machopedia

Kim Kardashian-The Hottest Sex Machine With Leaked Playboy Pics And The Most Wanted Kim Sex Tape Pictures Exclusive For You!!!

2011-09-20T01:13:00.001-07:00

Kim Kardashian
Oh! My Love Is So Erotic
Look At My Love
Shes A Sex Machine
Watch Her Anyway
Enjoy

Famous and Celebrity Birthdays for September 10 2011

2011-09-10T01:53:00.000-07:00

Here are your famous & celebrity birthdays for today:

Never miss a celebrity birthday again with the Celebrity Birthday Directory

1980 Mikey Way (bassist, My Chemical Romance)
1974 Ryan Phillippe (actor)
1972 James Duval (actor)
1968 Big Daddy Kane (rapper)
1968 Guy Ritchie (British film director)
1960 Colin Firth (actor)
1958 Chris Columbus (director)
1958 Dan Castellaneta (actor)
1953 Amy Irving (actress)
1950 Joe Perry (guitarist, Aerosmith)
1945 Jose Feliciano (Singer/Songwriter)
1938 Karl Lagerfeld (fashion designer)
1934 Charles Kuralt (actor)
1932 Bo Goldman (screenwriter)
1929 Arnold Palmer (Golf Pro)

Tough Justin Bieber Beats Ludacris’ Basketball Team!

2011-09-09T02:07:00.000-07:00

It turns out that Justin Bieber is not just a talented singer but a fabulous basketball player as well. Despite Justin has recently been involved in a car accident, this fact doesn’t prevent him to win a match. Thus, Team Bieber and Team Luda encounter on the playground in the LudaDay Celebrity Basketball Game 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia this Saturday. In the course of the game, Justin demonstrates his fantastic basketball skills leading his team to victory. As a result his team beats Team Luda with a score of 134 to Ludacris’ 132. This moment was accompanied with emotional reaction of Justin. He tweeted,

yeah. felt good #WINNING :) next year @ludacris….next year.

Ludacris doesn’t seem to be broken but just confirmed his opponent’s victory,

FINAL SCORE 134-132 TEAM BIEBER.FUN GAME

LudaDay Celebrity Basketball Game is an annual event held for a charitable purpose. Ludacris Foundation raises funds for the youth of struggling communities. This time they manage to “earn” $10 000. Justin Bieber feels it’s not just an ordinary game but something important.

Felt great winning today. Felt better still knowing we made it happen for charitable organization. Because of all of the fans who arrived on the scene to aid

Despite Ludacris and Justin Bieber were against each other on the playground, the guys are good friends who sometimes work together. Thus, one of the greatest hits of Justin Bieber Baby is a result of their collaboration. Your fans are eagerly waiting for the next joint project, guys!

Bowling for Dealers: Florida Police Caught on Tape Playing Wii During Drug Raid

2011-09-06T03:27:00.000-07:00

When police raided the home of drug dealer Michael Difalco, it did not take long for them to find what they were looking for. The officers of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force were caught on video playing Wii Bowling during the nine-hour drug raid.

UnknownDiFalco had a wireless camera connected to his computer. It ended up capturing the spontaneous bowling competition of the local police.

Police say that they found marijuana, meth, weapons, drug paraphernalia and over $30,000 of stolen property.

What civilians cannot comprehend is the tension and grind of busting house after house while trying to retain your pin average.

Robert Pattinson admits he is dating Kristen Stewart

2011-09-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

Robert Pattinson admits he is dating Kristen Stewart

Goodwood Races

2011-08-28T02:27:00.001-07:00

Seb Sanders riding Motrice wins The Windflower March Stakes at Goodwood racecourse on August 27, 2011 in Chichester, England.

Guys from DNA Magazine

2011-08-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

Vampire Hero Robert Pattinson

2011-08-24T00:54:00.001-07:00

I know we all can’t get enough of him, so I am posting some of his gorgeous pics here. I Absolutely adore him!! who does not? I won’t mind being bitten by this vampire promise! To all Edward Cullen fanatics out there, this is for you. Robert Pattinson, born May 13, 1986, in London, England, is an English actor, model, and musician, best known for his role as Edward Cullen in the film adaptation of “Twilight”.

Sexy Shirtless Michael Edward

2011-08-24T00:53:00.001-07:00

i know he’s hot! He won’t be here if he is not..everyone, meet West Virginia native, professional model Michael Edward. He currently lives in Charleston, WV. He is currently under Ondisplaymen, a new agency from Dallas, Tx. Check out more of his pics after the jump.

