Friday, March 31, 2006

Former Seattleites Rethink Move to "Friendly" Wisconsin

(Link) Pam Kleiss and Salud Garcia left Seattle for what they thought was a more "lesbian-friendly" Wisconsin. With the rising tide of support for a marriage ban in that state, they're not so sure that move was a good idea.

Kennel Owner Fined for Not Selling to Lesbians


(Link) In a twist on anti-gay adoption rules, a kennel owner refuses to sell a puppy to a woman simply because she's a lesbian. Won't someone think of the puppies?

Billie Jean King Teams Up With Retirement Community

(Link) The tennis legend says the new biz deal almost makes up for what happened in 1981: she came out and lost all her endorsements in 24 hours.

Thursday, March 30, 2006

East Enders Actress Slips Co-Star the Tongue


(Link) In a scene you won't see on US network television, British actresses feel free to romp it up in their televised lesbian trysts. Guess us Yanks will have to wait until East Enders lands on DVD.

Massachusetts Marriage Off Limits for Out-of-Staters

(Link) That law created in 1913 to prevent mixed-race marriages? It now stops same-sex marriages for non-Massachusetts residents.

"Don't Ask" Case Tossed Out on Technicality


(Link) A federal judge gives the boot to a suit filed by the Log Cabin Republicans over "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Ironically, they couldn't find a plaintiff willing to be openly gay long enough to put a name on the paperwork.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Carmen Electra Has a Joan Jett Fixation


(Link) The former Baywatch babe confesses she's got a thing for the former Runaway. And frankly, who wouldn't?

Lesbian Scene Cut from New Sharon Stone Flick


(Link) Sure, they're calling "Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction", but the director thought a menage a trois was too risky. Wanna bet it shows up in the directors cut on DVD?

Teenagers File Lawsuit Over Lesbian Expulsion

(Link) "There wouldn't even be a question if this school had done this based on the color of their skin," says the teens' lawyer. "Once the school started accepting tuition money, they became a business."

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Portia's Outs Herself to Her 99-Year-Old Grandma


(Link) All this time, Granny just thought they were roomies! Ah, you're never too old to have your grandchildren out themselves to you.

Networks Reject Pro-Diversity Ads by Church


(Link) The church ads show a "proper" family using an eject button to launch "improper" people -- like single moms and gay people -- from the pews. Hilariously too close for comfort for tv! Of course the link includes the controversial ad for your viewing pleasure.

Colorado May Give Equal Rights to Partners


(Link) One pol calls the political move "a dark day for Colorado," to which another pol says "Actually, it's a pretty bright day!" We'll let you guess which political parties they belong to.

Monday, March 27, 2006

New Immigration Flick Could be Lesbian "Brokeback"

(Link) Says the film's producer "If a gay American falls in love with a foreigner, there's no legal way for the couple to stay together. But if a straight man orders a foreign bride over the internet, she'll have a green card within days." (Link includes clip for the movie's trailer)

Catholic High School Bans Grrl Dates at Prom

(Link) A violation of First Amendment Rights, aka "freedom of speech", you say? Not so, says Lamda Legal. As a private school, Villa Marie is free to be unconstitutional.

Pink Reveals Teenage Lesbian Breakup

(Link) The hottie pop star confesses she's been in therapy for years and no longer dates women because her brother stole her girlfriend years ago. Oh, the humanity!

Friday, March 24, 2006

Anti-Sex Toy Litigation Sends Bad Vibes


(Link) The 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals has been buzzing with activity over the constitutionality of banning love utensils. And giggling over those folks who foolishly leave the batteries in when packing for a trip.

Florida Prepped to Ban Same-Sex Marriage


(Link) Not content with banning adoptions, the Sunshine State is out to squelch marriage with a proposed constitutional amendment -- brought to you by the GOP and some rich Baptists.

Jealous Mom Jailed Over Bleach Attack

(Link) Relationship stained by jealousy? Try the improved cleaning power of high-strength laundry chemicals and win a free trip to visit the judge!

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Interview: Comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer


(Link) Suzanne was out a long time before Ellen and Rosie, and unlike those two, her act still includes queer humor -- even for straight audiences.

Backlash Fading Since Massachusetts Legalized Marriage

(Link) Sure the issue still gets the fundies and conservatives in an uproar, but the current polls say the Anti crowd is now at 51% -- a tad better than 2004's 63% of the population can't handle the thought of same-sex marriage.

French Tennis Hottie Moves to Number One


(Link) Amelie Mauresmo has worked her way up the top rank in the World Tennis Association, and chalks up her success to coming out and finding love. No pun intended.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Logo Offers Roadtrip Chance for Fame

(Link) Planning a roadtrip in your RV? Logo wants to ride along and make ya famous. "This way to the casting couch, ladies..."

