Stonewall responds to open letter on marriage equality

Gay rights charity Stonewall has responded to an open letter asking it to clarify its stance on marriage equality for gay and straight couples.

The response said that Stonewall was consulting its supporters and identifying objections that could be made against a change in the law.

Earlier this month, a letter signed by a number of gay rights activists, gay religious groups and individuals was sent to the charity.

It asked the charity to "openly support full marriage equality", adding that “separate but equal is not equal".

The charity has not publicly lobbied for marriage equality, having helped pass the Civil Partnerships Act in 2004.

Stonewall replied that it had made its current position on marriage equality clear some months ago and that it had received a "range of views".

It added that it was "now consulting across our supporter base".

As chief executive Ben Summerskill argued at a Labour conference fringe event on Monday, the letter warned that a consensus on the issue was needed and that if this was not the case, new laws could be "undermined" during the legislative process.

The letter said: "We know from bitter experience (when the Civil Partnership Bill was wrecked in the House of Lords) that a perceived failure to build consensus is always exploited by opponents of equality to try and undermine it during the legislative process.

"We also know from experience that we have to identify and address objections that might arise to any proposal and that it’s better to do that in advance."

It added that Stonewall had been speaking to ministers about ending the situation where trans people must divorce their partners to get a Gender Recognition Certificate and said it would make its views known in the "near future".

This week, Stonewall co-founders Michael Cashman MEP and actor Ian McKellen said that the charity should include marriage equality on its agenda.

The original letter was signed by Peter Tatchell, Liberal Democrat MP Steve Gilbert, PinkNews.co.uk founder Benjamin Cohen, trans campaigner Christine Burns and human rights lawyer Professor Robert Wintemute

Other signatories include straight couple Tom Freeman and Katherine Doyle, who have been campaigning for the right to a civil partnership, and representatives from a wide number of LGBT faith and humanist groups

Andrew Godfrey, the University of Southhampton student who organised the open letter, told PinkNews.co.uk: "It's great that Stonewall are now talking about marriage equality, but it's a shame that they seem to think it's okay for an LGB equality organisation not to support LGB equality.

"They're apparently consulting their members, but I've yet to speak to a Stonewall member who has been consulted – the consultation process needs to be far more transparent."

Stonewall's reply:
Dear Andy, Peter, Benjamin and others,

Thank you for your letter received on 21 September.

We’re sorry that you haven’t felt happy about Stonewall’s published position on the future of civil partnership and marriage equality. We are an organisation with almost 20,000 active supporters. We’ve already encountered a range of views and we’re now consulting across our supporter base. We made this position clear some months ago and that approach has been explained on our website.

The reason we’re determined to consult people about our exact approach to this sensitive issue is because we are aiming to secure a consensus across the whole LGB communities about the detail. We know from bitter experience (when the Civil Partnership Bill was wrecked in the House of Lords) that a perceived failure to build consensus is always exploited by opponents of equality to try and undermine it during the legislative process. We also know from experience that we have to identify and address objections that might arise to any proposal and that it’s better to do that in advance.

We recognise, of course, that Benjamin’s website [PinkNews.co.uk] saw a high level of support. However, as Benjamin himself has acknowledged, his poll was of fewer than 1,000 people and these represent only one small part of our huge and complex community. Other people do have views which differ significantly and, in our view, it’s worth trying to accommodate their concerns.

In summary, our view is that having started a consultative process it would be entirely inappropriate (and unfair to people engaging in it) to announce the outcome before it’s over. We recognise this may be frustrating for some people.

While writing, we should mention that we’re as concerned as you are about the gross unfairness of transgender people having to divorce upon changing gender. Our clear view is that there is a much simpler, and quicker, method of resolving this unfairness than through gay marriage. We have raised face-to-face with both ministers and officials in recent months the minor amendments we believe could be made to the Gender Recognition Act to secure this.

We will make our policy position clear in the near future and we look forward to your support in the meantime.

With best wishes

Stonewall

Indonesian gay film festival disrupted by protests

ndonesia's annual gay film festival was disrupted by angry protesters in Jakarta this week.

The festival, called Q!, showcases films about HIV/AIDS, LGBT issues and human rights at a range of venues around the city.

It was the subject of demonstrations by hardline Islamists, who demanded that screenings were cancelled. Some protesters reportedly threatened to burn down a venue if films were shown there.

A number of events were subsequently cancelled, while organisers moved others to different venues.

The festival has been running for nine years, although this is the first time in recent years that it has been attacked.

The group leading the protests was the Islamic Defenders Front, while a small group of student protesters from the University of Indonesia held demonstrations.

Q! ends this evening and festival co-founder and director John Badalu said organisers would run events to schedule. “We’re still going to go on,” he said.

He told the Jakarta Post that increased media coverage may have sparked this year's protests.

Local police said they would step in if demonstrators became violence.

Inter coach Benítez denies Milito rant

Internazionale boss Rafael Benítez has brushed off suggestions he has problems with striker Diego Milito.

(GSM) - Internazionale boss Rafael Benítez has brushed off suggestions he has problems with striker Diego Milito.

Milito is enduring a difficult time at the San Siro as he finds it hard to recover his excellent form of last season.

The striker's agent Fernando Hidalgo criticised Rafael Bení­tez earlier this week by stating that Milito's doesn't feel the trust from the Spanish manager.

Benítez revealed his concerns over Hidalgo's comments on a press conference ahead of Inter's match against Bari.

"I have spoken to Milito. He is well and is working good. He worked well today also," the former Liverpool coach told the press.

"Diego knows it's just a matter of time. His agent's comments? Milito told me he was surprised by the comments because he has not spoken to his agent for a month.

"I have learned one thing though. We are getting close to games against Roma and Juventus, and all these things are emerging...

"Will they have a negative impact? I like working on the pitch, staying focused. The most important thing is that my players work well. What people say on the outside is not important."

Benítez also talked about the debate generated by Palermo president Mauro Zamparini, who referred to the calciopoli scandal after Palermo's match against Inter.

"Coming from the Premier League I can say that presidents there do not speak as much as they do here," said Benitez.

"Also, we had 17 shots on goal against Palermo... I have respect for everyone in football, and so I will not add more. I am a coach that speaks about football," he said.?

Tasmania to recognise foreign gay marriages

Tasmania is to become the first Australian state to recognise gay marriages performed abroad.

They will be recognised as Tasmanian deeds of relationship, which are similar to civil partnerships.

The amendment was made to the Relationships Act and passed the upper house without opposition.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome said the change would help gay couples moving to the state.

“Couples in interstate and overseas unions should not have to re-register their relationship in order to secure the legal rights and protections most other couples take for granted”, Mr Croome told SameSame.au.

“It is important for Tasmanian law to respect the official, legal commitment partners make to each other, regardless of what state or country that commitment was made in.”

California governor Schwarzenegger signs 'gay cure' repeal bill

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill to remove a 'gay cure' provision from the state's laws.

The 1950 law instructed California's State Department of Mental Health to investigate and research "the causes and cures of homosexuality".

In August, the state senate approved a repeal bill and Mr Schwarzenegger signed it on Monday.

Speaking about the six-decade-old law, Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal told the Contra Costa Times: "It was misguided and foolish at the time. It's completely unacceptable now."

The legislation says that gays are "sexual deviants" and requires the state to carry out and fund research on "deviations conducive to sex crimes against children".

It was drawn up after a six-year-old girl, Linda Glucoft, was murdered by a heterosexual paedophile in Los Angeles in 1949 and required the state to look into the causes of "sexual deviations", including homosexuality.

