News: Catholics, Malaysia, Barbra Streisand, Wisconsin, The Moon

WaPo: 7,000 gay men have helped study AIDS in the past 25 years.

Facebook kills poll asking if Obama should be killed. Secret service investigates. UPDATE: Secret Service tracks down user who posted it.

Too Much! Salaries of The Hills cast per episode.

"Ex-gay" group calls hate crime laws "anti-ex-gay": "According to PFOX, hate crime laws protecting gays and lesbians themselves constitute hate crimes against ex-gays. Because if you tell people that they can’t beat up people because they’re gay, you discriminate against the people who beat up gay people because they are gay! It is you who are committing the “anti-ex-gay hate crime,” because if people aren’t allowed to hate gay people, how will PFOX ever find any ex-gay people?"

Atlanta Eagle court hearing postponed a second time.

Malaysia bans Sacha Baron Cohen's Bruno: "It's banned because the story is based on gay life ... There are a lot of sex scenes. It's contrary to our culture."

Isn't it a little early to hit the pumpkin patch, Hugh Jackman?

DJ AM death ruled accidental.

The Vatican defends its sexual abuse scandals by saying other churches are far worse, then claims their priests aren't pedophiles but homosexuals attracted to young men: "In a defiant and provocative statement, issued following a meeting of the UN human rights council in Geneva, the Holy See said the majority of Catholic clergy who committed such acts were not paedophiles but homosexuals attracted to sex with adolescent males.…The statement said that rather than paedophilia, it would 'be more correct' to speak of ephebophilia, a homosexual attraction to adolescent males."

Maine's Catholics fast to save marriage.

Janet Jackson makes amfAR appearance in Milan.

NYT Consults blog on questioning teens: "In trying to understand sexual orientation, it can help a person to think about who he or she has crushes on and fantasizes about being with. A person doesn’t necessarily need to have a 'full' sexual experience in order to understand his or her sexual orientation."

Australian court hears gay panic defense from two men in murder trial.

Gerard Butler pigs out, shows off his cock.

Mattel to offer Barbra Streisand doll.

Billboards in Wisconsin highlight LGBT neighbors: "The campaign is a first in Midwest history to be translated to Spanish, and one of the firsts across the country. Digital billboards will be featured on major commuter freeway paths, which include ads in Ozaukee, Racine, Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. The accompanying websites, GayNeighbor.org and MiVecinoGay.org, answers basic questions in Spanish and English about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender (LGBT) community and issues they face."

The speech William Safire wrote for Richard Nixon if the astronauts were left stranded on the moon.

Rufus Wainwright: Cheese-eating Ken doll.

OMG interviews Karin Dreijer Andersson of Fever Ray and The Knife.

Graham Norton given warning about lesbian remark: "Norton, 46, and his programme team have now been warned about 'being seen to endorse offensive sexual stereotypes' after a BBC investigation. This comes after a viewer complained about the remarks made about an illustration of a jump suit invention, which showed a large woman with short hair. The comic described the picture as showing a 'strange lesbian' and when asked what a lesbian looks like, he pointed at the picture and said 'That!'."

News: Roman Polanski, Frog, Angela Merkel, ENDA, Graham Norton

Blake Hayes, the gay man at the center of the NYC gay bashing over the weekend, asks that you stop calling McCoy's Bar, in front of which the incident occurred, because the owner is cooperating.

Equality Texas offices vandalized in possible hate crime.

Report: Madonna to marry Jesus in "lavish ceremony".

Conservative columnist and Nixon speechwriter William Safire dies.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry: Make ENDA top priority. "I believe that if we all concentrate our efforts where it needs to be concentrated, which is on the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, we can get the job done. If we can get ENDA enacted and signed into law, it is only a matter of time before all the rest happens. It is the keystone that holds up the whole bunch, and so we need to focus our energies and attention there."

Graham Norton criticized for calling model a lesbian: "I don't know why they've got some strange lesbian to be the model." The BBC asks: is it ok for gay men to joke about lesbians?

If you're wondering why Hugh Jackman has a topless mermaid tattoo on his arm, click here.

Fugitive director Roman Polanski arrested in Switzerland. (video) Men's art prioritized over women's safety?

