Ain't Too Proud To Beg

Local shooter Lalo Lechuga captured some arresting images from the 30th annual Mexico City Gay Pride celebration, which started June 26 and ended today. This event, one of the largest of its kind in the world, has attracted up to a million revelers in the past.

Connoisseurs of fine photography will enjoy more shots AFTER THE JUMP.

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Mexico City Metro Stop Features Look at Same-Sex Relationships

The subway in Mexico City at Metro Centro Medico has an exhibit of photographer Oscar Sanchez on display called "Familias Mexicanas," featuring depictions of different types of same-sex couples in their domestic spaces.

According to blogger Daniel Hernandez, who documented the show, the photo above features Alfonso and Ruben, who met when they were 11 and 18-years-old, respectively. They became a couple seven years later and they're in an open relationship. The guy in the middle, apparently, is their guest.

Same-sex couples on display in Mexico City metro [intersections]

(via queerty)

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Robbie Williams Performs Sex Show for the Paparazzi

Robbie Williams, who has become quite the bear lately, was vacationing in Mexico when he noticed some paparazzi nearby. He then proceeded to put on a sex show for them. Unfortunately, his guy friend wasn't involved. Photos AFTER THE JUMP, if you're into that sort of thing...

(source)

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'Gay' Effeminate Kissing Wrestler a Mexican 'Sensation'

Mexican wrestling's "latest sensation" are a group of effeminate male wrestlers called 'Exoticos' who kiss their opponents and "[secure] victory with plenty of mincing and slapping." One wrestler in particular, named Maximo, is getting quite a bit of attention.

The AP reports: "In a hot-pink Mohawk haircut and leotard to match, he pirouettes before taking down his muscle-bound enemies with a swift kick to the groin. Maximo, Mexican professional wrestling's latest sensation, then delivers a crowning blow -- a kiss on the lips of his macho opponent -- to the delight of a roaring crowd. Maximo is one of the 'Exotics,' a group of effeminate fighters in the testosterone-fueled world of Mexico's Lucha Libre, the inspiration for the World Wrestling Federation, now World Wrestling Entertainment. Known casually as 'gay' wrestlers, Exotics have been around since the 1970s but are experiencing a wrestling revival. Their characters are strong, yet sensitive good guys overcoming evil, they say. But showing your soft side in the ring isn't as easy as it might look, Maximo says. 'It's kind of hard playing this part, no? Especially because the sport is about being tough, rude and violent,' he said. 'But as long as the public loves us, we'll be there.'"

News.com.au has some video...

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News: Heath Ledger Hoax, Italy, Matt Damon, Mexico, Diana Ross,

Time magazine looks at the 15th anniversary of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": "The issue exploded during Clinton's first week as President, triggered by those in the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill opposed to his campaign pledge to reverse an executive order barring gays and lesbians from serving. 'The issue is whether men and women who can and have served with real distinction should be excluded from military service solely on the basis of their status,' Clinton said at the time. 'And I believe they should not.' While the phrase 'don't ask, don't tell' wasn't used at that January 29, 1993, press conference, that's what everyone soon began calling the policy."

Not that Oz: Matt Damon in the Emerald City.

Diana Ross BOOED in Jamaica: Not ready for her close-up.

200 Mexican youths and parents march to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS: "Participants marched through the city's main streets chanting slogans, such as 'Not One More Infected Person' and 'Equal Rights for Young Homosexuals.' Some of the participants also dressed in costumes and distributed condoms. Josue Quino, head of the CAIPAJ gay adolescent and youth center, said the march was necessary to warn youth that a 'single unprotected [sexual] encounter is enough to' contract HIV. Members from the Group of Mothers and Fathers for Diversity also marched in the demonstration, carrying signs that said 'We're Proud of Our Children' and 'Our Children Have United Our Families.'"

Manchester UK police investigate rape at gay sauna.

Clay Aiken: no love.

Which one's Twiggy, which one's Keira Knightley?

