Protestors Hit Dallas Church That Advertised 'Gay is Not OK' Sermon

Last week I posted about First Baptist Church in Dallas which was to be the target of protest for a marquee advertising a sermon titled "Gay is Not Ok". About 100 people showed up to march outside the church on Sunday:

"Singing 'Jesus Loves Me,' about 100 people stood outside the First Baptist Church of Dallas in protest to the sermon, which was part of a series called 'Politically Incorrect.' Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress told First Baptist members to not believe the hate-speech hype and called the protest a plan to silence any criticism of homosexuality. 'In Romans I, it says because they rejected the true God and exchanged the truth of God for a lie, God gave them over to degrading passions - men with men and women with women,' he said. 'And so, the Bible says when the people reject the truth of God's word, they're open to any kind of immorality.' But Michael Robinson, the founder of Unified Community Against Gay Hate Crimes, said sermons like Jeffress' can lead to very serious hate crimes. 'What they are preaching from the pulpit is hate and that breeds these type of people to come out and do these type of crimes,' he said."

Watch the news clip from WFAA.

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News: Rihanna, Shiba Inus, Simpsons, Oregon, Robert Buckley

Potential AIDS breakthrough following bone marrow transplant in Berlin: "The startling case of an AIDS patient who underwent a bone marrow transplant to treat leukemia is stirring new hope that gene-therapy strategies on the far edges of AIDS research might someday cure the disease. The patient, a 42-year-old American living in Berlin, is still recovering from his leukemia therapy, but he appears to have won his battle with AIDS. Doctors have not been able to detect the virus in his blood for more than 600 days, despite his having ceased all conventional AIDS medication."

Writes Sam Fulcher to the Dallas Voice: “I found it ironic and sad that on a night of such history and hope I was greeted with a sign stating ‘Gay is Not O.K.’ As one barrier is being shattered homophobia is alive and well and still accepted enough to be on the side of a building. The recent passing of bans on gay marriage in many of our states make this point even more obvious.” Fulcher is organizing a protest of the church on Sunday.

Not sure how they're ever going to make a Broadway musical out of THIS.

Ex-Councilman in NYC Philip Reed dies at 59: "Philip Reed, a former elevator salesman who devoted himself to health issues as a member of the New York City Council, where he was a pioneer as a black, openly gay and H.I.V.-positive lawmaker representing a mostly Latino district, died on Thursday."

Live puppies!

GLSEN slams The Simpsons for "That's so gay" line: "Nelson's use of 'that's so gay' in a negative way is not surprising considering that 90 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth say they hear the term used this way frequently or often at school. Nelson should visit ThinkB4YouSpeak.com where he can send an apologetic e-card to Milhouse. GLSEN would also welcome Nelson's participation in our next PSA so he can make amends by helping to educate young people about why such language is wrong."

Studio: Sex and the City sequel confirmed.

UN urges India to decriminalize homosexuality: "he United Nations has urged India to decriminalise homosexuality, saying it would help the fight against HIV/AIDS by allowing intervention programmes like the successful ones in China and Brazil."

Silverton, Oregon resident Stu Rasmussen becomes first openly transgender mayor of a U.S. city.

Robert Buckley answers the 'boxers or briefs' question.

Eliot Spitzer will not face criminal federal prostitution charges: "The announcement, a five-paragraph statement from Michael J. Garcia, the United States attorney in Manhattan, ended almost eight months of uncertainty for the disgraced governor, whose lawyers had been quietly making their case to the country’s most prominent prosecutor’s office that he ought not be charged. And it ended the possibility that Mr. Spitzer, once an aggressive prosecutor himself, would have his private life explored in a public criminal case."

Fun with presidential maps.

Britain's Ministry of Defence pays compensation to gays discharged unfairly: "The Ministry of Defence has paid £4 million to settle a series of compensation claims from homosexual service personnel who were unfairly dismissed from the Forces. The payout has been pending since 1999 when four staff won their case in the European Court of Human Rights. The MoD disclosed this week that it had paid £3.7 million last year to 57 former staff who had also brought legal action. This was in addition to £300,000 paid to eight homosexual staff over the previous two years. Of the 65 people who have settled a claim against the MoD for its ban on homosexual staff, the average payout was £61,500.

Rihanna passes out on stage.

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Sean Avery Certainly Admires a Nice Purse

Sean Avery has a new group of gay friends in Dallas, but he doesn't play for their team.

