“Day of Action” Planned for Freedom To Marry in New Hampshire
May 29, 2009 by Tom Ogletree, GLAAD's Associate Director of Special Projects
GLAAD’s Senior Media Field Strategist Adam Bass traveled to New Hampshire this week to support the media outreach and communications efforts of the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition (NHFTM). Adam will provide public education and communications support to NHFTM while they make their final push toward achieving the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in the state.
NHFTM is planning a “Day of Action” to coincide with the legislature’s next anticipated vote on HB73. This bill is one requested by the Governor of New Hampshire, as a condition to him agreeing to sign previously passed bills that would guarantee the freedom to marry.
Today, a committee of conference approved the bill, and sent it to a June 3 vote of the full House and Senate.
As part of our support of NHFTM to bring visibility to the “Day of Action,” we are encouraging bloggers and media outlets to cover the “Day of Action” and bring attention to the stories of the couples and families that are at the heart of this legislation as a way to change hearts and minds about the issue of marriage in New Hampshire.
Click here to learn more about more about the “Day of Action.” More information from NHFTM can be seen below:
The Time is Now!
DAY OF ACTION: Show your support for Marriage Equality, Individual Liberty, and Religious Freedom.
WHEN: June 3, 2009 at 9 AM – The Vote
WHERE: The State House Plaza, Concord
WHAT: Time to Stand Up and be Counted
One Vote! That was the margin of victory for the New Jersey based National Organization for Marriage’s attack on Equality. One Vote! On June 3rd let’s make history in New Hampshire. This will be the final vote on marriage equality and it will be close – WE NEED YOUR HELP TO WIN!
Please join us as we gather on the plaza of the State House to ask our legislators to support marriage equality and to witness an historic day in New Hampshire. This will be a time to thank the legislators who have taken a stand for all New Hampshire families by supporting individual liberties and religious freedoms, and ask them to vote yes on HB 73.
National Newspapers Respond to Prop 8 Decision in Editorial Pages
May 29, 2009 by Seth Adam, GLAAD's National News Fellow
Following the decision by California’s Supreme Court to uphold Proposition 8, national newspapers have taken a stand for marriage equality, publishing editorials that criticize the Court’s ruling as unjust and ultimately un-American.
On May 27, The New York Times printed an editorial called “A Setback for Equality,” lamenting the Prop. 8 decision and calling it an “affront to gay men and lesbians and to [the] fundamental values enshrined in the [CA] state Constitution.” The editorial minces no words leading in with the assertion that “the California Supreme Court got it terribly wrong.” Yet the The New York Times encourages the LGBT community and its allies to share in its optimism for the future:
Polls show growing support for marriage rights for all Americans. We remain confident that the California ruling was a temporary setback.
The Los Angeles Times published a similarly critical editorial titled “Prop. 8 Fight Is Not Over,” which called the Court’s ruling “crushing to same-sex couples and those who support their right to marry.” The Los Angeles Times also voiced its strong support of marriage protections for same-sex couples:
Marriage is a fundamental right under the state Constitution-or it was before Proposition 8-that should not be denied to any group long targeted by discriminatory practices.
In a Wednesday editorial titled “Proposition 8 Ruling: Separate and Unequal,”The San Francisco Chronicle also voiced its disappointment in the ruling:
There is a word for this type of unequal treatment: Discrimination.
The Chronicle goes on to denounce the decision on the basis that “separate is not equal” but ends with a note of encouragement for marriage equality allies:
It will take another trip to the ballot box to remedy this injustice. Public opinion is shifting, as evident by the lack of an uproar over the sanctioning of same-sex marriage in other states. Time is on the side of marriage equality.
The Ventura County Star “share[d] the disappointment of many” in an editorial called “Equality Just A Matter of Time,” which also mourned the Court’s ruling. Though the Star also pressed that it is only a matter of time before marriage for same-sex couples is finally realized in California.
In rebuking the CA Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Prop. 8, some of the largest newspapers in the country have once again voiced their support for marriage for same-sex couples. Though the Court’s decision is also a tremendous disappointment, newspapers such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Ventura County Star and many others across the nation are to be commended for their ongoing support for marriage equality.