Ms Lowenthal originally sought to have the entire law removed but after speaking to Linda Glucoft's younger sister, agreed to keep a part referring to paedophiles as a memorial to the murdered girl.

No politicians said they agreed with leaving homosexuality in the law and the only opposition came from gay cure group Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX).

US suicide teenager may have asked for help over webcam spying

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Tory MP Nick Herbert addresses Republican gay dinner

Gay Tory MP Nick Herbert addressed a US Republican gay group last week and said conservatism and gay rights are not incompatible.

Speaking at the Log Cabin Republicans' annual dinner in Washington on Wednesday, Mr Herbert praised the UK's previous Labour government for implementing gay rights policies and said that the Conservative Party had come to agree.

The policing minister, who was elected in 2005 as an out gay man, listed civil partnerships and the ending of the ban on gay soldiers as two of the greatest steps forward for equality in the UK.

He said: "I should say, especially here, to a conservative audience who like me may share some hesitation about the value of laws, who may worry about the infringement of freedom and the trespass on the exercise of individual conscience that social legislation of this kind can represent.

"I worry about these things. But I have come to the view that these laws have been incredibly important in our country, in order that people can be equal and in order to prevent discrimination against people."

Mr Herbert added: "It should be an article of faith for the right to believe in equality of opportunity.

"You cannot believe in the equality of opportunity and then stand in the way of people whose only 'crime' is that they want to be given the same chance as everybody else."

Other attendees at the dinner were John Dennis, the Republican nominee against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Louisiana Congressman Anh ‘Joseph’ Cao.

The Log Cabin Republicans group was formed in the 1970s and says it aims to "educate other Republicans about gay and lesbian issues" while staying true to party values.

The group recently brought a federal case against Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the law which bans out gay soldiers in the US military.

US District Judge Virginia Phillips ruled in favour of the challenge and said she would issue an injunction barring the government from enforcing the policy.

The Justice Department argued that Judge Phillips did not have the authority to issue the ruling and said the matter should be decided by Congress.

'True Blood' is the series with more gay characters on American television

'The protagonist of "The Good Wife" will win a gay brother, the new series for teens "Hellcats" is a character who is a cheerleader and a lesbian, and in the case of "True Blood," viewers already have the two hands to count the vampires ready to suck the blood of men or women.

The number of characters lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seen on prime time American television is growing, said the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) in a report on Wednesday, with 58 papers contained in serials LGBT broadcast TV and cable this season.more detail soon

Soap star Adam Rickitt to host Conservative gay party

Former Coronation Street actor Adam Rickitt is to host the Conservative Party's official gay night at its annual conference in Birmingham.

Conference Pride is now in its second year. It was said to be one of the most popular parties at 2009′s Tory conference.

Rickitt, a gay pin-up, was on an 'A-list' of potential Conservative parliamentary candidates several years ago.

High-profile gay MPs and four cabinet members are expected to attend the night on Sunday at gay club Nightingales and soul singer Mica Paris will perform.

A three-course dinner before the club has already sold out but those wishing to join Conference Pride can buy tickets for £15.

The party will be held outside the secure zone, meaning that those without conference accreditation can attend.

Last year's event in Manchester attracted straight senior Tories such as Theresa May and Eric Pickles.

It did not pass without some controversy, however. Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill did not attend after citing concerns over Tory allies in Europe and both gay and Christian groups held small protests outside the venue.

Spoiller: Darren Criss is cast in 'Glee' should turn and boyfriend Kurt

Darren Criss was cast in "Glee." The character actor and singer will be Blaine, a gay student who should become the first boyfriend Kurt, played by Chris Colfer in the series.
In the plot, Blaine will be integral to a rival choir, called Dalton Academy Warblers, but eventually becomes friends with Kurt. But according to English tabloid, The Sun, the relationship turns out a novel. Recently, creator of "Glee," Ryan Murphy, announced that Kurt fell in love with someone, but did not reveal who would be the escolhdido. Darren Criss became known in the series "Eastwick" which played the role of Josh Burton.

Eric L: The Dream Bodybuilder (1)

Perfect mass, perfect definition, perfect proportions: Eric L., AllAmericanGuys' latest model sensation, has got the total package. A physique every bodybuilding enthusiast is dreaming of. Enjoy these screen captures from some of his great HD videos on AAG:

But Deco

I received a comment here on the blog a more beautiful striking Deco, photo taken from The Globe

Actor is kicked out to live gay character on film

The Indian actor yuvraaj Parasher was kicked out and disowned by his family after playing a gay character in the movie "Dunno Y. .. Na Jaane Kyun".

The film showed the first kiss between two men in the history of Indian film industry.

Because of the role, not only yuvraaj was kicked out but also went to court to ask the child to be officially broken up the family.

The actor's father said: "We are a respected family and was shocked that he played a gay character. It's all over. All the hopes and dreams that we had built for him are over. Because only a movie character, he lost ties of blood. We do not ever see his face or when we're dying. "

Source: Scene G

Research shows that genes determine men are endangered

A study by researcher sex chromosome Jennifer Graves of the Australian National University, said the Y chromosome responsible for sex determination in man is dying and should disappear within the next five million years.

Because of extinction, men may follow the same path of a type of rodent that still manages to play despite having genes that are vital part of chromosome Y.

During a lecture to medical students, the researcher said that a second species of human beings could arise in future.

Source: Scene G

US teenager kills himself after roommate 'taped him having sex with a man'

An American student committed suicide after his roommate allegedly taped him having sex with a man and streamed it on the internet.

Tyler Clementi, 18, a student at Rutgers University in New Jersey, is thought to have jumped from the George Washington Bridge on September 22nd.

Police confirmed that a man's body was recovered last night from the Hudson River. It had no identification but Clementi's driving licence and student ID were found on the bridge. Two witnesses said they saw a man leap into the water.

Clementi, from Ridgewood in Bergen County, was described as a gifted violinist who played in the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra.

Paul Mainardi, his family's lawyer, said in a statement: "Tyler was a fine young man, and a distinguished musician. The family is heartbroken beyond words. They respectfully request that they be given time to grieve their great loss and that their privacy at this painful time be respected by all."

Two students have been charged with invasion of privacy for allegedly placing a camera in Clementi's room and broadcasting the images.

Dharun Ravi of Plainsboro, New Jersey, who is thought to be Clementi's roommate, and Molly W Wei of Princeton, both 18, were each charged with two counts of invasion of privacy for the alleged incident on September 22nd.

Ravi was also charged with two more counts of invasion of privacy for allegedly trying to view and transmit another encounter involving Clementi on September 21st.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Ravi posted on Twitter on September 19th: "Room-mate asked for the room till midnight. I went into molly's room and turned on my webcam. I saw him making out with a dude. Yay."

Two days later, he allegedly asked friends to watch a streamed video. "I dare you to video chat me between the hours of 9:30 and 12. Yes it's happening again," the message said.

The pair could face up to five years in jail if convicted.

Steven Goldstein, chairman of the gay rights group Garden State Equality,

said: "We are heartbroken over the tragic loss of a young man who, by all accounts, was brilliant, talented and kind.

"And we are sickened that anyone in our society, such as the students allegedly responsible for making the surreptitious video, might consider destroying others' lives as a sport."

Lesbians and bisexuals 'not represented' on the BBC

The BBC has published the results of a major study into its portrayal of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

The internal research, conducted with gay and straight people, found that lesbian and bisexual people in particular feel underrepresented in the broadcaster's programmes.