Says Avery, who recently relocated to play with the Dallas Stars: "I think it's the cardinal rule of athletes that if you're not married by the time you're 30, you're all of a sudden, definitely gay. It's just the narrow-mindedness of sports which is probably the one thing that turns me off about it."

Avery also used to steal dolls from his babysitters, so it's really no surprise that "the most hated man in hockey" grew up to be a Vogue intern, according to a new ESPN mini-doc.

Which you can watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

You may have missed...
The Diary of Sean Avery, Hockey Player and Vogue Intern [tr]
Meet Vogue's New Intern, New York Ranger Sean Avery [tr]

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Towleroad Guide to the Tube #359

BILL CLINTON: Appears on The View...

DALLAS MURDER: A 365gay report about the missing body I posted about in mid-September.

WAKE UP AMERICA: Not again! A message from filmmaker Brian Feehan.

BETTE MIDLER: Parodies the Madonna vacuuming movie in a promo for her new album.

Check out our previous guides to the Tube here.

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News: P!nk, Uganda, John Lennon, Tall Men, Charlie Herschel

HOPE: A few numbers.

Gay man murdered in Dallas, body missing...

19-year-old New Zealand man gets 15 years for brutal murder of gay man...

BOOK: Lennon wanted sex with McCartney.

P!nk: Scientology's newest recruit?

Tim Gunn blown away by Christian Siriano's debut collection: "His namesake line, shown to an audience of the show's alums and judges, was indeed a remarkable achievement. Along with futuristic skinny pants and ruffled blouses, Siriano unveiled looks that are already his signature styles, like layers of chiffon circles." Gunn: "I expected to be wowed. You know, in my own way I've been in this industry for a long time, and I'm a bit jaded, but I was blown away."

Pamela Anderson on Sarah Palin: "I can't stand her. She can suck it."

British pop star Will Young wants to find a husband and have kids: "I would love to be a parent one day. Obviously it won’t be happening soon because I am still single. But having a family and bringing up children is something I have thought about a lot recently. Gay marriage and civil partnership is a great thing. It means more rights for same-sex couples. It is safer and there are relationships now that provide a perfect set-up for bringing up children. I was thinking about the future and the idea of bringing up a child and helping them through life is something that appeals to me hugely..."

Lohan-Ronson marriage rumors resurrected.

Reality Blurred interviews gay Survivor: Gabon contestant Charlie Herschel: "I’m not sure if there is a golden rule book for how you should play this game. People who do well go in flexible,” he said. “The thing I’ll need to do is tone it down and be less paranoid, be less aaah!, and make people perceive that I’m comfortable—but I don’t think I’ll ever be comfortable in this game."

San Diego City Councilwoman Toni Atkins marries her partner Jennifer LeSar.

Poll says taller men happier: "Data from a Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index study found taller people were more satisfied with their lives, more likely to report positive emotions like enjoyment and happiness, and less likely to report emotions like anger, sadness, and stress...The Gallup data suggested it would take a 29 percent increase in income to have the same effect on men's life satisfaction as moving from below-average to above-average height."

Lance Bass on Dancing with the Stars and the rumors that he might have had a male partner: "That was just a rumor, for sure. I don’t think anyone dealing with the show ... I don’t even think that came across their minds. This competition is for a male and female partner -- that’s the way the judges judge. I don’t think it would be an even playing field if we were to do it...And who would wear the dress? Come on now [laughs].

A kiss from Channing Tatum.

Obama's gay mentor speaks out. Professor Lawrence Goldyn: "He was one of those unusual, straight young men who was secure enough in his sexuality that he was not fearful of being associated with me, whether that involved taking a class or just talking socially."

South African church sends letter to teacher after firing him because he's gay: we didn't mean to hurt you.

CDC reports alarming rates of HIV infection among black gay men: "The biggest percentage (46%) of HIV/AIDS infections in 2007 in US has been reported among men with homosexual orientation. Black Americans are seven times more likely to be infected than whites. Afro-Americans are the most exposed male human beings to HIV infection (annual rate of change 14.9 percent), followed by Caucasians (9.4 percent annual increase) and Hispanics (7.9 percent)."

Gay Ugandan threatened with deportation by the UK: "Mr Nyombi is being removed from the UK after spending seven years working and living in Portsmouth. He is now faced with the possibility of life imprisonment or even death when he returns to Uganda on Sunday. 'I don't know what will happen because in Uganda they don't like my sexuality,' he said. 'I have got good friends here who welcomed me. 'They understand and they have been very supportive. They were really shocked. 'I have never had a day off work. I've never been in trouble.'"

