News: Playgirl, China, Brokeback, McGreevey, Amsterdam, Facebook

China: Police raid gay bathhouse in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province and arrest 40 on suspicion of prostitution: "Photos of young men in shorts were pasted at the entrance to the venue, which had a bathroom, a lobby and 10 single rooms. A sign at the gate warned visitors that the premises were for men's leisure only. More than 30 police officers raided the house after receiving evidence. Two men were caught having sex with each other on the scene, and were seized with other patrons. A man surnamed Zhang, 47, from Shanxi Province, was charged with paying to have sex with sex worker Shao, 23, from Jiangsu Province at the bath house. Both were punished for involvement in prostitution, police said..."

Playgirl magazine to shutter print operation, go "web-only"...

Will it be Evan Bayh? Here are the latest odds according to one gambling site.

Columnist Robert Novak retires from journalism, calls brain tumor prognosis "dire".

Actor Morgan Freeman hospitalized after car accident: "The 71-year-old Dark Knight actor’s car reportedly went off the road and flipped several times reports, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol. 'The doors were jammed on the vehicle from the rolling and flipping,' Mississippi Highway patrol sergeant Ben Williams said. 'We had to break the doors open with the jaws of life to extract him.'" Film cursed?

Rainbow flag stolen from Kirkland, Washington church.

New York gay couples following wedding bells to Massachusetts: "While some New Yorkers have flown across the country to marry in California since May, when that state became the nation’s second to approve same-sex marriage, gay-rights advocates expect many more to do the same in Massachusetts, since it is so much closer. 'We call it the Amtrak option, as opposed to the Jet Blue option,' said Cathy Renna, a communications consultant to gay and lesbian organizations." Actually, you can take Jet Blue to Massachusetts though you may lose everything.

Canadian summer camp for gay and lesbian youth inspires national movement.

Brokeback: Big Brother 10's gay cowboy Steven selling his clothes on eBay. (Someone bought his cut off T-shirt for $1,075!)

Brokeback is now Chinese shorthand for gay.

McGreevey divorce finalization expected imminently.

Dutch cabinet ministers join Gay Pride canal flotilla in Amsterdam: "The initiative was taken by Education and Culture Minister Ronald Plasterk of the Dutch Labour party, who is also responsible for gender equality. 'The government focuses attention on important social issues. This is one of them.'"

Madonna brings documentary home to Michigan, gives good face.

All Dan: Equus Broadway promos ditch horse, girl.

A scheduled meeting between gay Mormon support group and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been delayed indefinitely: "In a letter sent July 23, Fred C. Riley, the outgoing director of LDS Family Services, said the matter would best be handled by his successor, who hasn't been selected. LDS Family Services is an arm of the Salt Lake City-based denomination."

Refugee seekers turning to Facebook to prove sexual orientation: "Wearing their sexuality on their sleeve was never an option for many of these people back in their home countries, so scrounging up suitable evidence to support their claims may be difficult. Claimants cite torture, rape, and even death if they are returned home. So they have to get inventive. The group leader tells his members to use technology to their advantage and feels Facebook can help demonstrate involvement in the gay and lesbian community. 'During Pride we took hundreds of pictures and we have a Facebook group and when people sign up to that group we encourage them to show their membership to the IRB member.'"

Scientists measure Great White Shark's bite: "The fearsome predator's chomp is around three times more powerful than a lion's, at least 20 times stronger than a human's and just over half as strong as Tyrannosaurus rex."

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News: Sean Penn, Berlin, Coral, Jake Gyllenhaal, Wisconsin

Is Bush blocking Obama speech at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate?

Jake gets a mane.

No brainer: Guess what they're working on a sequel for...

Not a surprise: Tanzania to oppose ordination of women and gay bishops in Anglican church.

Same-sex Wisconsin couples who marry in California could face prison if they return to their home state: "When Dick Myers heard that California was going to start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, he and his partner of nearly 13 years considered traveling there to get married. That is until Myers and his partner, Steve Brondino, learned of an obscure state law that makes it a crime for Wisconsin residents to enter into marriage in another state if the marriage would be prohibited here. The law imposes a penalty for those who enter into a marriage that's prohibited or declared void in Wisconsin of up to $10,000 and nine months in prison."

Focus on the Family inciting trans panic in Colorado.

Tacoma, Washington's county council refuses to go on record supporting gay pride event, spurs outcry by members: "I’m embarrassed. This is a sad, low day for the County Council, that we wouldn’t give you a chance to celebrate who you are and stand against discrimination of all forms."

