News: Myanmar, Eddie Cibrian, Coldplay, Hung, Shia LaBeouf

Dutch gay couple have been foster parents to over 100 children.

Even though the death toll could exceed that of the southeast Asian tsunami, the Myanmar government has refused U.S. aid: "The junta not only wouldn't allow U.S. aid planes to fly in badly needed supplies, they also continued to refuse visas to United Nations relief teams trying to get in to make sure the aid gets to the victims. Despite the military clampdown, reports of the horrendous toll the storm was taking on Myanmar's people began trickling out."

Sick: Kardashian sisters make a joke out of Myanmar/Burma situation, record PSA while trying on closet of dresses.

Is Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" single stolen from French pop starlet Alizée? Listen and you be the judge.

Alexander Payne signs on to direct HBO dark comedy Hung, about a man with a huge endowment: "'Hung' revolves around a well-endowed man who is plodding along in middle age as a struggling father and high school coach. The character was once a high school sports legend, and his luck returns when he figures out a way to use his best asset. 'Think of him like Spider-Man,' Burson told Daily Variety last month. 'He's an average guy who gets in touch with his innate superpowers.'"

Turkey's gay magazine Kaos GL just published its 100th edition.

Washington University students, PFLAG in uproar over school's decision to award anti-gay, anti-feminist crusader Phyllis Schlafly an honorary doctorate at May 16 commencement.

Queercents has 10 money questions for DNC Treasurer Andrew Tobias. On political contributions: "Politics is tacky and all the awful things it is — but you can’t have democracy without politics, and politics requires money. That said, it’s wonderful how the balance of power is shifting away from the $500,000 and $5 million contributions (now illegal) — and even the $28,500 contributions (the current annual max to a federal political party like the DNC) — to the potential for millions of $10 and 25 and $100 and $250 contributions over the Internet."

Porn police pair on patrol at Seattle gay bars: "'We have judges, attorneys, police officers, who all come in here because it's a safe place for them,' said [Seattle Eagle manager Keith] Christiansen. 'This kind of attention [from the police] has cut my business in half.' Back in 1998, Christiansen says he went before the liquor board and asked for permission to display his posters. In spite of the law, he says, they let him do it. But because of an increase in enforcement in the area and, Christiansen says, the fact that O'Neill and Gallagher are new to the neighborhood, that era of tacit acceptance has ended. 'This is a whole new breed of people,' he said. 'They don't understand what the Hill is about.'"

Eddie Cibrian on Ugly Betty: hey, coach.

Four openly gay candidates seek seats in Georgia General Assembly.

Isaiah Washington pissed that ABC is using his photo in Grey's Anatomy promotion. Rep: "Isaiah has no plans to go back to Grey's Anatomy ... That being said, we were more than a little surprised that ABC used his likeness in a promo for the show, and indeed advanced his character's storyline. Mr. Washington's attorney has contacted the Screen Actors Guild and ABC as to the appropriateness of that action."

Shia LaBeouf and Andy Samberg play in the bushes.

Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute announces massive grant to fund gay leaders: "The David Bohnett Foundation has teamed with the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute (GLLI) to help the organization sponsor lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender public officials in attending one of the nation’s most prestigious mid-career executive development programs — the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. The program, to be named the David Bohnett Gay & Lesbian Leadership Fellows, is being funded by a $500,000 grant to GLLI."

Time's 100 most influential honored.

Sphere: Related Content

News: Voyager 2, Liza Minnelli, Morocco, Florida Gay Marriage Ban

Group proposing amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Florida reaches necessary 611,009 signature goal: " One of the signatures belongs to Gov. Charlie Crist, although the state's top Republican has not trumpeted the issue during his first year in office." And why is this significant?

Liza Minnelli collapses, tumbles off stage in Sweden...

Human Rights Watch demands Morocco overturn the convictions of six men sentenced to prison for homosexual conduct: "The men have been in jail since they were first arrested by the police between November 23 and 25, 2007, after a video circulated online – including on YouTube – purporting to show a private party, allegedly including the men, taking place in Ksar el-Kbir on November 18. Press reports claimed the party was a 'gay marriage.' Following the arrests, hundreds of men and women marched through the streets of Ksar el-Kbir, denouncing the men’s alleged actions and calling for their punishment."

Shooter at New Life, Ted Haggard's former Mega-church, may be a victim of the church's ex-gay reparative therapy program.

Spice Girls reveal their aircraft: Spice One.

Arctic ice melting at alarming pace: "An already relentless melting of the Arctic greatly accelerated this summer, a warning sign that some scientists worry could mean global warming has passed an ominous tipping point. One even speculated that summer sea ice would be gone in five years...'The Arctic is often cited as the canary in the coal mine for climate warming,' said NASA climate scientist Jay Zwally, who as a teenager hauled coal. 'Now as a sign of climate warming, the canary has died. It is time to start getting out of the coal mines.'"

Plaque to be laid commemorating site of early gay bar, honoring Black Cat Cafe's role in San Francisco's gay rights movement.