Guy Ritchie: enjoying 40.

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News: Heather Matarazzo, Gay Principal, Costa Rica, Gym Pill

Anti-gay politics continues to drive Donald Wildmon's American Family Association: "According to Wildmon, who has stated that the results from Proposition 8 will determine the outcome of the 'culture wars,' 'If we lose California, if they defeat the marriage amendment, I'm afraid that the culture war is over and Christians have lost. I've never said that publicly until now -- but that's just the reality of the fact.'"

Heather Matarazzo (wiener dog!) to marry her girlfriend Carolyn Murphy. Congrats!

Obama to star in his own comic book.

Brooklyn principal comes out to his students: "'I thought it might fit in with the lesson about paranoia and making assumptions about people just because they are different,' Mr. Michael says of the timing. He had already alerted his staff and invited them to participate in the discussion, which several teachers did. He'd also spoken with Brian Ellner, a senior counselor to Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, and gotten his support. Still, Mr. Michael couldn't help but feel nervous at first."

At Lambeth Conference, gay Nigerian talks of death: "Homosexuality does exist in Africa - it's not a Western thing, as our African bishops would want people to believe."

Tom Cruise and Scientology facing $250 million racketeering lawsuit.

Thousands march against same-sex civil unions in Costa Rica: "The protest march began at 8 a.m. in front of the Hospital San Juan de Dios, and finished around noon in La Sabana park. The march was organized by the Costa Rican Evangelical Alliance, bringing together religious Costa Ricans from around the country. “We’re calling out against the law that the Legislative Assembly is considering, to allow for homosexual civil unions,” explained march participant, Reynaldo Salazar.

Scientists test 'gym pill': "The researchers have shown that four weeks after administering one drug to mice, the animals were able to run 44% farther than untreated mice, despite not exercising. The finding raises the possibility of treatments for muscle-wasting conditions in humans, but also recreational 'gym pills' that confer a performance gain without the pain."

Titty von Tramp comes out against anti-gay Northern Irish politico Iris Robinson: "Titty Von Tramp, Northern Ireland's most famous drag queen, strutted her stuff among SDLP Youth members yesterday at a protest in Belfast against homophobic comments made by the First Minister’s wife, Iris Robinson. The demonstration, held outside the City Hall, was held as part of Gay Pride Week which culminates with a parade through the city centre tomorrow followed by a carnival in Custom House Square."

John Mayer looking pumped.

New Mexico 911 operator files suit against Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority, saying he was harassed about his sexuality, complained, and then was fired in retaliation: "He had worked as a dispatcher since July 10, 2006, according to the suit. He claims he was subjected to disparaging remarks about his sexuality almost immediately after being hired and in front of his co-workers. The remarks allegedly included a disparaging term for homosexuals."

Prosecutors won't seek hate crime charges in brutal anti-gay Dallas attack because men already face maximum penalty: " Bobby Singleton, 29, and Jonathan Gunter, 31, both of Garland, each face a charge of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. The first-degree felony carries a punishment of five to 99 years in prison. The men, who have not yet been indicted, are being held in the July 17 beating and robbery of Jimmy Lee Dean, 42. Mr. Dean was kicked and hit with a handgun about 1 a.m. in the 3900 block of Dickason Avenue, near Oak Lawn Avenue, according to a police report. He was hospitalized with serious injuries and was unable to speak to investigators for at least 24 hours, police said. Witnesses told police one of the suspects shouted gay slurs at Mr. Dean during the attack. Investigators also believe the men targeted Mr. Dean because they thought he was gay, police said.", Gym Pi

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Dallas Catholic Priest Resigns Over Association with Gay Website

Reverend Arthur Mallison, a longtime priest with the Diocese of Dallas, was forced to resign two weeks after taking a position at St. Michael's in McKinney, Texas after his association with a now-defunct website in 2001 was exposed by church members campaigning against him.

WFAA reports: "The Diocese of Dallas said Father Arthur Mallison has done nothing that violates church policy, but e-mails have circulated about a picture of the priest that appeared on a website set up as a support site for homosexual clergy. The site is called St. Sebastian's Angels and was created in 1999. 'There was a faction in the parish that had started a nationwide campaign to put pressure on Father,' said Annette Gonzales-Taylor, a Diocese of Dallas spokesperson."