25% of the world's corals are facing extinction.

New York Governor Paterson to sign expanded domestic violence law: "The new law would make it possible for people in dating relationships, heterosexual or gay, to seek protection from abusers in family court. As it stands, New York has one of the narrowest domestic violence laws in the country, allowing for civil protection orders only against spouses or former spouses, blood relations or the other parent of an abused person’s child."

Damn Yankees, with Cheyenne Jackson, Jane Krakowski, and Sean Hayes: a review.

From the secret diaries of Mario Testino: "Shooting in LA for an issue of V Man I'm editing. The theme is "extreme". I've tried to do it around the extremes of how a male gets perceived today, in the sense that there is ambiguity: sometimes the butcher a man is, the queenier he can be. And sometimes the most feminine men can be the most masculine. I'm influenced by so many different things, though. That's good if you're in the fashion business. Because things change so much. You can't say "I like colour" because the day after tomorrow black and white is in and you're out. And I don't want to be out. I need to work. It's my livelihood. So I'm adaptable."

He's still a traffic-stopper.

Margaret Cho now performing wedding ceremonies: "Cho actually married two couples during the Bay Area's gay pride festivities, she announced last night at the opening of the Outfest film festival in downtown Los Angeles."

Tom Cruise as the Village People.

Gay Star Trek episode to be screened: "Last March, the team of fans behind Star Trek Phase II began producing 'Blood and Fire' a gay-themed script originally written for The Next Generation in 1988 by 'The Trouble With Tribbles' writer David Gerrold. The story would have included the franchise's first gay couple and dealt with a deadly disease that worked as an analogy to AIDS, but the episode never was filmed."

Ciccone tell-all: "When Sean Penn was married to his sister, he made Christopher cut his thumb and then cut his own and merged them to become blood brothers. Penn approached him years later and asked him if he had AIDS."

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Charges Dropped Against Cody Castagna in WA Extortion Case

All charges against Cody Castagna, the escort involved in the late-night sexual rendezvous with former Washington state Rep. Richard Curtis which led to the lawmaker's subsequent resignation, have been dropped after Curtis sent a letter to prosecutors indicating that he does not wish to proceed with the case. In December, Castagna was charged on six counts by Spokane County prosecutors including theft, conspiracy, and extortion. He pleaded not guilty on all six counts.

Said the letter: "After speaking with the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and discussing my further participation of the prosecution of the defendants, I am requesting that I not be requested to testify...My wife, daughters, and son-in-law have paid a high price for my actions and also the actions of the defendants...We, as a family, have weighed the costs vs. benefits of testifying and have decided that going through the criminal process would be more detrimental than good...My wife, daughters and son-in-law have paid a very high price for my actions and also the actions of the defendants...My family and I have found ourselves closer as a result and are settled into a new chapter in our lives and are moving past this incident...I am sure you can understand that this has been a very traumatic event for all of us."

Curtis resigned from his position as a state legislator last October because of the scandal.

Early last month, Curtis was ordered to meet with Castagna and face a tough new line of questioning. Curtis is apparently in exile "at an undisclosed location" and the taxpayers were to foot the bill for that trip. This may have been part of Curtis' decision to drop the charges. Watch the news clip, AFTER THE JUMP...

(apologies, the sound cuts out at a certain point)

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'Day of Silence' Met with Protests, Solidarity in Rural Washington

As you may know, today is GLSEN's 12th annual Day of Silence. Students from more than 6,800 schools across the nation are expected to take part by taking a vow of silence to raise awareness about anti-LGBT bullying and harassment. One school on which media attention is focused is Mount Si High School in Snoqualmie, Washington. Chris Monsos graduated from Mount Si in 1997. He pens the blog Hunk du Jour and works as a software engineer outside Seattle.

Around the country, lunch rooms will be a bit quieter and hallways a bit less rowdy as students in over 5,000 schools participate in the annual 'Day of Silence'. The event is designed to draw attention to anti-LGBT bullying in schools and promote learning spaces that are respectful and tolerant of all people.

In rural Snoqualmie, Washington, the Mount Si High School Gay-Straight Alliance will be taking part, but activist pastor Ken Hutcherson aims to protest the event by encircling the school with 1,000 praying Christians. Hutcherson appeared at the school in January of this year, causing controversy after he was selected to be a speaker at the Martin Luther King Jr. assembly. During his appearance a teacher booed him, and another teacher asked him about the disconnect between his message of equality and his intolerance of the GLBT community.