What to Watch: This Weekend
May 29, 2009 by Callan Koenig, GLAAD's Entertainment Media Fellow
Tune in to Real Time to see if Bill Maher will be giving his two cents on the Prop. 8 decision. Then catch the totally fabulous Margaret Cho on Groomer Has It, and end the weekend with popcorn, a cocktail, and all your closest celebrity friends for the 2009 MTV Movie Awards.
Friday, May 29
10:00 pm Real Time with Bill Maher, HBO (1 hr) NEW
This no-holds barred news show is broadcast live, so you never know what to expect. Following the CA Supreme Court decision on Prop. 8 this week, it’s likely that some lively discussion of marriage equality will be on the docket.
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Margaret Cho guests on "Groomer Has It"
Saturday, May 30
9:00 pm Groomer Has It, Animal Planet (1 hr) NEW
The groomers must revamp an animal shelter for an adoption event attended by the fabulous Asian comedian Margaret Cho. Will gay contestants Huber and Bill survive elimination? Queer Eye’s Jai Rodriguez hosts this campy fave.
10:00 pm The Graham Norton Show, BBC America (1 hr) NEW
Openly gay talk show host Graham Norton sits down with at times fashion challenged actress Juliette Lewis and beautiful Italian actress, filmmaker and model Isabella Rossellini.
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Sunday, May 31
Funny man Andy Samberg hosts the MTV Movie Awards
8:00 pm Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ABC (1 hrs) REPEAT
The dream team visits the family of a young girl living with a rare blood disease whose medical bills have caused their house to fall into extreme disrepair. The show features openly gay designer Michael Moloney.
8:00 pm Any Dream Will Do, BBC America (1 hr) NEW
Contestants compete for the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in a production on London’s West End. One of the judges is openly gay actor/singer John Barrowman, with host Graham Norton. Only three boys remain, as the competition grows fierce.
9:00 pm 2009 MTV Movie Awards, MTV (2 hrs) NEW
Funny man Andy Samberg of Saturday Night Live fame hosts the 2009 MTV Movie Awards. Will James Franco and Sean Penn’s touching kiss in Milk edge out I Love You, Man’s Paul Rudd and Thomas Lennon lip lock? Not to mention the four other sweltering smooches in consideration. Who will win? You’ll just have to tune in and see.
What to Watch: Thursday
May 28, 2009 by Callan Koenig, GLAAD's Entertainment Media Fellow
Get ready for the weekend with tonight’s fabulous line up. First watch as the best and worst audition for So You Think You Can Dance, then dry your eyes as more designers get cut by Isaac Mizrahi on The Fashion Show.
Thursday, May 28
Mega talented director and choreographer Adam Shankman
8:00 pm So You Think You Can Dance, Fox (2 hrs) NEW
The dance competition continues with the fifth and sixth rounds of auditions as the judges continue looking for the best dancers to ride the Hot Tamale Train! The show often features out choreographer and Hairspray director Adam Shankman, among others.
10:00 pm The Fashion Show, Bravo (1 hr) NEW
Who needs the fashion reality series that dare not speak its name when you’ve got this gem on the horizon? Hosted by Isaac Mizrahi, this new designer challenge features a ton of gay talent. (Let’s just put it this way: all the guys are gay except for Markus.)
More Media Coverage of Prop 8 Decision, Marriage Equality Rallies
May 27, 2009 by Amanda Morgan, GLAAD's Digital Initiatives Fellow
Below you will find more coverage of yesterday’s decision by the California Supreme Court to uphold Proposition 8, the anti-gay ballot initiative that eliminated the ability of same-sex couples to marry in California as well as coverage of the marriage equality rallies last night.
Click here to read our original post from yesterday, with GLAAD’s statement, media coverage, as well as responses from various organization. Also, our post from this morning has even more coverage.
Video Coverage
- ABC: Good Morning America – Saying ‘I do’ to gay marriage?