Olivia Cruise Lines to Offer Credit Card

(Link) Even better than a low APR, using the new card earns points toward airfare, trips and cruises. Can't wait to see the commercials for this one!

"Don't Ask" Twice As Likely to Target Women

(Link) Wartime discharges have dropped, but they haven't stopped. Even though women only make up about 15% of the Armed Forces, 30% of those booted under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" are female.

Monday, March 20, 2006

"V for Vendetta" Has Lesbian Love Story at Heart


(Link) The creepy new futuristic flick centers on a vendetta inspired by the love of two women crushed by a Christian Totalitarian government -- and stars the lovely-to-behold Natalie Portman.

Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Expected Soon in Washington


(Link) With anti-discrimation laws recently passed after a 30-year struggle, Washington state may approve same-sex marriage sooner than most states. "We as a culture in Washington state are moving ahead in our understanding of who lesbian and gay people are," says State Rep. Ed Murray. "Some of the myths have faded away."

Is Gay Adoption the Next Challenge?

(Link) More than half a million kids are in foster care, but only 10,000 find permanent homes each year -- with gays and lesbians taking in the hard-to-place kids. Could gay adoption be more winnable than marriage rights?

Friday, March 17, 2006

Lesbian Sues Fire Dept. Chief Over Bias

(Link) The kicker? The Fire Department Chief is her ex-girlfriend. Grab the popcorn and let the dyke drama unfold!

Angelina Tops Diva Mag's 10 Hottie Faves List


(Link) She of the Inflatable Lips takes first place on the UK lesbian mag's list of women "We So Would" -- a collection of babes readers voted as those they'd least likely throw outta bed. How did your celebrity crush do?

Out NY City Council Pol Boycotts Anti-Gay Parade


(Link) For the 16th straight (pardon the pun) year, organizers of NYC's St Patrick's Day parade have banned LGBT groups, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is boycotting them back. "I can't deny who I am any given day."

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Interview: Writer Sarah Waters


(Link) The author of "Tipping the Velvet," "Affinity" and "Fingersmith" discusses the trip from being quietly published with good reviews to putting lesbian literature into the mainstream.

Judges Secretly Promise to Keep Up Marriage Ban


(Link) Minnesota's Senate Majority Leader says that state's Supreme Court judges told him on tape they'd retain the same-sex marriage ban if it came up for a vote. Oops! Talking about what they "might" do in a prospective case is illegal. Backpeddling and CYA-ing ensues!

Girlfriends, On Our Backs Mags Sold Off


(Link) An un-named "online media company" buys up two leading lesbian print mags, with no nomention of whether they'll continue publication. Our guess: PlanetOut is buying out the competition for ad dollars.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Same-Sex Parenting is a Done Deal


(Link) Same-sex marriage might still be up in the air, but same-sex parenting is not. Heather's two mommies are better for her than keeping her in perpetual foster care.

Security Clearance Rules May Block LGBT Applicants

(Link) While we were distracted by other things, Dubya & Co rewrote the rules for gay and lesbian applicants for national security clearances. Now, being queer can disqualify you from getting that clearance -- thus shutting you out of a huge number of federal jobs.

Study: Seniors Fear Medical Discrimination

(Link) Same-sex marriage may be legal today, but Canada hasn't always been queer-friendly. Older Canadians remember the bad old days of forced reparative therapy by doctors hoping to cure them of their "mental illness."

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Job of the Year: Sex Toy Tester

(Link) You know somebody has to do it, but does evaluating love utensils count as animal testing?

Woman's Obituary Outs Her Partner of 35 Years

(Link) When Charlene Tanner died at age 70, her partner suddenly has to confront coming out -- and comes to some profound realizations about life and love.

Fundie Group's Ford Boycott is On. Again.


(Link) Enraged by the Ford Motor Company's decision not to stop putting ads in queer mags after all, the American Family Association re-boycotts the company.

Monday, March 13, 2006

Dear Cupid: Should I Hurl Myself At My Gym Coach?

(Link) "I've had a crush on her for 5 years. How do I know she's a lesbian?" Which is the bigger clue: the lesbian schoolgirl porn vids in Coach's desk or her jealousy over your celebrity crush on Jennifer Aniston?

Lesbian Couple Arrested, Probed for Eloping in India

(Link) At the request of their families, the police also forced the pair to submit to a gynecological exam because one of the young women wore pants. With family values like that, who wouldn't be tempted to flee the nest?

Activists Arrested at Falwell's University

(Link) In an unusual twist, queer protesters decided to crash the fundies' party at Rev. Falwell's Liberty University, where students aren't at liberty to dance much less be "homaseckshuls."