Barbara Walters bans Kathy Griffin from The View...again. Griffin: "I was supposed to be on 'The View' [today]. But then I get a call from [producer] Bill Geddie and he says, 'You were too mean to Barbara [Walters] on your last special, so you can't come on.' Can you believe it? I've been banned before, but never re-banned!"

Scammer, posing as Heath Ledger's father, takes advantage of doctor, funeral home, Tom Cruise, and John Travolta: " Cops want to arrest the con man on fraud and larceny charges, and sent detectives to Ledger's wake at the funeral home Friday in hopes of catching him, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said. But police do not know the identity of the impostor - who also tried to finagle from one unidentified Hollywood star the numbers of actors Mel Gibson and Christian Bale, who have co-starred in movies with Ledger."

Michael Jackson to get additional reconstructive surgery — this time to his album Thriller.

Method Acting: Sean Penn and James Franco, playing Harvey Milk and his lover Scott Smith, respectively, in the Gus van Sant biopic Milk, reportedly wanted to shack up together for a while before filming started to get to know one another, but due to scheduling difficulties, those plans fell through.

Study finds middle age is truly depressing: "For men and women the probability of depression slowly builds and then peaks when people are in their forties -- a similar pattern found in 72 countries ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe, the researchers said. About eight nations -- mostly in the developing world -- did not follow the U-shaped pattern for happiness levels, Oswald and his colleague David Blanchflower of Dartmouth College in the United States wrote. 'It happens to men and women, to single and married people, to rich and poor, and to those with and without children,' Oswald said. 'Nobody knows why we see this consistency.' One possibility may be that people realize they won't achieve many of their aspirations at middle age, the researchers said. Another reason could be that after seeing their fellow middle-aged peers begin to die, people begin to value their own remaining years and embrace life once more. But the good news is that if people make it to aged 70 and are still physically fit, they are on average as happy and mentally healthy as a 20-year old."

German airline to offer nudist flight.

Italian MP called 'faggot, fairy' and 'traitor' for voting against party lines in order to defend Italian Premier Romano Prodi: "The name-calling erupted on the floor of the Italian Senate on Jan. 24 as Sen. Stefano 'Nuccio' Cusumano shocked fellow members of the tiny Udeur Party by declaring his support for Prodi. The party decided a week earlier to withdraw from Prodi’s fragile ruling coalition, forcing a 'confidence' vote under Italy’s parliamentary system. The Senate voted 161 to 156 to defeat a resolution of confidence for Prodi, forcing him to resign immediately. Although the Udeur Party had helped Prodi form his center-left government in 2006, the party strongly opposed legislation backed by Prodi to provide legal rights and benefits for same-sex couples."

Gay Fort Worth city councilman Joel Burns talks to the Victory Fund, calls anti-gay attack a galvanizing moment: “That morning was an awful, terrible, not good morning. I thought of my mother and father, the little rural town that they live in, and waking up and reading the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and seeing my name on the front page. No parent ever wants to see their child attacked, even if they’re an adult.”

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Rhydian Does His Best James Bond

X-Factor runner-up not-gay virgin Rhydian Roberts was spotted climbing out of the water Daniel Craig-style in Mexico.

The Daily Mail reports: "The Welsh singer, 24, is taking a well-earned rest after spending the latter half of 2007 rehearing for and starring in the ITV talent show. Despite his shock loss to Scottish teen Leon Jackson last month, Rhydian has just signed a £1million record deal with Simon Cowell's record label Sony BMG. After spending Christmas at home in Sennybridge, Wales, Rhydian flew out to Mexico for a family holiday with his parents Malcolm and Angel, uncle Nigel and aunt Maxine. Despite his platinum blond-dyed hair, Rhydian couldn't hide his redhead roots due to his orange chest hair. Rhydian is set for a busy 2008 - he is reuniting with his fellow talent show contestants for The X Factor live tour, before heading into the studio to record his debut album."

One more, AFTER THE JUMP...

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News: Dana Perino, Mexico City, Pedro Andrade, Hate Crimes Act

NYT nails Congress for failure to pass Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes act.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino admits she didn't know what the Cuban Missile Crisis was: "I was panicked a bit because I really don't know about . . . the Cuban Missile Crisis...It had to do with Cuba and missiles, I'm pretty sure."