After the encounter Rev. Hutcherson called for the firing of the two teachers who spoke out. The school offered an official apology, and the district said in a statement that "appropriate action has been taken with staff and school administration..." The district added that it does not comment on personnel matters.

Protesters of the 'Day of Silence' placed a half-page ad in the local paper, The Snoqualmie Valley Record;. They call the event too disruptive for the learning environment, when organizers attest that it is designed to be as non-disruptive as possible.

Support for the Mount Si GSA has appeared from what might have been considered an unlikely source -- another small church in the Snoqualmie Valley. Tolt Congregational UCC, a church in nearby Carnation, took out a full-page ad in the Record, reading "...we stand in solidarity with these student leaders for their efforts to make our schools safe and welcoming to all."

I spoke to Neil Lequia (below, right), a former student who is returning to Mount Si today to support students and facilitate a news conference. Lequia is the subject of a profile in today's Seattle Times.

"It's overwhelming to know that within the community we have so much encouragement and opposition," says Lequia, who began working with GLSEN when he was a student at Mount Si, helping create the GSA. "Because Tolt UCC is a Christian church, it shows that not all Christians are bad people, and they can accept everyone for their differences."

Adds Lequia: "Gay rights has become so vocally debated in the valley because its an issue that people feel they don't have to deal with. It has always been swept under the rug because there are 'no gays in the valley.'"

GSA Advisor Eric Goldhammer reports that around 200 students have taken part in the required 'Day of Silence' training meetings. Student participants are pledging to "approach the day with dignity, maturity and respect." When asked about what he is proudest of thus far, he sees students realizing that "they can make an impact on the world, even in little Snoqualmie, Washington -- they're getting an idea of what student leadership is all about."

While the protesters stand just outside of school property, what you won't see is a counter-protest. A small group of community supporters will welcome students at the gates and show their support. They intend on being gone before the expected protest crowd even arrives. GLSEN WA (Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network) will also be holding an off-campus press conference to answer questions about the 'Day of Silence' and talk to the media about the importance of GSAs in schools.

Adds Lequia: "The 'Day of Silence' raises awareness of issues. It shows how people have to conceal their identity on the behalf of other people. This whole event is about anti bullying and harassment and those things happen especially in high schools. We are the people who are going to make a difference."

Related
Ex-student returns to Mount Si to support Day of Silence [seattle times]
(neil lequia image - dean rutz, seattle times)

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News: David Hernandez, Syphilis, Hulk, James Dobson, Greece

Provincetown acting police chief Warren Tobias retiring. Town decides not to appoint him permanently, which is a good thing, considering the department's poor record on hate crime incidents.

Stripper from Dick's out on American Idol.

If you're into Edward Norton and roided out green men who tear their shirts off, you may like this trailer.

Syphilis rates surge, especially among gay and bisexual men: "Since 2000, when the national syphilis rate sank to a low of 2.1 per 100,000 people after a decade of progress in the 1990s, the rate has soared by 76 percent, the CDC reported. Homosexual and bisexual men accounted for 64 percent of syphilis cases in 2007, up from about 5 percent in 1999. CDC officials expressed concern not only because the recent increases in this bacterial sexually transmitted disease follows years of declines, but also because syphilis can elevate a person's risk of being infected with the AIDS virus and the odds of giving it to someone else."

NYT: Sex diseases in gay men escaping detection because people are ignoring regular testing. "Dr. Kristen Mahle’s study found that among gay men who showed no symptoms of gonorrhea, more than a third of rectal infections with the disease, and more than a quarter of throat infections, were missed because many were not tested at all anatomical sites of recent exposure. Dr. Eric Tai’s study surveyed non-H.I.V.-positive gay men in 15 cities from 2003 to 2005 and found that only 39 percent reported having been tested for syphilis, and only 36 percent for gonorrhea."

Tranny hot mess: The next Ugly Betty guest star?

Focus on the Family's James Dobson worried that all the Christian bigots are dying out.

Pair of lesbians in Greece hope to become first same-sex marriage there by exploiting a legal loophole: "The two will try to tie the knot under a 1982 law that does not specify that a civil union must involve a man and a woman, said Evanguelia Vlami of Greece's main homosexual association, Olke. The ceremony is to take place in the Kessariani quarter of Athens by a mayor who belongs to the radical left-wing Syriza party, Vlami said. 'I have no objection to celebrating this union so long as the law is respected,' the mayor, Spyros Tzokas, told the Ta Nea daily."

Adam Sandler kicks sand in a bear's face at the beach.

