News: Burundi, Ted Haggard, New York, Blood, Savannah, Chris Brown

Regulator: New York insurers must recognize same-sex couples married out-of-state.

East African Republic of Burundi criminalizes homosexuality.

Real life butt bandit arrested in Nebraska.

Disgraced pastor Ted Haggard wants the spotlight back: "While his exact plans remain unclear, Haggard is unmistakably making himself a public figure again, nine months after his former church said he walked away from an oversight process meant to restore him." And he wants money.

Beyoncé brings her "Single Ladies" to the American Music Awards. No Shane Mercado cameo though.

Eric Bana is Nero.

Spire to be placed atop Trump tower in Chicago.

Daniel Radcliffe talks about his man parts and the 'David and Goliath' effect.

Stunning and sad screenshot of messages left by observers of the kid who killed himself over his webcam last week.

NASA: First test of 'interplanetary internet' successful: "...human intervention is still required to schedule communications sessions for orbiters and landers...A new method would automate and streamline this process by sending data through an interplanetary 'internet'. Just as data is sent from one point to another on the internet via a linked network of hubs, or nodes, spacecraft scattered throughout the solar system could be used as nodes to transmit data through space."

Bill to eliminate discrimination against gays in taxes, social security and health approved by Australia's senate: "The bill will go to the House of Representatives for final approval this week, along with another bill to allow a person to benefit from their same-sex partner's superannuation. This bill passed the Senate last sitting week. The bills come on top of changes already enacted to grant gay people access to the federal family law courts on property and spouse maintenance matters after a relationship breakdown."

Sarah Lawrence College upholds ban on bloodmobile over FDA's anti-gay policies.

Savannah Morning News profiles local couple of 34 years, John Naylor and David Grice, who were married under the wire in California.

A Q&A with Sam Trammell of the just-finished (for this season anyway) True Blood.

The Boston Globe

Chris Brown wants to duet with Madonna.

Kathy Griffin to return to D-List for fifth season: "It’s going to be more celebrity oriented. [It's] the way that American Idol sort of started as a singing contest and then every week you expect to see the mentors. I have some really good guest stars coming on the D-List this year.”

SURVEY: 80% of South Africa's populace homophobic. "The study, conducted by Ben Roberts and Vasu Reddy, found that between 2003 and 2007 more than 80% of the population consistently felt that sex between two men or two women was always wrong. It also found that gays and lesbians were characterised as 'un-African' and that intolerance towards homosexuality was prevalent."

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Massive Prop 8 Protest Targets Cinemark Theatre in Evanston, IL

A massive protest targeting Alan Stock, the Mormon owner of the Cinemark theatre chain who donated $9,999 to the Proposition 8 campaign, took place in Evanston, Illinois over the weekend. the protest was organized by Chicago's Gay Liberation Network and its organizer Andy Thayer, who speaks in the video below.

The Daily Northwestern reports:

"'If you're going to target our community with hate, whether it's Prop. 8 or any other measure going forward, it's no longer going to be without consequences,' said Andy Thayer, Weinberg '85, the co-founder of Chicago's Gay Liberation Network. 'We are going to hit you in the pocketbook just the way you hit us in terms of our rights.' The Gay Liberation Network began planning a response to Stock's donation on Nov. 15 during the Chicago rally against California's Proposition 8, a measure that bans same-sex marriage. 'This is a local protest that should keep the pot stirring until we have the next national day of protest,' Thayer said. Cinemark Theatres, an international corporation that includes Century Theatres and CinéArts, is the third-largest movie chain in the country. Managers of Evanston's theater said they could not comment on the protest, and calls to Cinemark corporate offices were not returned."

The New York Times reported on Friday about Cinemark's plans to screen Milk, and how various parties are responding to it:

"In a particularly ticklish exercise, [Focus Features] continues to plan showings of 'Milk' in theaters owned by the Cinemark chain, whose chief executive, Alan Stock, donated to the campaign for Proposition 8. Taking a cue from Milk — who made his political breakthrough by supporting a union boycott of Coors beer — opponents of the marriage ban have begun their own boycott through a Web site, NoMilkforCinemark.com. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Cinemark, one of the country’s largest theater chains, said its decision to proceed with plans to show the movie also reflected a principle: 'It would be inappropriate to influence our employees’ position on personal issues outside the work environment, especially on political, social or religious activities.' On Thursday James Schamus, the chief executive of Focus, struck a diplomatic note. 'I know there’s a lot of anger out there,' said Mr. Schamus, who noted that Cinemark three years ago was among the first chains to embrace the studio’s gay-themed 'Brokeback Mountain.'...'I hope that gets settled,' he said of the boycott call."