According to the Dallas Morning News, " Father Mallinson's involvement with the site, which is defunct, briefly made news reports in 2002. He told the diocese he had contributed to the site – which included his photo – when its purpose was to support gay priests in a celibate lifestyle but stopped in 2001 after others began posting pornographic material, Ms. Taylor said. Ms. Taylor said Father Mallinson remains a priest in good standing and will be in contact with the dio- cese about another assignment."

Priest quits McKinney church after complaints about gay Web site [dallas morning news]
McKinney priest resigns amid questions of sexuality [wfaa](Video)

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George Michael and Kenny Goss Show Off Preserved Carcasses

While George Michael waits for Banksy to tag his English mansion, his partner Kenny Goss holds up the Texas end of the art fortune.

"Most people initially freak a little bit about Sebastian, then they stare and stare at it and they say, 'That's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," said Kenny Goss about Damien Hirst's "Saint Sebastian, Exquisite Pain" (above) which Goss and his partner George Michael purchased last summer and which is now on display in Dallas at a Hirst-curated show at the couple's gallery.

Goss and Michael are also giving back to the community: "The foundation will be awarding two $5,000 scholarships to students at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, one in Michael's name for music and one in Goss' name for art. There are also two more $5,000 scholarships offered, one for Dallas-Fort Worth area students, the other for students statewide."

Said Goss: "We want to expose the Dallas art community to work that they've quite potentially never seen if they weren't able to travel, these works that in some ways may be a little controversial for one thing, a little strong. But let's face it, art a lot of times is about sex, love, death, loss."

George Michael Brings His Art Collection to Texas [fox news]

Previously
George Michael's Wallet Feels "Exquisite Pain" with Hirst Purchase [tr]

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News: Brett Favre, Kentucky, Gus van Sant, Dallas, Danny Noriega

Gay Kentucky couple blocked from adopting child through state's foster care system: "Phillips and Parsley said they are outraged because they had already passed a criminal background check and a home survey by a Sunrise employee who was fully aware of their living arrangement. And they have attended two of five classes required for certification through the free program, they said."

Gus van Sant on filming his new film: Paranoid Park. REVIEW: Van Sant "makes another pretty, vacant movie about pretty, vacant boys..."

Babyshambles singer Pete Doherty posts video of himself smoking a cock.

Documentary explores Florida hate crime killing of Ryan Keith Skipper.

Gay porn films pulled from sale in the UK following barebacking investigation: "Two of the DVDs featured footage from a week-long shoot during which eight British models had sex with each other in multiple combinations without condoms. Four of those who took part were diagnosed as HIV positive soon after. One of the men told the BBC he was distressed that footage which he believed showed him becoming infected had been put on sale."

Green Bay Packers Brett Favre to retire. Sportrait flashback...

Lance and Ben document their romance.

Simon Cowell to produce Billy Eliot-Style musical on Britain's Got Talent winner, opera singer Paul Potts: "That particular day was one of the worst, the acts were just terrible, we were fed up and on comes this guy with a funny little suit and bad teeth who looked very nervous. I can remember looking at the other judges, with that 'here we go again' feeling. We had 2,000 people in the audience, and I'll never forget how much the room changed when he began singing." Video Flashback...

Steven Spielberg to launch social networking site for people interested in the afterlife: "The focus will be on users who’ve had or who are interested in sharing paranormal and extraterrestrial experiences. The new social network may also have original video content investigating alleged ghost and UFO stories."

Pink Speedo down under: Carson Kressley definitely not a fashion coward.

Dallas man claims he was assaulted at Station 4 nightclub: "Sid Gonzales, 43, said he suffered two broken bones in his wrist, a puncture wound to his hand and multiple bruises on his backside when two men assaulted him at about 11 p.m. Gonzales said he was near the main dance floor of the Dallas gay nightclub when two men and a woman walked over and stood nearby. Gonzales said he was 'a little buzzed' from alcohol but not intoxicated. He said he tried to be friendly and make small talk with the trio. But he said he was not trying to hit on the men, whom he described as straight-looking, well-dressed and college-aged. When Gonzales asked a few questions, the woman responded but the men said nothing and looked uncomfortable, he said. Gonzales said he reached out to shake hands with one of the men. The man grabbed Gonzales’ arm, twisted it in the air and slammed it against a knee. Gonzales said the first man also stabbed him in the hand with an unidentified object, while the second began kicking him in the backside."

American Idol contestant Danny Noriega wishes you a Merry Christmas.