Chace Crawford: fresh as a country lane after a spring shower.

Washington governor Chris Gregoire signs bill expanding domestic partner benefits: "The measure adds domestic partners to sections of laws where previously only spouses were mentioned, including areas referring to probate and trusts, community property and homestead exemptions, and guardianship and powers of attorney. 'This bill is about protecting and helping Washington families,' Gregoire said before signing the bill. 'It simply gives these families the same rights as everybody else. It's the right thing to do.'"

Catholic bishop alleges 'gay conspiracy' against the Church, longs for the good old days when gays were thrown in the clink: The Bishop of Motherwell, Joseph Devine, says a 'homosexual lobby' has aligned itself with minority groups, including Holocaust survivors, to gain persecuted status. He said there was a 'huge and well orchestrated conspiracy' taking place in the 'gay movement', which the Catholic Church neglected 'at our peril'...In an attack on openly gay actor Sir Ian McKellen the bishop said: 'I saw actor Ian McKellen being honoured for his work on behalf of homosexuals, when a century ago Oscar Wilde was locked up and put in jail.' He made the comments during a lecture on 'Christian faith and inconvenient questions' in Glasgow on Tuesday and has since stood by them, 'These groups are defending their position, I am defending mine', he said. 'It is all about a lifestyle alien to the Christian tradition. There is a giant conspiracy against Christian values, an agenda here.'"

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Washington Legislature Votes to Expand Domestic Partner Rights

A bill proposed by openly gay Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, extending 170 new rights to domestic partners in Washington State, passed the state senate by a vote of 29-20 Tuesday:

"The bill grants same-sex couples additional rights -- including the ability to share bank accounts, the right to hold common property and immunity from testifying against one's partner in court. Divorce rights -- including child-custody provisions -- were also granted. The measure now goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is expected to sign it into law. Republicans decried the bill for whittling away at the institution of marriage, saying the deterioration of marriage between a man and a woman would lead to a rise in crime, juvenile delinquency and parents working long hours."

The expansion of rights is seen as a step toward full marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Gay couples win new rights in bill [seattle post intelligencer]

Previously
Washington State Domestic Partner Law Takes Effect [tr]
Somehow, "Just Registered" Doesn't Have the Same Ring To It [tr]
Gay Rights Champ Pedersen Wins Key Seattle House Race [tr]

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Ric Weiland, former Microsoft Employee, Leaves $65M LGBT Gift

The Seattle Times reported over the weekend on the $160 million bequest of early Microsoft employee Ric Weiland, who took his own life in June 2006 after suffering from depression. The Pride Foundation in Seattle, to which Weiland left $19, was directed to distribute another $46 million among various LGBT organizations:

"It has taken more than a year to sort out his estate, and the full scope of Weiland's giving is now starting to emerge. The first disbursements began last summer and will be completed sometime this year. For the Pride Foundation, which has an annual budget of $2.5 million and endowment of $3 million, Weiland's gift of more than $19 million will significantly expand its efforts throughout the Northwest. The money will support anti-discrimination campaigns and programs to help youths, develop future leaders and provide scholarships. 'It's a gigantic investment in our equal-rights movement,' said Zan McColloch-Lussier, the Pride Foundation's director of communications. 'It will be here long after our kids' kids are gone.' Weiland gave another $46 million to the Pride Foundation to distribute to 10 national organizations over eight years."

The full list of those benefiting from Weiland's estate, AFTER THE JUMP...

Receipients of Ric Weiland's Bequest

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research
Children’s Hospital
Environmental Defense
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
In The Life
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC)
Lakeside School
Lambda Legal
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF)
Nature Conservancy (WA State and National)
National Wildlife Federation
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Pride Foundation
Project Inform
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
Sierra Club
Stanford University
United Way King County

Seattle man who helped launch Microsoft left $65M for gay rights [seattle times]

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News: Karen Carpenter, Egypt, Jason Rae, Tuxedos, Michelle Obama

The Advocate talks to Jason Rae, at 21 the nation's youngest superdelegate: "I have not yet come out to my parents. I’m realizing that tonight I may just want to call them and talk to them. I’ve been waiting for the right moment, and now just might happen to be that right moment."

Karen Carpenter's home in Downey, California soon to be in the path of the wrecking ball? Fan: "This house is our version of Graceland. When they photographed the 'Now & Then' cover here in 1973, the house was instantly immortalized."