Snubbed by Barbara Walters: Larry Birkhead not as fascinating as he thought.

New York City remembers pioneering gay rights activist Bob Kohler: " With candles and signs held high, and with pill bottles and ceramic pots filled with some of Mr. Kohler’s cremated remains, dozens of his friends and admirers marched through the streets, chanting to the beat of a drummer, stories of Mr. Kohler’s courage in more than six decades of activism spilling from their lips. Some cried as they stepped down West 13th Street, Seventh Avenue and Christopher Street to Sheridan Square, ending up at the Hudson River piers, a refuge for many gay youths in the area. 'Till the very end he struggled for us, all of us,' said Jennifer Flynn, 36, a friend and member of a group of mostly lesbian activists who helped to care for Mr. Kohler as he battled cancer in his final days. 'He could have lived a comfortable life somewhere. He could have ignored everyone.'"

Washington state gay rights leaders expect to see more advances in the coming legislative session: "Advocates say they'll push for expanded rights in areas such as property, retirement and pension benefits in the 2008 session."

Jude Law gets a birthday kiss from Jonny Miller.

Mexico City grants gay prisoners conjugal visits.

Missionaries shot dead at training center before gunman shoots four more at New Life Church, where Ted Haggard once preached: "A gunman in a black trench coat and a high-powered rifle entered the church's main foyer about 1 p.m. and began shooting, according to the source at the church, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the police department had asked that it release all information. The church's 11 a.m. service had recently ended, and hundreds of people were milling about when the gunman opened fire. Nearby were parents picking up their children from the nursery. The gunman was killed by a member of the church's armed security staff, the source said. Four people were shot, and the source did not know whether the shooter was one of the four. A SWAT team was searching the building for an explosive device, but the source could not confirm any details."

NYT: The 53 places to go in 2008, and the 70 best ideas of 2007.

Lance Bass' ex Pedro Andrade has a new gig as a host for LXTV: "I just found my spot, and I'll be right here if you need me."

Anti-gay Scout leader arrested for molesting young boys: "Mr. Evans sued the city in his role as a leader of the Sea Scouts, an affiliate program of the Boy Scouts. The city, after providing free berthing for a Sea Scouts boat for 60 years, said in 1998 that a Boy Scout policy barring gay scouts and atheists violated Berkeley’s rules against discrimination. The city said the Scouts would have to leave the berth or pay $500 a month rent. Mr. Evans sued for discrimination and for violating the Scouts’ First Amendment rights. The California Supreme Court ruled in favor of Berkeley."

Israel recognizes same-sex adoptions from overseas: "This is another step toward equality and the abolition of discrimination toward same-sex couples. The time has come for the state to recognize these couples, just as it recognizes the adoptions of heterosexual couples."

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Mario Lopez Opens the Six-Pack

I realize that a Corona is not necessarily the first thing you want in the morning. However, hopefully you'll make an exception for an entire six-pack. More at Dlisted, and one more after the jump...

X17 was on the case as well.

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Adam Sandler Out to Show Daniel Craig Up in His Squarecuts

Since we already know that Adam Sandler is obsessed with male packages, it's no surprise that his latest flick has him doing his best Daniel Craig Bond on the beach "rather proudly" with what Britain's Daily Mail claims is a giant codpiece.

In the film, which I posted about last July, Sandler plays an Israeli secret service agent who leaves his career to become a hairdresser in New York.

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News: Britney Spears, Matthew Shepard, Soft Cell, Gay Cruising

Retrial begins over gay Tucson murder: "For the second time, a jury will decide whether a disabled gay Tucson man was stabbed to death over a TV and VCR or as the result of an impulsive rage. Nine years after Mark Truesdell, 29, was slain in his North Campbell Avenue apartment, Ronnie Gene Sartin Jr., 30, is being tried on a first-degree murder charge. Sartin was living in Tucson at the time of the slaying. Sartin was convicted by a jury in 1999 of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. The Arizona Court of Appeals ordered the case returned to Superior Court last year for retrial after changes were made to the law regarding how premeditation is explained to jurors."

