Ann Coulter's Endorsement of 'Reparative Therapy' is a Bad Joke

Log Cabin Republicans statement on comedienne Ann Coulter.

"Ann Coulter is not a serious part of the conservative movement - her positions are a throwback and do more harm than anything else," said R. Clarke Cooper, Executive Director of Log Cabin Republicans. "Her remarks endorsing the widely outdated and profoundly harmful idea of 'reparative therapy,' alleging that one can 'pray the gay away,' are not only demeaning to gays and lesbians, but are offensive to all people of faith. God in his infinite wisdom created us the way we are and pundits and politicians cannot change that. While her position on this matter is off base, it is exacerbated by her claim that the armed forces should bring back 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' a failed policy which impedes military readiness. Servicemembers who put their lives on the line deserve respect, not such clownish behavior. Ann Coulter may be tired of gay and lesbian Americans speaking out, but Americans, gay and straight, are tired of her overwrought and offensive behavior. Frankly, Coulter's act has gotten stale. It's time to change the channel."

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Williams Institute Estimates that Marriages by Same-Sex Couples will Boost New York Economy By Over $150 Million

Wedding Spending By Same-Sex Couples
During First Year Marriage Extended To Them Under State Law (millions)

Today, the Williams Institute released a new estimate of the amount of spending by same-sex couples on their weddings during the first year that New York extends marriage to them, over $150 million.  The estimate is based on the experience of the five previous states that have extended marriage to same-sex couples and new Census 2010 data for New York released just last week.  Given the larger population size of New York, and the fact that it is one of the nation’s top domestic tourism markets, New York will experience a wedding spending boom that is greater than all five of the states that have previously extended marriage to same-sex couples combined.   

To read more about the estimate, click here.

HRC Statement on DADT Repeal Certification

The Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – lauded today’s certification of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  After hearing from senior military leaders that repeal posed no threat to the armed forces, President Obama’s signature of the certification sets in motion the open service of lesbian, gay and bisexual troops.  The certification step was part of the legislation he signed in December and now after a 60 day period built into the law, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will be a relic of the past.

Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese released the following statement:

“For far too long, the ban on openly gay service members has harmed our security and tarnished our values.  The President’s certification of repeal is a monumental step, not just for those forced to lie in order to serve, but for all Americans who believe in fairness and equality.

“There are many people who brought this historic day to fruition starting with the President’s tremendous leadership and the steadfast allies in Congress who refused to give in to the lies and fear mongering.  Additionally we thank all of the brave men and women who have continued to wear the uniform under a policy that forced them to hide who they are.  The end of that shameful time is thankfully near.”

Pioneering LGBT Ministry Debunks 'Pray the Gay Away' with Debut Film

The controversy over whether it's possible to "pray the gay away" has once again hit the headlines with the recent reports about Michele Bachmann's husband, whose Christian therapy clinic has been caught by undercover media suggesting "reparative therapy" to reverse homosexuality. While the drama might not bode well for Bachmann as she vies for the presidency, it presents an ideal window for Rizi Timane Ministries (http://www.rizigospel.org) to debut "What's Wrong With This Picture?," a new film that exposes religion-based homophobia.

CARDIN STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HEARING ON THE REPEAL OF DOMA

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) issued the following statement:

“I commend the Senate Judiciary Committee for holding the first-ever Congressional hearing today on the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As a former member of the Committee and a long time supporter of equal rights, I am a proud co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act (S. 598) that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  I believe that there is no place for discrimination in American society.  Our country was founded on the core principle that all citizens are created equal.  I will continue to work to protect the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation.  Government should not interfere in the ability of men and women to marry the person of their choice – the person they love.  Gay and lesbian couples should be entitled to the same benefits as heterosexual couples, including tax benefits, rights of inheritance, health insurance, and, of course, marriage.  Congress should follow the lead of a growing number of states, countries, and companies that give full recognition and equality to same-sex couples.”

“OUT. THE GLENN BURKE STORY,” ABOUT FIRST OPENLY GAY MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYER

“Out. The Glenn Burke Story,” which documents Burke’s legacy as the first openly gay Major League Baseball player, will have its national premiere on VERSUS on Tuesday, August 9, at 10 p.m. ET.  Nominated for a Northern California Area Emmy Award and a nominee for Outstanding Documentary at the 22nd Annual GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards, “Out. The Glenn Burke Story” originally premiered on and was produced by Comcast SportsNet Bay Area last November.

VERSUS will provide encore presentations of the documentary on Saturday, August 13, at 11 p.m. ET and Wednesday, August 17, at 11 p.m. ET

Glenn Burke, the first openly gay Major League Baseball player, ended his journey through baseball where it began, in Oakland, California.  His sports career had many stops along the way, starting as a multi-sport star at Berkeley High School, followed by a stint at the University of Nevada, Reno as a prized basketball recruit, and then into professional baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he was hailed by one coach as “the next Willie Mays.”  Early in his career, Burke felt he had to hide his true self from his teammates.  Later, when he began to reveal glimpses into his sexuality, the baseball establishment began to shut him out.

“Out. The Glenn Burke Story” tells the dramatic tale of Burke’s Major League career as an outfielder for the Dodgers and as a starter in Game One of the 1977 World Series, to being traded to the Oakland Athletics the following season, and then walking away in 1980 from the game that he deeply loved.  Many of Burke’s teammates were aware of his homosexuality during his playing career, as were members of management.  Many of those teammates believe that Burke's sexuality led to the premature derailment of his baseball career.