HIV arrests widen in Egypt: "The latest arrests took place after police followed up information coerced from men already detained, HRW said. The Egyptian interior ministry has not responded to the allegations. In a joint press release, Amnesty International and HRW warned that Egypt's efforts to prevent the spread of the deadly virus could be seriously damaged by the arrests. 'This not only violates the most basic rights of people living with HIV. It also threatens public health, by making it dangerous for anyone to seek information about HIV prevention or treatment,' said Rebecca Schleifer, who works on HIV/Aids issues at HRW."

Beef recall: 143 million pounds. "'Because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection, Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined them to be unfit for human food and the company is conducting a recall,' Schafer said in a statement. A phone message left for Westland president Steve Mendell was not immediately returned. Federal officials suspended operations at Westland/Hallmark after an undercover video from the Humane Society of the United States surfaced showing crippled and sick animals being shoved with forklifts." Here's the video. Warning: images are extremely disturbing.

Lindsay Lohan recreates Marilyn Monroe's nude "last sitting" for New York magazine. (warning: NSFW)

Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law will all take over in Heath Ledger's final role.

Jake Gyllenhaal steps out of seclusion.

ABC picks up spec comedy from Will & Grace creators Kohan and Mutchnick: "The untitled sitcom follows two men — one straight, one gay — who are lifelong best friends and business partners. The pair have to balance their relationship when they each find romantic partners at the same time. This show is probably loosely (but likely) based off of the longtime friendship and working relationship between Kohan, who’s straight, and Mutchnick, who’s gay."

Washington House passes measure expanding benefits to domestic partners: "The measure adds domestic partners to sections of laws where previously only spouses were mentioned, including areas referring to probate and trusts, community-property and homestead exemptions, and guardianship and powers of attorney. The underlying domestic-partnership law, passed last year, already provides hospital-visitation rights, the ability to authorize autopsies and organ donations, and inheritance rights when there is no will."

Fleshbot liveblogs the GayVN (adult film) awards at the Giftcenter in San Francisco. (warning: site NSFW

UK arsonist sentenced to 10 years for lighting gay couple's home on fire as they slept: "Sonny Lockwood, 20, targeted his victims, Nicholas Hughes and Peter Cameron at their home in North Downs Crescent, New Addington, in retaliation to the pair testifying against him at an earlier Asbo hearing."

Newsweek: Who is Michelle Obama?

Oscar Men's Fashion Watch: "Fashion is reaching back to the classic look of old Hollywood and giving it a modern, sexy twist. Thanks to designs like Dior Homme's with its skinny cut, men look slimmer in luxury fabrics such as lightweight wool. This year, expect to see '60s-inspired velvet dinner jackets in rich purples or blues. There will be vests and regular ties instead of bow ties."

Five Anglican leaders to boycott once-a-decade world Anglican summit because the Episcopal church ordained a gay bishop: "Friday's announcement came from Archbishops Peter Akinola of Nigeria, Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda, Benjamin Nzimbi of Kenya, Henry Orombi of Uganda and Gregory Venables of the Southern Cone, which is in South America. 'There is no serious space for those of an orthodox persuasion ... to be themselves or to be taken seriously,' the archbishops said in a statement. They lead some of the largest or fastest-growing Anglican provinces in the world. 'The gathering will be diminished by their absence, and I imagine that they themselves will miss a gift they might have otherwise received' by attending, Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said."

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News: Interview Magazine, Tony Romo, Gayelle, Finger Length

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama exchange nasty radio ads here and here.

Tony Romo can't shake off the albatross that brought down the Dallas Cowboys.

Underground movement underway by lesbians who don't want to be called 'lesbian' anymore. Their replacement name: Gayelle.

Washington state legislature has largest gay caucus in the U.S.: "Marko Liias, a 26-year-old Democrat from Mukilteo, started the legislative session earlier this month, replacing former Rep. Brian Sullivan, who left the Legislature for the Snohomish County Council. Liias' arrival gives Washington six openly gay lawmakers, ahead of California's five. That makes Washington the state with the largest Capitol gay caucus, according to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based political action committee. 'Anything that we can do, me as an individual, or us as a state, to be leaders on this issue and be role models is excellent,' Liias told The Associated Press Wednesday. 'The message really is, everyone deserves a stake in Washington, and everyone has a stake in Washington's future.' Liias joins Reps. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver and Dave Upthegrove, D-Des Moines, and Sens. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, and Joe McDermott, D-Seattle." (CORRECTION: Victory Fund issues - statement: NH has most out legislators)

CLICK HERE if you're interested in knowing the funky name for the new James Bond film.

And guess who else has a new name? P Diddy.