Hot Young Male Model Jared Walker Dostie

2011-08-17T03:10:00.000-07:00

Style Icon - Scott Disick

2011-08-16T06:55:00.001-07:00

at Jil Stuart presentation

David Strettle

2011-08-10T22:47:00.001-07:00

Sexy Mr.Strettle was born on the 23rd of July 1983 in Cheshire, England. He is 6 foot tall (1.83) and weighs 83kg. He plays rugby for Saracens and England.

Making the move

2011-08-09T04:09:00.001-07:00

It’s almost a rule that a man should take the first step towards a woman. Similarly it’s as though some consider it an indignity for a woman to approach a man she is attracted to.

Well in ancient Rome and many other civilizations women had practically no rights over their children or themselves. Women could never overrule what their husband would say, even in the decision of whether or not to have children.

Things have clearly changed now in most countries, however the custom somehow still seems to exist although in a much more lenient form. Most women are still not comfortable expressing their sexuality in public, and it seems like it is still somewhat of an exception for a woman to make her move on a man.

Women want to be desired and one reason they hold back is the assumption that they would appear less available. What some fail to understand though is that sometimes unless they make that move nothing will ever transpire. The potential of a relationship is not always evident to a man, especially someone who is looking to avoid that commitment.

There’s no question that it requires some self confidence for a woman to walk up to a man she finds attractive, and even if it only lasts one night I assure you the impression will live on.

FASHION OVER LOAD, MALE MODELS 2011

2011-08-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

2011 SWIMWEAR MODELS FOR
THE HOUSE OF CHAPPLE

WILL CONNER
OF ALABAMA

MICHAEL SIBILA
FROM ATLANTA GA

MICAH MARGUEZ ROSEBORO
FROM NEW YORK

DENERICK LINDSEY
FROM HOUSTON TEXAS

Andrés Iniesta (VIII)

2011-08-07T03:35:00.000-07:00

Tengo 3 cosas que decir:
1. En primer lugar perdón por no haber publicado ayer. Ya os había comentado que a lo largo de este mes puede haber algún día que no publique y no me dé tiempo a avisaros.
2. Gracias por avisarme en los comentarios del último post de la buena noticia sobre Siscu. Siempre estoy alerta de posibles noticias como esa, pero ahora en verano estoy un poco desconectado y no tenía ni idea. En cuanto pueda pondré imágenes y el vídeo en cuanto salga a la luz.
3. Por último, y no menos importante, ya habréis notado que este post va sobre Iniesta así que ahora toca dedicarle a él su momento de gloria. Parece que en realidad sigue usando esos microbañadores suyos, pero sólo cuando cree que nadie lo ve.

Shane Giese American male model shirtless picture

2011-08-06T04:33:00.001-07:00

Shane Giese American male model shirtless picture

Latest News of the Taiwanese Hunk Jerry Yan of F4

2011-08-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Guan Ying kisses with Yan Cheng Xu, definitely makes many fans to envy

Yesterday Yan Cheng Xu and Guan Ying had a media meeting for Stardust press conference in Shanghai. Yan Cheng Xu played the role of reporter to cover Guan Ying's feeling of circumstances that finally made them traded “the angry glare look at each other”, Director Lin Helong smiled and gave a happy laughter looking at the two people that acting like an “enemy”.

Yan Cheng Xu commented that Guan Ying is a very lively and lovable girl. Both of them had a lot of kissing scene in stardust but Guan Ying said it’s nothing to it regard to the unease feeling with her boyfriend Huang Zhiwei. Moreover she is the same as any common girl, will be jealous by many but because of the work, it doesn’t matter.

Guan Ying (left) and Yan Cheng Xu kiss in Stardust, she said that the kiss is on the surface only.

Although the cooperation with Yan Cheng Xu and Guan Ying in the drama has a many outgoing romance and with continuous kiss, Guan Ying since the beginning already said and described the kiss as "the most casually kiss."

Regards to her tattoo ankle with the boyfriend name Huang Zhiwei english name “Jerry”, which coincidently Yan Cheng Xu English name is also “Jerry”, Guan Ying with a smile said she’s feared that the media will make much ado about nothing. She speaks frankly that this Jerry(the tattoo name at her ankle) is not Jerry (Yan Cheng Xu), hope Yan Cheng Xu fans do not misunderstood, or I will be killed”

Jerry Yan's Stardust Press Conference in Shanghai, CCTV Broadcast in Primetime

Stardust has already sold copyright sales of over 60 million (6 million) even when filming is in progress, already covering production costs & making profits. Shanghai filming is supposed to complete by June. CCTV will broadcast Stardust on CCTV during year end at prime time of 8pm. CCTV spokesperson said its not easy to produce a drama that satisfies the taste of China viewers & overseas viewers. Confirmed by CCTV spokesperson during the interview that Japan investor wants Jerry to attract the Japanese audience. That Jerry's appeal has not lessened over the years judging from fans turnout. There were fans that flew in from Japan & Korea. That hundreds of media turned up for the presscon, all attention focused on Yan Cheng Xu.