- CNN: CNN The Situation Room – Gay marriage ban upheld
- Fox News: Glenn Beck – Douglas Kmiec on Prop. 8
- CNN: Campbell Brown – California same-sex marriage ruling
- CNN: Larry King Live – Gay marriage fight
- Fox News: The O’Reilly Factor – Gay marriage ruling
- MSNBC: The Rachel Maddow Show – Sen. Boxer on Prop. 8
- MSNBC: The Rachel Maddow Show – We are gathered here today
- Fox News: Sean Hannity – CA Supreme Court upholds Prop. 8 Ban
- CNN: Anderson Cooper 360 – Same-sex marriage battle
- Joe My God – NYC Marriage Rally May 26th, 2009
- Associated Press – Big protests following Calif. gay marriage ban
- Soulforce Colorado – Day of Decision Prop 8 direct action
- MTV.com – Thousands Protest California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8
- ABC 7 – D.C. activists protest California gay marriage ban
- MyFoxDC.com – Gay marriage ruling sparks DC protest
- ABC 7 San Francisco – Analysis of Prop 8 ruling. Click here for video.
- ABC 7 San Francisco -175 Prop 8 protesters arrested. Click here for video.
- ABC 7 San Francisco – Prop 8 march underway across downtown. Click here for video.
- ABC 7 San Francisco – Prop 8 protest turns into a new movement. Click here for video
- KTLA.com – George Takei and Rev. Lou Sheldon square off in Prop. 8 debate. Click here for video.
GLAAD Supporters Rally
Palm Springs Rally. Image courtesy of H. L. Cherryholmes
Comedian Kathy Griffin.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaking at the event in West Hollywood.
Setting up for Prop. 8 Protest Rally. Lansing MI. Image courtesy of Adam Taylor.
Local Rallies
Chicago
Windy City Times
Washington, D.C.
MyFoxDC.com
NBC Washington
WUSA 9
Indianapolis
The Bilerico Project
Los Angeles
Los Angeles Times
New York City
Gay City News
Boy in Bushwick
Joe My God
San Francisco
ABC 7 San Francisco
Print Coverage
Examiner
Los Angeles Times
- Gay marriage battle relaunches today as Prop. 8 is challenged in court
- New Prop 8 court challenge brings former rivals together
- Gay marriage interactive map: History of rights for gay couples
The Sacramento Bee
- From San Francisco to midtown Sacramento, reaction is deep
- Proposition 8 challenged in federal court
CBS News
NPR
The Huffington Post
The San Francisco Chronicle
MSNBC
Bay City News Service
AP
- Rallying cry in San Francisco to overturn gay marriage ban
- Gay marriage to return to Calif. ballot
- Gay groups call federal marriage suit premature
MTV.com
Blog Coverage
Pam’s House Blend
- Did California Supreme Court actually help the cause of equal marriage rights?
- (In)famous legal odd couple unites to launch federal challenge to Prop 8
- Black and gay — and reclaiming ‘civil rights’
The Bilerico Project
- Proposition hate redux
- Civil disobedience: Trying to stop the moving train
- Reactions to Prop 8 court decision
- We lost…for now
- Equality California says to go back to the ballot in 2010
- California’s Prop 8: limited edition married gays, still separate and not equal
Joe My God
Greta Christina’s Blog
Michigan Messenger
- Same-sex marriage advocates call for 2012 equality push
- Family group says activists’ call for repeal of marriage amendment by 2012 ‘delusional’
Marches and Rallies Take Place Across the Country in Response to Prop 8 Decision
May 27, 2009 by Tom Ogletree, GLAAD's Associate Director of Special Projects
Across the country, LGBT people and allies gathered in rallies and marches in repsonse to the California Supreme Court’s decision on Proposition 8.
The intersection of Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave.
GLAAD Senior Media Field Strategist Adam Bass was in attendance in West Hollywood, where crowds gathered and marched seven miles from West Hollywood to the corner of Hollywood and Highland – the site of the Kodak theater – and back.
During the march, chants calling for a new vote in 2010 burst out spontaneously during the march.
Media outlets noted the rallies were low key, with estimates of participation ranging from 1,000 to upwards of 15,000.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaking at the event in West Hollywood.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spoke to the crowd about the importance that LGBT people get out and share their stories. As reported by the Contra Costa Times, he said:
“We’re going into every neighborhood, every city. We’re going into every institution to have this conversation about the right of my first cousin John to have a family,” Villaraigosa said in a statement after the Supreme Court ruling. He was referring to his cousin, Assemblyman John Perez, D-Los Angeles, who is openly gay.