Publisher Sandra Brant and editor-in-chief Ingrid Sischy leave Interview magazine.

Ceremony to be held on Monday in Westminster will remember Holocaust victims, including gays: "Groups such as the Roma, gay people and people with disabilities who also suffered under Nazi rule will be commemorated through song and imagery along with victims of other genocides.The event is part of a wider programme of education in Westminster's youth centres to explore the issues of racism, homophobia and sexism."

A closer look at finger lengths.

John Travolta had an obsession with Heath Ledger: "I wanted to meet him because I was very impressed with him from the very beginning. His agent introduced me to him at a party, and I just fell — I used every accolade. Actors need other actors to be inspired by, and he was 'my' actor....My feeling on Heath is I don't want to lose him at any age, 28 or 88, like Marlon Brando. I didn't like his passing, he was special to me, and he was a friend. At any age you don't want to lose someone like that — he was a valuable guy. I am truly sorry and my heart goes out to everyone who knew him and loved him, and actually, my heart goes out to me, I really don't like it. I don't like it…"

New South Wales police fight back against accusations of homophobia related to the recent surge of anti-gay violence in and around Sydney: "It should be pointed out that it can be very difficult for police officers to ask a victim whether they believe a crime was motivated by homophobia, or if it is a hate-related crime, especially if the victim has not voluntarily stated their sexuality. It is a sensitive topic that can lead to allegations of police either making inappropriate assumptions about someone’s sexuality or, or on the other hand, not treating a crime as a hate crime."

Jude Law spends a day at the beach.

Queerty talks to author Tom Dolby about his new book The Sixth Form.

Berlin film fesitval Panorama arthouse sidebar featuring a bunch of gay films: "Discrimination against gays and lesbians is one of this year’s hot topics in Dokumente and the subject of several films, including 'Das andere Istanbul,' by Doendue Kilic; 'East/West — Sex & Politics,' by Jochen Hick; 'Suddenly, Last Winter,' by Gustav Hofer and Luca Ragazzi, as well as Rosa von Praunheim’s 'Tote Schwule — lebende Lesben.'"

Maryland marriage bill gets new sponsors.

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News: Tina Turner, Galveston, Matt Foreman, Best Buy

Gays and lesbians in Washington state ask for divorce rights: "Supporters of the legislation unveiled Tuesday say it seeks to provide financial security for same-sex couples by establishing community property rights, probate protections and joint responsibility for debts. Murray, who is one of a handful of openly gay lawmakers in Olympia, say gays and lesbians seek not only the protections, 'but we are also asking for the responsibilities that go to marriage.' Senate Bill 6716 and House Bill 3104 also would provide domestic partners end-of-life rights, nursing-home visitation, veterans benefits and spousal testimonial privileges that married couples enjoy."

Best Buy quickly takes advantage of Heath Ledger's death: "A small sign, created by the company’s finest 1998-era laser printer, informs its customers that they should 'Remember a Great Actor Through Great Performances', tastefully suggesting that customers — who may not have even been aware of his passing — grieve the only way they know how: By reliving the romantic hijinx that is 10 Things I Hate About You."

Tina Turner and Béyonce to duet at the Grammys.

Matt Foreman to resign from National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, to lead Gay & Lesbian Program at the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund: "I will always love the Task Force, our work, our board, and our staff. Having served for 18 years as the executive director at three LGBT organizations, I’m incredibly privileged to be able to continue to work in and for the movement in a new role at the Haas, Jr. Fund. I have no doubt that the Task Force will continue to be the uncompromising progressive voice of the LGBT movement and to thrive and help lead our community to complete equality.”

Republican Fred Thompson drops presidential bid: "Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people."

Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, and Shakira team up for Super Bowl commercial.

In new online game, user assumes role of presidential candidates and then shoots his or her opponents in the halls of the White House: ". While the ammo is paintball, the game on the highly trafficked miniclip.com site allows kids to train a rifle scope on six presidential aspirants and squeeze off a hail of shots (which are accompanied with a rat-a-tat sound). The game, 'Presidential Paintball,' features six candidates in the crosshairs: Barack Obama; Hillary Clinton; John Edwards; Mitt Romney; John McCain; and Rudy Giuliani (it seems the game was developed before the ascension of Mike Huckabee). If a candidate wins a head-to-head confrontation, he/she advances to a new shootout, which occurs in various White House settings, including outside the Oval Office."

Brad Renfro had a son nobody knew about.

Galveston, Texas opens LGBT visitors center.

