Sarah Palin Resigns

Sarah Palin resigns as Governor of Alaska:

About Last Night: Remembering Michael and Farrah

What a day. What a day. Is anyone else famous going to die? Let's hope not.

It was hard when Barbara Walters told me over my morning latte that Farrah was close to death, and when she died about an hour later I felt immense sadness. As a child growing up in the '70s, I saw Farrah everywhere. She was gorgeous. She was seductive. She was an icon. And I got to sleep with her in my bed every night—that sex kitten image in her bathing suit was on a satin pillow my dad bought me when I was about eight. Little did he know I wasn't pining away for her as he had hoped, but still loved rubbing against that pillow (can you blame me? It was satin!). She was an Angel. Not only Charlie's, but mine, too, and for so many others. Even though she somewhat disappeared from the spotlight over the next few decades, she was still that lovable Farrah. Hearing about her being diagnosed with cancer a few years ago was sad, but knowing it was there softened the blow of her ultimate death.

We're Here. We're Queer. What's next?

There was a time when as a collective group, gay people needed to band together to have our voices heard. We were persecuted, had our bars raided, had our homes taken when our long-term partners passed away and their families didn't approve of our relationships or lifestyles. Our government turned a blind eye when thousands of us started dying from a mysterious disease, so heroic people within our community formed advocacy groups. These groups supported our "families" and gave us a place to turn for help when we needed it since it didn't seem that many others cared. We had medical groups, social groups and, of course, activists. It was this last category that showed America what it had turned its gay community into: angry, frustrated people who weren't going to sit back and be ignored anymore.

Sen. Dodd: Same-Sex Marriage OK

Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut (D) published an editorial in a Connecticut newspaper on Sunday where he announced that he has changed his mind on same-sex marriage. The editorial, which has also been published in full on Dodd’s senate web site, enumerates his reasoning for having opposed same-sex marriage in the past and why he’s changed his mind.

Op-Ed: Obama Memo Is A Piece of Crap

I keep thinking that President Obama must have turned to his handlers yesterday morning and said “get me that fag Frank and that mannish one from Wisconsin, what’s her name, Timmy, to stand next to me when I sign this.” I know that sounds cruel, but if you take time to actually read the signed memorandum that Obama made such a show of on Wednesday, even the non-cynics would have to consider that it was nothing more than that, show...and maybe an attempt to counter the growing criticism this administration has been hearing from the LGBT community over its inactions.

Benefits For Government Workers' Gay Partners

President Barack Obama, whose gay and lesbian supporters have grown frustrated with his slow movement on their priorities, is extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees but stopping short of a guarantee of full health insurance, a White House official said.

Obama planned to announce his decision Wednesday in the Oval Office, the official said. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because Obama had not signed a presidential memorandum putting his plan into place.

Hello Bully. Remember Me?

No one likes to get pushed around, but unless you can kick someone in the nuts and run real fast (or get on a fast-track to a black belt in karate), most kids don't have the strength or support to do something about it. If you go to a teacher or a parent, the bullying may get worse (at least you think it will) and therefore remain silent taking this other kid's crap.

Bitter: Party of One

A few years ago, I worked at a great Italian restaurant in Chicago's West Loop. The food was classic northern Italian, had a great wine list and the atmosphere was laid back, fun and boisterous. Most of the people who came in were usually in good spirits and knew they would get a delicious meal served by a lively staff.

Where's the Action Mr. President?

Since his election, President Obama has been slow to make good on his promises to the LGBT community. Most of the communications (around repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, for instance) have been along the lines of actions will be taken when the time is right. Even prominent gay leaders have been making excuses for the administration noting either that there are too many issues on the plate right now, the administration is still new to office and change takes time, or that everything is being prioritized.

Watch Now: "Bruno" Debate

Brian Graden, Peter Paige and others in the gay community voice their concerns over the potential harm of "Bruno." Watch now.