Stardust coryright sales already reached 60 million. Jerry's talent fees has gone up 60 time since MG.

MG/ talent fees TW$10,000 per episode , TH talent fees TW$300,000 per episode , HS talent fees TW$450,000 per episode & Stardust talent fees TW$600,000 per episode.

Accdg to newsarticles, CCTV spokerperson said CCTV wanted to produce a drama the likes of Winter Sonata or Stairways to Heaven, a drama that will deeply touched the viewers heart all over Asia for this drama, the production budget is double that of its normal modern dramas. they then linked up with a Tw production house & the Japanese . the Taiwanese & Japanese sides specifically pinpointed Jerry for the main lead role.

Jason Chee

2011-08-05T21:55:00.001-07:00

Lek, towelling off

2011-08-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

Actor and model 'Lek' Jetsada Roongsakorn (เล็ก เจษฎา รุ่งสาคร), who can look brooding and intense without even trying. When we visited him recently, he had laid a complaint with police after someone took pictures on the sly of him undressing for a photo shoot in a hotel changing room.

That towel which he's using to mop his sweat in the top picture looks too small. It would barely fit around his waist, even with the expert towel-tying skills which Thais possess.

A Thai guy wearing a towel and nothing else can do almost anything around the home, and still keep his privates hidden. That towel will never fall off, but has to be helped.

Young Cutie

2011-08-03T08:12:00.001-07:00

Auger Town

2011-07-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

Nick sexing it up in the city!

At the Sheep Meadow

2011-06-29T23:21:00.000-07:00

Dips

2011-06-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

Patrik Kristiansson

2011-06-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

Patrik Kristiansson

Flex Those Guns

2011-06-23T01:55:00.000-07:00

Flex Those Guns

2011-06-23T01:52:00.000-07:00

Two photo's Flex Those Guns

Obama treading carefully on gay issues in 2012 bid

2011-06-22T22:56:00.000-07:00

New York: President Barack Obama has delivered important political victories for gays but is unlikely to push his support for gay rights much further before the 2012 election in case he alienates independent voters.

Gay leaders will likely give Obama high marks at a fundraiser in New York on Thursday for pushing through issues like winning gays the right to serve openly in the military.

Yet calls for the White House to back gay marriage and strengthen federal anti-discrimination protection will probably go unheeded as Obama treads carefully in the run-up to next November's election.
Obama treading carefully on gay issues in 2012 bid

"The conundrum Obama faces is keeping this essential core constituency while not going overboard and alienating the high-intensity opponents of that constituency," said pollster John Zogby of IBOPE Zogby International. "His challenge is to continue to play it cool and not to go overboard."

Independent voters, seen as less likely to back gay causes, will be crucial in winning closely contested states such as Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, Indiana and Wisconsin.

With the economy in trouble, the election is shaping up as a tighter race for Obama than his 2008 victory and he must keep key voting groups on board.

Evangelicals mostly vote Republican, but Obama took 30 per cent of their votes in 2008 and he cannot afford to lose them, Zogby said. African Americans voted 95 per cent for Obama in 2008 and heavily oppose gay marriage, he said.

Among Latinos, which Obama won in 2008, 40 per cent call themselves social conservatives.

By contrast, the gay vote is small although influential. A CNN exit poll from 2008 showed 4 per cent of voters were gay, lesbian or bisexual and 70 per cent of them voted for Obama. Another reckoning puts gays at 7 per cent of voters.

Boston University political science department chair Professor Graham Wilson said Obama will want to keep his gay constituencies sweet because they have high incomes, making them a potentially strong fundraising group.

"So long as Obama maintains his reasonably OK record on gay issues and Republicans continue to be identified with fairly aggressive anti-gay sentiments, there is not much doubt as to where the gay vote goes," Wilson said.

Many in the gay community praise Obama for ending the "don't ask don't tell" policy banning gays from openly serving in the military and for instructing the Justice Department to stop defending a law banning federal recognition of same-sex unions.