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News: Richard Zednik, Obama Security, Taylor Kitsch, Hepatitis A

Jason Rae, the nation's youngest superdelegate who also happens to be gay and was heavily wooed by the Clinton camp, has decided to endorse Obama. Rae: "The Democratic Party is fortunate to have two very talented individuals running for President this election. It is a difficult choice for anyone, but in the end, the choice for me has become clear. I am proudly supporting Senator Barack Obama."

Madonna, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Eric Dane and others in Hepatitis A scare at trendy New York hotspot Socialista — told to get vaccinated immediately.

Friday Night Lights Taylor Kitsch the latest stud to join X-Men Origins : Wolverine starring Hugh Jackman.

Project Runway stars reunite, dish the dirt before season finale.

State College, Pennsylvania Mayor Bill Welch to preside at same-sex commitment ceremony of six gay and lesbian couples: "'All of them have been together for several years and are actively committed to their partners,' said [Tom] Koerber, co-director of the university Coalition of LGBTA Graduate Students. The coalition has scheduled the ceremony to coincide with the start of Pride Week, an annual week when gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students — along with straight allies — drum up pride in their community."

Bollywood actor Siddharth speaks out on playing gay roles: "I think we are a homophobic country and I believe the media’s insensitive sensationalisation of the issue is largely responsible for this. As an actor I play roles based on reality. Sexual orientation is a natural and personal choice. I see no reason for it to affect my decision to accept a project. I have close friends who are gay, and they are as intelligent and caring as, if not more than, my heterosexual friends. I think it’s time we started respecting them and giving them their much-deserved freedom to just be themselves."

Officers surprised by order to stop security screening in Dallas more than an hour before Obama took the stage: "The order to put down the metal detectors and stop checking purses and laptop bags came as a surprise to several Dallas police officers who said they believed it was a lapse in security. Dallas Deputy Police Chief T.W. Lawrence, head of the Police Department's homeland security and special operations divisions, said the order -- apparently made by the U.S. Secret Service -- was meant to speed up the long lines outside and fill the arena's vacant seats before Obama came on. 'Sure,' said Lawrence, when asked if he was concerned by the great number of people who had gotten into the building without being checked. But, he added, the turnout of more than 17,000 people seemed to be a 'friendly crowd.'"

Hockey player Richard Zednik, whose carotid artery as you may remember was ripped open by a skate blade, speaks to the media: "When I saw the blood, I knew I had to get up. I got to the trainers and said it's up to them now."

Dolce & Gabbana's new collection trashed by buyers: "If I was on a blind-date and a girl answered the door dressed like that, I'd say I was gay and looking for my boyfriend's apartment."

Miami Beach prepares for annual Winter Party: ''When the Task Force took over Winter Party, one of the missions was to make sure it was not just a [men's] circuit party but a series of events to reach out to . . . the entire spectrum of the community. Transgender people, LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] families and youth. We don't have a pride celebration in Miami. This is about the closest thing we have to it.''

29-year-old who stabbed gay man to death in public toilet in Britain appears in court: "Mr Akers, a retired accountant from Wallington, was found stabbed in public toilets in Walton Lane, just off Walton Bridge about 3pm on Tuesday. He died later in hospital. Mr Akers, from Wallington, had a male partner who he had been living with for 22 years. A postmortem examination held at the Royal Surrey County Hospital revealed the cause of death as a single stab wound to the back ."

27-year-old in Brazil ordered to pay fine of $8,500 for using 'fag' slur and throwing beer can at gay man: "It is the first time this fine is put into practice by the State since the creation of law nº 10.948 back in 2001."

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James Stabile Apologizes for His Part in Perpetuating "Ex-Gay" Myth

James Stabile, the Dallas man who was basically kidnapped and brainwashed by Evangelicals organizing the "purity sieges" that have been going on in America's heartland (more on that here), talked to the Dallas Voice and apologized for his appearance on the 700 Club video that circulated on the internet and for perpetuating the idea that "ex-gay" therapy can work.

Said Stabile: "If I could, I would take back everything I’ve said. I’ve hurt a lot of people in the gay community, and I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart. I’m not here to get any attention. I’m here to say to people that I want to help prevent other young gay guys from experiencing what I experienced, because I don’t want them to be hurt, and I was hurt really badly."

Stabile said that he began to question whether he could be changed a few weeks into the Pure Life program. So he decided to pray for the answer.

Said Stabile: "I said,'God, am I going to be gay when I come out of here?' And he said, 'Yes.' I don’t want to be gay, but I am gay, and because I’m gay, I’m going to have to accept it."