It also found that one in five people is uncomfortable with seeing gays and lesbians on television.

The corporation began the research last April, after a series of unfortunate incidents in which it was accused of sanctioning homophobia.

The most notorious of these was an online debate titled "Should homosexuals face execution?", while another was an offensive segment on the bisexual actress Lindsay Lohan.

The BBC was also criticised for allowing Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles to mock gay people, while a recent Stonewall report found that only 44 seconds of 39 hours of footage portrayed gay people in a positive and realistic light.

Today's research was the culmination of audience research with 2,000 people and a public consultation which received more than 9,000 responses.

Gay and straight people were consulted, including some who were described as being "uncomfortable" with any portrayal of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

The vast majority of respondents (70 per cent) thought that there is insufficient portrayal of lesbian, gay and bisexual people across the BBC, although 37 per cent of LGB people rated the content they did see as good. However, 24 per cent said it was poor.

The opinions of heterosexual people were detailed extensively in the research. The majority were comfortable with portrayals of gay people, although they were less likely to be concerned about positive and realistic depictions.

However, just over one in ten of all respondents thought that there was too much portrayal of gay people on the BBC. Eighteen per cent were 'uncomfortable' or 'very uncomfortable' about seeing gay people on television.

LGB respondents said they wanted to see more depictions of lesbians and bisexual people on the BBC, along with fewer stereotypical portrayals of gay men.

They cited news as an important area, saying that care should be taken to ensure people's sexuality was mentioned only when necessary.

In drama, they said they wanted to see realistic storylines around gay and lesbian relationships, albeit ones which did not just revolve around characters' sexual orientation.

LGB respondents pointed to the need for clarity in comedy which references gay people. They said that comedy scenes in which jokes were made at the expense of LGB people could be seen as unchallenged homophobia.

The results of the survey will be distributed across the BBC with editorial chiefs asked to look at the results and report back changes.

Amanda Rice, the BBC's head of diversity, said: “The publication of this very significant piece of work sends a clear signal to all our licence fee payers that the BBC is committed to meaningful engagement with all audiences.

"Not only is this a key priority within our diversity strategy, it is also one of the best ways we can continue to learn about what the UK's diverse communities want and expect of the BBC.”

The report was welcomed by gay charity Stonewall, which has criticised the BBC in the last two years.

Chief executive Ben Summerskill said: "These findings confirm those of Stonewall research in recent years which show that both gay and heterosexual licence-payers want to see more realistic, incidental representations of gay people on their TV screens.

"We recognise that the BBC has taken some steps forward in recent years and we’re very pleased that it now intends to build on that progress."

British army claims having openly gay soliders has 'increased productivity'

Following the defeat of a vote in the US Senate to debate ending the US army's Don't ask, Don't tell' policy, the British army claims that allowing gay and lesbians to openly served has improved the armed forced.

Last week, Primarily Republican, US senators voted to block a debate this evening into gay and lesbian people being able to serve openly in the military. A minimum of 60 senators were required to be in favour of overturning a filibuster of the 'defense authorisation bill' which includes the repeal of the US military 'Don't ask, Don't tell' policy by senator John McCain but only 56 senators voted in favour. Although some of the senators who voted against did so because of an immigration amendment 'tacked' onto the bill.

The vote came after a high-profile campaign by the singer Lady Gaga which has included her wearing a dress made from meat at the MTV Video Music Awards and posting a video message to YouTube where she appealed directly to a number of Republican senators to support the vote for a debate and ultimately to repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy.

Colonel Mark Abraham, head of diversity for the British Army, told People Management the lifting of the ban on gays serving in the military in 2000 had "no notable change at all."

He added: “We got to the point where the policy was incompatible with military service and there was a lack of logic and evidence to support it.

“We knew a lot of gay and lesbian people were serving quite successfully, and it was clear that sexual orientation wasn’t an indication of how good a soldier or officer you could be.”

He continued: “The reality was that those serving in the army were the same people the day after we lifted the ban, so there was no notable change at all. Everybody carried on with their duties and had the same working relationships as they previously had while the ban was in place.”

Colonel Abraham argues that the lifting of the ban actually made the armed forces more productive: "A lot of gay and lesbian soldiers who were in the army before the ban was lifted, reported that a percentage of their efforts was spent looking over their shoulder and ensuring they weren’t going to be caught. That percentage of time can now be devoted to work and their home life, so actually they are more effective than they were before."

Last year, Soldier – the magazine of the British army – featured a gay serviceman on its cover for the first time, honouring ten years of gay and lesbian soldiers serving openly in the army.

Trooper James Wharton, of the Household Cavalry Regiment, is shown wearing dress uniform complete with an Iraq medal. He appears on the cover next to the slogan 'Pride'.

Gay campaigner Peter Tatchell honoured with blue plaque

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was honoured with a blue plaque outside his home in south London today.

A large crowd gathered to watch the unveiling of the plaque in Southwark and actor Sir Ian McKellen spoke at the ceremony.

Mr Tatchell, 58, received the honour for his work in human rights, although he is also known in the borough for campaigning on local issues.

The campaigner, who looked smart in a suit and purple tie, admitted he was "a bit embarrassed" at the honour, which is usually accorded to people after they have died.

The plaque reads: "Peter Tatchell. Born 1952. Campaigner for human rights, gay freedom and social justice. Lived Here. Voted by the people."
Sir Ian called Mr Tatchell "my hero" and added: "As an actor, I admire the chutzpah and showbiz nature of Peter's campaigning. It is absolutely sensational that there is a plaque here."

He added: "We don't have the energy, far-sightedness and bravery of this individual. If we did, the world would be a better place. I couldn't be a stronger supporter of him."

Mr Tatchell said: "It is a great honour. I blushed. I want to express my extreme gratitude. I am gratified but a little embarrassed. You usually get a plaque when you're dead but I'm very much alive."

The Australian-born activist, who has been campaigning for 30 years, added that there was a trend towards longevity in his family and hoped he would keep going until for another 30 years.

He also thanked his supporters and said: "The greatest honour has been to work with so many brave activists here and around the world."

Also present at the ceremony was Bermondsey Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes, who won his seat in 1983 against Mr Tatchell, who stood as a Labour candidate.

Mr Hughes paid tribute to Mr Tatchell's work, citing his campaigns across the world. He said: "We are very grateful that you settled in Southwark."

The plaque was also given a secular blessing by out gay Catholic priest Bernard Lynch.

Labour's top gay MPs stand for shadow cabinet

Four of Labour's best-known out gay MPs are among the 49 standing for the shadow cabinet elections.

Former ministers Chris Bryant, Ben Bradshaw, Angela Eagle and Stephen Twigg were on the list on nominees published at 5pm today.

All four endorsed David Miliband for the party leadership earlier this month. He lost the election to younger brother Ed and announced this evening that he would refuse a shadow cabinet position.

Another out gay senior Labour figure, Nick Brown, resigned as chief whip today at the request of new leader Mr Miliband.

Mr Bryant, 48, a former vicar, has been the MP for Rhondda since 2001. He is the former minister for Europe.

Mr Bradshaw, 50, has been the MP for Exeter since 1997 and has served as minister for culture, media and sport and also minister for health.

Ms Eagle, 49, is Labour's only out lesbian MP. She was elected MP for Wallasey in 1992 and was a pensions minister between 2009 and 2010.

Mr Twigg, 43, was elected MP for Liverpool West Derby in May. Prior to that, he was MP for Enfield Southgate between 1997 and 2005. He was minister of state for schools between 2004 and 2005.