David Beckham makes UNICEF trip to Sierra Leone.

New poll reveals attitudes toward gay people and sex in Britain: "18 percent of those surveyed consider gay relationships are always wrong, while 32 percent see homosexual sex as always or mostly wrong. Moreover, four in 10 people (42 percent) think gay male couples are not as capable of being good parents as heterosexual ones -- although three in 10 (31 percent) believe they are."

Sydney lawmakers begin dealing with the homophobic violence issue that plagues their city: “We’re not blaming any specific person for this, but violence is obviously a complex issue and we need to be using all opportunities to raise it. It’s got to be policies on the ground. Clearly the local council needs to work with police, but there’s a real role for it in changing what that entertainment precinct is used for. It’s quite a different place during the evening than during the day time. We support the measures to bring back the shops people need – fruit and veg, butcher, etc."

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Cody Castagna Pleads Not Guilty in Lawmaker's Extortion

Cody Castagna, the escort involved in the late-night sexual rendezvous with former Washington state Rep. Richard Curtis which led to the lawmaker's subsequent resignation, who in December was charged on six counts by Spokane County prosecutors including theft, conspiracy, and extortion, has pleaded not guilty on all six counts.

The AP reports: "Prosecutors contend in court documents that Castagna and three other men attempted to blackmail former Rep. Richard Curtis in October. Curtis, a Republican from the southwest Washington town of LaCenter, said in police reports that he and Castagna had sex in a hotel room and that Castagna later took his wallet and threatened to expose him publicly if he did not pay $1,000."

Spokane County Superior Court Judge Jerome Leveque has set a trial date of April 7th.

Curtis, a married man who exposed his secret life by making the initial reports of Castagna's crime to the police, resigned at the end of October. Not only did the incident ruin his career and embarrass him, it exposed him as a hypocrite with an anti-gay voting record: "Elected to the state House of Representatives in 2004, Curtis has voted like a fiscal and social conservative. This spring, he voted against domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian couples. Last year, he opposed a gay rights bill that banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation."

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Cody Castagna Charged with 6 Counts in Richard Curtis Blackmail

Cody Castagna, the escort involved in the late-night sexual rendezvous with former Washington state Rep. Richard Curtis which led to the lawmaker's subsequent resignation, has been charged on six counts by Spokane County prosecutors including theft, conspiracy, and extortion.

According to KXLY Spokane: "Warrants for four men – including Castagna and his brother Joey – were issued Wednesday. The three other individuals suspected of involvement in the case all face related charges. Defendants will be called Wednesday and asked to surrender themselves before officers take matters into their own hands. The word of prosecutors officially charging Castagna with illegal activity comes two days after an email was sent out asking potential past victims of Castagna’s to come forward. 'There were multiple threats and multiple payoffs in this instance and it just seems like this was not the first time,' Spokane Police Sergeant Joe Peterson said of the suspected blackmail that Castagna and his cohorts were accused of orchestrating in exchange for keeping the sexual encounter a secret. 'And we've been told by other people that this is not the first time the suspects in this case have done this type of thing.' For his part, Castagna has long maintained his innocence in the case."

Curtis, a married man who exposed his secret life by making the initial reports of Castagna's crime to the police, resigned at the end of October. Not only did the incident ruin his career and embarrass him, it exposed him as a hypocrite with an anti-gay voting record: "Elected to the state House of Representatives in 2004, Curtis has voted like a fiscal and social conservative. This spring, he voted against domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian couples. Last year, he opposed a gay rights bill that banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation."

Backstory...
Richard Curtis, Cody Castagna, and Gay Extortion in Spokane [tr]
Washington GOP Rep. Richard Curtis Resigns Amid Gay Sex Scandal [tr]
Washington State GOP Rep. in Alleged Male Hustler Extortion Plot [tr]
Washington State GOP Rep. Curtis Exposed by Sordid Police Report [tr]
Washington State Rep's Alleged Extorter Has a Porn Past? [tr]

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Senate Aide to Maria Cantwell Arrested in Underage Sex Sting

James Michael McHaney, who until his arrest on Friday had worked as a D.C. scheduler for Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell, was arrested in a sex sting on Friday after arranging a sexual liaison with an underage teen boy, The Smoking Gun reported:

"James McHaney, 28, was nabbed by FBI agents after he arranged the afternoon liaison via a 'cooperating witness' working with investigators. According to the below felony complaint and an accompanying statement of facts filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., the CW and McHaney were conversing online Friday afternoon when the CW asked whether McHaney was interested in engaging in anal sex with a 13-year-old boy. 'I'll be there,' McHaney allegedly replied. He later asked for a photo of the child with whom he and the CW would have sex and whether the boy had 'any pubes.' When told no, McHaney allegedly replied, 'That's hot.' McHaney was nabbed in the lobby of an unnamed 'predetermined location,' where he had arranged to meet CW."