Stabile's father is the minister of the largest Methodist church in Dallas and accepts his son's sexuality, and does not believe it is a choice.

Ex 'ex-gay' recants [dallas voice]

Backstory...don't miss...
Gay Man Goes Through "Ex-Gay" Hell After Christian "Purity Siege" [tr]
Pat Robertson: God is Using I-35 to Rid USA of Gay Sin [tr]

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Gunman Shoots Up Dallas AIDS Agency with High-Powered Rifle

A shooting in the early hours Monday morning caused thousands of dollars of damage at the AIDS Interfaith Network in Dallas. Eighteen bullets tore through the agency and a van they use to transport patients was destroyed. The weapon used is assumed to be a high-powered rifle given the size of the bullet holes and the damage done to its targets.

The AIDS Interfaith Network provides not only spiritual and emotional outreach to those affected by HIV/AIDS but also operates a 'Care Team" which provides in-home services to those incapacitated by the disease.

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Dallas Launches Homophobic Campaign Against Saggy Hip-Hop Pants

In an effort to target the trend of saggy hip-hop pants, the City of Dallas has launched a homophobic billboard and hip-hop campaign that targets low-riding jeans wearers by pressuring them to stop the trend because it's a signal that you're gay.

The "Pull Your Pants Up" campaign features billboards donated by Clear Channel which read: "Pull your pants up! It's rude, not cool... Walkin'' around showin' your behind to other dudes."

If that isn't bad enough, the campaign has a signature song recorded by rap artist Dooney Da' Priest containing lyrics that say, "You walk the streets with your pants way down low/ I don't know/ looks to me you on the down low."

They continue: "If you stand up straight, bet your pants fall/ Might as well walk around with your pants off/
Pull 'em up, pull 'em up, pull 'em up/ Be a real man/ Stand up/ Is that your underwear, man? Pull your pants up."

Dooney Da Priest talked to FOX News: "Got a lot of partners of mine, they come out of jail, they let me know that means you're basically easy, you're lettin another man know that you're available."

Dallas Deputy Mayor Dwaine Caraway talked to NPR about the campaign: "The No. 1 mission is very simple: pulling up your pants. That's all we want. We don't want to throw folks in jail because they wear their pants low. So we're going to make it man's law and not city law."

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Gay Candidate Ed Oakley Loses Dallas Mayoral Bid

In the Dallas run-off election for mayor on Saturday, Tom Leppert took 58 percent of the vote to Ed Oakley's 42 percent. A win for Oakley would have made him the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city.

The Dallas Morning News reports: "During the runoff, Mr. Oakley sought to portray Mr. Leppert as an unscrupulous corporate baron in a series of campaign commercials and mailers. But the charges barely affected voters' image of Mr. Leppert as a God-fearing family man reared without privilege by a loving single mother."

Oakley conceded while holding back tears, according to the paper (video): "I told Tom he won a great race. Tom will be a good leader. There are nine other people who would have loved to have a chance to do a runoff. I have enjoyed immensely the Dallas City Council," Mr. Oakley continued. "We really have set the city on a path to greatness. I truly, truly have enjoyed the ride."

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which assisted Oakley's campaign, praised the candidate: "They say 'close' doesn't count in politics, but Ed Oakley's historic campaign may have changed politics forever. That an openly gay man was a serious contender to become mayor of one the largest cities in America is a testament to the fair-mindedness of this country, and a wake-up call for the political establishment. Ed ran neck and neck with a self-funded opponent, but he never ran away from the truth about his sexual orientation. We are enormously proud of Ed and his campaign team, and grateful to our donors who believed in this campaign from its inception."

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Dallas May Elect First Openly Gay Mayor of a Major U.S. City

Tomorrow is the run-off election in Dallas between openly gay candidate Ed Oakley and Tom Leppert to fill the seat of outgoing mayor Laura Miller.

According to Reuters, "A poll this week by the Dallas Morning News showed Leppert had a narrow lead -- 47 percent of those polled versus 45 percent for Oakley. But the margin of error was 5.8 percent, meaning the race is too close to call. At least one conservative group has mounted a phone campaign against Oakley based in part on his sexual orientation...Heritage Alliance PAC, a conservative activist group, says it made phone calls last Saturday to 50,000 Dallas homes to inform them about the high crime rates and school drop-out rates in Oakley's district -- and his sexual orientation. 'We did not feel that the majority of voters knew Ed Oakley was a homosexual and we felt we needed to alert voters to that,' said Heritage Alliance vice president Clare Jones. Leppert's campaign described the calls as 'hateful' and said it did not want to be mistakenly associated with it."