Nineteen seats in the shadow cabinet are up for grabs. Harriet Harman, the former equality minister, already has a place as deputy party leader, while a separate ballot will decide the new chief whip.

At least half of the new shadow cabinet could be women, as new party rules state that six of the posts must be filled by female MPs. Ed Miliband is understood to have said he wants a gender-balanced shadow cabinet.

Jobs will not be assigned until after the 19 MPs are elected. Voting takes place between October 4th and 7th, with the winners announced at 9pm on October 7th.

Gay Labour MP Nick Brown resigns as chief whip

Labour's chief whip, Nick Brown, has resigned at the request of new leader Ed Miliband.

Mr Brown, who was one of three gay cabinet ministers before Labour lost the election, withdrew from the race today to keep his job.

Labour MPs are voting for the 19 posts in the new shadow cabinet and nominations will close today.

In a letter to Mr Miliband, Mr Brown wrote: "As you know I intended to stand for election as chief whip.

"During our meeting earlier today you indicated that you wished me not to do so. The chief whip must have the full confidence of the party leader.

"I fully respect your wishes and will no longer be standing for the position."

In response, Mr Miliband wrote: "As we discussed, the election of a new leader is a time for a fresh start and that's why I am grateful to you for agreeing to step aside as Chief Whip.

"I'd like to put on record my respect and appreciation for your hard work, political judgment and commitment."

Mr Miliband's preferred candidate for the chief whip is said to be former transport minister Rosie Winterton.

Mr Brown was chief whip at the start of Labour's time in power and returned to the position in 2008.

21 years in jail for man who killed London trans woman

A man convicted of killing trans woman Destiny Lauren has been sentenced to at least 21 years in prison.

Leon Fyle, 22, was found guilty of Ms Lauren's murder last month.

He had visited the 29-year-old prostitute for sex at her Kentish Town flat on November 5th 2009 before strangling her with her tights.

Ms Lauren, who was born male, was found dead by her her brother two hours later.

According to the Hampstead and Highgate Express, Fyle, of Catford, was jailed for life yesterday at Snaresbrook crown court.

Judge David Radford told him that he serve at least 21 years before being allowed to apply for parole and said he had "wickedly" and "brutally" ended Ms Lauren's life.

“It was a vicious and callous act," he said.

Fyle contacted Ms Lauren through a newspaper advert. While in her flat, he also stole £350 in cash, her mobile phone and jewellery before going to Kings Cross to sleep with two more prostitutes.

Last month, Ms Lauren was described as well-known in Camden, close to her father and two brothers and someone who appreciated "the finer things in life".

She had suffered several tragedies in her life, including the suicide of her mother in 2005. Her uncle Paul Hill, one of the Guildford Four, served 15 years in prison after being wrongly convicted of involvement in IRA bombings.

Gay campaigner Peter Tatchell honoured with blue plaque

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was honoured with a blue plaque outside his home in south London today.

A large crowd gathered to watch the unveiling of the plaque in Southwark and actor Sir Ian McKellen spoke at the ceremony.

Mr Tatchell, 58, received the honour for his work in human rights, although he is also known in the borough for campaigning on local issues.

The campaigner, who looked smart in a suit and purple tie, admitted he was "a bit embarrassed" at the honour, which is usually accorded to people after they have died.

The plaque reads: "Peter Tatchell. Born 1952. Campaigner for human rights, gay freedom and social justice. Lived Here. Voted by the people."

Sir Ian called Mr Tatchell "my hero" and added: "As an actor, I admire the chutzpah and showbiz nature of Peter's campaigning. It is absolutely sensational that there is a plaque here."

He added: "We don't have the energy, far-sightedness and bravery of this individual. If we did, the world would be a better place. I couldn't be a stronger supporter of him."

Mr Tatchell said: "It is a great honour. I blushed. I want to express my extreme gratitude. I am gratified but a little embarrassed. You usually get a plaque when you're dead but I'm very much alive."

The Australian-born activist, who has been campaigning for 30 years, added that there was a trend towards longevity in his family and hoped he would keep going until for another 30 years.

He also thanked his supporters and said: "The greatest honour has been to work with so many brave activists here and around the world."

Also present at the ceremony was Bermondsey Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes, who won his seat in 1983 against Mr Tatchell, who stood as a Labour candidate.

Mr Hughes paid tribute to Mr Tatchell's work, citing his campaigns across the world. He said: "We are very grateful that you settled in Southwark."

The plaque was also given a secular blessing by out gay Catholic priest Bernard Lynch.

Sir Ian McKellen: Gay marriage has to be on Stonewall's agenda

Stonewall co-founder Sir Ian McKellen said today that the gay charity should lobby for gay marriage but issues such as tackling homophobic bullying must take priority.

He was speaking after the unveiling of a blue plaque outside the home of gay rights activist Peter Tatchell in Southwark, south London.

The veteran actor and gay campaigner told PinkNews.co.uk that although marriage was not for him, he called on Stonewall, the gay charity he co-founded, to put the issue on its agenda.

However, he praised the charity's "vital" work in tackling homophobic bullying in schools, which he said was a more pressing issue.

Sir Ian said: "[Marriage] is not for me, but as Peter [Tatchell] says, it's for other people and if people want to get married, whoever they are, they should be allowed to. That's self-evident to me and all I've ever campaigned for is equality for gay people and at the moment there is inequality in that civil partnerships are all that's available.

"So, I've no doubt, that if we wait and wait, eventually it'll just happen. I mean, everyone calls civil partnership marriage now, so what's the problem? It's the sensibilities of some people that think marriage belongs only to them and not to the world.

But he added: "It wouldn't be top of my priorities. I think there's other crucial work to be done. Of course, marriage should be available to people of the same gender if they want it."

The Lord of the Rings star co-founded Stonewall in 1989. The charity has been criticised for not yet having a stance on marriage equality, although chief executive Ben Summerskill warned this week that the issue would need more scrutiny and cross-party support to pass in the House of Lords.

Sir Ian said: "Stonewall has not put it at the top of their agenda and that may well a sensible politic thing. There's a lot that Stonewall has to get on with, like the treatment of gay people in our schools, around the staff or students in the classrooms.

"It's vital, crucial work that would change people's lives immediately and frankly I would put that ahead of campaigning for gay marriage.

"But there's no doubt about that, gay marriage should be on Stonewall's agenda. Stonewall was founded to establish equality and this is a perfect example of an inequality that needs to be corrected."

Lesbian mother wins legal battle over child support

A lesbian who had to pay more child support than if she was in a heterosexual relationship has won her case at the European Court of Human Rights.

She was awarded £2,550 in damages and £15,275 after the court ruled that she had been discriminated against.

The woman, known as JM, had divorced her husband and began living with her female partner in 1998. Her ex-husband cared for their two children.

She paid around £47 a week in child support but applied for a reduction available to parents who begin a new relationship.

However, she was told that this only applied to heterosexual couples, whether married or unmarried. If she had started a relationship with a man, her payments would have been cut to around £14 a week.

At the time, gay relationships were not recognised by the law.

Her case was upheld by three British courts but was overturned by the House of Lords in 2006.

Yesterday, the European Court of Human Rights ruled: "JM could compare her situation to that of an absent parent who had formed a new relationship with a person of the opposite sex. The only point of difference between her and such persons was her sexual orientation.

‘Therefore, her maintenance obligation towards her children had been assessed differently on account of the nature of her new relationship.