(top image: michael lehet)

Two more videos, including one from Chicago Examiner blogger Michael Lehet,
AFTER THE JUMP...

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Plan for Gay and Lesbian High School in Chicago Dropped

Plans for a gay and lesbian high school similar to the Harvey Milk school in New York have been shelved for now:

"The Chicago Board of Education was set to vote on the proposal Wednesday, but the educators who had been pushing the plan asked to be taken off the agenda late Tuesday. The school initially was going to be called the School for Social Justice Pride Campus partly focusing on gay issues. But last week, organizers changed the name to the Solidarity Campus and broadened its focus to include all disenfranchised groups of students. As late as Tuesday morning, some advocates were pushing the idea that the change was a good compromise. A few hours later, however, the group told Chicago Public Schools officials it would try to retool its ideas and ask for approval in a year."

In late October, Chicago mayor Richard Daley spoke out against plans for the school, warning it would "unduly segregate" the students.

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Nephew of Jennifer Hudson Still Missing After Double Murder

Police are still searching for Jennifer Hudson's 7-year-old nephew Julian King, who has been missing since the tragic shooting of the singer's mother and brother inside their Chicago home on Friday.

UPDATE: Child's body discovered in SUV.

Hudson released a message on her MySpace blog over the weekend pleading for help and thanking fans for their support. She also released photos of Julian. Wrote Hudson:

"Thank You All. Thank you all for your prayers and your calls. Please keep praying for our family and that we get Julian King back home safely. If anyone has any information about his whereabouts please contact the authorities immediately. Here is a picture of Julian and what he was last seen wearing. Once again thank you all for being there for us through this tough time."

According to Chicago Breaking News, "Authorities issued an Amber Alert after the slayings for Julian and his stepfather, William Balfour, 27, who had recently separated from the boy's mother, Julia Hudson. Police arrested Balfour at his pregnant girlfriend's Southwest Side apartment a few hours after the bodies were found, but the boy was not with him. The Amber Alert remains active."

Barack Obama offered his support to Hudson, who sang the National Anthem before his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, over the weekend:

"Michelle and I were absolutely heartbroken to learn about this unimaginable tragedy and we want Jennifer to know that she is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time," the Illinois senator said. "We also pray for the swift and safe return of her young nephew."

Towleroad correspondents Josh & Josh, you may remember, conducted a Towleroad TV interview with Hudson earlier this month. In excerpts from that interview which did not make the cut, Hudson stressed the importance of her family in her life:

"I just grew up very close to my family and I have a huge family and they’ve always been real supportive and supportive of each other."

Our thoughts go out to Hudson during this difficult time.

Watch the TowleroadTV interview, AFTER THE JUMP...

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Chicago's Mayor Daley Warns of Segregating LGBT Students

Mayor Richard Daley spoke out about plans for an LGBT high school in Chicago. A vote on the school was delayed earlier this week until late November.

Daley noted that the School for Social Justice Pride would "unduly segregate" the students, the Chicago Tribune reports: "You have to look at whether or not you isolate or segregate the children...A holistic approach has always been to have children of all different, you know, backgrounds and everything in schools. When you start isolating children, you say only 50 percent here or 40 percent here...we start doing that, you're going to start isolating and segregating people."

A final vote on the school is to be held November 19th.

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News: Soulforce, Pete Burns, Tap Water, Methodists, Uganda

Killer gets 22 to life for the 2001 murder of Queens, NY resident Edgar Garzon.

New trend for Scientologists: dressing like a gay couple.

West Virginia votes being flipped from Democrat to Republican: "This is the second West Virginia county where voters have reported this problem. Last week, three voters in Jackson County told The Charleston Gazette their electronic vote for 'Barack Obama' kept flipping to 'John McCain.' In both counties, Republicans are responsible for overseeing elections. Both county clerks said the problem is isolated. They also blamed voters for not being more careful."

Protect Marriage bus to wind through California for 8 days urging voters to ban same-sex marriage.

Guy Ritchie convinced Madonna is spying on him. A-Rod moves in.

Ugandan Ethics and Integrity Minister on gays: "Ten years ago, this phenomena was not there, but the disease has penetrated everywhere. Who's going to occupy Uganda 20 years from now if we all become homosexuals? We know that homosexuals don't reproduce. There is now a globalization of homosexuality and people in Uganda are attempting to take advantage of the globalization. It is an attempt to end civilization. It is that serious."

Former Dead or Alive singer Pete Burns to receive £1million payout for botched cosmetic surgery: "The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant said he suffered horrific side effects from the ‘trout pout’, including painful swelling and blisters so severe he could not eat, drink or speak. He claims he was left with weeping sores, felt suicidal and looked so ‘physically repulsive’ he could not leave the house for seven months."