Halloween scare-a-thon: Chris Crocker recreates Britney Spears cooch flash.

Britney Spears' new album Blackout being called the best of her career.

Utah lawyer on crusade to testify against gay marriage in Vermont: "Monte Stewart will travel more than 2,300 miles this weekend to appear before the Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection as the only lawyer opposed to same-sex marriage scheduled to speak Monday at its second public meeting. Stewart, the president of the Utah-based Family Marriage Law Foundation, will explain to the 11-member legislative committee why marriage rights should not be extended to gay and lesbian couples in Vermont. 'The law has clearly been decided in favor of marriage being between one man and one woman,' Stewart said Wednesday morning, from his office in Orem, Utah. 'There are clear reasons why this institution needs to be preserved.'"

Matthew Shepard foundation launches new community site for LGBT youth.

British group Soft Cell to release remix album.

REPORT: Beckham miserable in the U.S.

UK: Police add to patrols at Hampstead Heath's gay cruising spots.

Gay lawyer Aaron Charney settles bias lawsuit with NY firm Sullivan & Cromwell, where he worked: "The settlement, the terms of which are confidential, brings to a close a dispute that had fascinated the New York legal community over the past several months, both with its allegations concerning partners at one of the city’s most prestigious firms and its bizarre twists and turns in the courtroom. In January, Mr Charney, who had worked in the firm’s mergers and acquisitions practice, sued the firm, accusing several partners of discriminating against him because he is gay and then papering over his complaints."

U.S. asylum denied to gay Mexican.

Lithuanian gay rights conference attacked with smoke bombs.

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Adam Sandler Open to Working with Gay Rights Groups

In Mexico City to promote the opening (are they really still rolling out this film?) of I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Adam Sandler told reporters that he would be willing to work with gay rights groups, the AP reports.

Said the actor: ''If I can help anybody in any way, I certainly would.''

A reporter asked Sandler if he thought he might become a "gay icon"...

Said Sandler: ''I don't think that's gonna happen, dude, certainly not. If I was a gay man, I wouldn't want me to represent [the gay community]."

Kevin James was asked about some reactions to the movie labeling it homophobic: "Of course, we didn't want to offend anybody or hurt anybody.If we can help people too along the way, that would be great."

And Sandler received the obligatory kiss question, which he called "Not bad...He was clean, and he seemed to brush his teeth and all that."

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News: Hillary Clinton, Estonia Pride, Gael Garcia Bernal, Mike Jones

Jim David on The Gay Squirm Factor: "It's enough to make you want to move to Scandinavia, where nobody cares about the gays. If it just wasn't so freaking cold."

Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna host human rights benefit in Mexico City: "The $300-a-plate meal in the capital will benefit Mexico's Commission for the Defense and Promotion of Human Rights as well as Witness, an organization founded by singer Peter Gabriel that promotes the use of video and film to document human rights abuses."

Former Andy Warhol sidekick Bob Colacello to W magazine: "I'm presumably gay. I believe in going out, not coming out. It takes more courage to be openly Republican than to be openly gay in New York today. I'm a bit of a contrarian."

Putting it all online? Recent developments in "cloud storage" solutions from Google, Microsoft, and Apple.

Tropical Depression 4 forms in Atlantic. Will become "Dean" if named...

Ricky Martin shows off his skills.

Gay Pride march in Estonia takes place peacefully: "An estimated 300 people gathered in the historic part of the city to celebrate their sexuality, protected by private security officers and an increased police presence. Despite fears of a repeat of last year's violence, when Estonian skinheads injured several marchers by hurling missiles, the event passed off without any significant incident. About halfway down the route, anti-gay demonstrators formed an alternative procession. About a dozen mostly Russian-speaking men, women and children chanted 'no pride' at the marchers."

Ted Haggard escort Mike Jones in new play about soldiers who "go AWOL after being exposed to friendly-fire nerve gas in an all-base orgy."