Male model fix: Holden Nowell.

Observers: Mormon church regressing on gay issues. "The church has a long way to go to get into the 21st century. They're making incremental movements. What Hafen has done is take them back 25 years."

A few major How I Met Your Mother spoilers...

Friends: the movie?

Erotic festival in Buenos Aires opens to gay groups for first time: "Over 30 exhibitors include TV channels for adults, toys and erotic clothing, aphrodisiac dolls, new technologies, DVDs, piercings and tattoos, cosmetics, anime, books and magazines."

Simon Cowell turns 50, pens lengthy birthday card to himself.

Blogger Pam Spaulding delivers keynote address at NC Pride 2009.

Fanged frog discovered in remote Thailand hungry for birds.

A day in the life of the Approve Referendum 71 campaign.

Angela Merkel claims victory; Germany to get openly gay foreign minister: "The 47-year old from Bonn will become Germany’s first openly homosexual vice-chancellor and could win more than the normal three cabinet positions traditionally reserved for the junior partner in a coalition government."

Bradley Cooper house hunts in L.A.

Boston College Law School defends right of Professor Scott Fitzgibbons to participate in anti-gay "Yes on 1" Maine marriage ad: "Professor Fitzgibbon, as a member of our faculty, is free to express his views … we also have faculty members who hold a contrary view, which they too are free to express publicly. As I think any of our faculty might have done, he stated his views without prior notice to or clearance from the Law School."

Dozens Arrested at Gay Rights Demonstration in Moscow

A gay rights demonstration in Moscow on Saturday to coincide with the Eurovision Song Contest finals was broken up by police who arrested between 20 and 40 people.

The L.A. Times reports: "Shortly after noon, about a dozen activists stood on a nearby lawn of thick grass and blossoming lilac bushes and began to shout slogans. 'Homophobia is a shame!' they chanted. The demonstration lasted for about a minute before the police set upon them from all sides, clambering through the shrubs and knocking news cameramen out of the way to seize the demonstrators, pin their arms behind their backs and drag them off into waiting buses and patrol wagons. They knew it would be a struggle. The city government has repeatedly denied their permit requests. Police in the past have stood aside while ultranationalist skinheads beat gay activists bloody -- then arrested the activists, not the skinheads. (Skinheads, unlike gays, have been permitted to march in Moscow.) This year, the government seemed particularly incensed. Eurovision should have been a proud moment for the Russian authorities, a lighthearted celebration badly needed after bitter conflict with Europe over the war in Georgia and natural gas shut-offs."

A second wave of demonstrators arrived shortly after the first group was arrested. They too, were hauled away by police.

Among those arrested were British activist Peter Tatchell of the group Outrage, Russian activist Nikolai Alexeyev, and Chicago-based activist Andy Thayer of the gay liberation network.

Chicago-based activist Andy Thayer reports on the experience of his arrest and offers an update on the situation:

"Around mid-day today, Moscow Time, all of our people were finally released. Holding him and other key activists well past the mandated three hour time limit, the Russian authorities are trying to make an example of Moscow Pride’s foremost organizer, Nikolai Alekseev, by slapping multiple charges on him beyond the traditional “demonstrating without a permit” violation. Even though he is finally released following a hearing this morning, Alekseev’s attorney Dmitri Bartenev told me that the exact nature of the charges against Alekseev aren’t clear, except that since he has been released, he cannot now be sentenced to jail time. Bartenev and the public were barred from this morning’s hearing. Alekseev faces trial on May 26. Despite the violent attack by OMOH cops, the Russian equivalent of SWAT police, fortunately no one was seriously injured. Also, after some initial very worrying reports about threats to deport our Belorussian friends, who might in turn face incarceration by their country’s dictatorial regime, we’re happy to report that they have been released."

Here's CNN's report. And AfterElton wonders if out comedian and Eurovision Song Contest host Graham Norton, should have made more of the arrests than the single statement he made, during the show, without further explanation: "Heavy-handed policing has really marred what has been a fantastic Eurovision."

Seven videos regarding the arrest, including interviews with Peter Tatchell and Andy Thayer, AFTER THE JUMP....