9 of 15 members of American River College's student association face recall vote following uproar over vote to support Proposition 8.

Log Cabin Republicans respond to Palin's break from McCain on federal marriage amendment: "We disagree with Gov. Palin on this issue, but we're glad that Sen. McCain agrees with us. The president sets the policy for the administration. Sen. McCain twice voted against the federal marriage amendment and continues to believe the states should decide this issue."

Darwin: New Zealand man injured while car-surfing and mooning other vehicles.

Lucky us: MTV brings the banality of The Hills to the Big Apple.

Sexy Mormon missionary calendar creator has diploma yanked by Brigham Young University.

Vote delayed on gay high school in Chicago: "Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan said Friday that the school board would see the plan Nov. 19. The proposal was originally supposed to be considered Wednesday. Duncan gave preliminary approval for the the Pride Campus of Social Justice High school earlier this month. The high school be open to all students citywide but would provide a safe, 'gay-friendly' atmosphere."

Two Methodist women offered historic credentials: "Two women blocked from ordination as United Methodist ministers because one is a married lesbian and the other disagrees with church rules on gay rights received "extraordinary ordination" in Baltimore yesterday."

Obama canvasser punched in the face by a man ranting about ACORN receives personal call from Obama.

Soulforce bus riders arrested at Mississippi College.

NYT: Tap water safer than bottled water. "The Environmental Working Group released a report Wednesday that charged that some bottled waters were 'no different than tap water.' And it found fertilizer residue, pain medication and other chemicals in some major brands."

Two men who created Social Justice course for British Columbia high school students sue school board for refusing to offer the class: "Social Justice 12, an elective for senior students, was created as a result of a contract the province signed with the Correns in 2006 to end a long-standing human rights complaint that the curriculum discriminated against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students. Abbotsford officials say they're reviewing the course because of parental concerns, and the board has not yet decided whether it will be offered in future."

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News: True Blood, Sarah Silverman, Bronx, Ed Koch, Caribou

American Airlines endorses ENDA.

Victory Fund endorses 100 candidates in 2008.

Gay families plentiful in the Bronx: "Same-sex couples in the Bronx are more likely to have children than those in any other New York City borough, according to a study released last month, and perhaps more than any county in the country."

Britney Spears takes the isle of Manhattan.

The Pope rejects French ambassador to Vatican because he's gay and married to a man.

Popular Chicago bartender-turned gay activist takes own life: "Ron Ziebarth, a North Side bartender with a dedicated following, was a champion fundraiser for Equality Illinois and a former chairman of the gay rights group's annual gala. Mr. Ziebarth, 52, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, said Colm Treacy, owner of two Andersonville bars where Mr. Ziebarth worked. He had suffered from bouts of depression for a few years, and he killed himself by hanging, Treacy said."

Sarah Silverman: Do the great schlep for Obama.

Report: Sarah Palin lip liner is a tattoo.

Jonas Brother merges with a Mustang.

Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ): Bailout defeat had nothing to do with Pelosi speech.

Pride Reinvention Festival giving Perth, Australia a gay identity crisis?

Homophobic attack in Dungannon, Northern Ireland: "The victim claims to have been lured to the old railway lines around 9pm on Tuesday, September 23 where four males beat him up. He required medical attention in the minor injuries unit for abrasions."

Washington D.C. police arrest suspect in anti-gay July attack.

Wisconsin man who stabbed his roommate because he believed the roommate was spreading gay rumors about him is ordered into a mental health facility in Wisconsin.

Washington State Bar Association comes out in favor of marriage equality: "The resolution was adopted unanimously by the group's 14-member Board of Governors despite considerable opposition from association members, board president Mark Johnson of Seattle said. 'We felt it was appropriate to take a position,' Johnson told the Tri-City Herald. 'There certainly will be people who will be distressed.'"

True Blood's Ryan Kwanten hangs ten.

Janet Jackson hospitalized with sudden illness.

Straight model sues Genre magazine over unauthorized use of image.

Former NYC Mayor Ed Koch campaigning for Barack Obama in South Florida: "Koch, who represented Manhattan's East Side on the City Council and in Congress before being elected to the first of three terms as mayor in 1977, told an admiring crowd that Obama is the best choice for president. His 15-minute speech at Temple Beth Torah/Tamarac Jewish Center was one of four stops Sunday to campaign for Obama. Koch also spoke at the Sunrise Civic Center, Temple Emeth in Delray Beach and Century Village in West Palm Beach."

Caribou wins Canada's Polaris Music Prize.

Guardian's Balaji Ravichandran: Public schism in India opening between the Health Ministry and the federal government of decriminalization of homosexuality.