Neither Leppert nor Oakley have made Oakley's sexual orientation an issue in the campaign.

Said Oakley campaign spokesman Craig Murphy: "The top issues are crime and taxes, which you would expect. That's what we are focusing on because that's what people are interested in."

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Dallas-Area Gay Bar Mable Peabody's Destroyed in Arson Blaze

Intruders vandalized, robbed, and set Mable Peabody's Beauty Parlor and Chainsaw Repair ablaze in Denton, Texas early Wednesday, destroying it. The gay bar has been around for decades, reports the Dallas Morning News:

"Margaret Honeycutt opened the club 27 years ago, Ms. Sanders said. Back then, she said, it was a brave move to open a club for gay men and women. Ms. Sanders said she has had no trouble and has no idea who might have set the fires. Ms. Sanders said that when she bought the club, she came up with the unusual name with the help of "a lot of wine." She wants to reopen, she said, but it's too soon to know what she will do. 'I think I lost my identity along with my business,' she said."

Sanders, who has owned Mable Peabody's for 13 years, says she has no idea why the club was targeted: "They broke in and took liquor and threw chairs all over the place. They destroyed the whole bar before they burned it. I wonder if it could have been a gay-bashing deal. I have no idea."

Blaze at Gay Club Ruled Arson [dallas morning news]

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News: Guy Ritchie, Lambda Lit Awards, Michael Savage, Condoms

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn to skip New York's St. Patrick's Day parade again and march in a parade in Dublin because the New York organizers still refuse to allow gays and lesbians to march. Quinn: "My participation in Dublin's parade is also an opportunity to march openly as a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community, something we have not been able to do in New York City," Quinn said in a statement Saturday. "I hope my participation in the Dublin march will send a message about the importance of inclusion."

Guy Ritchie: arrest me officer.

Radio host Michael Savage responds to the recent outcry following his hate-filled rant against Melissa Etheridge and her partner: "Those of you who think I'm your enemy -- if you think I'm a bigger enemy to you...then you're proving to me that liberalism is a mental disorder...You're mentally ill, and you need help. You need more help than you can imagine. But you'll be the last person to understand how sick you are."

Gay newspaper Capital Xtra in Ottawa, Canada claims city is illegally removing it from certain public facilities.

Iowa State University student groups to protest federal ban on gay blood-giving: "Up to 500 blood donations are expected to be lost as a result of the decision by Greek Week officials, said organizers of the Ames blood drive, the largest student-run blood drive in Iowa. The loss of that much blood comes at a time when Iowa blood banks are already seeing supplies run short because of recent storm-related cancellations of blood drives."

The Lambda Literary Award finalists have been announced. Congrats to all the nominees.

Not the happiest place on Earth: Disney bars same-sex union ceremonies from its parks. "On the Feb. 20th episode of The View, well-known wedding planner David Tutera appeared on the talk show to promote his David Tutera Couture Wedding Collection at Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, Fla. The collection allows the happy couple to choose between four elaborate wedding styles: classic elegance, simply chic, cocktail soiree and whimsical garden. But are those weddings available if there are two brides or two grooms? Short answer: no."

Mario Lopez takes his glistening pecs for a jog.

Bush approval rating: 29%.

Condom applicator named most beautiful object in South Africa: "The applicator, invented by Willem van Rensburg and designed by industrial designer Roelf Mulder of South Africa’s XYZ Design, allows a condom to be put on easily and rapidly. The user holds the device with the thumb and forefinger of both hands, pulling the condom down over the penis in a single rapid movement. It is hoped the design will encourage the use of condoms, thereby helping reduce the spread of AIDS."

George Michael to christen new Wembley stadium with June 9 concert.

Gay Dallas police officer under investigation over sexual harassment claims. Some say the claims are an effort to run him out of office.

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News: Second Life, German Moon, Meth Principal, Daniel Radcliffe

Honolulu Star Bulletin blasts non-vote on Hawaii same-sex union legislation: "More than 400 people submitted written or oral testimony on the bill and deserved the courtesy of a committee vote on the issue. Committee Chairman Tommy Waters' later said he chose not to call for a vote because most committee members opposed the bill, and he wanted to leave open the possibility of a compromise. That seems highly unlikely, given the strident polarization on the issue...The muzzling of the legislation by the Judiciary Committee was an affront to gay couples, who deserve a recorded vote and an explanation for the rejection of the measure."

