News: Venezuela, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Chapel Hill, Mormons

Marriage Equality New York holding rally tonight to protest anti-gay vote in Maine: "Please join us at a rally on Nov 4th in Union Square on 14th Street side at 5:30pm urging the NYS Senate to vote and in response to the votes on marriage equality across the United States."

50 Cent is a power ______.

Venezuelan police harassing and arresting LGBT citizens: "Like most of those arrested, our identity documents and mobile phones were taken away, we were beaten, our sexual orientation was insulted in degrading language, and we were refused permission to speak to the Justice Ministry officials and members of the National Guard who were present."

Mark Kleinschmidt becomes openly gay mayor of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Just Jared interviews Glee's Mark Salling.

Author details how Tom Cruise personally audited him for Scientology: "You tell the ashtray, 'Sit in that chair.' Then you actually go over and put the ashtray on the chair. Then you tell the ashtray, 'Thank you.' Then you do the same thing with the bottle, and the book. And you do this for hours and hours."

Fort Worth, Texas task force makes recommendations on expansion of gay rights in the city: "Jon Nelson, an attorney and chairman of the task force, called the recommendations 'one of the most far-reaching actions this city has taken, in the shortest amount of time.'"

Louisiana Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwell, who refused to marry an interracial couple, has resigned.

Female Spectacled Bears suddenly go bald in Leipzig.

Carrie Prejean - Miss California USA settlement details revealed: "We've learned the Pageant will fork over around $100,000 for Carrie's lawyers and publicists connected with the public battle royale. That money goes directly to her flacks and not into her bank account. We're told Carrie personally gets zilch. What Carrie walks away with: Her book comes out on Monday and we're told the Pageant won't fight her for writing it without its permission."

Sean Penn's son arrested at school.

Blu Dot tracks NYC abandoned chairs in "curb-mining" experiment.

Foundation for Reconciliation to deliver 2,000 signatures to Mormon leaders: "About 50 people are expected to deliver the petition to the offices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Wednesday. Organizer Cheryl Nunn of Santa Cruz, Calif., says the petition is a reaction to the Salt Lake City-based church's support for Proposition 8, a 2008 ballot initiative that banned gay marriage in California."

Brad Pitt dresses up his beard with beads.

Facebook: the movie?

Seattle gay rights pioneer Paul Barwick reflects on applying for a marriage license in King County, Washington in 1971: We knew they weren't going to give us one, but damn it, they were going to have to tell us no to escort us out the door."

Early marriage equality advocates?

Gay Annapolis alderman candidate to file complaint over gay 'child molester' smears.

Dallas Morning News corrects article labeling OUT and The advocate "alternative lifestyle magazines."

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison recommends gay man as U.S. Attorney: "Some Republicans are vehemently and unapologetically not ready for that. That could make it even harder for Hutchison to woo social conservatives in her bid to outflank and oust Gov. Rick Perry in March. "

Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga to hawk MAC lipstick for AIDS fund: "MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick and Viva Glam Cyndi Lipstick, $14 each, will launch in North America on March 18 and globally throughout the month, with 100 percent of the proceeds being donated to the MAC AIDS Fund."

News: Texas, Lance Bass, New Brunswick, Scholastic, Curry

GLAAD announces inaugural GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising. Top TV winner was Orbitz commercial featuring Human Rights Campaign logo.

Lance Bass and his latest guy.

Scholastic backtracks on gay-themed book Luv Ya Bunches, says it will carry the book in its book fairs.

Two gay candidates vie for spot in Illinois General Assembly, and nobody's talking about their sexuality.

Adam Lambert and Katy Perry go on a Michael Jackson date.

Scientology spokesperson Tommy Davis speaks out about Paul Haggis defection: "In his first extensive interview since the resignation, Davis says Haggis’ letter is based on a series of misunderstandings. The church’s San Diego branch was erroneously named as backing Prop 8, he says. And he argues that his comments on CNN about disconnection have been mischaracterized. He declines to say whether, in light of his explanations, he believes Haggis might become reconciled to the church."

Morrissey returns to the stage.

Crowd of more than 1,000 turns out in New Brunswick, New Jersey to counter-protest six members of the Westboro Baptist Church

Jonathan Capehart: Harry Reid "crazy like a fox" with Hate Crimes bill.

CHART: Does policy trail public opinion on gay rights?

Seattle Gay and Lesbian Film Festival winners announced: "The Man Who Loved Yngve," directed by Stian Kristiansen, wins Best Feature Film.

Curry spice found to kill cancer cells.

Someone poured scalding water into Channing Tatum's wetsuit on the set of his latest film, but he's ok.

Fort Worth police appoint LGBT liaison: "[Sarah] Straten, who serves as the liaison in addition to her full-time job as a neighborhood police officer in the far north part of town, hopes the position will become an official, full-time one. She’s made it clear that she wants the job."