British military puts gag order on soldiers' blogs: "Members of the Armed Forces and MOD Civil Servants must seek prior permission from [MoD media authorities] if they wish to communicate about defence via books, articles or academic papers; self-publish via a blog, podcast or other shared text, audio or video; take part in external questionnaires, polls, surveys or research projects, speak at conferences, private engagements or other events where the public or media may be present; or contribute to any online community or share information such as a bulletin board, wiki, online social network, or multi-player game..."

Britney Spears' hot tub hook-up talks to Access Hollywood.

Inside the Hillary Clinton fundraiser at The Abbey in West Hollywood: "...we hear people starting cheering loudly in the VIP room and camera flashes seep through the curtain separating us common folk. She's coming! The crowd begins to chant "Hillary! Hillary!" and it really starts to feel like a rock concert. Then at about 9:00 we see it, her bright red jacket slips through the maroon curtain and the crowd is in a frenzy! 'We Love You Hillary!' and 'You're Fabulous!' seem to be the shouts of choice."

Artist constructs Stephen Colbert portrait out of 768 mini Rubik's Cubes.

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Christian Chavez on Coming Out: "I Felt Free..."

Mexican pop star Christian Chavez, who came out of the closet in late February after an internet site published photos shoing Chavez marrying his partner in Canada in 2005, recently told a Mexican TV network that his life has changed for the better:

"Chavez, a member of the wildly popular Mexican band RBD, told the Televisa network that the public revelation allowed him to 'begin a healing process in which I left things behind and began many wonderful things.' Chavez said that fan support helped him overcome nervousness about an appearance in McAllen, Texas, shortly after his announcement. 'I was afraid to go on stage, but people were really, really nice,' he said. 'I felt free and could sing like I've never sung before.' He said the support was a reflection of a more open Mexican society, but he added that he still wants to fight for gays to be respected — not just tolerated."

The singer's disclosure even prompted Ricky Martin to speak up on the gay issue. He said of Chavez: "Life is too short to live closed up, guarding what you say. [Christian] has to be free in many aspects. I wish him much strength."

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18,000 Bare All for Spencer Tunick in Mexico City

For all our Spencer Tunick coverage, click here.

In Mexico City yesterday, 18,000 people disrobed to be part of photographer Spencer Tunick's latest human installation, in the city's massive Zocalo Square. A "no-fly" zone was established above the historic plaza, rich in cultural and social history: "One of the world's biggest and most imposing squares, the Zocalo is framed by a cathedral, city hall and the National Palace official seat of government, which is adorned with murals by Diego Rivera. A ruined temple next to it was once the center of the Aztec civilization and was used for worship and human sacrifice. Spanish conquistadors used bricks from the temple to help build their own capital."

Said one participant to Reuters: "This event proves that really we're not such a conservative society anymore. We're freeing ourselves of taboos." Mexico City recently began registering its first same-sex civil unions since a law was passed legalizing them last November.

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News: Bono, Andre Boisclair, Dolly Parton, Texas Triangle

Anti-gay group MassResistance taking predatory photos of gay youth? More...

Bono is knighted. Just don't call him Sir.

Saudi King Abdullah publicly condemns "illegitimate foreign occupation" of Iraq. Crooks and Liars: "Wow, talk about Bush really losing his base."

Winner or loser? Kevin Federline to walk away with a cool million in Britney Spears divorce settlement.

Daily Kos on the threatened Bush veto: "Bush's veto sends troops to Iraq without rest, without armor, and without training. No president in American history has ever abandoned troops in the field to die. But George W. Bush is about to show you he's "man enough" to do it, just to prove he can."

Patti LuPone to headline Gypsy revival in New York. Arthur Laurents to direct.

Openly gay Parti Quebecois leader Andre Boisclair criticized after party has worst election showing in decades: "PQ Leader Andre Boisclair is openly gay and his sexuality became an issue during the campaign when a radio host proclaimed the PQ 'a club of fags' and said local factory workers wouldn't vote for a gay leader." Candidate Rachel Gagnon: "We have to ask ourselves whether Quebecers, generally, are ready to live with homosexuality."