Comedian Kathy Griffin.
The West Hollywood rally was also attended by celebrities and public figures including West Hollywood mayor Abbe Land, actors Drew Barrymore and George Takei (who married his partner, Brad Altman, last year), and comedian (and GLAAD Vanguard Award honoree) Kathy Griffin.
Rallies took place in other parts of Los Angeles and throughout the state, including in Downtown Los Angeles at Pershing Square. GLAAD Media Advocacy & Research Fellow Moe Macarow attended the gathering, which was organized by the First United Methodist Church of L.A. and the United University Church, and included a march around Pershing Square to the chorus of “Ain’t Nobody Gonna Turn Me Around.”
Downtown L.A. march at 5th St. and Hill St.
Lt. Dan Choi also spoke up in Los Angeles about the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Prop. 8, telling the assembled crowd, “Love is worth it!” and speaking on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 about the importance of marriage equality and his recent discharge from the Army under the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. (You can watch the video clip at the bottom of this post.)
Other marches and demonstrations (notably in San Diego) took place in cities across the nation, including one that drew large crowds in New York. For images of rallies from across the country, check out the slideshow at Towleroad.com.
Interview with Luke Adams from The Amazing Race 14
May 27, 2009 by Jonathan Rosales, GLAAD's Entertainment Media Manager
The latest season of the Emmy-winning reality competition The Amazing Race proved to be one of the most LGBT-friendly ever, featuring gay/deaf finalist Luke Adams, who competed against lesbian Kisha Hoffman and her sister, and gay activist Mel White and his bisexual screenwriter son, Mike.
The Amazing Luke
Traveling over 40,000 miles across nine countries, twenty-three year old Luke and his mom, Margie, came just shy of winning the million dollar grand prize, finishing in third place, but they succeeded in winning over a number of fans in the LGBT community. glaadBLOG was lucky enough to talk to Luke recently about his experience as an openly gay deaf contestant on one of the most popular reality shows on TV.
Hi Luke! Thanks for reaching out to GLAAD to share your story!
No problem! I’m excited about it!
Other than the million dollars, what was your motivation for competing on the race?
To have a once in a lifetime experience. I have always wanted to travel around the world. It was like an ideal vacation to me and the best part was it’s a free trip around the world!
How do you feel your deafness affected you during the race?
To some extent, I was paranoid at some points because I had no idea what exactly was going on around me so I had to rely on my mom for the information. Also, my mom couldn’t mention every detail because its easier for her to point the main ones, so it was little tough for me to be not aware and it made my social game little harder. It also affected which detour tasks we could do.
Were you disappointed to have not been identified as gay on the show?
Yes and no. I mean, it is a part of who I am. I don’t want people to get the wrong idea that I’m ashamed of my sexual orientation. I’m proud of being a gay man. It’s just that CBS chose to focus on my deafness as my main storyline. I was pretty out to everyone on the show though.
What challenges have you encountered as a gay and deaf person who can’t read lips?
Well, not a lot of dating options! Not a lot of gay guys know sign language and the gay and deaf community is pretty small so the dating pool shrinks for me, haha! There’s an old fashioned way to do it, with a pen and notepad – write on pad back and forth. But sometimes guys find it awkward because they’re not used to that kind of communication method.
I have heard several comments from people, like “wow, you’re deaf and you’re gay too? That must be really hard for you!” Really, it hasn’t been hard on me, being a gay and deaf man. I don’t feel anything differently. People treat me the same as others. I’m a human being like everyone else.
As a member of such a small community, do you feel a greater sense of responsibility now that you’ve attained a degree of fame?
Yeah, that’s how I felt right before going into that final challenge. I knew that the community would be so thrilled to have my mom and me winning the whole race so I felt like a big weight was on my shoulder as we showed up at the surfboard challenge. I didn’t want to blow it and let them down.
Luke takes a colorful "Detour" through India
But even making it to the finals, you’ve become a huge inspiration to a lot of people even though you didn’t win.
Yeah, I know. I just thought that winning the race would make a big impact you know? We’ve never had a deaf person win a reality show before so I thought it would open people’s eyes, but a lot of people are saying it did anyway.
Were you familiar with Mel and Mike’s work before the Race?