Alan Ball offers some spoilers for the upcoming season of True Blood.

Judge Tena Callahan talks about the courage she needed to summon in order to declare Texas' ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional and proceed with a gay divorce case: “I was sitting at my dining room table and I was thinking, I’ve got to make this decision, I’ve got to rip this Band-Aid off and I’ve got to make this decision. My dad always used to tell me that a billion people can believe in a bad idea, and it’s still a bad idea. And that man taught me to have the courage of my convictions and to do what’s right — it’s always the right time to do the right thing. And as I’m sitting there and all this is going through my head, I’m looking at the back of this bag, and I went, ‘Oh my God, I just got my answer.’"

Homophobic Graffiti Vandal Stalks West Seattle

Last May I posted about a vandal targeting a gay couple's home with graffiti that read "faggots rape kids."

The suspect in that case was arrested and charged with six counts of property destruction-graffiti, according to the Seattle Post Intelligencer. But then:

"That man, 31, pleaded not guilty and the cases were dismissed without prejudice this summer, according to court records. He was released June 12 from King County Jail."

Now, residents in the same area are reporting fresh graffiti: "A woman walking by a business in the 7300 block of Fauntleroy Way Southwest noticed the homophobic message written with black marker on a sign. Police said similar offensive writing was on a bench and portable toilet in Lincoln Park. As well as the homophobic message, the graffiti inside the portable toilet targeted Seattle police."

The man arrested in May and released is a suspect in the current investigation.

News: Gavin Newsom, Jupiter, LaToya Jackson, Newlywed Game

George Takei and Brad Altman to be first gay couple on revamped Newlywed Game.

Scientists spot planet with life-harboring potential.

LaToya Jackson fights AIDS with milkshake.

Gays in Serbia say they're "confident" police will protect them during a Gay Pride parade scheduled for this coming Sunday.

Gays to get lashes, fines, and prison terms under new law in Indonesia's Aceh province.

Manhunt conducts study of nation's biggest liars (warning - site NSFW).

Lady Gaga disses OUT magazine party thrown for her: "until she finally showed up at the Box at around midnight, about an hour after Out's party technically ended. By then most of the crowd — die-hard Gaga fans, who showed up mostly just to see her — had cleared. Gaga took a seat in a booth in the back of the balcony, ordered French fries, and refused to speak to reporters. She didn't even let Out magazine take her picture so they could, you know, say she actually attended the party they threw for her."

Clive Owen does Details.

Promise keeper: UK man honors fallen friend. "Private Kevin Elliott and his friend, Barry Delaney, had agreed that whoever survived the other should wear a dress to the dead man’s funeral. Mr Delaney duly fulfilled the pledge as a tribute to Private Elliott, who was killed aged 24 while on foot patrol in the southern province of Helmand on August 31."

Jesus Luz: underwear model.

Girls hockey team in Woodstock, New Brunswick wins award from Human Rights Commission: "The Woodstock High School Lady Thunder hockey team has won the 2009 New Brunswick Human Rights Award for refusing to let rival teams taunt their teammates about their sexual orientation. The Human Rights Commission says it wanted to reward the team for its action in standing up against homophobia."

Jupiter captured comet for 12 years, then let it go.

Buju Banton concert canceled in Salt Lake City: "Banton's record label, the New York-based Gargamel Music, immediately denounced the cancellation, issuing a news release with the title 'The Voice of Jamaica Will Not Be Silenced.'"

L.A. gays raise money for Maine's marriage equality battle at fundraiser.

Harry Potter theme park to open in Orlando.

Inspection on Inception.

Which movie star is looking for a good gay time in Vancouver?

Seattle Police Officer's Guild joins Coalition to Approve Referendum 71 in Washington: "This is a very important issue that affects many of our members. We at the Seattle Police Officers Guild are proud to join the coalition and hope other law enforcement organizations around the state will join us in support for this referendum."

Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) speaks out in favor of DOMA repeal.

Is Gavin Newsom planning on dropping out of the California gubernatorial race?

Second 'gay porn twin' sentenced for Philadelphia burglaries: "Twenty-seven-year-old Keyontyli Goffney, of Arlington, N.J., pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal conspiracy on Thursday and was sentenced to time served. Goffney's twin brother Taleon pleaded guilty to the same crimes in July but was sentenced to at least three years in prison because of previous arrests."

News: Tyra Banks, Seattle, Bee Gees, HPV, Jim Verraros, Austin

Minnesota Congressman Tim Walz called "f*cking faggot" on conference call: "The Mankato Democrat wasn't on the line to hear the anti-gay slur; in fact, he ran about five minutes late to his own availability, following a trip to Afghanistan. Before Walz came on the line, someone said, "Come on Walz, you f---ing faggot," according to his staff and two reporters who were on the call.

Samantha Jones collides with Dee Snider.

Birther to rebut Obama's health care speech tonight.