Gay cruise plans March takeover of tropical island in Australia.

Ben Cohen gets suddenly modest for Gay Times.

Spain recognizes UK couple's civil partnership after protracted campaign: "Their campaign paid off, as the Spanish government has now agreed to recognise the civil partnerships of UK lesbian and gay couples. 'We visited the British Consul on 29th November to change our status in our passports,' the couple told PinkNews.co.uk. 'We have made a little bit of history by becoming the first UK same-sex couple resident in Spain to have their civil partnership acknowledged in law and in the observations section of our passports.'"

Voyager 2 probe reaches edge of solar system...

Isaiah Washington shows up unannounced to join Grey's Anatomy cast on "diversity day" at the writer's strike: "Asked if Washington was with the Grey's group, Heigl, who had previously publicly criticized Washington told The Daily News, 'He's not with me.' But Washington denied there were problems with his former co-workers. 'They're former castmates. I've been in over 25 movies, I have lots of former castmates.' he said."

Gay Washington D.C. council member calls for transit police probe after recent alleged anti-gay assault on Metro train.

Sphere: Related Content

Isaiah Washington to Open Star Jones Talk Show

Star Jones will interview Isaiah Washington on the first episode of her new Court TV talk show, today at 3pm, reports Entertainment Weekly:

"How does this all relate to Jones' law-themed show? '[Washington is] clearly in the middle of a story that involves law and ethics and values and judgment,' Jones said. 'But also, he has a brand-new show that brings up ethical considerations. We're excited about The Bionic Woman, but there are ethical considerations [there] because we in our technology right now are moving to replacing limbs, and we're moving in the whole area of stem cell research, we're moving in the area of cloning and whether or not it can actually be done with a human. And in reality, that's what you're doing with The Bionic Woman, you're playing God. And so I get an opportunity to talk about those kinds of issues.'"

You may have missed...
Isaiah Washington Congratulates T.R. Knight on Emmy Nom [tr]
Isaiah Washington Grateful for Second Chances [tr]

Sphere: Related Content

ABC's Stephen McPherson Not Happy with NBC's Washington Grab

ABC entertainment president Stephen McPherson questioned whether NBC's Ben Silverman, who earlier this month hired embattled actor Isaiah Washington for a guest spot on Bionic Woman and reportedly offered him a development deal, "was living in a cave" when he said he didn't understand the circumstances surrounding Washington's getting the shaft from ABC.

According to TV Guide, Silverman told reporters that he and Washington had conversations "before he became available." Said Silverman: "When he told me he was available I was like, 'You are? Wait, I don't understand. What do you mean? You're a huge star on a star television show. I don't quite understand what had gone on there."

McPherson's reportedly not happy with the disregard or ignorance shown to the ABC situation: "If (Silverman) was in fact talking to him before he was available, that's inducement to breach. So I don't know, he's either clueless or stupid."

ABC Exec Calls NBC Clueless or Stupid" About Isaiah [tv guide]

Recently
Isaiah Washington Makes Bionic Leap to NBC [tr]
Isaiah Washington Grateful for Second Chances [tr]

Sphere: Related Content

Isaiah Washington Congratulates T.R. Knight on Emmy Nom

Isaiah Washington, who purposely did not submit his name for Emmy consideration for his work on Grey's Anatomy, yesterday congratulated former co-star T.R. Knight on his nomination in an interview with Billy Bush on Access Hollywood.

Said Washington: "T.R. Knight is a good actor. He has been a wonderful actor from day one. T.R. Knight, congratulations. He finally got the attention he deserved. Whether or not it serves any particular agenda that he’s nominated now, to make a point, I can’t speak on that. That’s theoretical. I don’t know, but good for him."

Washington also explained why he chose to bow out of the awards consideration: "It wasn’t about not submitting because I was afraid of the backlash. I didn’t want the pain of being nominated and losing. I didn’t have a good time at the last Emmys. It was the stress of 'Are we going to win? Are we going to win?' the whole day. I remember being on the red carpet and it was hot and my wife and I had the biggest argument because of my nerves."

Bush and Washington also briefly discussed, once again, the second f-bomb slur Washington used at the Golden Globes ceremony, saying that it was an "attempt to disarm everybody and address the big elephant in the room."

Admitted Washington: "It backfired hugely."

You may have missed...
Isaiah Washington Grateful for Second Chances [tr]
Isaiah Washington Makes Bionic Leap to NBC [tr]

Sphere: Related Content

News: Amy Sedaris, Iraq Filibuster, Val Kilmer, Spice Girl Fakes

Campaign filings show that embattled actor Isaiah Washington contributed $2,300 to the presidential campaign of Illinois Senator Barack Obama.

Fake Spice: When the Spice Girls reunite this Christmas, so will their impostors.