"Yet, bearing in mind the purpose of the domestic regulations, which was to avoid placing an excessive financial burden on the absent parent in their new circumstances, the court could see no reason for such difference in treatment."

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Judge rules sacked lesbian flight nurse should be reinstated

A flight nurse sacked under Don't Ask, Don't Tell should be reinstated, a federal judge has ruled.

Former Major Margaret Witt was sacked in 2007 after 19 years of service in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves.

She kept her sexuality secret but was outed in 2004 when the ex-husband of her girlfriend informed the Air Force that she was gay.

She took her case to a federal court in Tacoma, Washington, to sue for her old job and won last Friday.

In the ruling, US District Court Judge Ronald Leighton wrote: "The reinstatement of Maj. Margaret Witt will not erode the proficiency of the United States military.

"The men and women of the United States military have over the years demonstrated the ability to accept diverse peoples into their ranks and to treat them with the respect necessary to accomplish the mission, whatever that mission might be.

"That ability has persistently allowed the armed forces of the United States to be the most professional, dedicated and effective military in the world."

Under the law, gay and lesbian soldiers must keep their sexual orientation secret or risk dismissal. This is the first time a US federal judge has ordered the military to accept an out gay soldier.

Judge Leighton added: "Her discharge from the Air Force Reserves violated her substantive due process rights under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. She should be restored to her position as a flight nurse."

Major Witt was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Kathleen Taylor, executive director of the ACLU of Washington, said: "Today we heard the hammer of justice strike for Major Margaret Witt.

"We look forward to the day when all members of our military can serve our country without invidious discrimination. To discharge Major Witt simply because of her sexual orientation was entirely unfair to her and unwise for the military, which needs her significant skills."

Last week, Republican senators blocked a bill to repeal the controversial law. President Obama has promised to end the ban and a Pentagon review of the policy is underway.

Argentina Travel: BA's Going Gay

Buenos Aires, the capital of the land of tango and macho gauchos, is going gay. Exhibit A in the transformation is the newly opened Axel Hotel, the first specifically-for-gay-customers property to open in the city. And though it offers up a marketing campaign featuring much racier photos than the hotel-provided pic above, the Axel isn't driving the change in attitudes. Instead, says Alexei Barrionuevo in the New York Times, the hotel is the result of a newly open society.

This summer the city hosted a soccer World Cup for gay players, soon after a TV dating show made waves by showing gay men kissing on camera. Five years ago, BA legalized same-sex unions. Before that, Argentina's president declared equal rights, regardless of sexual orientation. And as Buenos Aires warms, gay travelers have started dropping by. Trying to capitalize on the tourism boomlet, of course, is the Axel Hotel.

That said, there's more to see than the hotel. Partiers of any orientation are welcome at Kim y Novak, a grungy bar with nothing but debauchery on its blog. Downtown, Palacio Alsina draws a mixed crowd with its drag queen hostess and go-go dancers. And mega-club Amerika is still the gold standard for those into the gay clubbing scene.

10 States Want Gay Marriage Delayed

Ten states have approached California to ask the state's Supreme Court to stay the ban on same-sex marriages until voters make a decision at the November election. "The attorneys general said they have an interest in the case because they would have to determine if their states would recognize the marriage of gay residents who wed in California," KNBC reported. "They want the court to stayits ruling until after the November election, when voters likely will decide whether to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage."

The ten states are Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah. New York has already begun to approach the issue or recognizing same-sex marriages from Massachusetts and California in their state.

As of now, the first day for gay couples to marry is June 17. Others have asked for the same 5-month delay, but because they oppose it and produced enough petition signatures placing the issue on November's ballot.

Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson 'relieved' at coming out

Kieron Richardson, the actor who plays Ste Hay in Hollyoaks, has said he is relieved to have announced he is gay.

The 24-year-old came out on This Morning earlier this month.

Speaking at the Inside Soap awards last night, he revealed that he received 17,000 emails of support on the day the show was aired.

He said: "Luckily, lots of people have come forward to say what I did gave them the courage to come out to their parents.

"It's not really a big deal but some people see it as a taboo subject still. It's nice to be quite young and be a role model to people going through it and hopefully make their lives a bit happier."

The star said this month that his friends and family knew he was gay and he decided to speak publicly about it because his character will be given a gay storyline.

Two Malaysian gay men win UK asylum

Source: Free Malaysia Today

By Teoh El Sen

PETALING JAYA: Two Malaysian men successfully claimed refugee status in the UK on grounds that they are gays last month despite the low success rates of such claims based on sexual orientation.

The UK had granted the status to the duo -- Seow Shih Yung, 30, from Penang and Wong Yu Xiu, 25, from Petaling Jaya – based on their fear of persecution on grounds of their sexual orientation.

Under Section 377 of the Malaysian Penal Code, in an offence classified as "carnal intercourse against the order of nature", a convicted person may be punished with imprisonment of up to 20 years and also liable to fine or whipping.

"Both were in a homosexual relationship while in Malaysia, and moved to the UK because they feared that they were not able to practise homosexual relationship openly," said their lawyer Uma Devi Rajasundram.
Uma Devi said Seow and Wong went to the UK on a working holiday visa and the former had overstayed and became an illegal.

Seow was caught while working at a Chinese takeaway restaurant in Bristol, Wales. He then claimed asylum at a detention centre as he is a gay and unable to practise homosexual relationships openly in Malaysia.
"Wong then voluntarily claimed asylum on the same ground as he is Seow’s partner," said Uma Devi.
Seow and Wong were granted asylum in early August 2010.

Between 2005 and 2009, the British Home Office had initially refused 98% of all claims for asylum from gays or lesbians, Uma Devi said, quoting a rights group Stonewall in its recent "No Going Back" report.
“In the past, it was very difficult for social groups such as lesbians, gays, bisexuals or transgenders to claim asylum based on fears of persecution (in their home country). It was hard for them to argue and win even with substantial evidence of ill-treatment," said Uma Devi.

The United Nations 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees provides that members of social groups are entitled to asylum in states that are parties to the convention if they can establish a well-founded danger or fear of persecution if they returned to their home country.

The House of Lords, in a recent test case, had unanimously allowed appeals from two gays, from Cameroon and Iran, against the decision of British officials who had earlier rejected their request for asylum because the former said they could hide their sexuality by behaving discreetly, said Uma Devi.

"The justices said the UK Immigration Tribunal should in future decide whether an applicant was gay and whether he would face persecution if he lived openly in his own country. If this evidence can be established, then the applicant would have a well-founded case for asylum.”

Ed Miliband 'proud' of civil partnerships and Pride marches

Ed Miliband gave his first speech as leader of the Labour Party today and cited changes in attitudes to homosexuality as proof of Labour's achievements.

Addressing the party's conference in Manchester, he said that the new generation of Labour has "different attitudes, different ideas, different ways of doing politics".

He told delegates he was "privileged" to join Manchester Pride last month and said the party should be proud of introducing civil partnerships.

Mr Miliband said: "The old way of thinking said that you couldn't change attitudes towards gay men and lesbians.

"Let me tell you that last month I was privileged to be in this great city, at Pride, to see not just thousands of people marching but thousands of people lining the street in support.

"We should be proud that our commitment to equality means we have couples forming civil partnerships across the country and celebrating with their family and friends."

Writing for PinkNews.co.uk last month, Mr Miliband said he supported marriage equality and promised that if elected leader, he would fight for an end to homophobic hate speech and better treatment of LGBT asylum seekers.