American Family Association pissed that Allegheny College is holding a two-day colloquium that begins today on gay, lesbian and transgender issues.

More reasons to love Dolly Parton: "When I have sex with my husband these days, I fantasize I am with someone like Keith Urban or a petite, hot young woman."

Lesbian journalist Kay Longcope, who started the Texas Triangle newspaper when she moved to Austin in 1992, has died of pancreatic cancer.

Tortilla artist Joe Bravo is a sensation in Mexico, breaking gallery attendance records.

Australia's first gay cruise hit by drug bust: "Police and sniffer dogs inspected all passengers before boarding and five people were detected with drugs on them. A 38 year-old Surry Hills man was found with 20 tablets and charged with supply, while three others – a 26 year-old from Wantirna in Victoria, 35 year-old from Glenmore, Victoria and a 37 year-old from Darlinghurst – were charged with possession of GHB, speed and LSD. A fifth man, 55 years-old, was cautioned for possessing a gram of cannabis."

Video highlights from the Sampson hearing on the firing of U.S. attorneys.

Madonna plans retrospective of her 25 years in show biz: "The singer also mentioned that she would love to throw a party for all of her friends that would, 'celebrate all the designers', such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix, who have created famous and groundbreaking designs for Madonna over the years."

Conservative groups in Minnesota fighting gay hospital visitation rights: "What we object to is the creation of these domestic partner statuses, which is really marriage by another name and that's what we see they are attempting to do."

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Ricky Martin: Life is Too Short to be In the Closet

While touring Mexico City on his "Black & White" Tour, Ricky Martin was asked about the recent coming out of Mexican pop star Christian Chavez (whom the Associate Press calls Christian Sanchez). Chavez told fans he is gay in early March after pictures of the singer marrying his partner in Canada in 2005 surfaced on the internet.

In a letter on his website, Chavez wrote: "I don’t want to keep on lying and lie to myself because of fear, I love what I do and singing is my life, my passion. I would never dream of doing anything else. I feel bad for not having shared this withall my fans before, as they are the ones that worry and it is because of them that I decided to be honest."

Martin said of Chavez: "Life is too short to live closed up, guarding what you say. [Christian] has to be free in many aspects. I wish him much strength."

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Mexico City Registers First Same-Sex Civil Union

As an orchestra played "Bésame Mucho", Antonio Medina, 38, (right) and Jorge Cerpa, 31, on Friday became the first same-sex couple to register for a civil union in Mexico City under the law according to El Universal:

"They were united Friday in a plaza in front of the government offices for Mexico City´s Iztapalapa precinct, signing documents under a banner that read 'Civil Union Law: Your right to choose' as dozens of supporters yelled 'Bravo!' and waved rainbow flags."

Mexico City, though the first municipality to pass such a law, is the second to put it into action. The northern state of Coahuila, which borders Texas, began registering civil unions in late January.

Said Medina: "With this law, a history of exclusion comes to an end. Today, the love that before did not dare speak its name has now entered the public spotlight."

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Mexican Pop Star Christian Chavez : I'm Gay

Christian Chavez, a member of the Mexican pop band RBD, came out of the closet late last week after an internet site published photographs showing the 22-year-old marrying his partner in Canada in 2005. Chavez is now the most high-profile Mexican entertainer to openly acknowledge that he is gay.

Chavez told fans in a letter posted on the group's website that he had not come out previously for fear of "rejection" and "criticism" and how it might affect his family.

RBD, which Reuters reports "grew out of the television soap opera Rebelde (Rebel), set in an elite Mexico City boarding school where the three boy and three girl members of the group starred as students who go against the grain by starting a band," has been hugely succesful in Latin America.

Mexican gay rights activist Sergio Villareal praised Chavez: "This young man represents a new way of seeing things, less prejudiced and more open. Christian Chavez's decision symbolizes this new way of seeing life and raises hope of a more inclusive future with more respect for differences."

Read Chavez' entire statement after the jump...

Message from Christian Chavez:

"On March first 2007 certain photographs were released that show a part of me, a part that I was not prepared to speak of in fear of rejection, of criticism, but especially for my family and its consequences.