The South Pacific Games are coming up next month and a controversial memo sent out by Team Samoa banning gay sex during the games and asking athletes "not to embarrass themselves" because homosexual activities are against the law of God was a mistake, says Samoa National Olympic Committee president and organising committee chairman, Tapasu Leung Wai: "[Wai] has ordered that the rules be changed. Mr Leung Wai told Radio Australia Sport's Tanya O'Shea the instructions were a draft, were not endorsed by the SASANOC and should not have been released to the press. 'I regret that it appeared that gay people were being singled out in the draft instructions,' he said. 'Team managers agreed yesterday that the reference be deleted.'"

AfterElton looks at Chuck Panozzo, Rob Halford, Doug Pinnick, Michael Stipe, Morrissey, Bob Mould, Joe Jackson, Neil Tennant, and other musicians who straddle the closet.

Made in Brazil has coverage of the tragic plane crash in Brazil. At least 200 confirmed dead.

Think Progress liveblogged the Iraq filibuster last night.

Is Val Kilmer bulking up for a movie role, or just plain hungry?

Finding a home after leaving home, gay Native Americans reclaim tradition in New York City: "Mr. Pruden and Mr. VanWanseele are regulars at the meetings of a group called the NorthEast Two-Spirit Society, which are usually held at the American Indian Community House in Lower Manhattan or at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in Greenwich Village. The name of the Two-Spirit Society is meant to convey the idea that a gay Indian has both masculine and feminine qualities along with traditional cultural values, Mr. VanWanseele said. The group has only about 15 members, but it works to raise enough money to pay for community outreach projects and cultural offerings, like classes focusing on traditional American Indian dance. The group also maintains a Web site, ne2ss.typepad.com, that has recorded more than 60,000 hits since 2005, Mr. VanWanseele said."

Britain's version of Wife Swap planning to switch a lesbian mom with a homophobic farmer: "The farmer is very prejudiced, and initially he’s horrified living with the lesbian. His wife is none too happy either. But it’s interesting to see what happens . . . it’s not what you’d expect."

Strangers with Candy's Jerri Blank may come to Springfield for the 500th episode of The Simpsons.

Rose's Turn, a piano bar that has been open in Greenwich Village for 17 years, will shut its doors on Sunday. Owner: It's time to move on. There just isn't much demand for this type of establishment anymore."

NPR looks at the thriving gay community in Lebanon.

Family of South Carolina gay bashing murder victim Sean William Kennedy presents plaque and thanks the nurses who comforted them. Mother: "When I was about ready to collapse at his bedside they were right by me. There were tears that we shed together. The kindness and compassion and love that the nurses and staff showed us was greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. I will never forget them for that."

Sphere: Related Content

Isaiah Washington Grateful for Second Chances

Isaiah Washington talked to the Associated Press about his upcoming extended guest star role on the new fall show Bionic Woman:

"I'm humbled by this opportunity. What I always wanted to put at the forefront is my creativity, that thing I want to do, which is act...If there are issues with other actors (he is referring to a tiff about cast tardiness with Patrick Dempsey that he says began the whole incident), it's not my problem. I'm not a hero, babysitter, big brother. I'm the employee, too."

And NBC's Ben Silverman recalled his decision to hire the actor following his firing: "[I thought] 'Gosh, it would great to get him, get a great actor on our air.' It's like A-Rod leaving the Yankees in midseason...I really thought about him as an actor. I feel like he's a wonderful actor and everyone deserves a second chance."

Sphere: Related Content

Isaiah Washington Makes Bionic Leap to NBC

They can rebuild him.

NBC is set to announce that Isaiah Washington, whose contract ABC decided not to renew for another season on the hit show Grey's Anatomy following months of controversy after his much-publicized gay slurs, will guest star on the NBC's remake of The Bionic Woman this fall.

USA Today reports that the actor has also designed a development deal with the network "to star in a potential action drama he pitched to the network for the 2008-09 TV season."

Said Katherine Pope, president of NBC's Universal Media Studios: "[Isiaiah Washington is] a brilliant actor...I think people watch characters on TV, not personalities."

Washington has reportedly signed on for "at least five episodes" of Bionic Woman. According to the paper, "he'll play an outsider with a mysterious agenda who is introduced early in the series and may either help the superpowered Jamie (Michelle Ryan, in the role first played by Lindsay Wagner) or take her down."

Washington to return to network TV [tr]

You may have missed...
Isaiah Washington: There's No Rehab for Homophobia [tr]
Isaiah Washington Says T.R. Knight Should Have Been Fired [tr]

Sphere: Related Content

Isaiah Washington on "Larry King Live" Tonight

Embattled actor Isaiah Washington will appear on "Larry King Live" tonight (9 p.m. on CNN) to give his side of the story about being fired by "Grey's Anatomy" last month. His L.A. publicist, Howard Bragman, was quoted in the New York Post as saying: "Everything is fair game. We didn't set any ground rules with Larry." (Too bad they didn't set a ground rule that Larry must actually listen what his guest is saying and not interrupt him every three minutes, but I digress.)