Ex-boyfriend sighting inspires Lance Bass to dash for the door at West Hollywood Oscar party.

Florida city manager fired over sex-change operation: "Steve Stanton professed his love for the city and asked the people of Largo to support his decision to undergo a sex change and allow him to keep his $140,000-a-year job as city manager. To his sorrow, the answer came back no. Almost 500 people packed City Hall on Tuesday night for a special meeting to decide if they would accept someone named Susan instead of Steve as their top official. And while many spoke eloquently in his defense, more called for his ouster."

Not only was the principal dealing meth from his office, cops apparently found him naked playing with sex toys and watching gay porn. No doubt the Fundies will have a field day with this one.

The Dallas/Ft. Worth area is getting a really gay radio station.

Germany says they are ready to join the space race: " The head of the German Space Programme (DLR), Walter Doellinger, told the Financial Times Deutschland that it would be ready by 2013 to send an unmanned space shuttle to orbit the earth's only natural satellite."

Boy George writing songs for Kylie Minogue.

Been itching to see a bit more of Daniel Radcliffe (and not the photoshopped variety)? Well, here's a little more...

The sound of crickets at John Edwards' Second Life campaign headquarters.

This compendium of articles on Buzzfeed is so gay.

For the first time in 12 years, the New York City Gay Men's Chorus will devote a concert entirely to classical music.

More than 60 nations begin "International Polar Year" investigation of Arctic and Antarctic: "During the United Nations-backed International Polar Year, about 50,000 experts will be involved in hundreds of projects, such as studying Antarctic marine life or measuring ice from satellites."

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New JFK Dallas Footage Sheds Light on Conspiracy Theories

It's fascinating when something like this turns up, in this case because we've all seen the Zapruder footage so many times. The discovery of this new footage, filmed by George Jefferies moments before the president was shot and killed, presents at least one new piece of evidence that might shed light on theories behind the assassination:

"It...briefly shows the US president's coat bunched up on his back - a detail that will be scrutinised by conspiracy theorists who see evidence of a plot in, among other things, the fact the bullet wounds on Kennedy's jacket and body did not appear to match...The film was taken less than 90 seconds before the fatal shots were fired. 'It's interesting for the conspiracy researchers to study Kennedy's coat, which appears to be bunched up on his back,' [Sixth Floor Museum curator Gary] Mack said. Since Kennedy's jacket was riding high on his back, the entry wound in his body did not match the expected position in his coat - grist for the conspiracy mill that claims more than three shots were fired, he said."

If the Kennedy assassination had happened today, given the prevalence of cell phones and video cameras, no doubt there would have been hundreds of pieces of documentary evidence.

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Valerie Plame sues Cheney, Rove, and Libby for "conspiring to destroy her career." Plame and husband Joe Wilson have set up a website for their defense fund.

Remember that preview on Apple for 300 a while back? There's a new one on Moviefone with more on the fleshy Greek war adaptation.

The homeless woman who destroyed approximately 100 books in the gay and lesbian section of a Chicago branch library, has been indicted. Erica Graham has said she had no idea what section of the library she was torching, and her reason for lighting the fire was because she was angry a librarian wouldn't let her sleep there. She has been charged with attempted aggravated arson and criminal mutilation or vandalism of library material and sits in jail, unable to raise the $75,000 required for bail.

Gay & Lesbian Film Festival kicks off in Philadelphia.

Outrage as Italian editor publishes photo of dying Princess Diana. The photo...

Are we ready to hear Ricky Martin Unplugged?

Gay man wants to be Mayor of Dallas. Roger Herrera: "I want to make a difference, to try and really unite the city. We have to stop thinking in terms of black and white, North and South, rich and poor, gay and not gay. I know that is a grand vision. But if we reach for the stars, even if we miss we won’t come up with a handful of mud. We have to find the right mayor, and that will be someone who can speak to the wealthiest person in the city and the most economically challenged and make them all realize that we are all in this together."

Why does the New York Times choose the photos it does, what kind of equipment do its photographers use? A Q&A with Assistant Managing Editor for Photography Michele McNally.

Attention Gay Games attendees. Chicago shop Manifold is having a book signing for The Full Spectrum tomorrow, and donating 10 percent of the day's sales to the Center on Halsted. They promise to extend their donation to the Center for the entire week and donate 15% of sales if anyone mentions they read about it on Towleroad. So, if you're in the Windy City, hit them up. Here's a brief news piece about their store.

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