I think it’s time to grow up, not only as a human being, but also as an artist.

I believe love is the purest feeling that exists and in this career filled with loneliness, having the opportunity to share those moments with someone, that when you look into their eyes, you forget all the negative things, it’s a gift of life, that I cherish more than fame.

I don’t want to keep on lying and lie to myself because of fear, I love what I do and singing is my life, my passion. I would never dream of doing anything else. I feel bad for not having shared this withall my fans before, as they are the ones that worry and it is because of them that I decided to be honest.

Hopefully they will be able to see beyond this note, and realize that I am a human being just like any other, with defects and virtues. I don’t think this is a defect, I won’t deny it.

I ask the press to respect my family and myself, through this letter. There will be no future statements.

Although I’m scared and filled with uncertainty I know that I can rely on the support of my fans, their love is bigger than all of this. I ask them from the bottom of my heart, not to judge me for being honest and to feel proud of who they are and never make the same mistake I did.

¡Tolerance to diversity¡"

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Texas Lesbians Register Civil Union in Coahuila, Mexico

Maria Carreon Lara, 39, and Amparo Maldonado, 24, of Midland, Texas became the first international couple to register for a civil union in the northern state of Coahuila, Mexico, since they became legal in January. The couple, who have been together for five years, are of Mexican descent and performed the ceremony just over the Texas border in Ciudad Acuna.

According to the Associated Press, "Nonresidents can register under the law, which provides gay couples with social benefits similar to those of married couples, if they are in Coahuila legally. It is unclear if the union will have any legal standing in the United States."

On February 1st, a pair of Mexican lesbians became the first couple to take advantage of the law.

Lesbian couple from Texas registers for civil union in Mexican border state [ap]

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Valentine's Day Sees Mexican and Italian Joy over Same-Sex Unions

Hundreds of gay couples held a mass demonstration in Mexico City's central plaza on Valentine's Day, celebrating the city's upcoming legalization of same-sex unions.

"On Wednesday, Eduardo Martinez, 21, exchanged rings with his partner Alberto Pichardo, 19, to celebrate their commitment. 'Our families support us. We have taken the decision in good conscience and we are very happy,' said Martinez, dressed in a gray suit and tie."

Mexico's northern state Coahuila recently saw its first same-sex civil union. Mexico City's law takes effect on March 16th.

And in Italy, a mass make-out session was held outside Saint Mark's basilica in Venice (below), celebrating Italy's draft bill giving legal status to same-sex couples.

Now these are the kinds of demonstrations we want to see more of in the future!

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Mexico Registers its First Same-sex Civil Union

Mexico registered its first civil union since the northern state of Coahuila legalized them on January 11th. The ceremony took place in the city of Saltillo, according to the Associated Press:

"The couple, Karina Almaguer and Karla Lopez, traveled to Saltillo from their home state of Tamaulipas to register as a 'civil solidarity union' under a newly passed law that made Coahuila the first of Mexico's 31 states to grant recognition to such unions."

Official witness to the union was Coahuila State Assemblywoman Julieta Lopez Fuentes. Said Fuentes: "The object of this law is that unions of people of the same sex be legally regulated and recognized, so that they can have some security in their future."

Mexico City legalized civil unions last November, but the law does not go into effect until the middle of March.

Best wishes to the happy couple.

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Mexican Gay Man Granted Asylum in The U.S.

After considering evidence that Jorge Soto Vega "was beaten by police with a 'metal baton or flashlight' and then robbed, called 'anti-gay slurs' and told that he would be killed if he was ever seen again" while living in Guadalajara, a U.S. immigration judge has granted Soto Vega asylum. He has been living in the U.S. since being smuggled into the country in 1988, according to the L.A. Times.

Soto Vega had applied for asylum once before, in 2003, but was turned down by judge John D. Taylor "who said he could return to Mexico since 'it would not be obvious that he was homosexual unless he made it obvious himself.'"