No, I had no idea who they were! My mom asked me to see if I had seen School of Rock and I said, “isn’t that a music movie?” She said yeah then I was like, “obviously, I didn’t watch it because I don’t listen to music.”
So what’s next for you?
I am not sure yet. Trying to figure it out what to do with my life. I would like to travel little more. It would be awesome if I could be a spokesperson and make a difference in people’s lives
Well I think you’re well on your way to doing that!
I hope so!
Additional Media Coverage of Prop 8 Decision
May 27, 2009 by Amanda Morgan, GLAAD's Digital Initiatives Fellow
Below you will find additional coverage of yesterday’s decision by the California Supreme Court to uphold Proposition 8, the anti-gay ballot initiative that eliminated the ability of same-sex couples to marry in California.
Click here to read our original post from yesterday, with GLAAD’s statement, media coverage, as well as responses from various organization. We will be posting more coverage of the decision and of last night’s rallies as the day progresses. If you have pictures, video, or media coverage you’d like to share, feel free to email digital@glaad.org.
Video Coverage
- CNN Newsroom – California Upholds Gay Marriage Ban
- MSNBC News Live – CA Supreme Court Rules on Legality of Same-Sex Marriage
- CNN Newsroom – Battle Over Gay Rights
- ACLU responds to Prop 8 loss
- KCRA Channel 3 Sacramento News – Protesters decry Court’s Prop 8 ruling
Print Coverage
Los Angeles Times
- Prop. 8: Assembly speaker says ‘tide of history’ will undo gay marriage ban
- Prop. 8: Sacramento lawmakers denounce decision
The Huffington Post
- California Supreme Court thinks Prop. 8 was no big deal
- The avoidable tragedy of California’s Prop 8
- Prop 8 decision: we won’t back down
CBS News
The Star Ledger
MSNBC
U.S. News and World Report
Blog Coverage
Pam’s House Blend
- Link farm: reactions to Prop 8 ruling
- Robert Gibbs on Prop 8 ruling – he hasn’t talked to the president about it
The Bilerico Project
Joe My God
- The complete Prop 8 ruling
- Governator urges calm
- SD Pride calls for civil disobedience
- Arrests begin in San Francisco
Organizations Respond
- National Center for Lesbian Rights – Advocacy groups vow to return to polls to restore marriage for same-sex couples
- Equality California - Equality California vows to restore marriage at ballot box in wake of Prop. 8 ruling
- National Organization for Women – NOW denounces California Supreme Court ruling upholding Prop. 8: same-sex couples’ constitutional right to marriage denied
- Americans United for Separation of Church and State - Americans United criticizes California Supreme Court ruling allowing ban on same-sex marriage to stand
What to Watch: Wednesday
May 27, 2009 by Callan Koenig, GLAAD's Entertainment Media Fellow
TV is jam packed today with the premiere of animated series The Goode Family, the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar dropping by Reno 911!, and more dreams being crushed on Make Me a Supermodel and So You Think You Can Dance – LOVE IT!
Wednesday, May 27
8:00 pm So You Think You Can Dance, Fox (2 hrs) NEW
The dance competition continues with the third and fourth rounds of auditions as the judges continue looking for the best dancers to ride the Hot Tamale Train! The show often features out choreographer and Hairspray director Adam Shankman, among others.
Sometimes you can be to Goode!
9:00 pm The Goode Family, ABC (30 min) NEW
Mike Judge (King of the Hill) parodies über-healthy, environmentally conscious, politically correct families in this new animated comedy series. Plus with the introduction of the first animated lesbian couple I know I’ll be watching with my pine nuts and hummus!
10:00 pm Make Me a Supermodel, Bravo (1 hr) NEW
Though all the queer models have been eliminated, we’ve still got lesbian judge Jenny Shimizu to represent Team Rainbow.
10:00 pm Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Duel II, MTV (1 hr) NEW
Aneesa and Rachel are the last lesbian trainwrecks women left to battle it out in this extreme competition.
10:30 pm Reno 911!, Comedy Central (30 min) NEW
The touring cast of Jesus Christ Superstar causes trouble for the deputies while Lt. Dangle tries to commemorate Princess Diana’s death with a tribute, Dangle style.