University of Iowa boosts harassment training after anti-gay graffiti discovered in public men's room: "A male student last week reported to school officials he saw several weeks ago a message written on a chalk board in the third floor men's restroom in North Hall. The student said the message was an anti-gay slur against Beth Skinner, a doctoral student and teaching assistant in social work. School officials don't know how long the message was there, and it was gone when the male student reported it, Saunders said. Skinner, 36, said her first reaction was disbelief that such a slur would be written in the School of Social Work. 'We have a core set of values and ethics that guide our practice and this would not be one of them,' she said."

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News: Rome Kiss, Daniel Radcliffe, Dubai, Levi's, Bruce Cohen, India

Tribute to Del Martin to be held at San Francisco City Hall on October 1.

Two men arrested for kiss outside Roman colisseum ordered to trial: "On Tuesday a Rome court ordered a trial for two men arrested in July 2007 outside the Coliseum. Michele F., 36, and Roberto L., 28, contend they were caught sharing a passionate kiss; the arresting officers from the carabinieri say they were engaging in oral sex. Defense lawyers have asked for the charges of lewd public acts to be dropped, having sought in vain to get access to footage from nearby security cameras that they say would show the kiss was just a kiss."

Debut: Daniel Radcliffe bares it on Broadway.

Anti-gay rights groups accuse New Jersey commission on civil unions of pro-gay bias: "The Civil Union Review Commission came to be after the state Legislature voted to establish civil unions in early 2007. The 13-member commission, which holds monthly meetings, is mandated to monitor civil unions and measure any problems that may arise."

Hey Xtina, Lady Gaga wants her look back.

Miami Mayor Manny Diaz joins fight against same-sex marriage ban ballot measure: "I don’t see how this amendment protects anything. Even worse, its vague language could actually take away important existing benefits like health care from Floridians."

March in Chicago this weekend will mark 10th anniversary of Matthew Shepard's death, draw attention to anti-gay hate crimes.

Amy Winehouse rages in London, runs around with missing shoe.

Sharks attacking one another in obscenely large shopping mall aquarium in Dubai.

Indian government reaffirms its position supporting the criminalization of homosexuality: "On Friday, the Centre will oppose a petition filed by gay rights activists in the Delhi High Court seeking decriminalisation of homosexual acts between consenting adults. 'We are going to take a stand against scrapping of section 377 of IPC (punishment for indulging in unnatural sex). I will stiffly oppose the plea,' Additional Solicitor General PP Malhotra told reporters. The court had sought the government’s view on a petition filed by Naz Foundation, an NGO supporting gay rights. The development follows differences between the health ministry and the home ministry on the issue. The health ministry said the law pushes HIV people underground 'which makes such risky sexual practices go unnoticed'. The home ministry said society disapproves of homosexuality, so it should be treated as a crime."

Transgender model Isis speaks: "I'm just crossing my fingers hoping opportunities come from this. I went to college for fashion design so I hope that takes off for me. Hopefully you'll see me on the runway, in major campaigns and on the big screen - I want to be in movies!"

Senate hearing draws attention to need for same-sex partner benefits.

Ewan McGregor presents producer Bruce Cohen with Outfest Award. NBC exec Ben Silverman outs his gay mom.

Lindsay Lohan's rep: there was no gay confesion.

British host Alan Carr says he'll never tell his parents he's gay: "I was used to being called all sorts of names but I didn’t actually think I was gay. It just didn’t click. The word gay is bandied around so much when you’re a kid. If you go to the library you get called gay, if you wear a certain kind of trainers, they call you gay . . . if you wear lip gloss and heels they call you gay. I just don’t get it. Obviously I did end up realising they were right, although I’ve never really sat down and talked about that with my family. I’ve never told my dad I’m gay but I hardly think I need to now. It would be like closing the door after the horse has bolted."

AfterElton talks to Brothers and Sisters showrunners about plans for Kevin and Scotty.

New Zealand MP: I used to be the only gay in the Parliament.

Levi's joins fight against Prop 8: "The San Francisco-based jeans maker said Thursday it will co-chair with Pacific Gas & Electric a group trying to drum up opposition to Proposition 8 in the business community. Chief Executive Officer John Anderson said the move is consistent with Levi's long history of supporting civil rights causes. The company ended racial segregation of its California factories in the 1940s and was the first Fortune 500 company to offer health benefits to the domestic partners of its unmarried employees. In July, PG&E donated $250,000 to the campaign to defeat the gay marriage ban and announced it hoped to persuade other corporations to do the same. Because PG&E is a public utility, though, taking a controversial political stand is less risky for the company than it might be for businesses with greater competition."

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News: Matthew Mitcham, Scientology, Red Fish, Nepal, Todd Palin

Nepal officially recognizes third gender.