View the trailer below:

Governor Brown Signs SB 48 To Recognize Contributions of LGBT Americans, Pacific Islanders and Persons With Disabilities

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding SB 48 by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco):

"History should be honest. This bill revises existing laws that prohibit discrimination in education and ensures that the important contributions of Americans from all backgrounds and walks of life are included in our history books. It represents an important step forward for our state, and I thank Senator Leno for his hard work on this historic legislation."

For full text of the bill, visit: http://leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

Steven Le Vine Named to Southern California’s 2011 “Hot 25” List by Frontiers in L.A. Magazine

Entrepreneur and leading Hollywood publicist Steven Le Vine, 29, has been honored as one of Frontiers in L.A.’s Hot 25 of 2011. Le Vine, the founder of grapevine pr, was named to the high-profile list, along with celebrities such as Chaz Bono, The Tonight Show’s Ross Mathews, author Christopher Rice, and Top Chef alum Jamie Lauren.

In the interview, Le Vine discusses making the leap from entry-level employee to business owner overnight, what inspires his work in public relations, and his future plans to release his first book later this year, which will explore risk-taking, young entrepreneurism and PR.

For more information and to read his entire interview, visit www.frontiersla.com, or visit the official grapevine pr website, www.theprgrapevine.com.

Broadway To Mark NY Gay Marriage Law With Nuptials

by Mark Kennedy

 

Some of the first gay marriages in New York will literally be a theatrical event.

The Broadway theater where "Hair" is being performed this summer will be the stage where some same-sex couples will be married on July 24, the day gay marriage becomes legal in the state.
The announcement came Wednesday in front of the St. James Theater, where the touring revival of the hippie musical has landed.

Rory O'Malley, a star of "The Book of Mormon" and a co-founder of the gay-rights group Broadway Impact, said several gay couples from the Broadway community will be married on stage right after that evening's performance.

New York will become the sixth and largest state with legal gay marriage when the law takes effect.

VAULT TO PRESENT PANEL ON DIVERSITY IN A DOWN ECONOMY;

MINORITY, FEMALE, LGBT AND DISABLED CANDIDATES TO MEET LAW FIRM RECRUITERS

Vault.com, the source of ratings, rankings and insight for law students and lawyers, has partnered with the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), an advocate for increased diversity in the legal profession, to present the 6th Annual Legal Diversity Career Fair for law students and lateral associates on Tuesday, July 26, 2011.  For the first time, the event will take place in Los Angeles, California, at The Westin Bonaventure.  The career fair will provide minority, female, and LGBT candidates, as well as candidates with disabilities, an opportunity to meet and network with recruiters from law firms and government agencies who are firmly committed to increasing diversity in the legal profession.  In addition, Vault Law Editor Mary Kate Sheridan will moderate a panel discussion titled, “Diversity in a Down Economy.”

http://registration.vault.com/legaldiversity/la/program.cfm

The Justice Resource Institute announce the launch of the new Web Series “Brotherhood TV”

JRI is proud to announce the launch of the new web series, “Brotherhood TV” premiering July 11^th,2011 on Brotherhoodtv.com. New episodes will air every Monday and can only be found at Brotherhoodtv.com

Brotherhood TV is a show geared at engaging young Black and Latino Gay and bisexual men in an honest, forward and blunt conversation on sex, race, HIV/AIDS and masculinity among other things.  Brotherhood TV is hosted by 6 uniquely different young Black and Latino Gay and Bisexual men from the Boston area, who share their voices and give a face to the thousands of young Black and Latino Gay and Bisexual men who go un-heard. The show also will engage viewers in these conversations through social media interaction. 

Log on and meet the guys of Brotherhood TV now by visiting BrotherhoodTV.com. And if you have any questions please email letstalk@brotherhoodtv.com. Those interested in keeping with the show are also encouraged to join their facebook and twitter. Facebook.com/brotherhoodtv and twitter.com/brotherhoodtv

 

NYC Offices Open On A Sunday For Gay Marriages

New York City clerks' offices will be open on Sunday, July 24, to perform the first gay marriages under a new state law.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office says the offices will open at 8:30 a.m. to receive marriage license applications in all five boroughs.

Normally there is a 24-hour waiting period before people can be married, but a judge can waive that requirement. Bloomberg's office says judges will be on hand to consider waiver requests and perform the marriages.

During the next week the offices will also stay open until 6:30 p.m., two hours later than usual.

Lyman-Eyer Gallery Provincetown re: Male Figure & Floral Paintings by Joseph Fanelli

The Lyman-Eyer Gallery Provincetown is pleased to present the solo exhibition of new male figure and floral oil paintings by openly gay artist, Joseph Fanelli.

"As always the primary focus of my work is Beauty and whether it is a figure or floral, the first subject is always light.  The light and its shadows create not only the space, volume and "plastic reality " of the piece but also inform the eye of the density, texture and even the temperature of the subject. One can sense the feel of the muscle in an arm or the soft flesh of a rose petal all through a sensitive visual recording of the light and the way it falls, envelops or flows over the subject.  The paintings in this seasons show are all a continuation of my visions of beauty and the use of light and brushwork to express that vision.  Specifically this grouping seems to show a focus on the subject outdoors and the excitement found in the full reflected light of Cape Cod."

This exhibition will be on view from July 8-20 with the opening reception Friday July 8 at 7PM in Provincetown.  Please visit the gallery web site at www.lymaneyerart.com to see more of the fine art by Joseph Fanelli.