Bragman went on to say that "what a lot of people don't know is that Isaiah was gagged by ABC. That's one reason he can (now) do these interviews." Gagged? With all due respect to Mr. Washington's First Amendment rights, this man hasn't stopped talking since ABC dropped him -- and seems to be suffering from what is arguably the most well-documented case of foot-in-mouth disease in modern history. If I were Washington I would call for some serious public relations back-up. If Bragman is the flack who suggested this (latest) high-profile interview, one has to wonder if he's the same guy representing Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez's long-suffering wife. While the "best defense is a strong offense" plan may be appropriate in some cases, all I can think now is what are these people thinking?

Previously:

Isaiah Washington Says T.R. Knight Should Have Been Fired [tr]

Isaiah Washington: There's No Rehab for Homophobia [tr]

Sphere: Related Content

Isaiah Washington: There's No Rehab for Homophobia

Isaiah Washington has done yet another interview, in which he says he believes race was a major issue in his firing:

"It didn't help me on the set that I was a black man who wasn't a mush-mouth Negro walking around with his head in his hands all the time. … I had a person in human resources tell me after this thing played out that 'some people' were afraid of me around the studio. I asked her why, because I'm a 6'1" black man with dark skin and who doesn't go around saying 'Yessah, massa sir' and 'No sir, massa' to everyone?''

He also says that the "homophobia rehab" that ABC sent him to was a farce:

"There is no rehab for homophobia—that was just some crap being put out by the network. I went into an executive counseling program which many people in this industry know about and go to. They knew what the program was but chose to call it what they wanted to fit their agenda. And more importantly, I volunteered for it because I wanted to understand my fight with Patrick and how it got out of hand like that. I wanted to know what I could do to avoid it happening again...I thought them sending me meant they actually wanted me to succeed and come out on the other end."

Diary of an Angry Black Man [newsweek]

Sphere: Related Content

News: Nancy Grace, Seattle Bears, Scientology, Tim McGraw, Kylie

Human Rights Campaign launches "Back Story" blog.

Isaiah Washington will join Larry King on Monday, July 2. Meanwhile, Washington has reportedly been in Talks with NBC about a possible deal, but those talks have stalled.

TAB: Hook-handed convicted terrorist Abu Hamza realizes his nurse is gay after two years and is now refusing treatment. Source: "The nurse is upset about it. He has spent the last couple of years doing everything for Hamza, even wiping his bottom. It shows how little respect Hamza has for others. The nurse dresses him, washes him, cleans his teeth, cuts his toenails, trims his beard and applies ointment for his skin disorder. His nurse is open about being gay. He even speaks with a camp voice. His nickname is Queenie. Hamza has been refusing treatment while he is on duty but he won't be able to keep that up because it is causing him a great deal of discomfort."

Democrats Tom Lantos (D-Calif.) and Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.) urge State Department to rehire discharged gay Arabic translators: “We are writing to urge the Department of State to take a specific step — the hiring of our unfairly dismissed, language-qualified soldiers — so our nation might salvage something positive from the lamentable results of this benighted policy."

Kylie Minogue fever hits Manchester as artifact exhibit arrives.

Armistead Maupin talks about his keepsake dragon and the years he spent in Vietnam.

CNN's Nancy Grace announces that she secretly married - with twins. 'Thank you, friend'.

Tim McGraw also shows off his baby bump.

Cult members not allowed: Tom Cruise banned from shooting hitler film in Germany because he belongs to Scientology. "The U.S. actor has been cast as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, leader of the unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the Nazi dictator in July 1944 with a bomb hidden in a briefcase. Defence Ministry spokesman Harald Kammerbauer said the film makers 'will not be allowed to film at German military sites if Count Stauffenberg is played by Tom Cruise, who has publicly professed to being a member of the Scientology cult.'"

Seattle Bears win Slog Pride Parade awards: "This two-sided float, created by Northwest Bears, was the crowd favorite. Hell, it made both of Seattle’s daily papers, displacing the usual shots of drag queens and half-naked lesbians on Harleys. Featuring a tub full of hairy daddies covered in suds, 'Bears, Bath and Beyond' was funny and sexy, camp and butch, and the unanimous choice of our judges."

Contrary to some reports, The View has actually lost viewers since Rosie O'Donnell's departure, to the tune of 400,000: "According to figures obtained from Nielsen/Soundscan by our research department, 'The View' sank like a stone during the first two weeks of June, right after Rosie left. Indeed, 'The View' suffered a 13 percent decline in household ratings, and a 9 percent decline in overall ratings during the combined weeks of June 4 and 11 compared with Rosie's last two weeks."

WWE star Chris Benoit in double homicide-suicide: "The details, when they come out, are going to prove a little bizarre."

Sphere: Related Content

News: Junior Vasquez, Gay Republicans, Speeders, Price is Right,

Isaiah Washington continues to speak out about his unjust firing: "All of this I'm saying to you has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he's gay. [T.R. Knight] came out October 19 as purely a tactical move to do exactly what it did, get public opinion in an outrage to lead them to believe that he is being picked on because he is gay. He could care less about the gay community."