Speaking today, he admitted that Labour had had a "very bad result" in the general election

He said: "We need to learn some painful truths about where we went wrong and how we lost touch.

"We must not blame the electorate for ending up with a government we don't like, we should blame ourselves. We have to understand why people felt they couldn't support us."

Mr Miliband, who defeated his brother David in the leadership race on Saturday, also addressed some of the unflattering nicknames he was been saddled with during the campaign.

He said: "This new generation must find a new way of conducting politics.And that brings me to some of the names I've been called…

"Wallace out of Wallace and Gromit…I can see the resemblance. Forrest Gump…Not so much. And what about Red Ed? Come off it.

"Let's start to have a grown up debate in this country about who we are and where we want to go and what kind of country we want to leave for our kids."

Russian president fires homophobic Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov

Yuri Luzhkov, the homophobic mayor of Moscow, has been fired by Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.

Mr Luzhkov, who bans gay Pride marches and has called gays and lesbians "satanic", has been fighting for his political life in the past few weeks.

According to a presidential decree, the 74-year-old, a senior member of the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, was sacked because he lost "the trust of the president of the Russian Federation".

Mr Luzhkov's dismissal is said to be immediate. He has not yet commented.

He has been the mayor of Moscow since 1992 and was once seen as a future Russian president.

However, he lost the support of the Kremlin and has been plagued by allegations of corruption, along with claims he bulldozed Moscow's historic buildings.

One TV channel claimed he had channelled funds and deals to his wife, a property developer who is now Russia's richest woman.

Mr Luzhkov's departure is expected to be welcomed by gay rights campaigners in Moscow, who have had their plans for Pride marches thwarted for years.

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Police detain gay cruisers in Beijing

Dozens of gay men have been detained at an outdoor cruising site in Beijing, China.

According to AFP, a gay rights campaigner claimed that more than 80 men at a forested pick-up spot in Mudanyuan, to the north of the city, on Sunday and Monday.

Guo Ziyang, a project manager at the Beijing Gay Working Group, told the news agency: "According to those who were there, riot and normal police detained more than 80 people on Sunday, made them register and took photos, and then they let them go.

"On Monday night they again went to check IDs but I still don't know whether people were detained."

State-run newspaper Global Times reported that the men were forced to have blood tests and give fingerprints.

A spokesman for Beijing police, Zi Xiangdong, said the operation was part of the annual public security inspections ahead of a national holiday on October 1st. The National Day holiday celebrates the founding of communist China.

It is not know what laws the men violated.

China only decriminalised homosexuality in 1997 and it was seen as a mental illness until 2001.

Sir Ian McKellen to unveil blue plaque outside Peter Tatchell's flat

The actor and Stonewall co-founder, Sir Ian McKellen is to unveil a blue plaque placed outside the flat where the gay and human rights activist Peter Tatchell has based his campaigns, particularly for Outrage!, the LGBT rights group he founded.

The official unveiling outside Mr Tatchell's flat in Arrol House, Southwark, South London will take place on Wednesday.

Mr Tatchell has campaigned on gay and human rights around the world for over 40 years and in 1983 unsuccessfully stood for election for the Labour party in the Bermondsey by-election. The poll in the constituency where he still lives was marred by the most open homophobia ever seen in a British election. It was won by Simon Hughes, dubbed the 'straight choice' to the openly gay Mr Tatchell. The former came out as bisexual himself in 2006.

Blue Plaques are placed outside properties connected to influential people, with the exception of Southwark (where Mr Tatchell lives), these are generally placed on buildings after the death of the individual concerned. Mr Tatchell's flat was awarded this status after a public vote.

Commenting on being awarded a Blue Plaque, Mr Tatchell said: "It is a big honour. I am very grateful to the people who voted for me, especially since there were other notable, worthy and deserving nominees. I hope my receipt of this award will encourage others to campaign for human rights. I have lived in Southwark most of my life and I am very proud to be part of its long, illustrious history of distinguished authors, playwrights, scientists, inventors and social reformers.

"I appreciate this award, but the greatest honour I've had is the privilege to know and work with so many amazing, courageous human rights defenders in Britain and around the world. That's the real, true honour to me.

"Nevertheless, after so many years of demonisation by the tabloids, right-wingers, homophobes and even some people on the left, it is great to receive this recognition.

"My proudest achievements as a human rights campaigner have been my two attempted citizen's arrests of the Zimbabwean dictator, Robert Mugabe. They helped draw international attention to the human rights abuses perpetrated by his murderous regime. I was glad to support the people of Zimbabwe who are fighting for democracy and human rights. Even though I got badly beaten by Mugabe's bodyguards and have ended up with some brain and eye damage, I have no regrets."

The unveiling takes place at 11am on the 29th September outside Mr Tatchell's flat, 62 Arrol House, Rockingham Street, London SE1 6QL.

Ann Coulter tells gay Republicans 'marriage isn't a civil right'

US columnist, Ann Coulter has told an audience of gay Republicans, meeting at the home of PayPal founder Peter Thiel, that gay marriage isn't a civil right.

According to US blog Politico, Ms Coulter told 150 attendees of the Homocon event that "marriage is not a civil right – you’re not black!"

She is reported to have gone on to tell the audience, which included the gay porn baron Michael Lucas that gays are among the wealthiest demographic groups in the United States.

"Blacks must be looking at the gays saying, 'Why can’t we be oppressed like that?'"

Taking Points Memo, reports that Ms Coulter also argued that conservative politicans who have benefited from easy divercoes were hypocritical not to support gay marriage. She suggested that those in favour of straight only marriage should begin an effort to repeal divorce laws across the country.

Last month, when she announced she would be speaking to the Homocon event, Ms Coulter said: "giving a speech is not an endorsement of every position held by the people I'm speaking to."

Amnesty International warns of violence at Belgrade Pride

Human rights organisation, Amnesty International today warned of a risk of right wing groups threatening the safety of next week's pride march in Belgrade.

The march, which is due to take place on the 10th October will be the first in the capital of Serbia since 2001. Then, the march was broken up by violent attacks on the participants by extremists, including football hooligans and members of far-right organisations.

Amnesty International Campaigns Director Tim Hancock said: "Amnesty has already learnt of several attempts to intimidate individual gay rights activists.

"The threats are designed to inflame prejudice, increase hostility and encourage violence, and all with one simple aim – to destroy the gay community in Serbia. They cannot be allowed to continue. The Serbian authorities must take a tough stance.

"Under international and domestic law, the Serbian authorities must guarantee the rights to freedom to assembly, expression and association to the LGBT community and their supporters.

"The police must immediately investigate all threats, identify possible security risks from counter-demonstrators and guarantee the safety of participants.

"Political leaders should state publicly and unequivocally that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have the right to demonstrate and that anyone trying to violate these rights will be brought to justice."

He added: "Diversity and tolerance, equality before the law for all, no discrimination on sexual orientation and gender identity grounds, are all messages that LGBT rights activists will take to the streets on 10 October. They must be able to do so without fear of threats and threats."

Last year, after organisers met with police, they said that the event had been cancelled as a result of high security risks and a lack of co-operation from the police that meant they had no choice but to call off the event.

Serbian President Boris Tadic warned against creating an "atmosphere of chaos'" and "threats and violence". He said: "The state will do everything to protect people, whatever their national, religious, sexual or political orientation, and no group must resort to threats and violence, or take justice into its own hands and jeopardize the lives of those who think or are different."

George Michael branded a hermit and Jeremy Kyle fan by fellow prisoners

Gay pop star George Michael has according to reports begun to behave like a hermit during his jail sentence at Pentonville Prison in North London.