Jon W. Davidson, legal director at Lambda Legal, told the LAT that at the hearing on Tuesday, which was once again held in front of judge Taylor, "the judge agreed that a person should not have to conceal his or her sexual orientation in order to be free from persecution."

Davidson told the Associated Press: "It seemed to us this is a real double standard. Courts don't deny asylum to someone based on their political beliefs by saying, 'If you just didn't tell other people what you believed, you would be fine.'"

Said Soto Vega following the decision: "It's been a long, long wait to get to this point where I feel today, secure and happy."

Citing persecution, judge grants gay Mexican immigrant asylum in U.S [la times]
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Catholic Bishop in Piedras Negras, Mexico calls recent legislation legalizing same-sex unions in the state of Coahuila "an attack on the institution of marriage."

Two of Saddam Hussein's aides have been hanged in Baghdad.

Victoria Beckham and her nipples arrive in L.A., inspiring attention from the locals.

Police officer in Corvallis, Oregon tasers man during traffic violation pick-up: "Rodney Quinn, 49, was pulled over at NW Jackson Avenue and NW 10th Street after committing several traffic violations in his pickup truck, police said. According to police, Quinn crawled out of his pickup window and yelled, 'Are you a homosexual?' and other statements at the officer who pulled him over. Quinn didn’t respond to orders from police to stay back and continued to approach the officer, police and witnesses said. Authorities said the officer defended himself by using a Taser gun on Quinn."

Setting Rosie O'Donnell aside for a moment, Donald Trump weighed in over the weekend on a couple of political figures. The New York Daily News reports on some comments he made to Sean Hannity about Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: "[Americans] want someone that knows how to negotiate, that knows the art of the deal. In all fairness, I see Condoleezza Rice - she goes on a plane, she gets off a plane, she waves, she goes there to meet some dictator. ... They talk, she leaves, she waves, the plane takes off. Nothing happens, it's a joke, nothing ever happens. I think she's a very nice woman, but I don't want a nice woman. I want someone that's not necessarily nice." On another note, Trump said of Hillary Clinton: "She is a very capable woman. She has done an amazing job as a senator of New York."

Sex and the City's 'Absolut Hunk' Jason Lewis, who has just started a seven-episode stint as Matthew Rhys' love interest on Brothers & Sisters, tells Extra that having to kiss a man on screen was "scary".

Tim Gunn in, Queer Eye out at Bravo. Gunn: "I'm practically delirious that Bravo has given me this incredible opportunity and together, we vow to redefine 'makeovers.' This series aims to be one-part education and two-parts fun, and you'll see me being a fashion therapist, not a svengali."

Houston considering moving gay pride parade out of gay Montrose neighborhood. Activist Ray Hill: "I mean, there's queer blood on most of these . There's lesbian blood on some of them. ... We may not all live here anymore, but this is where we built a community. And we built a community because we cared for one another."

Madonna threatened in high-speed Fifth Avenue car chase.

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Mexican State of Coahuila Legalizes Same-Sex Unions

By a vote of 20-13, legislators in the Mexican state of Coahuila, which borders Texas, yesterday passed the most progressive same-sex union law in that country, one that goes further, according to Reuters, than one passed by lawmakers in Mexico City in November.

Said gay rights activist Silvia Solis: "It is more like a civil marriage." Among other benefits, the law "would grant social security benefits to both members of a homosexual union."

Coahuila, Mexico's third largest state with a population of 2.3 million, once formed a territory with Texas to its north, before Texas seceded to become the Republic of Texas (and then later part of the United States).

When Mexico City passed its same-sex union law in November, openly gay congressman David Sanchez said, "These reforms are going to cause a snowball effect that no one will be able to stop." Coahuila, which had its same-sex union bill in the works at the time, is the first state to follow suit.

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Conservative party in Mexico considering filing challenge to Mexico City's new gay union law, saying it violates rules in that country's constitution which protect the family. "City legal counsel Maria Estela Rios, however, called the argument 'absurd' because the law guarantees legal rights for same-sex couples, but does not legalize gay marriage."

Pittsburgh area school board Vice President William Scherfel refers to students in gay-straight alliance as "fags".

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