DJ Junior Vasquez warns against crystal meth — "Don't touch that shit. It'll suck your soul and ruin your life, and it'll take years to get it back" — and working with Cyndi Lauper — "I think she's immensely talented, but she's a control freak with bizarre ideas. She's a royal pain in the ass to work with."

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's gay appointees: "Nowhere in the releases from the governor's office will you find any mention of the fact that seven of his appointments hail from the LGBT community. But since 2005 he has selected six gay men and one lesbian for political posts, three Republicans, two Democrats, and one independent."

Not coming on down: Rosie O'Donnell won't be doing The Price is Right after all.

Sunil Pant, founder of Nepal's Blue Diamond Society, the only LGBT support group in Nepal and the winner of the prestigious 2007 Felipa de Souza Award from the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, speaks out about what it's like to be gay in Nepal - MP3 interview.

Can Kelly Clarkson survive her clash with music mogul Clive Davis?

Madonna buys sixth London property for £6 million: "The American singer and her husband Guy Ritchie last week signed a contract on the 10-bedroom Georgian townhouse in London's Marylebone. It adjoins the eight-bedroom property the couple live in with children Lourdes, 10, and Rocco, six. They also own two nearby mews houses, which are occupied by staff, and two other houses in central London...Madonna faced competition for the house from comedian Jennifer Saunders and photographer Mario Testino.

Paris Hilton to leave jail on Tuesday, have sitdown with Larry King. Illustration courtesy Pretty on the Outside.

CNN looks at gay adoption: "For the Manford-Roach family, difficulties arose when they first tried to hyphenate [their son] Jackson's last name. The judge overseeing the legal procedure in Dallas, Texas, crumpled up the paper and threw it over her shoulder when she realized they were a same-sex couple, Manford said. 'Get out of my courtroom, I would never do this for you,' the judge said, according to Manford. 'Children need a mom and a dad.'"

Transgender firefighter Jennifer Lasko pulls out of dinner with Barack Obama after her transgender status is exposed for fear of causing disruption to his campaign. Obama spokeswoman: "Sen. Obama would love to have her attend the dinner. If she chooses not to attend, Sen. Obama looks forward to meeting her and hearing more about her thoughts on how we can change this country."

Ad campaign attempts to humiliate male Australian speed demons by suggesting they are 'lesser' men: "The below-the-belt television ads show women noticing a young man roaring past then turning scornfully to their friends and wiggling their little fingers. The mocking gesture with the 'pinkie' is a clear sign they believe the driver is trying to compensate for an inadequate manhood, and is designed to counter the idea that speeding is cool and macho."

Sphere: Related Content

Isaiah Washington Says T.R. Knight Should Have Been Fired

The Grey's Anatomy Isaiah Washington saga is not over yet.

In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Washington, whose contract with Grey's Anatomy was not renewed after an eight month brouhaha over his use of the word "faggot", accuses T.R. Knight of lying when he told Ellen Degeneres in January that "Washington used the slur against him and that 'everyone (on the set) heard it.'"

Says Washington: "That's a lie. I used the word during a disagreement with Patrick. I apologized for that. We shook hands and went back to work."

According to the paper, "Washington said Knight, who plays Dr. George O'Malley, stirred up the notion that the slur was targeted at him and created a negative work environment. Washington also alleged that Knight likely wanted a salary increase and a more substantive role for his character."

Washington, who said he may file a lawsuit, suggests that Knight should have been fired instead of him: "They fired the wrong guy. I have to clear my name. I'll start from the beginning. I'm telling everything. So here's the truth....My livelihood, my honor and dignity and my name have been so challenged...I was not fired for making homophobic slurs. I did everything I said I would do. I offered to go to counseling, to do a public service announcement. I wanted everyone to know I was remorseful."

The actor characterized his feelings as disappointment, not anger, and said there were three mistakes he made: "believing the cast of Grey's Anatomy were like family; believing I had the freedom to express myself with family and that we could resolve our issues; and trusting ABC was going to take care of me."

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Washington also recently compared his tribulations to those of Malcolm X: "Maybe for 50 years and the history of media and television I represent something that's supposed to not exist. This happened to Malcolm X, this happened to Paul Robeson -- this misconception can happen to any man of power that loves himself and wants to spread that love and that humanity throughout the world."

Grey's star says they fired the wrong guy [houston chronicle]

Sphere: Related Content

News: Michael Moore, iPhone, Coral Smith, John Travolta

Coral Smith, former Real World housemate, comes out: "I’m definitely venturing toward my lesbian qualities. It’s been a long time coming. At that time, I was really unsure. That was not the proper venue, the proper platform. To come out to your parents on a fucking reality show, I think that’s just mean, so I didn’t."

Stavros Niarchos: Flying solo.