But many are annoyed that he has not backed gay marriage, seeing his "evolving" position on the issue as a cop-out. They also want sexual orientation added to federal discrimination statutes.

"So far it's a mixed bag," said Richard Socarides, head of the national gay-rights group Equality Matters.

"People believe his heart is in the right place. He's especially attractive when you consider the alternative," he said.

Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod said the president has made "historic progress" on gay issues and that his record stands in stark contrast to what would happen if Republicans were to win in the 2012 presidential election.

"I don't in any way doubt there are those who don't feel like progress has been made fast enough," Axelrod told MSNBC this week. "There is going to be a fundamental choice to be made in the next election and I think that choice will be clear to everyone and will be a galvanizing choice."

Politics Professor Ken Sherrill at Hunter College in New York City said Obama has made many small advances in gay rights such as requiring that hospitals taking federal money allow gays the right to visit their partners in hospital.

"The objections to Obama are more questions of the pace of change and the visibility of change," Sherrill said.

But Dan Weiller, of Empire State Pride Agenda which is lobbying this week in Albany for gay marriage in New York state, said gays should understand Obama's pragmatic approach.

"We recognize that for the president there are certain political realities," he said.

Marjorie Hill, chief executive of Gay Men's Health Crisis, America's oldest Gay AIDS service group, said she supported Obama financially in 2008 and will again in 2012.

"Anyone can talk the talk, but walking the walk does take longer," she said. "Being in office for two and a half years, there have been amazing strides."

2EROS underwear

2011-06-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

Look What I Found!!!

2011-06-15T05:41:00.000-07:00

Federal court upholds gay judge’s ruling on California gay marriage ban

2011-06-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

A US federal court has upheld a ruling by a gay judge that California’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional.

This is the latest round in a long legal battle over the issue.

US District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled in August 2010 that the ban should be lifted. In the following months, it emerged that he was gay and in a long-term relationship.

Opponents of gay marriage complained that as a gay man, he had a conflict of interest. They claimed he planned to marry his partner but could show no evidence for this.

Chief US District Judge James Ware ruled yesterday that the fact Judge Walker is in a relationship would not make him “so interested in marrying the person that he would be unable to exhibit the impartiality which, it is presumed, all federal judges maintain”.

The ruling means gay marriage campaigners in the state are one step closer to reaching their goal.

After Judge Walker’s ruling last year, opponents applied – and won – a stay while they appealed the decision.

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeal is currently considering that decision but says it will not make a ruling until the state Supreme Court rules on whether gay marriage opponents have the legal standing to appeal the original judgement.

New York ‘close to legalising gay marriage’

2011-06-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

New York is reportedly on the brink of marriage equality after another Republican senator said yesterday he would support the move.

Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced the legislation in both houses yesterday.

With the new support of Sen Roy McDonald, 31 out of 62 Senate members are expected to back it, leaving the bill in need of just one more vote.

Another Republican and three Democrats have also said they will back the bill after opposing gay marriage in the past.

In the Democrat-controlled Assembly, which has backed gay marriage a number of times, the bill is expected to pass.

Mr Cuomo has said before that he will not introduce a bill until he is sure it will succeed. A gay marriage bill suffered a surprise defeat in 2009 after support levels were overestimated.

This bill does not offer protection to individuals who refuse to officiate or provide services to gay weddings. However, religious groups are not obliged to perform the ceremonies.

If the bill passes, it will come into law 30 days after Mr Cuomo signs the legislation, making New York the sixth US state to allow gay couples to marry.

Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington DC currently have marriage equality.

California’s ban is under review

Protest held at Northern Ireland ‘gay cure’ conference

2011-06-15T05:38:00.001-07:00

Around 50 gay activists held a protest today outside a small ‘gay cure’ conference held in Northern Ireland.

The event, held by the Core Issues Group, featured David Pickup, an American speaker who says gay people can be turned straight.

The protesters gathered outside Belvoir Church of Ireland earlier today with placards bearing messages such as ‘your cure kills’.

Mr Pickup told the BBC: “I don’t cure anybody – The client always determines if there are root causes for homosexuality.

“I don’t force anybody or cure anybody – a client naturally spontaneously grows into his authentic heterosexual self.”

John O’Doherty, director of the Rainbow Project, responded: “It is the same ridiculous comments we have been hearing for 30 years that gay people are gay because they have had an overbearing mother and an absent father and quite often that they are sexual abuse cases.

“We are here to tell the people who are attending and the wider public that there is real therapy and real support here in Northern Ireland from a gay affirmative approach which will help people be the best person they can and also reinforce with them that being gay is not something to be ashamed of.”