LA Screening: “For My Wife” Friday, May 29
May 26, 2009 by Cindi Creager, GLAAD's Director of National News
If you’re in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29th, you should definitely consider checking out the documentary, “For My Wife,” featuring the compelling story of Charlene Strong and her fight for marriage equality.
Charlene Strong with late partner Kate Flemming
Strong lost her partner Kate Flemming after a tragic flooding incident in Seattle in late 2006, and was nearly barred from seeing Flemming in her last moments of life. Strong’s heart wrenching testimony about the hospital ordeal helped prompt Washington State to pass domestic partnership protections for same-sex couples.
You can read more about Charlene’s story here.
And here are the details on Friday’s Los Angeles screening:
The HRC, Women On A Roll, and the Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce are proud to join the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center to present . . .an award-winning documentary film for my wife… a Love Story on Marriage Equality
For My Wife
Friday, May 29th
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza
1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles 90038
6:30pm Cocktail Reception – with Guest Mixologist Whitney
8:00pm Screening for my wife…
9:30-10pm Q&A with filmmakers
Tickets are $20.00 – BUY TICKETS
($25.00 at the door – while seats last)
Includes screening & cocktail reception
Benefitting organizations in support of Equal Rights
For more information on the film visit the For My Wife website.
GLAAD has worked with Charlene Strong consistently for nearly two years to bring attention to her story and the stories of countless others who have faced hospital visitation issues and other difficult circumstances brought on by a lack of marriage protections. We applaud her efforts and will continue working with her as she continues her journey towards equality for all same-sex couples.
Last Minute Screening in NY: Straightlaced
May 26, 2009 by Jonathan Rosales, GLAAD's Entertainment Media Manager
If you’re going to be near Hunter College in Manhattan tonight and feel like checking out a thought-provoking new documentary, you’re in luck because Straightlaced is having its NY premiere tonight!
From the press release:
Straightlaced is the latest documentary film production from GroundSpark, a non-profit organization that creates visionary films and educational campaigns. The footage makes us privy to frank, unscripted conversations with a diverse group of high school students from around the country who speak candidly about their experiences surrounding the pressure to conform to rigid gender roles and the negative effects of homophobia. Straightlaced comes at an essential time, after two separate bullying-related suicides, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover and Jaheem Herrera, rocked the nation this spring.
Straightlaced premieres tonight at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (695 Park Avenue) at 7:00pm and all are welcome! The screening will also feature guest speakers Jennifer Raab, President of Hunter College; Mia Herndon, Executive Director of Third Wave Foundation; and Eliza Byard, Executive Director of GLSEN.
Check out the trailer below:
GLAAD’s Statement on Prop 8 Decision
May 26, 2009 by GLAAD Blog
*NOTE: For information on how to participate in a local rally tonight, please visit: http://www.dayofdecision.com*
GLAAD just released this statement by President Neil G. Giuliano on today’s decision by the California Supreme Court to uphold Proposition 8, the anti-gay ballot initiative that eliminated the ability of same-sex couples to marry in California:
Today, we express our deepest disappointment in the California Supreme Court’s decision, which continues to deprive an entire class of Californians the fundamental freedom to marry.
Thankfully, the court has protected the marriages of the more than 18,000 gay and lesbian couples who married before Nov. 5, 2008. It is vital that media outlets not only share these couples’ stories, but also those of the many gay people and couples in California who have again been denied the fundamental right to marry.
It is wrong to stand in the way of giving committed couples the legal protections they need to take care of and be responsible for each other and their families. We thank the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the City of San Francisco and the other counsel and plaintiff couples for their steadfast advocacy and commitment to fairness and opportunity for all Californians.
glaadBLOG will be monitoring and posting media coverage of the decision in the next few hours and days.