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Richard Curtis, Cody Castagna, and Gay Extortion in Spokane

After several days of investigation, Spokane police have determined that Cody Castagna, the young man and part-time porn actor who allegedly attempted to extort money from former Washington state Rep. Richard Curtis, was part of a larger group of men who formed an extortion ring. Curtis, who resigned as a legislator last week following the release of a sordid police report, was apparently their latest target.

KOMO TV reports: "According to police reports, the [Castagna and Curtis] went to the Davenport Hotel. There, Curtis claims, the 26-year-old stole his wallet and demanded $1,000. Curtis said he only had $200, which he left at the hotel's front desk. Police said Castagna may be part of a larger group that targets gay men for extortion. In Curtis' case, the group designated a flower pot at a Spokane part (ed: I believe they mean "park") as the drop-off point for the remaining $800. Detectives believe the group has done this before. 'There were multiple threats and payoffs,' said Sgt. Joe Peterson. 'In this instance it seems like it was not the first time and we've been told by other people it's not the first time the suspects have done this type of thing.' Spokane police are releasing few details and said at least three different people are involved, including Castagna's cousins. They urge any other victims of extortion to contact Spokane police."

Police released a surveillance photo (above) which they say shows a friend of Castagna's who took part in the extortion entering the Davenport hotel to receive the envelope with Curtis' cash in it. The man then left the hotel with the money.

Dan Savage, writing for the Seattle paper The Stranger took a fascinating trip to Spokane to retrace Richard Curtis' steps, stayed at the Davenport Towers (photo, above right) , and ended up visiting a gay bar where he ran into none other than Cody Castagna. It's a must read.

Writes Savage: "I find myself feeling bad for Curtis. What a sad and solitary figure. He couldn't risk staying at the same hotel with the rest of the GOP colleagues, lest they spot him coming and going with young thugs. So he slunk off to the soulless Davenport Tower alone, before slipping into the Hollywood Erotic Boutique alone, before heading to the Northwest Quest Casino alone, before heading back to his hotel to have sex with a man whose name he didn't know—a man who thought he was a freak."

That's what Castagna told him when he ran into him at gay bar Dempsey's: "Richard Curtis is a freak. A big, gay freak."

Police: Photo supports Curtis' claims of extortion [komo]
Straight Acting [the stranger]

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Washington GOP Rep. Richard Curtis Resigns Amid Gay Sex Scandal

Washington State GOP Representative Richard Curtis has resigned following a gay sex scandal in which Curtis claims he was the victim of an extortion attempt. However, extortion appears to be the least of the problems for the married Republican. Today, he submitted his resignation to the House leader.

Washington House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt issued the following statement this afternoon:

"I am very disappointed by the news reports of the conduct by Rep. Curtis last week in Spokane. After discussing this matter with House Republican leaders, he has submitted his resignation, which we feel is best for everyone involved. The troubling details continue to emerge, however, it has become clear that he can no longer effectively represent the constituents who elected him. We pray that Richard and his family have the strength and support they need to meet the personal challenges they face."

Recently
Washington State GOP Rep. in Alleged Male Hustler Extortion Plot [tr]
Washington State GOP Rep. Curtis Exposed by Sordid Police Report [tr]
Washington State Rep's Alleged Extorter Has a Porn Past? [tr]

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Washington State Rep's Alleged Extorter Has a Porn Past?

One of our tipsters has alerted us to the fact that Cody Castagna, the Spokane waiter at the center of the Richard Curtis alleged extortion case in Washington state, may have a porn past. Our tipster claims that Castagna starred in "Damon Blows America #3" from Treasure Island Media.

After doing a bit of research, it seems there is a "Cody" appearing in that release who looks much like Mr. Castagna. I'm not sure that this has any relevance to Curtis' case although it was reported that a couple videos were bought at the erotic video boutique where he met Castagna, so perhaps Curtis wanted, oh, I don't know, something to take away from his encounter later that evening?

After the jump is the screenshot (with adult portions blurred) I took off Treasure Island Media's video page. If you want to see where it came from, click here (NSFW).

Recently...
Washington State GOP Rep. Curtis Exposed by Sordid Police Report [tr]