Dare Odumuye, founder of Nigeria's gay rights organization Alliance Rights Nigeria, has died at 41: "Although details of his death remain hazy, a friend confirmed that he died “after a long illness,” and Odumuye himself had noted that six members of the organisation’s board had died of AIDS between 2000 and 2002. Odumuye, the former manager of an insurance company, founded Alliance Rights on 2 July, 1999 after seeing friends, one of whom was a senior executive of a bank, sacked and harassed for being gay. In 2003, Alliance Rights Nigeria won a Breaker of Silence Award and in 2004 it was among the lesbian and gay organisations which, in a groundbreaking event for this deeply homophobic country, made the first-ever appearance at the country’s fourth national Aids conference in the capital, Abuja."

Blotter: Suicide bomber teams sent to U.S., Europe.

Lesbian blogger Jasmyne Cannick has begun a petition to get Isaiah Washington his job back on Grey's Anatomy, saying his firing was racist. (Petition)

It's coming: iPhone application list.

Religious groups hoping to "reclaim" a Moscow park from gay men who use it as a meeting place, say they were beaten up: "Interfax news agency has reported that late on Saturday night five young men went to the police to report an attack on them carried out by up by eight men."

Star Jones and hubby head out for a Hamptons birthday bash.

Michael Moore's Sicko pirated. Shows up on YouTube, others...

Scientologist John Travolta thinks he has the answer to what's behind Virginia Tech, Columbine, and all the other maniacal school shootings: "I still think that if you analyze most of the school shootings, it is not gun control. It is [psychotropic] drugs at the bottom of it."

Bush administration trying to muzzle hurricane director after he makes unfavorable comments about where the federal government's money is going.

Artist Eve Mosher is drawing a chalk line around New York City to bring awareness to the effect global warming could have on the city: "The chalk demarcates a point 10 feet above sea level, a boundary now used by federal and state agencies and insurance companies to show where waters could rise after a major storm. Relying partly on research conducted by NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies at Columbia University, Ms. Mosher is trying to draw attention to projections that the chance of flooding up to or beyond her line could increase significantly as a result of global warming." (video)

Hillary Clinton has chosen Celine Dion's "You and I" as her campaign song.

British teacher who had mother-approved affair with underage male pupil is given a year in jail. Judge: "It is perfectly apparent that the boy was already a person who was attracted to you. Indeed, much that occurred was at his instigation. Sadly, though, this case is a classic example of a substantial and serious breach of trust."

346 same-sex couples have registered partnerships in the Czech Republic since they were legalized last July.

OMG Blog ripped off by Yahoo!

Sphere: Related Content

Isaiah Washington Speaks Out After Grey's Anatomy Firing

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Isaiah Washington said he was "saddened" by the studio's decision not to hire him back for another season of Grey's Anatomy and said that he hadn't spoken to any of the cast members since the news was announced last week.

The firing was widely seen as the delayed result of the comments Washington made earlier this year when he repeatedly used the word "faggot" to refer to fellow cast member T.R. Knight. Washington blamed the media for the explosive outrage that followed:

"I can only take one day at a time. I can only apologize so many times. I can only accept so much responsibility. All the players involved have taken care of what we needed to take care of in-house — and the media took it in a different direction. I hope that everyone is happy for the outcome for Isaiah, but Isaiah will go on and do what I love to do. And I have to go about the business of letting people know what's written about me is not the truth. I'm merely an actor, a husband, and a father who's trying to do a great job and be very grateful and understanding that I'm in a very privileged position. This isn't a time for me to be looking back; it's only a time for me to be looking forward. I just hope people can understand in the industry and otherwise that it's a horrible misunderstanding what transpired with our show and it was blown out of proportion. If the naysayers out there feel that some justice has been served and that they're happy with the outcome, so be it. It's incumbent on me to take what I do, do it well, grow from the experience, and move on."

Washington says he's now working on an indie film called The Least of These. When asked whether or not he was on "good terms" with Knight, Washington replied, "I don't know. You have to ask T.R. that."

Sphere: Related Content

Breaking: Isaiah Washington Fired from Grey's Anatomy

TV Guide's Michael Ausiello broke the story a few hours ago on the website,  "An ABC Studios spokesperson confirms that the actor's
contract option has not been picked up, but declined further comment."

His sources said it was, "likely due only in part to the T.R. Knight homophobic slur scandal and the subsequent fallout. "There was a pattern of problematic behavior going back before he used the F-word," says my spy. "I imagine [his dismissal] was the result of all of that.

Washington's spokesperson Howard Bragman further confirmed it later this  evening.

Somewhat inappropriately, Washington's only comment has been  to quote the movie Network, saying, "I'm mad as hell and am not going to take it any more." And while I didn't hear him speak, it seems to fit with his inauthentic renditions a quick demi-apology and a psa with GLAAD last week.

Andy's traveling and is in a later time zone, but i'm sure will have more in the morning.

Sphere: Related Content

Isaiah Washington Anti-Hate PSA to Debut Tonight

A public service announcement featuring Isaiah Washington that is the result of meetings the actor had with GLAAD's Neil Giuliano and GLSEN's Kevin Jennings after Washington's repeated public use of the word "faggot" last January will air during back-to-back episodes of Grey's Anatomy tonight.