Female First quote a pison source who revealed that "everyone calls him The Hermit, because he could mix but has chosen not to. He always watches the Jeremy kyle Show – he's a big fan." The website reports that doesn't use the prison gym and rarely uses communal areas.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the star is having to take prescription medication in order to sleep.

The 47-year-old singer already has a conviction for driving under the influence of drugs and was found slumped over the wheel of his car when police found him on July 4th.

He had crashed the Range Rover into a branch of Snappy Snaps in north London.

He pleaded guilty to the offence and to possessing two cannabis joints.

Last month, he was handed an interim six-month driving ban.

His arrest came not long after the end of a two-year driving ban incurred in 2008 after he was caught in possession of crack cocaine and marijuana.

In 2007 he was given 100 hours of community service after being found unconscious at the wheel of his car by police.

Stonewall chief executive won't be 'jumped into' gay marriage position

Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill defended his group's lack of a position on marriage equality this evening.

Mr Summerskill mounted a robust defence of Stonewall, although he was attacked by audience members who questioned why the charity had not begun considering marriage equality sooner.

Following criticism of him at a Liberal Democrat event last week, Mr Summerskill told an audience at a fringe event at the Labour conference in Manchester that Stonewall would not be “jumped into” declaring a position on the issue and said there remained a “wide range of viewpoints” on the matter. Last week, he claimed that Liberal Democrat proposals for equal access to both marriage and civil partnerships regardless of sexuality could cost up to £5 billion.

This evening, he spoke on a panel with lesbian Labour MP Angela Eagle, gay Labour MP David Cairns and gay journalist Johann Hari.

Today, Stonewall co-founder and Labour MEP Michael Cashman criticised the charity and called on Mr Summerskill to “speak up” for marriage equality.

Mr Summerskill said Stonewall was aiming to build a consensus on whether marriage equality should be the next step for the gay community in order to ensure any legislation would have cross-party support and pass in the House of Lords.

He said that this was a issue of “tactics” and added: “We do not feel embarrassed about raising this.”

He was speaking at an event organised by Stonewall and LGBT Labour and a member of LGBT Labour, Darren McCombe, attacked him, saying: “Why haven't you consulted earlier? Separate is not ever equal.”

To applause, Mr McCombe said LGBT Labour had quickly reached a consensus on the matter through a democratic vote.
He also raised the issue of current laws requiring trans people to end their marriages to obtain gender recognition certificates.

Mr Summerskill acknowledged the “terrible unfairness” of this situation but said he had been in talks with ministers and officials about amendments to the Gender Recognition Act.

On the issue of straight couples being refused civil partnerships, he said gay marriage had been “chained” to heterosexual rights, which Stonewall does not lobby for.

The former Labour MP David Borrow also criticised Stonewall. He said: “It is not a member-run organisation. It does not give the opportunity to LGBT people to come together.”

He said that the charity is still seen as a spokesman for the gay community and implored Mr Summerskill to “go back to Stonewall and look again”.

Mr Borrow added that the charity had a “real dilemma” in who it speaks for.

In response, Mr Summerskill said: “Stonewall has never pretended to be a democratic member organisation. We have never said we speak for all lesbian, gay and bisexual people.”

He added that it was “critical” to build alliances across parties and argued that legislation could be rejected by the House of Lords if there was a perception that there was not a consensus among gay people.

Another panel member, the journalist Johann Hari, said: “We are not the government, we are making demands on the government.”

Referring to Stonewall's estimated £5 billion cost over ten years for allowing straight couples to have civil partnerships, he argued that the disability lobby would not deliberate over the cost of wheelchair ramps.

However, Mr Summerskill responded: “It is perfectly proper to say there are arguments that will be used against us so we can counter them”.

He also pleaded with those present not to make the issue “party political”, claiming that the House of Lords would “retreat to tradition” and reject progressive legislation if this were to be the case.

Members of the LGBT Labour group had attempted to secure a debate on the issue of marriage equality at the main conference, but it was ranked at just position 13 in a priority ballot by party activists.

Former neo-Nazi to address US gay students

A former US neo-Nazi activist is to speak at an event hosted by the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer) committee of the State University of New York College (SUNY) at Cortland.

Tom "T.J." Leyden spent 15 years as a white supremacist and recruiter, campaigning against blacks, Latinos, Jews and gays before turning his back on the movement.

At one point, he had 30 tattoos of swastikas and other Nazi symbols covering his body and flew the Nazi swastika flag above the cot of his new born baby.

After leaving the racist movement, he worked for five years for the Simon Wiesenthal Centre teaching on the culture of hate and the importance in fighting back against it and has spoken at White House conferences on hate for both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

His talk next Tuesday, the 5th October is open to the general public at the SUNY Courtland campus.

Indian gay film faces censors as star's family disowns him

Dunno Y… Na Jaane Kyun, an Indian gay romance compared by critics to Brokeback Mountain, risks being censored by the Indian authorities over gay sex scenes. Meanwhile, the father of star Yuvraaj Parasher has told a newspaper that he is to fight in court to disown all ties to his son because of his role in the film.

The film, directed by Sanjay Sharma, faces censors because of two gay kisses and a gay sex scene between stars Kapil Sharma and Yuvraaj Parasher and features the two kissing and gay sex scenes. However, because of its homosexual content the film is facing censorship from the Indian film board. Kapil Sharma said: "Why should the censors be scandalised if two men are kissing and making love?

"The ones in my film are very aesthetic. And so what if it's two men making love? Love is love regardless of gender."
Meanwhile, the Bombay Times reports that that Yuvraaj Parasher, has been disowned by his family and thrown of of the family home in Agra because of his role in the film. His father Satish Parasher told the newspaper: "I feel what he has done is against the culture and tradition of our country and it challenges the purity of the relationship between a man and a woman. He kept us in the dark right from when he signed the film and told us that he is acting with a girl. When we heard about the poster and the things he has done in the film, we were shocked, hurt and humiliated. People will make fun of us and we won't be able to live peacefully ever again."

He added that "his mother is totally devastated. We are a respected family and I'm appalled that he is playing a gay man's role. We're finished. All the dreams and hopes we had built around him are over. For just a film role, he has lost out on his blood ties. We don't want to see his face ever… not even when we are dying." The family claim that no woman will consider marrying him after playing a gay man on-screen.

Bollywood has rarely mentioned homosexuality in the past and even heterosexual kisses are still unusual.

But since the Indian capital Delhi legalised homosexuality last year, homosexuality is very slowly becoming more accepted in culture.

A recent film, Dostana, showed two men pretending to be gay in order to win over a female love interest, but Dunno Y . . . Na Jaane Kyun is the first big release to tackle the issue of homosexuality seriously.

Almost half of HIV-positive gay men unaware, US study says

A US study estimates that almost half of HIV-positive gay and bisexual men are unaware they are infected.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study also suggested that one in five of gay men in cities most affected by HIV have the virus.

The research studied more than 8,000 gay and bisexual men in the 21 cities which have the highest HIV rates. They were given HIV tests by CDC researchers.

In Baltimore, 38 per cent of the men tested were found to be HIV-positive, while just six per cent in Atlanta tested positive.

The highest number of infections occurred in black gay and bisexual men. This group were less likely to be aware of their infection with 59 per cent unaware, compared to 46 per cent of Hispanic men and 26 per cent of white men.