Gold medal-winning gay Olympian Matt Mitcham gets national sponsor in Australia: "With our ear close to the ground, word has trickled back that Mitcham is very close to signing on to be the new face and, well, bum of swimwear and underpants brand aussieBum."

San Diego Union Tribune comes out against Prop. 8.

First snippet of Britney Spears' new single "Womanizer".

Rachael Ray barbecues with the McCains.

Todd Palin refusing to testify in troopergate scandal: "Sarah Palin initially welcomed the bipartisan investigation into accusations that she dismissed the state's public safety commissioner because he refused to fire her ex-brother-in-law, a state trooper. 'Hold me accountable,' she said."

Sarah Palin to address John Hagee-organized rally? Papers falsely suggest Palin pro-gay...

Elisabeth Hasselbeck offered anchor spot at FOX News?

Vigil for two AIDS doctors imprisoned in Iran to be held at Iranian Mission to the UN on Wednesday, September 24.

Scientists discover red hot fish.

The Laramie Project to return to Laramie 10 years after Matthew Shepard's death: "Laramie has changed in some ways. The city council passed a bias crimes ordinance that tracks such crimes, though it does not include penalties for them. There is an AIDS Walk now. Several residents say they came out publicly as gay, in their churches or on campus, in part to honor Mr. Shepard’s memory. The university hosts a four-day Shepard Symposium for Social Justice each spring, and there is talk of creating a degree minor in gay and lesbian studies. And yet, to the bewilderment of some people here, there is no memorial to Mr. Shepard in Laramie. The log fence has been torn down where he lay dying for 18 hours on Oct. 7, 1998. There is no marker. Wild grass blows in the wind."

200 turn out to discuss plans for LGBT high school in Chicago.

Two of Paris Hilton's chihuahuas get eaten by coyotes.

Fans greet TomKat at Katie Holmes' Broadway opening.

Google founder Sergey Brin takes 23andMe test, discovers he has gene mutation linked with Parkinson's.

Surprise: Republicans "'don’t feel like they understand the coherent strategy' of the Bush administration — 'if there is one.'"

The Birds: Crows beat chimps in mental test.

The Olsen twins to design menswear: "It looks like Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen have set their eyes on men’s wear for their high-end label The Row. Few details could be learned, but Ashley Olsen, who originally conceived the line, is said to have started conceptualizing the men’s collection, which could launch as soon as next fall."

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Winter Path

"May Orchard," 1985, collage on panel

I’m not sure what Banksy is up to (though I sure wish Andy had enlightened me about him several years ago, when I could have afforded to buy up all of his work), but I admire that Towleroad champions artists and films from time to time. On my last day of filling in for Andy, I wanted to introduce you to the artist who most inspires me: modernist painter Margo Hoff, who I had the great pleasure of meeting about 10 years ago.

I've never inquired about Margo's sexuality, but her work—edgy, formally provocative, forward-thinking—definitely has a queer appeal to my eye. Margo herself fits this description, that of a completely self-made woman with a personal style that often set her apart in even the crowd she used to hang out with, which included Berenice Abbott (Margo taught her how to do linoleum cuts) and Georgia O’Keefe.

A quote from Margo as relayed by her good friend Gordon Wallace: "What difference does it make where you came from? It's not about that. It's about what you choose for yourself!" (Pictured at left: "Dream of Flying, 1950, oil)

Margo just celebrated her 98th birthday with champagne and cake. Although she no longer paints, she still lives in the same spartan loft on 14th Street where she worked for four decades. I'm told she's always lived simply because her life was so focused on the things that would enhance her work, not her comfort—great natural light, plenty of open space for work tables, a place to store her canvasses.

"The Crowd," 1960, paper collage and acrylic (from the Met)

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1910, she would, as a child, make tiny figures of animals and people out of the clay left behind by local well-diggers. She nearly died at 11 from typhoid fever, and during the subsequent months of bedrest her imagination came alive; she began drawing, and from this point on knew that art would be the center of her life. In her early twenties, she made her way to Chicago and art school. Her early works were figurative, but with a singular vision that soon attracted interest.

Margo first exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1944. I worked in the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue across the street for years in the '80s and '90s, so it's fun to imagine Margo in that setting. By 1950, Margo was showing her work around the world, including a one-woman show at the Paris Wildenstein Galleries in 1955, and later representation by Betty Parsons in New York. Her work is in the Whitney, the Metropolitan, Biblioteque Nationale Paris, the Library of Congress, the National Gallery, London's Victoria and Albert and many other institutions. She was even an artist-in-residence in Uganda (pictured).

She has been a Manhattanite since 1960; I think my adopted hometown should treasure her for her innovative work and longevity, not least because it was in New York that Margo plunged into what would become her defining medium—canvas collage.