In the PSA, Washington says, “Words have power. The power to express love, happiness and joy. They also have the power to heal. When you use words that demean a person because of their sexual orientation, race or gender, you send a message of hate. A very powerful message. But we all have the power to demand better from one another and from ourselves. We have the power to heal and change the world by the words we use.”

Said Giuliano: “Words have power, and far too often we see them used to dehumanize people because of our differences. When Isaiah Washington lends his voice to that message — when he acknowledges the personal responsibility that he and each of us have to create a culture that rejects prejudice — it advances the kind of dialogue that’s absolutely essential to changing hearts and minds. We are gratified that with this PSA, ABC will be sharing this vital message with millions of viewers in the days and weeks to come.”

Added Jennings: “As an education organization, GLSEN believes in the power of the teachable moment. While there is no excuse for the use of this kind of language, we welcome the opportunity to use this incident to educate millions about the impact of name-calling on young people. We are grateful to ABC for bringing GLSEN’s message of respect to millions of households.”

Grey's Anatomy is on ABC from 9-11 tonight.

There has been much speculation in recent days on whether Isaiah Washington's character Dr. Burke will be returning to the show next season, with the Ny Post reporting that he won't be a regular but will return "possibly for a few episodes."

Towleroad contacted Washington's rep Howard Bragman for confirmation, and all he would say is that he stood by comments he made to the Associated Press last week, which were: "We fully expect to be back in the fall. The deal's not done but we have no reason to believe he won't be putting on the scrubs."

Bragman's comments don't necessarily contradict the report from the NY Post, so I guess we'll have to wait and see.

The season finale of Grey's aired last week, and appeared to clear the way for Burke's possible departure from the show. I do wonder why these PSAs were not aired during the season finale when they could have been exposed to a much larger audience.

you may have missed...
Isaiah Washington to Shoot PSA for GLAAD and GLSEN [tr]
Isaiah Washington Meets GLSEN and GLAAD [tr]

Sphere: Related Content

Isaiah Washington to Shoot PSA for GLAAD and GLSEN

Grey's Anatomy actor Isaiah Washington continues to make amends for the anti-gay slurs he hurled in the direction of castmate T.R. Knight earlier this year. Yesterday it was announced that Washington would shoot a public service announcement for GLAAD and GLSEN.

Washington met with the groups earlier this year following his red carpet outburst and as a result the groups announced an "ongoing partnership" with the actor "to combat prejudice and intolerance". It appears that partnership is beginning to bear some fruit.

At the time, GLAAD president Neil Giuliano said, "Isaiah understands that he is going to be judged by more than just his apology. He knows that his future actions – including the genuine first step that today's meeting represents – will demonstrate his sincerity in becoming part of the solution to anti-gay bigotry. We welcome the opportunity to work with him in the coming months to help improve the cultural climate faced by LGBT people across this country."

Washington's publicist Howard Bragman said that the ad will be shot in the next few weeks: "We’re gonna have — I want to say at least two versions of it at this point. We may broaden our message a little."

‘Grey’s’ Washington to do gay rights PSA [ap]
Isaiah Washington To Lecture You About The Importance Of Not Hurling Hurtful Slurs At Co-Workers [defamer]

You may have missed...
Isaiah Washington Meets GLSEN and GLAAD [tr]
Howard Bragman: Helping Athletes Out...of the Closet [tr]
Isaiah Washington: A Status Report [tr]
Report: Isaiah Washington Checks into Treatment Center [tr]

Sphere: Related Content

Howard Bragman: Helping Athletes Out...of the Closet

Outsports has a chat with publicist Howard Bragman, who has helped a series of high-profile athletes transition from closeted to openly gay in the public spotlight. This has made Bragman the "go-to" guy for jocks on the way "out". Bragman's clients have included Esera Tuaolo, Rosie Jones, Sheryl Swoopes, and most recently former NBA player John Amaechi. He has also been hired by Isaiah Washington to help the actor clean up after the Grey's Anatomy F-word incident.

Bragman discusses how the John Amaechi story unfolded: "I was working backward from the date of ESPN the magazine and the book coming out. Then Leigh Steinberg calls me a week before the Super Bowl and asks, 'will you go to Florida and do P.R. for my party?' Here you put a publicist at a Super Bowl party, and there are 25 journalists there, and my eyes light up, and I say, 'Guys, I've got a big story. In a couple weeks, I've got a former NBA player coming out of the closet.' And they started writing about it virally. And that Wednesday is one of those days you never forget. His identity was out there, and I had a real fear that the story would go away, but ironically a lot of media outlets who said they weren't sure when I pitched the book, as soon as it went viral, they had to have it. And then it just went ballistic after that."