Gay Activists in Moscow Thwarted [la times]

VIDEOS, AFTER THE JUMP...

Graham Norton Drags Out for La Cage Aux Folles

Graham Norton is about to make his stage musical debut in the London production of La Cage Aux Folles. His performances begin January 19th when he begins in the role of Alban.

Norton told The Times: "I’ve never before done actual drag and it’s quite a shock, I can tell you. You look at yourself as the slap goes on and you think, ‘It’s me. It’s me. It’s still me.’ Then comes a tipping point – the lips? The wig? – and suddenly it’s, ‘Oh my God! Who is that?’"

In the lengthy interview, he also remarked about the show's classic tune "I Am What I Am". Says Norton: “Which these days is a hackneyed anthem drag queens and fag hags everywhere sing at the drop of a hat. But back when I first heard it all those years ago, it was incredibly moving, both in terms of where I was in my own life and where gay culture was – a whole generation about to be decimated by Aids. The idea that what people laugh at and deride you for is also what makes you special is definitely something I can relate to. As a kid, I was very much afraid of my own campness. In terms of self-acceptance as a young man it was my biggest hurdle, and that’s why the song’s lyric and attitude spoke to me so powerfully. Of course, age and experience alters your perspective. Now, at 45, the number that gets me the most is The Best of Times. Seize the moment! None of us knows how much longer we’ve got.”

Watch a clip of Norton in La Cage (he doesn't sing he claims, because his voice is 'embargoed' until the show begins), AFTER THE JUMP...

News: David Campos, Rainbow Flag, Amy Balliett, OJ, John Waters

Towleroad has been nominated in the 2008 AfterElton Visibility Awards! Vote for your favorites here.

"Join the Impact" co-founder Amy Balliett's wedding photos.

Oklahoma lesbians denied divorce. Tulsa Beacon: "The bizarre case started when two women, reportedly 'married' in Canada filed for divorce in Tulsa. The divorce document, which had initials instead of first names, didn’t show that the two parties were both women. Cait O’Darling used the name 'C. O’Darling' in filing for the divorce from 'S. O’Darling,' who was later identified as Stephanie Meissen. O’Darling claims they were 'married' in Toronto in 2003. A judge unwittingly granted the divorce, thinking it was a man and a woman. He later vacated that decision and the two women appealed."

Huge crowd shows up for swearing in of new gay San Francisco Supervisor David Campos.

Assailant in election night rainbow flag attack was the legislative aide of Del. Jackson Miller (R-Prince William): "Bryan Fumagalli, 28, was arrested Nov. 22 on two counts of simple assault, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. 'I'm very disappointed in his actions,' Miller said today. 'He's being dealt with and being disciplined.' Police say Fumagalli assaulted one of two gay men who were walking outside the Capitol Hilton Hotel to a victory rally near the White House. They say he grabbed a rainbow flag, a gay rights symbol, from one of the men and assaulted him. Fumagalli has a court hearing Jan. 13."

Dog's best friend: Pooch drags injured friend off road.

The RNC actually spent $180,000 for Palin family wardrobe, and she's still wearing it.

O.J. Simpson gets 15 years. He'll serve at least 9.

Prosecutor asks court to rule on the validity of Greek same-sex marriages, which were held on the island of Tilos in June.

Profiles in Marriage: Britney ex Jason Alexander locked up at Los Angeles County Twin Towers prison.

Massachusetts state trooper gives speeding ticket to woman in labor.

South Carolina school principal Eddie Walker, who said he would resign in May over the formation of a gay-straight alliance at his school, has apparently changed his mind.

John Waters names his top films of 2008.

Graham Norton to emcee Eurovision Song Contest.

NPR: Racial divisions challenge gay rights movement.

Cleve Jones on the Feast of Fools podcast.

Christian group demands apology for Prop 8: The Musical.

Slugger: A-Rod and Madonna "just friends."

Hunk du Jour interviews Andrew Oldershaw, who had a hand in making these.

New Zealand neo-Nazi who killed gay man gets second life sentence for murder of South Korean backpacker.

Joe Satriani sues Coldplay for "Viva La Vida" plagiarism.

