Jerusalem WorldPride, which faced threats of violence and killing, is called off, for obvious reasons.
For the first time in its 19-year-history, the police force joins the Halifax, Nova Scotia gay pride parade: “Deputy Police Chief Chris McNeil, one of the gay pride marchers, said his department wants to reflect the community it serves. He said the police force ‘is a microcosm of society' and joining the parade was the right thing to do. ‘This is a celebration of people's rights.'”
Eureka!: Epicopal Bishop in Arkansas okays gay blessings: “It is my belief that seeking ways of recognizing and blessing faithful, monogamous same-sex relationships falls within the parameters of providing pastoral concern and care for our gay and lesbian members.”
The Washington Post takes a closer look at the “Manny” phenomenon, pushed into the spotlight by Britney's manny Perry Poppins: “It's weird to think that not hanging out with kids is considered manly. What does that say about our roles?”
Olympic skater Johnny Weir says he received death threats in Turin and still receives hate mail: “I was second place. I was going to win a medal for my country . . . Then when I lost it, everyone turned…It wasn't something I was prepared for, but now I'm very strong about it and I don't really care so much. But when I was thrown in to that situation at the Olympics, it was ugly. Just not winning America's medal and not bringing home a medal for my country and my federation, and looking like I was a flake…I'm not scared. If it's my time to die, it's my time to die. But I'm really not expecting that to happen from a rogue, freaky figure skating fan.”
Shiny happy people: David Beckham steps out with stick figure on Roberto Cavalli yacht in Italy.
Hundreds of thousands attend Christopher Street festival in Berlin. More photos…
Illinois Family Institute holds vigil with “ex-gays” outside Chicago bathhouse. Executive Director Peter LaBarbera: “We care about gay men enough to tell them to stop practicing degrading and potentially lethal behavior. Steamworks is a perversion center where men go to have anonymous sex with other men. Many of these men are publicly ‘gay' but others are not. Some are married or also have sex with women, thus putting their female partners at great risk.”
Robbie Willliams new single “Rudebox” panned: “Try to imagine you and your mates messing around in your bedroom with a drum machine while comedy ‘rapping' over the top…The only difference is Robbie is actually allowed to release this rubbish because he has a record deal. It shouldn't be allowed on grounds of taste.”