Friday, March 10, 2006

Review: Norah Vincent's "Self-Made Man"

(Link) A social experiment in which a lesbian passed as male for 18 months could have yielded some fascinating insights on gender and social differences. Instead, says one reviewer, it's more useful as a dress up guide for drag kings.

Australia to Approve Migrant Same-Sex Couples


(Link) Got plans to move to the Land Down Under? The new ruling means you can bring your girlfriend along on the visa now -- as your partner.

Hoosier Pub Bans Dancing Grrls


(Link) They wouldn't mind strippers or some blonde spinning around a brass pole. It's just those women slow dancing with each other they have a problem with.

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Study: Coffee Steams Up Female Libido


(Link) Also known as "The Starbucks Effect," this could explain the abundance of lesbians in the Seattle area. Care for more cream, Sugar?

Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Gets Bipartisan Support


(Link) The Military Readiness Enhancement Act finally gets support from both sides of the fence. Congress suddenly craves an end to discrimination or it is just those plummeting enlistment rates during an unpopular war?

Family Court Rules For Joint Custody


(Link) A Delaware court allows a non-biologicial mom to be more than a source of child support checks for the triplets she and her partner raised.

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Women Needed for LGBT Leadership Roles

(Link) The LGBT rights movement has a long tradition of women in charge, but these days more men appear to be taking their place in the high profile jobs. Will lesbian priorities disappear in the fight for rights?

Lesbian Smoochers Win Pub Discrimination Case

(Link) Giving your partner a peck on the lips is "unacceptable" at Malone's Pub, but it's fine and dandy to hump a blow-up doll in the corner? The judge didn't think so either...

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Logo TV to Air 17th Annual GLAAD Media Awards


(Link) Melissa Etheridge, Charlize Theron and a host of others who've done us proud will be honored in four parties in four cities. Quadruple the fun of your average media fest -- but will Ellen show up in a swan dress? We can only hope.

Activists Plaster Boise With "Heteros Only" Stickers

(Link) Hoping to give flashbacks of yesteryear's racial prejudice, stickers were slapped onto the city's public fountains and bus benches as straight folks turf only. Clueless legislators stratch their heads and go back to touting an anti-queer marriage amendment.

It's Good to the be the (Lesbian) King

(Link) After a failed bid to be prince, a Maryland college senior beats three male contenders to nab the homecoming king crown.

Monday, March 06, 2006

NGLTF Goes After Fundie "Reparative" Clinics

(Link) The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) is accusing Exodus and other religious groups of hiding behind the First Amendment to practice psychiatric medicine without a license -- and doing serious long-term harm to teens.

Madonna Has Some Explaining to Do


(Link) Kids ask the darndest questions, like "Mommy, why were you sticking your tongue down Britney's throat on national television?" "Um, pop star energy... New Age reasons... But it doesn't mean Mommy's gay."

Friday, March 03, 2006

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Set for Saturday


(Link) A protest that started almost 30 years ago has blossomed into one of the world's biggest pride bashes. "It's about fun, celebration and the chance for everyone to let their hair down, be who they really are and have a good time."

ACLU Sues Georgia School Over Gay-Straight Club


(Link) In hopes of keeping the queer kids in the closet, a Georgia high school attempted to ban all non-curricular clubs. "Not so fast," said the American Civil Liberties Union. "There's a little federal law called 'The Equal Access Act' we'd like to remind you about."

South Africa Lagging on Lesbian Protections

(Link) Despite having equal rights written into the country's constitution, South Africa's harshly anti-lesbian culture still promotes bashings and rape as "discipline" meant to put women in their place.

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Dolly Parton's Pro-Gay Stance Angers Fanbase


(Link) What kind of creep sends hate mail and threats to Dolly Parton? Bigots who can't handle her unconditional love and support for her queer fanbase.

Minister Faces Heat for Marrying Lesbian Couples


(Link) Already banned from leading a church, Rev. Jane Spahr faces more trouble from the men of the cloth. Her crime? Calling it "marriage" instead of "holy union."

Jewish Writer's Lesbian Novel Stirs Religious Debate

(Link) A debut novel about a lesbian's affair with an Orthodox rabbi's wife makes a splash. Somewhere in Georgia, a Southern Baptist kicks herself for not putting her fling with Mrs. Falwell on paper sooner.

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

US Study: Marriage Bans Harmful to Health


(Link) The numbers are in: bigotry and discrimination do lead to an increase in depression, substance abuse and other harmful behaviors. Marriage bans lead the way in legalizing the bigotry.

Ang Lee Denies Dusty Rumors


(Link) Brokeback director says "What Dusty Springfield movie? With Charlize and Kate Moss?" To which we say, "Why the hell not? Git ta writin'!"

Wisconsin Marriage Rights Up for a November Vote

(Link) The popular tactic of "letting the people decide" comes to The Badger State, because we all know everybody wins when the majority rules.