Indiana Abruptly Ends Negotiations with LGBT Youth Group Over 'Pride' License Plate

The Indiana Youth Group, an LGBT support group, was shocked this week when Indiana's bureau of Motor Vehicles abruptly ended negotiations over reinstating a specialty license plate that it, The Indiana Greenways Foundation and the Indiana 4-H Foundation had lost last year, the Indy Star reports:

...the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles ended its negotiations with the three groups, citing passage of a new state law that creates a legislative commission to recommend specialty plates.

The BMV issued a brief statement saying that it had “been in various levels of conversations with the groups about ending the suspensions. With the passage of the new law ... the legislature has stated its intent regarding the specialty group plates.”

The abrupt decision by the BMV has left the three groups frustrated and baffled.

The groups, the BMV said, now have the choice of going back through the appeals process, or taking their chances with the still-to-be-created legislative panel that will make recommendations for specialty plates to the BMV.

Conservative lawmakers were behind the revocation of the plate last spring. Indiana LGBT groups remain "very suspicious".

Indianapolis Colts Players Support Gays in NFL, Jason Collins: VIDEO

The Indianapolis Star stepped into the locker room of the Colts to see how they felt about Jason Collins' coming out and what it would be like if a similar thing happened in the NFL.

The players they talked to — Pat McAfee, Reggie Wayne, Cory Redding, T.Y. Hilton, and Greg Toler were unanimous in their opinions — it's a good thing, they'd have a gay player's back, and they're happy for Jason Collins.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

It wasn't so long ago that the Colts' image among gays was tarnished by then coach Tony Dungy, who was repeatedly involved in fundraisers for anti-gay groups. So this is great to see.

Said McAfee (above): “I think it’s a generational thing. Our locker room, a younger generation, is very much more accepting because we’ve been around more gay people. In the recent years, gay folks have been much more open. A lot of us have gay friends and we kind of understand that they’re just like us, they’re just interested in different things.”

Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-IN) Comes Out for Marriage Equality

Representative Pete Visclosky (D-IN) announced his support for marriage equality today. Visclosky's district is northwestern Indiana.

Wrote Visclosky on Facebook:

“I support marriage equality for all couples and believe that every single American should be able to marry the person they love. I believe that it is unfair that, under current law, same-sex couples are legally prohibited from taking advantage of the federal laws that provide financial and legal benefits to married couples. I believe that we can no longer allow the states to discriminate against same-sex marriages. Rather, I believe that the federal government should ensure that all consenting adults, no matter who they are or who they love, have the exact same marriage rights."

Viscslosky voted for DOMA in 1996. Today his spokesman said Visclosky "regrets that vote."

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1314

YOU HAVE A PURPOSE: Gays and allies launch a campaign in Indiana in response to homophobic teacher Diana Medley.

CUPCAKE MOUTH CATCH: Like a boss.

RYAN GOSLING: Embarrassed by a dish towel.

SETH MACFARLANE: Jimmy Kimmel visits him backstage at the Oscars and discovers that he's a hoarder.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.

Indiana Teacher (Probably Diana Medley) Suspended for Anti-Gay Remarks

An Indiana teacher has been suspended for anti-gay remarks, and you can probably guess who it is, the Indy Channel reports:

Superintendent Mark Baker of the Northeast School Corp. in western Indiana's Sullivan County issued a statement Wednesday saying the teacher has been placed on administrative leave and that state and local police are stationing officers at North Central Junior-Senior High School as a precaution because of "aggressive" email messages sent to the school and the teacher.

Baker did not identify the teacher, but special education teacher Diana Medley's comments have circulated widely on social networking sites amid news coverage of an alternative prom dance at a nearby school that would ban gay students.

Said Medley: "We don't agree with it (homosexuality), and it's offensive to us. Homosexual students come to me with their problems, and I don't agree with them, but I care about them. It's the same thing with my special needs kids. I think God puts everyone in our lives for a reason...I honestly don't [think gays have a purpose]. Sorry, but I don't. I don't understand it. A gay person isn't going to come up and make some change unless it's to realize that it was a choice and they're choosing God."

Gay EMT and Eagle Scout Killed in Tragic Ambulance Accident in Indianapolis, Made 'It Gets Better' Video: VIDEO

IEMS Private Timothy McCormick, a 24-year-old gay EMT from Greenwood, Indiana, was killed in a tragic accident early Saturday morning in Indianapolis when the ambulance he was in was struck by a 21-year-old woman WTHI-TV reports had alcohol on her breath when officers spoke with her after the crash.

McCormick was also an Eagle Scout and spent his time at health fairs educating people about CPR.

He made an 'It Gets Better' video posted to YouTube in December 2011, in which he said, in part:

"My name is Tim McCormick. I am an Eagle Scout, college student, and professional EMT living in Indianapolis, Indiana. I am a gay American adult. I have a brief but short message for you today...I want you to know that It Gets Better. Regardless of who you are. Regardless of your persona. academic, spiritual, professional, or sexual identity... The things that are happening today are only typical of the hard times in which we live... If you don't have anything, keep searching. If you've lost what you used to have., keep trying. Life isn't a dress rehearsal, and it's your time to shine. Right now..."

Watch his full It Gets Better video and the accident report, AFTER THE JUMP...

Flags were being flown at half staff in Indianapolis and city officials released statements:

"(He) was an amazing human being, had done a tremendous amount of community outreach for us, was always a vibrant representative for our service and loved his job. Absolutely loved his job at the end of the day," said Dr. Charles Miramonti, Director of the Indianapolis EMS. "This is not easy."

City-County President Maggie Lewis released a statement on the tragedy:

Our thoughts and prayers are with families of the ambulance driver who was tragically killed and the medic who was injured in this morning’s accident.  Emergency responders dedicate their lives to caring for the health and safety of everyone in our community.  The loss of life in the line of duty is a reminder of how precious life is and that we must live everyday to its fullest.

Saturday afternoon, Mayor Greg Ballard also released a statement regarding the accident:

"This is a terrible loss for Indianapolis EMS and our city. Our thoughts and prayers are with our public safety community and with the families. When we are most in need, IEMS takes care of us. Now it is our time as a community to take care of them. "

McCormick was originally from Staten Island, NY. His family is devastated.

Despite the Boy Scouts' ban on gay scouts and gay leaders in their organization, McCormick is just one example of the fact that there are many in their organization ALREADY, and they are respected, loved worthy contributors to communities, families, and society at large. May he rest in peace.

Watch his full It Gets Better video and the accident report, AFTER THE JUMP...