Prosecutors revisit charges in beating of gay men in Utah: "Salt Lake County prosecutors are taking another look at the case of two gay men who were severely beaten after one of them, David James Bell, allegedly kidnapped a neighbor's children. In August, prosecutors cited a lack of evidence and declined to file assault or burglary charges against the suspects in the attack, who are related to the children. But now, attorneys are again reviewing the beating, particularly the alleged attack on Bell's boyfriend, Dan Fair. Prosecutors are now reviewing the case 'under different theory,' said Deputy District Attorney Alicia Cook. She said no new facts have come to light."

News: Shane Mercado, Kalamazoo, Nicolas Sarkozy, Bad Christians

Cincinnati Christian University’s chief financial officer Robert Williams arrested on gay 'sexual imposition' charges.

Aussie Idol star Anthony Callea says coming out has had minimal career impact: "You really have to be comfortable with yourself before you make that step. Everybody has an opinion. People say, 'You should have been up front about it', but you need to be comfortable. You don't want to get to 30 or 40 and be dealing with your sexuality. I wanted to do it my way. I didn't want my label or management to be a part of it, I wanted to write my own statement and express what I've gone through and dealt with."

Beyoncé and "Single Ladies" YouTube superstar Shane Mercadocome face-to-face at premiere of Cadillac Records.

Kentucky police officer convicted of murder of gay student who was his lover.

Former gay prostitute turned Christian extremist Bill Whatcott terrorizing Edmonton, Alberta residents with gay hate and anti-abortion flyers.

Roman Catholic priests told not to offend gays with "heterosexist" language.

Lance Bass on the move?

Kalamazoo, Michigan approves gay rights ordinance: "The city of Kalamazoo has stepped beyond existing state and federal laws, making it illegal to use sexual orientation to discriminate in housing, public accommodations and employment. The Kalamazoo City Commission voted 7-0 Monday night to adopt an expanded anti-discrimination ordinance that makes it a municipal civil infraction to discriminate against gays, lesbians and transgender citizens."

Graham Norton to join West End La Cage Aux Folles revival.

Nicolas Sarkozy doesn't have many new ideas, apparently.

David Gregory to host Meet the Press.

Thatcham, UK man warned he may go to prison for harassing his gay neighbors: "Philip Prior, aged 44, of Malthouse Close, was found guilty of harassing his neighbours Stephen Guy and Glynn Morton. Reading Magistrates’ Court heard how Mr Prior shouted homophobic comments, sang anti-gay songs and pinned gay pornographic images to the outside of his neighbours’ home. Mr Prior denied the offence claiming that any song he had sung was for his entertainment only. The court heard on Wednesday of last week how Mr Prior regularly changed the words in song lyrics to make them sound anti-gay, which he would sing loudly in his garden. Giving evidence, Mr Guy said he and his partner were subject to regular taunts from the defendant. The taunts grew so bad that the couple started making notes of the dates, times and details of all the comments."

Gay UK man kills lover on houseboat, stages cover up, court hears.

Report: Patrick Swayze's health failing. Swayze responds.

One of Gossip Girl's allegedly gay duo spotted swapping spit with female co-star.

Brad Pitt rebuilds New Orleans.

Producer Jon Peters slapped with male sexual harassment suit: " In a lawsuit filed this week in Los Angeles Superior Court, Brian Quintana - a co-producer with Peters on the upcoming 'Superman: Man of Steel' - alleges that Peters subjected him to 'continuous and pervasive sexual harassment.' The suit states there were 'multiple instances where he was physically, sexually harassed by Peters, including being groped by male individuals at Peters' behest.' Peters would 'wrestle and rough up [Quintana] in a sexual manner... fondle himself in front of [Quintana]...often place his hand on [Quintana's] leg in a sexual manner,' as well as 'touch' his buttocks, the suit alleges. In addition, according to the suit, Peters demanded that Quintana 'drive male individuals onto the set for the purposes of granting sexual favors for members of the cast and crew [and] cover up allegations that . . . Peters engaged in sexually inappropriate acts in front of children.'" (via boy culture)

Researcher: "Undesirable" gay men engage in riskier behavior.

California priest instructs parishioners to go to confession if they voted for 'pro-abortion' Obama.