David Beckham visits Ellen Degeneres, shows off his Ellen undies - video.

CNN: Gay Latino Americans "coming of age".

More than two dozen men arrested in undercover sex stings in Seattle park: "Over five days, investigators have arrested 28 men. Three arrests were made Thursday. Those arrested live in Pierce, King and Thurston counties, Troyer said. The activity is taking place during all hours of the day. 'If we had the manpower, we could have arrested 100,' Troyer said. 'They have created their own trails off the main trail.' Investigators have taken the names of others found in the woods." Savage: How is this not entrapment?

Lady Gaga rumored to appear at OUT magazine fashion week party.

Gay men continue to account for most new cases of HIV in Australia.

South African runner at center of gender debate gets femme makeover.

Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival kicks off: "This year we received about 400 films in the mail that we had to go through and determine what we were actually going to show. We accepted only 100, so it's very interesting to see what themes come up every year, for example this year we've got a lot of lesbian-themed interest films, whereas normally we only get about 25 percent, this year was closer to 50."

Spirits having flown: Brothers Robin and Barry Gibb to reunite for first time since Maurice's death.

6,000 attend 20th anniversary of Pride in Calgary, Canada.

Gay couple adopts in Bakersfield.

Images from the 2009 Mr. Gay Brazil Contest. And the winner is...Thiago Silvestre.

FDA weighs approving HPV vaccine for men: "We're supportive in general of giving vaccines to boys for a number of reasons. Clinical trials have shown it's pretty effective -- 90 percent effective in preventing genital lesions [in boys]. Trials in a subset of gay men also found the vaccine to be effective in preventing external lesions, so the signs are pretty clear that it works in guys."

Jim Verraros and hubby Bill Brennan wedding photos.

AfterElton talks to Glee's Matthew Morrison: "I think from my Broadway days and now doing this show, some people are calling this the gayest show on TV — it's gayer than Ellen Degeneres. Yeah, I definitely have a ton of gay fans, which I'm happy with."

Mika buys drinks for hundreds of his Twitter followers.

Tyra Banks reveals her real hair in season opener.

Kevin Smith's next film may be inspired by Westboro Baptist Church leader Fred Phelps: "It's certainly not Phelps himself but it's very much inspired by a Phelps figure. And to me, too, the notion of using a Phelps-like character as a villain, as horrifying and scary as that guy can be, there's even something more insidious than him that lurks out there in as much as a public or a government that allows it and that's the other thing that I'm trying to examine in a big, big way."

News: Otter, Angels in America, Maine, L Word, Gravy Wrestling

Angels in America to get New York revival.

Diane Sawyer to replace Charles Gibson as ABC World News Tonight anchor.

30-year-old Joel Hicks wins UK Gravy Wrestling championship. Video.

Real Housewife of Atlanta bares her titties for the gays.

UK farmer unleashes pigs to deter gay men from cruising in his woods.

Gay Pride group settles lawsuit with city of Birmingham, Alabama: "The group filed the federal lawsuit in 2008 over Mayor Larry Langford's attempt to withhold a parade permit from the group and his banning city workers from installing parade banners on city property. David Gespass, an attorney for Central Alabama Pride, said the city will craft a nondiscrimination policy when it comes to hanging banners and will pay the group's costs and legal fees. The city will pay $40,350 for legal fees and the lawsuit filing fee."

Family Research Council's Tony Perkins headed to Maine to fight marriage equality.

Meet the guy who's casting Maine's anti-gay marriage equality ad.

Cate Blanchett struck with radio, injured during performance of A Streetcar Named Desire.

Peter Facinelli and co-star Haaz Sleiman pucker up for Nurse Jackie.

The L Word to go real life: "Show will follow six lesbians in Los Angeles as they go about their lives -- a lesbian answer to Bravo's "Real Housewives" franchise. Project is dependent on casting, the net said; if all goes as planned, "The Real L Word" would debut sometime next year."

25 lesbian tattoos.

Dolphin slaughter suspended in Japan: "Today is September 1st, the first day of the dolphin slaughter season in Japan. But when I arrived today by bus from Kansai Airport with media representatives from all over the world, the notorious Cove from the movie was empty. There were no dolphin killers in sight. So today is a good day for dolphins!

Gay resort opens in Tampa.

Albino otter spotted in Scotland!

WATCH: Whitney Houston performs in Central Park.

Hungarian police give go-ahead for Gay Pride parade on Saturday.

The 5 Gayest Beaches in Southern California.

Washington State Senator Ed Murray won't enter Seattle mayor's race: "Murray had been considering a write-in campaign after T-Mobile executive Joe Mallahan and Sierra Club activist Mike McGinn advanced to the November general election in last month's primary. In a statement released Tuesday, Murray says he needs to focus on the upcoming campaign to get voters to approve Referendum 71, which has qualified for the November ballot."