Why do I love her work? Because it's not blatantly figurative, but even her more abstract pieces slyly suggest their intentions. As far as I’ve seen, everything she liked enough to finish is exquisite, often with a sobering, chilly beauty.

"Winter Path," 1985, collage on panel (from my collection)

I'm writing about Margo partly because Margo's work has been enjoying an incredible late-life revival—her pieces have knocked down big prices at various auctions, she has a painting on view in the show The Big Picture: A New View of Painting in Chicago at the Chicago History Museum and will show at Corbett vs Dempsey, also in Chicago, next year.

Thanks for indulging me in my endorsement of this living legend. I've bought several of Margo's pieces over the years, but I promise my plug for her is not to help drive their prices up—I won't be interested in selling them until I'm 98 and ready to stop working so hard.

Find out more at MargoHoff.com.

Touching up a painting before an opening.

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Gay Pride Weekend Wrap

Wedded bliss was a special focus of San Francisco’s 38th Annual Pride Parade, the first to be held after the California Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage. The Dykes on Bykes tossed bouquets and San Fran Mayor Gavin Newsom was greeted like a rock star. Gay icons Cyndi Lauper and Margaret Cho were among celebrity attendees. Crowds were said to be "larger-than-usual." Full photo album here.

According to The Canadian Press, members of the Canadian Armed Forces participated in Gay Pride for the first time in Toronto, whose parade featured a grand marshal (Gareth Henry) who fled Jamaica after being persecuted for his sexual orientation.

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota attracted an estimated 125,000 celebrants, including an exceptionally proud terrier (who I hope was dyed humanely).

Chicago’s Gay Pride Parade went off without a hitch Sunday. Themed "Live, Love, Be Proud," the parade’s grand marshal was ex-marine Eric Alva (pictured), the first American casualty from the Iraq War and an openly gay man.

German Pride celebrated its 30th year by kicking off for the first time from the former East Berlin. One special participant was 95-year-old Rudolf Brazda, a survivor of Buchenwald concentration camp:

"It was a terrible time. I must say that I feel as though I were in paradise in this democratic society."

Other European Pride events held on Saturday included some in countries "seeing gatherings of gays and lesbians for the first time." At the Czech Republic’s first Pride, three people were jailed for throwing fireworks at some of the 500 marchers. Five dozen skinheads were arrested in Bulgaria for attempting to derail that country’s event.

Paris Pride was organized around "homophobia at school" and drew about 700,000. But why talk about it when you can just take a look?

Finally, marchers in Calcutta, New Delhi and Bangalore celebrated Gay Pride, marking the first parades in the latter two Indian cities. "Several hundred" participants were reported at the events, which were staged in advance of arguments before a Delhi High Court to overturn the antiquated law—Section 377—forbidding any sex that is "against the order of nature." Indians are rarely locked up for homosexuality, but the legal punishment is up to 10 years.

Gay-rights activist and New Delhi organizer Lesley Esteves says:

"Discrimination is widespread because there is no protection or law or societal understanding. There's discrimination in the workplace; there's discrimination in the family—it's on every level."

At least some of the onlookers were just there for the music.

As usual, there will likely be a dull roar from some gay quarters that Gay Pride isn’t necessary because being gay is nothing to be "proud" of (overlooking that it’s the suggestion to be ashamed that these events are counteracting) or that it’s counterproductive because all the "freaks" come out. I agree with JoeMyGod’s annual rant: "They wish we were invisible. We’re not. Let’s dance."

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News: Universal Fire, Clay Aiken, Uganda, Avenue Q, Greece

Gays disposable: Uganda says it will ignore gays in its HIV/AIDS prevention efforts because homosexuality is illegal. Instead, they'll focus on "other high risk groups such as sex workers, truck drivers, remote fishing communities and members of the armed forces."

A mother always knows...

Libertarian candidate Bob Barr's flip-flop on DOMA.

Utah parents seek criminal penalties against teacher who they say went too far in sex ed class: "The Jordan School District is investigating allegations that a seventh- and eighth-grade health teacher violated the sex education statute by responding to questions from students about topics beyond the core curriculum, including homosexual sex, oral sex and masturbation."

Colorado enacts non-discrimination law: "Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter signed legislation today prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in housing, public accommodations, credit transactions, juror service, and other areas. The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Jennifer Veiga and state Rep. Joel Judd, expands existing laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, religion, disability, and other characteristics."

Anna Quindlen on same-sex marriage: love won.

Sex and the City rocks the box office with $55 million haul, sequel in the works. Writer Michael Patrick King signs first look deal wtih DreamWorks.

AfterElton announces its Hot 100.

Fire burns Universal Studios taking King Kong, Back to the Future, 40,000 film reels with it...