He also says he doesn't think he could ever rep Tim Hardaway: "I don't think I would. And I say that as the guy who reps Isaiah Washington. Because it's got to be about more than just the money for me. And before I signed Isaiah, we talked for a couple hours. We knew people in common, and I really feel like he screwed up, but I think it was a screw up instead of being a homophobe. I look at the situation where the guy has played gay roles in his career. And I think somebody who's truly homophobic wouldn't do that. But Tim Hardaway's a little different for me. I like to be someplace I'm proud of, in representation. With Isaiah, we have a chance to talk, to have a real dialogue. He's really beautifully positioned to have a real dialogue."

Much more over at Outsports...

Sphere: Related Content

News: Scooter Libby, Latvia, Americone Dream, Wyoming

Scooter Libby found guilty on four counts in CIA leak case: "Libby is the highest-ranking White House official to be convicted of a felony since the Iran-Contra scandal of the mid-1980s. The case brought new attention to the Bush administration's much-criticized handling of weapons of mass destruction intelligence in the run-up to the Iraq war." Bush saddened by verdict...

Stephen Colbert, Ben & Jerry launch Americone Dream.

Riga, Latvia's new mayor says he'll back a gay rights march later this year: "In an interview with Diena newspaper, Janis Birks said he was ashamed at events last year, when bags of human excrement were thrown at gay marchers. The Mayor called for tolerance and understanding on all sides."

Isaiah Washington may actually pay for calling T.R. Knight a "faggot".

Not to beat a dead horse, but here's more on why Ann Coulter's argument is so wrong.

UK lesbian shopkeeper will receive a possible award of more than £120,000 after suffering months of bullying at the hands of a co-worker: "Mrs Davies, a practising Jehovah's Witness, pushed Miss Bielak and started shouting and swearing at her, calling her a '******* dyke'. A tribunal also heard that she would play the Morrissey track ["All the Lazy Dykes"] every time Miss Bielak came into the stockroom at the Next store in St Helens, Merseyside. "

Straight Republican legislator from Wyoming, Dan Zwonitzer, makes headlines after taking public stand against anti-gay marriage amendment: "Zwonitzer told the House Rules Committee on Feb. 22 that he needed to publicly oppose the measure -- even if it cost him his seat -- because he believed that was the right thing to do. He told the committee that gay rights were the civil rights struggle of his generation. 'I will tell my children that when this debate went on, I stood up for basic rights for people,' he said."

With civil unions already legal, New Jersey Republicans vow to block next steps of adding the "marriage" term to it.

Gerard Butler, Rodrigo Santoro on hand for 300 premiere in Hollywood. AfterElton review: solid film needlessly disrespects homosexuals...

Equality Texas rallies at state capitol in Austin: "Equality Texas wants to protect foster families, ensure safe learning environments for schoolchildren and end workplace discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. They met with legislators to voice concerns over these issues."

Sphere: Related Content

Isaiah Washington: A Status Report

Patrick Dempsey reports to Access Hollywood's Billy Bush that there have been no recent outbursts from Isaiah Washington since he returned to the Grey's Anatomy set.

Said McDreamy: "It’s hard. I haven’t spent enough time around to honestly know what’s going on with him. I haven’t spoken to him about it. You do have a feeling when you look at him that something is different and that he is working on things. You can’t get away from the fact he’s doing a great job on the show. He does beautiful work. He’s very passionate about it. He allows himself to feel deeply and sometimes, that’s very difficult to contain and control appropriately...I think good will come from this."

Hollywood website TMZ caught up with Isaiah outside L.A. restaurant Orso last week (video). According to Washington, "everything is a blessing" with regard to his relationship with T.R. Knight. When TMZ asked if he had made amends with the gay community, Washington replied "I don't know. What have you heard?" When asked about his staying on the show, Washington says: "I think that's the important thing, still giving the people what they want."

Sphere: Related Content

Towleroad Guide to the Tube: #89

GREY'S ANATOMY: MadTV's take on the character-driven medical drama.

QUEEN MARY 2: Passes under the Golden Gate bridge. The world's largest cruise ship cleared the underside of the span by a margin of only 27 feet.

CONAN O'BRIEN: Hysterical episode of Meet the Press for idiots.

CRISCO: Weatherman Sam Champion digs into the lubricant.

Check out all our guides to the Tube here!

Sphere: Related Content

Kathy Griffin on the "N" and "F" Words

Kathy Griffin, never one to hold back herself, holds comedians to different standards than TV actors when it comes to offensive language. In an interview with AfterElton she speaks out about the Isaiah Washington incident:

"I think it's hilarious that you can go to rehab for saying the F-word. I mean, what is it? A bunch of queens screaming at him? Saying, 'Oh, girl, no you didn't!' I just think that is funny. I mean, I think it is a good thing. You can't be calling someone a fag at work and stuff. Unless you're gay — in that case, have at it...I've only heard that Melissa Etheridge's wife [Tammy Lynn Michaels] sort of defended [him]. And, by the way, I read that in The Enquirer, so it's true! I guess she and Melissa are friends with him. I guess they've had him over for dinner with his kids or something, and she was like, 'Well, he never used that word around me.' I was like, 'Well, yeah, he's not gonna use it aro