagerly watched President Obama sign into law last week the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act - the first major piece of civil rights legislation for the LGBT community - it dawned on us that many of those flanking the President on stage, applauding, were military men, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

November 4, 2008 – a day history was made. Crowds gather around their television sets waiting for the poll results to come in. A collective breath was held. Parents were holding their children’s hands in anticipation. Celebrations were ready to go. Then the results of the vote were announced – Proposition 8 had passed in California - the shock, the utter disappointment, the insult. Human rights were not being gained, but stripped away from a class of people in one of the most “so-called” progressive states in the nation.

This nationwide survey revealed that program directors and faculty need more resources to increase their knowledge on sexual orientation and gender expression and to further infuse content on LGBT individuals and youth.

Maine residents will decide tomorrow whether to repeal a law allowing same-sex marriage, an effort that has succeeded in every state where it has been put before voters. Public opinion surveys in Maine show a dead heat on Question 1, which would cancel the marriage statute that passed the legislature in May.

London community organizers called for a silent vigil this weekend near the scene of the crime that took Baynhan’s life. Thousands attended.