The L.A. Times takes a close look at the failed Harvey Milk film: "It will be a bittersweet time for Zadan and Meron. 'We recognize that, at the end of the day, it's business -- people make movies for a living,' says Zadan. "And when you work on a passion project, there's always the chance that you'll get your heart broken. I told Michael London, 'The only way I'll hate you is if you [mess] the movie up. It's Harvey's story and all we want is for someone to tell it well.'"

MTV Movie Awards: one feature-length movie trailer.

Tom Cruise has a housewarming party.

California clerk hopes to be first same-sex marriage: "For 18 years, Stephen Weir has been in charge of the office that hands out marriage licenses in California's ninth-largest county. And for just as long, Weir has been unable to get a license himself because the love of his life is a man...He and his partner, John Hemm, want to be first at the counter that day. They want to be the first to exchange vows and kisses in the conference room Weir converted into a wedding chapel that hosts 1,200 couples a year, but that he could never use."

Avenue Q to have 2000th performance on Broadway.

NYT publishes letters regarding Governor David Paterson's same-sex marriage decision: "When our oldest son, Benjamin, got married, he asked Jacob to be his best man. Then our son Joshua got married and again Jacob was his best man. When our daughter, Britta, married her dear Matthew, she didn’t have a maid of honor. She had a man of honor, and it was her brother Jacob. At each wedding, as Jacob stood by his siblings and signed the papers to make it legal, he did it knowing he did not have the right to marriage himself. As a mom, I find that hard to understand and heartbreaking to know it is true. How can this country treat people in such a way that something as basic as finding love and being married can be denied to a whole segment of society?"

Gays in Greece vow to wed despite threats of prosecution: Said Greece's supreme court attorney George Sanidas: "Neither civil law nor the country's constitution refer to gay marriages. If the Tilos mayor proceeds, he will have committed the criminal act of breach of duty."

Peter LaBarbera of "pro-family" group Americans for Truth made his annual visit to the International Mr. Leather weekend in Chicago. He just can't stay away!

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Towleroad Guide to the Tube #242

RICHARD ZEDNIK: Florida Panthers forward has his carotid artery cut by a skate blade during a game over the weekend. He underwent emergency surgery and is in stable condition in intensive care at Buffalo General Hospital.

CHRIS CROCKER: On the Homophobosphere. (warning: audio NSFW)

TORCHWOOD vs FRIENDS: A mash-up fan video. (source: i am a tv junkie)

ANAL-ORAL ISSUE KITTY: Originally created for The Art Parade, hosted by Deitch Projects in SoHo, NY, the A-O Issue Kitty recently made a visit to Millenium Park in Chicago. Its purpose? “This project is a vehicle for bringing complete strangers together for a flash of communal laughter. In the end, these costumes are a response to life being a temporary event. If all we have are a couple of fleeting moments together I hope our art pieces can generate moments of celebration and togetherness.” More here. (source: jockohomo)

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News: Beatles, MRSA, Vanessa Williams, Jamaica, Maria Shriver

Mob of 20 attacks two gay men in Jamaica: "After days of harassment and threats, a Jamaican mob attacked two gay men, putting one in the hospital with serious injuries, while the other is missing...The group broke into the home of the men and attacked them, authorities told The Associated Press. One man had his left ear severed, his arm broken in two places and his spine possibly damaged; the other man, who was chased from their home, has not been found, according to the report."

Welcome to the just-opened Hard Day's Night Hotel in Liverpool: "The four-star, 110 room Beatle themed hotel opens its doors to the public... and is only a stone's throw away from the site of the famous Cavern Club."

Gay rights activist and psychotherapist Myra Riddell dies at 81.

This is why the Spice Girls tour is ending.

Anti-gay graffiti found in DC police station men's restroom: "'It's extremely offensive, so we're taking it very seriously,' [Police Chief Cathy] Lanier said. Lanier sent an e-mail to police department personnel Thursday night that said, 'All members of this department put their lives on the line every day, and I will not tolerate any member treating another police professional with disrespect.' Lanier said she will 'impose the most serious penalty' if the perpetrator is found to be a member of the department. The graffiti was found in an area that is accessible to both officers and civilians, Lanier said, so it is not clear who may have left the message."

New Chicago Episcopal bishop Jeffrey Lee shows support for gay clergy: "'That's one of the tragedies afflicting the church right now,' he said. 'So many of us seem to think that salvation depends on our theological correctness.'"

Gay Republicans flocking to McCain?

First lady of California Maria Shriver joins Kennedys in 'surprise' Obama endorsement.