Men under the age of 30 were significantly less likely to be aware of having HIV. Sixty-three per cent of HIV-positive gay and bisexual men between the ages of 18 and 30 did not know they had the virus, compared to 37 per cent of HIV-positive gay and bisexual men over the age of 30.

Dr Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, told Reuters: “We can’t allow HIV to continue its devastating toll among gay and bisexual men, and in particular, among young black men.

“We need to reinvigorate our response to preventing HIV among gay and bisexual men.”

“The severity of the impact of HIV in the gay community is nothing new,” said Carl Schmid of the non-profit AIDS Institute.

“What has been missing is an appropriate response by our government, at the federal, state, and local levels, and the gay community itself.”

The research was published ahead of National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which is on Monday September 27th.

According to CDC, gay and bisexual men represent approximately two per cent of the US population, yet are the population most severely affected by HIV and are the only risk group in which new HIV infections have been increasing steadily since the early 1990s.

Anti-gay pastor Eddie Long vows to 'fight' gay sex claims

Eddie Long, the anti-gay leader of one of America's largest church congregations, has said he will fight allegations he coerced young men in his flock to have sex with him.

Last week, three young men filed lawsuits alleging that Mr Long gave them money, cars and holidays in return for massages, oral sex and masturbation.

The leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, who preaches to 25,000 members, told his congregation on Sunday that he was "under attack" and would "fight" the allegations.

Speaking for the first time since the lawsuits were filed, he said: "I've been accused, I'm under attack.

"I want you to know, as I said earlier, that I am not a perfect man. But this thing, I'm going to fight," he said. "I feel like David against Goliath, but I've got five rocks and I haven't thrown one yet."

CNN reports that he left his pulpit to overwhelming applause.

Mr Long is apparently being supported by his flock. Few have spoken to the media and those who have spoken out declared his innocence.

The married father of four has a long history of preaching against gay rights and same-sex marriage and claims his church has "delivered" people from homosexuality.

The three men accusing him of sexual impropriety are Maurice Robinson, 20, and Anthony Flagg, 21, and Jamal Parris, 23.

All have waived anonymity and claim Mr Long seduced them when they were aged 17 or 18.

Stonewall co-founder Michael Cashman: What part of 'equality' can't Stonewall understand?

Labour MEP and co-founder of Stonewall, Michael Cashman argues that the charity he helped launch 21 years ago must come out in favour of full gay marriage equality now.

I'm disappointed to see Stonewall, the organisation I co-founded 21 years ago, fail to support genuine equality for same-sex couples. We must open up marriage to everyone, and we must do it now.

We're witnessing a major shift in public and political opinion: the Labour Party Conference is currently considering a motion—which I support—to open up marriage to all couples, and Ed Miliband has already expressed his strong support for same-sex marriage; Liberal Democrat leaders and party have started officially backing same-sex marriage; so does the Green Party; and senior Tories have drawn inspiration from the legacy of New Labour, and suggested their party could or should consider same-sex marriage.

Some members of the LGBT community argue that marriage is an outdated, oppressive and possibly sexist civil institution. Some lesbian and gay people say they’re proud of choosing not to marry, but they couldn’t possibly be more wrong: they did not choose! I, for one, won’t dissolve my civil partnership for a marriage: it’s just not for my partner and me. But as a politician who’s worked on equality issues for over 20 years, I’m committed to giving this choice to those who do want equality both in facts and in name. Those against same-sex marriage will see their arguments reinforced by choosing not to marry once they actually have that choice.

What is Stonewall afraid of, I wonder? Surely no Sterling Pounds figure can be any serious argument against civil rights? Will Stonewall go to Pride marches across Britain next spring with placards reading ‘WE’RE STILL CONSULTING ON EQUALITY’? Ben Summerskill argued that it is an issue of ‘strategy and tactics’; but Stonewall is not in government, and their role is to represent the interests of LGBT communities. All credible polls show this to be universal access to marriage, so where’s the hurdle? Stonewall has been ‘consulting’ for so long that its deafening silence may end up being interpreted as being against universal marriage. The irony!

I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Labour Party, which has done more for LGBT rights since 1997 than any other party in British history. I’m equally proud to have co-founded Stonewall, which played a very central role in these advances. We’ve made giant leaps, and we’ve made them before many other countries—we already achieved virtual equality. But we’re slowly starting to lag behind when it comes to fully equal rights.

Universal marriage is the way forward, and now is the time to introduce it. Speak up, Ben Summerskill!

Michael Cashman is Labour MEP for the West Midlands. He co-founded Stonewall in 1989 with the actor Sir Ian McKellen, THT policy chief Lisa Power with The Times columnist and former Conservative MP Matthew Parris.

Humphrey Bogart slept with 1,000 women out fear he was gay

A new biography of Humphrey Bogart claims he slept with a thousand women, partly because he feared that he was becoming homosexual.

'Humphrey Bogart, the Making of a Legend' by journalist Darwin Porter claims that before the Hollywood star married actress Lauren Bacall in 1945, he had slept with an estimated 1,000 women including Bette Davis, Jean Harlow, Marlene Dietrich and Ingrid Bergman.

The book claims that the actor was tormented with a fear that he was becoming both impotent and homosexual. It also suggests that he considered killing himself during his second marriage

During the 1920s, while appearing on Broadway, it is claimed that Bogart slept with a different woman, nearly every night. "He was keeping score with his first wife, Helen Menken, who had a lot of lesbian affairs," said Mr Porter. "They were both chased by the same women, including Jazz Age star Louise Brooks and the flamboyant Tallulah Bankhead."

On-off girl friend Joan Blondel said: "The zipper was invented in 1926. Bogie demanded one be sewed into all of his pants — sex was a lot faster that way. He was a busy boy back then, and rather handsome before he lost his hair and his looks."

Adam Levine, lead singer of Maroon 5 says that Jake Gyllenhaal is not gay

The lead singer of Maroon 5, Adam Levine, came out in defense of his friend Jake Gyllenhaal.

Levine called it "childish and immature" the rumors about the sexuality of the star of "Brokeback Mountain."

During an interview, the musician spoke about the connection he has with Gyllenhaal. "Are people going to stop thinking that the guy is gay?" Said Levine. "Seriously, the media is very immature to say that he is gay - that's because he did 'Brokeback', right? I know this guy long ago. He is one of my oldest friends, is very strange to think so - is immature and child the way they treat this issue, "he complained.

The singer added: "If because he goes out with friends means he is gay, is as strange to perpetuate homophobia that exists in our culture, which is just stupid. Well, he's my friend. And I love him. "

Source: Scene G

Activist creates YouTube channel for the gay cause

The issue of gay activist Dan Savage, has created a YouTube channel to encourage young victims of prejudice to manifest.

The "It Gets Better", focuses published testimonies by other users.

According to Savage, the idea for creating the channel came after the suicide of young Billy Lucas, a victim of bullying committed by his classmates.

In all, 24 interviews are now available in the channel, including some celebrities, like the blogger Perez Hilton. Besides the canal, Savage keeps a blog and a podcast where he comments on news related to the cause gay.

Fede Gonzalez: From Size To Definition

Strong and aspiring: Fede Gonzalez is a 20-year-old natural bodybuilder from Buenos Aires, Argentina. In his Modelmayhem.com profile he writes: "I dedicate my whole time to improve my physique. I want to get bigger and take part in international bodybuilding competitions. And I would like to work as a fitness model."

Zac Compton: Intensive Dips

He knows how to get big triceps and massive arms. In this video 20-year-old bodybuilder Zac Compton takes 190 pounds plus his bodyweight for some repetitions on dips.