*UPDATE – Media Coverage of the decision is below:
Video Coverage
- MSNBC New Live – California Upholds Prop. 8
- Fox News: CA Supreme Court Upholds Gay Marriage Ban Known as Prop. 8
- CNN: CNN Newsroom – Same-Sex Marriage Battle
Print Coverage
Los Angeles Times
ABC
News 10 (ABC)
The San Francisco Examiner
The San Francisco Chronicle
Gay City News
New York Daily News
Windy City Times
Blog Coverage
Pam’s House Blend
Joe my God
The Bilerico Project
Organizations Respond
- GLAAD – GLAAD expresses deepest disappointment in prop 8 decision, GLAAD expresa su más sincera desilusión sobre la decisión emitida para mantener en efecto la proposición 8
- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force – Task Force profoundly disappointed in California decision upholding Proposition 8
- Lambda Legal – Court upholds Prop 8; State continues to recognize 18,000 marriages
- National Center for Lesbian Rights – United we mourn, united we stand
- Integrity USA – Integrity appalled by California Supreme Court ruling
- Courage Campaign – Courage Campaign disappointed by Supreme Court ruling to uphold Prop. 8
- Human Rights Campaign – California Supreme Court takes a step back from equality
- Family Equality Council – Family Equality Council turns to the future after disappointing Prop 8 ruling
- Freedom to Marry – California Supreme Court fails to overturn Proposition 8
- PFLAG – As California Court upholds Proposition 8, parents and allies vow to continue to work for marriage equality
What to Watch: Tuesday
May 26, 2009 by Callan Koenig, GLAAD's Entertainment Media Fellow
Logo’s U.K. import Beautiful People makes its stateside debut tonight! But before that, stay nice and warm on your couch as you watch Jake Nodar brave the outdoors in Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment, or travel to South Beach to see what drama is going down on College Hill: South Beach.
Welcome to America!
Tuesday, May 26
10:00 pm College Hill: South Beach, BET (30 min) REPEAT
Two LGBT housemates live in the College Hill house this season: Alyson is bisexual and Kyle is gay.
10:00 pm Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment, Discovery (1 hr) NEW
Get a blanket to watch this one! Nine strangers are dropped into the middle of the snowy Alaskan wilderness as they try to survive the harsh winter. Jake is a gay contestant determined to conquer this challenge.
10:30 pm Beautiful People, Logo (30 min) SERIES PREMIERE
The breakout BBC2 series based on the eccentric childhood of Barney’s creative director Simon Doonan makes its U.S. debut. In the pilot, Simon’s sister catches him trying on a dress and threatens to out him.
What to Watch: Monday
May 25, 2009 by Callan Koenig, GLAAD's Entertainment Media Fellow
So you’ve got a bad case of “the Mondays”, don’t worry! GLAAD Media Award Outstanding Comedy Series nominee Greek is here to save the day!
It was fun while it lasted, Rebecca
Monday, May 25
8:00 pm Greek, ABC Family (1 hr) NEW
Rebecca may have realized she’s not actually a lesbian, but at least Calvin’s still gay! The drama continues this week as Cappie’s two timing ways are discovered and Rusty questions whether he can handle being “just friends” with Jordan.
CALL TO ACTION UPDATE: So You Think You Can Dance Judge Nigel Lythgoe Issues Apology
May 23, 2009 by GLAAD Blog
On May 22, GLAAD released a Call to Action in response to remarks made the night before by judge Nigel Lythgoe on the popular reality competition show So You Think You Can Dance. Today, GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano and Senior Director of Media Programs Rashad Robinson spoke with Mr. Lythgoe. He expressed his apology over his misuse of words and released this official statement:
Nigel Lythgoe
“I sincerely regret the fact that I have upset people with the poor word choices and comments I made both during the taping of the ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ audition and on my personal status update. I am not homophobic and it was extremely upsetting for me to be classed as such.
I have been forthright and consistent with my opinion, as a judge, that professional male dancers should move with strength and agility — like Gene Kelly and Rudolph Nureyev. I now realize how this could be misconstrued.
I have been a dancer, and involved in the dance world, for nearly 50 years. Professionally and personally, I believe the sexual orientation of an auditioner or contestant is irrelevant. All that said, the fact that I have unintentionally upset people is distressing to me and it is obvious I have made mistakes that I must learn from. I trust that my humor will be more sensitive and mindful moving forward.”
-Nigel Lythgoe, judge and executive producer, So You Think You Can Dance
“We certainly appreciate the dialogue, and the opportunity for Nigel to help further educate people about how words and images matter,” said Giuliano. “His sincere words are appreciated, and we look forward to words, images and representations of the LGBT community on So You Think You Can Dance that will be fair, accurate and inclusive in the future.”