SF health officials apologize to gay community for MRSA scare: "We regret that our recent news report (1-14-08) about an important population-based study on MRSA USA300 with public health implications contained some information that could be interpreted as misleading. We deplore negative targeting of specific populations in association with MRSA infections or other public health concerns, and we will be working to ensure that accurate information about the research is disseminated to the health community and the general public."

San Francisco-based music journalist Adam Block dies.

Police break up suspected 'gay' party in India: " A team, led by deputy police commissioner Bhujangrao Shinde, raided the Agrawal bungalow at Yeoor and detained six persons, including the main organiser, Sahil Bhoricha (24). Liquor bottles and condoms were seized from the bungalow. Entry to Yeoor Hills was restricted during the operation. Ashok Row Kavi of Humsafar Trust, a gay rights group, condemned the action as unfair, given that all the men detained were adults and were not found violating any law. A magistrate denied the police custody of those arrested."

Robbie Williams becomes a bear.

Britney Spears' family finally takes control of the situation.

Western Montana Gay and Lesbian Community Center hold "skate against hate" in Missoula to raise awareness about anti-gay violence there.

Gerard Butler and Jonathan Rhys Meyers party it up in L.A.

Ohio health officials to study smoking habits of gay teens: "Health officials are allocating $60,000 to identify the smoking habits of those teens and develop a tobacco-prevention campaign for them. Ohio Department of Health spokesman Kristopher Weiss says gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community has a smoking rate at about 40 to 60 percent. As part of the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Community Youth and Young Adults Anti-Tobacco Social Marketing Project, officials will form focus groups among youths ages 12 through 20 at an LBGT center in Columbus."

Melbourne, Australia holds gay pride march...

Vanessa Williams to be honored as "Ally for Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign. More...

Second memorial service for Heath Ledger held in L.A.: "Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Sienna Miller, Lindsay Lohan, Ellen Degeneres and other celebrities gathered at the Sony Pictures lot on Saturday to remember Heath Ledger. This service comes a week after a smaller gathering that included ex-girlfriend Naomi Watts was held in Beverly Hills. Other mourners included Heath's father Kim, representatives from CAA (the agency that represented Heath), director Todd Haynes, and actress Shannyn Sossamon who was Heath's co-star in "A Knight's Tale". "I'm Not There" director Haynes spoke at the service."

Police raid gay bar in Philippines, arrest 10 for alleged prostitution: "The men were nabbed inside the Male Bucks Hosto Bar in Angeles City around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. Members of the raiding team used a female informer who posed as a customer. The informer told authorities that the "entertainers" were dancing on stage clad only in their underwear."

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News: Sir Edmund Hillary, HIV, Paula Abdul, Emperor Hadrian

Man who sued over same-sex marriage question on Massachusetts bar exam apologizes: "I’m an Irish immigrant to this country. And you know, it’s hard to ignore the fact that all communities into America are first discriminated against and attacked before eventually being accepted. In hindsight I see the parallels in the discrimination that were once felt by the Irish in this country, and to a large degree it’s opening up my mind and my heart to want to stop the discrimination that the gay community is confronted with. Because you know it happens to all of us at one point or another; but we have a tendency to have collective amnesia and we forget about it."

Orlando Bloom gets high on Nepal.

Research team finds proteins that could be used to stop HIV: "A research team announced yesterday that it has identified about 270 human proteins that the AIDS virus apparently needs to infect a person, instantly providing researchers with dozens of new strategies for blocking or aborting HIV infection. The vast majority -- more than 200 -- were not previously known to play a role in the complicated choreography by which the virus attaches to a cell, enters it, gets copied and establishes permanent residence. The discovery was made with a technique called a 'genome-wide scan,' which is only a few years old. Current AIDS drugs work by interrupting one of four main steps in HIV's life cycle. The new study suggests that there are many more to target."

Sir Edmund Hillary, first to scale Mount Everest, dies at 88. Graphic illustrates his rise to the top. And here's a Google Earth tour.

REPORT: Paula Abdul set to cast Super Bowl spell...

British Museum exhibit opens with major focus on Roman Emperor Hadrian's homosexuality: "His first move, within hours of coronation, was to withdraw his troops from Mesopotamia, now Iraq, and fortify the empire's boundaries by building his eponymous wall in northern England and others in the Danube and the Rhine valleys, ushering in a new era of peace. The reign that followed can be traced through 200 ancient treasures, many of which have never been display in Britain. Several of the artefacts relate to his male consort, Antinous, who accompanied him on his travels around the empire. These items include a poem written on papyrus, featuring the two men hunting together, and new finds that include memorials to the dead lover at Hadrian's villa in Tivoli. Although it was not uncommon for his predecessors to have taken gay lovers alongside a female spouse, Hadrian was unique in making his love "official" in a way that no other emperor had before him."

Quartet of stars discov