Belvoir Church said it had nothing to do with the conference and occasionally allows other groups to use the space.

French parliament rejects gay marriage bill

2011-06-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

The French parliament has rejected a bill designed to give gay couples the right to marry.

Today, lawmakers voted by 293 votes to 222 to block the bill, which was not expected to pass.

In January, the country’s constitutional court upheld the ban on gay marriage after a challenge from a lesbian couple.

Corinne Cestino and Sophie Hasslauer, who have lived together for 15 years and have four children, asked for the right to marry but were turned down by the Constitutional Council.

The court ruled that the ban did not breach the French constitution and said it was up to parliament whether to change the law.

France has had PACS since 1999. The civil unions are available to straight and gay couples but do not give all the rights of marriage.

A survey published on the day of the court verdict by TNS Sofres showed that 58 per cent of 950 respondents were in favour of gay marriage and 35 per cent were against.

In 2006, the same agency found that only 45 per cent of respondents agreed with giving gay couples the right to marry.

Seven European states – Norway, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden and Iceland – allow gay couples to marry.

Others, such as the UK and Germany, allow civil partnerships or unions.

Former Mr Gay UK ‘devastated’ by rape charge

2011-06-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

A policeman and former Mr Gay UK has told a court he was “devastated” at being charged with rape after a Christmas night out with colleagues.

PC Mark Carter, from Birkenshaw, was charged with sexually assaulting three men and raping a fourth in December 2009.

Yesterday, he told a trial at Leeds crown court he had “embarked on an absolute living nightmare”, BBC News reports.

Mr Carter, who won the Mr Gay UK title in 2006, said he met the alleged rape victim in the Loft Bar on December 18th and the pair went back to the Etap hotel.

He is accused of dragging the man by his hair and raping him.

Mr Carter, who denies all the charges against him, said: “I’m not a violent person. We had gone back for mutual pleasure, a sexual encounter. I didn’t take him back to beat him up.”

He claimed he took a shower after the pair had sex and was surprised to discover that the man had left.

The court heard that the alleged victim had left the hotel by a fire exit before alerting a passerby. Police then went to the hotel room.

Mr Carter also denies another three counts of sexual assault in the same evening. In court, he said the gay scene was “bitchy” with “drama queens who make things up”.

Coronation Street star gets anti-gay abuse on Twitter

2011-06-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton threatened to call people after being on the receiving end of anti-gay abuse on Twitter.

The actor, who plays Sean Tully in the soap, was told by user ‘kittykatlovex’: “I hope you get AIDS and die you freak.”

He responded: “I think we should report this one to the police.”

Later, Cotton wrote: “Don’t worry tweeps – I’m not upset! She looks like Worzel Gummidge!”

He added: “It is important to stand up, speak out and stamp out homophobia.

“And for that reason it’s important that I stand up for myself and make a point at least.

“Homophobia has no place in our society.

“What anyone thinks of me, the actor off the telly, is none of my business.

“But as a gay man, I am proud of who I am and the community I am part of. Some people are gay, get over it.”

The ‘kittykatlovez’ account has now been suspended.

125 complaints over EastEnders gay bed scene

2011-06-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

At least 125 people have complained over an EastEnders scene which showed a gay couple lying in bed.

Viewers complained that the episode, broadcast before the watershed, was inappropriate and could “confuse” children.

In the scene, from two weeks ago, engaged gay couple Christian Clarke and Syed Massood were shown topless and cuddling, with bedsheets covering their lower bodies.

They were shown lying in each other’s arms and sharing a quick kiss.

One viewer, writing on a BBC message board, complained: “I’m not a homophobe but really do not want to see gay men in bed naked and kissing, especially whilst my ten-year-old daughter is sitting with me, before the watershed. Might be socially acceptable to some but there is a time and place and definitely not before nine o’clock, confusing my kids. There was no warning.”

Although more than 100 people complained, the BBC said people had contacted the corporation to praise the scene.

Executives said in a statement: “EastEnders aims to reflect real life, and this means including and telling stories about characters from many different backgrounds, faiths, religions and sexualities.

“We approach our portrayal of homosexual relationships in exactly the same way as we do heterosexual relationships, ensuring depictions of affection or sexuality between couples are suitable for pre-watershed viewing.

“We would also point out that same-sex civil partnerships became law in December 2005, giving equal rights to gay couples in the UK. The BBC cannot discriminate by treating gay characters differently to heterosexual characters.

“We have also received a lot of very positive feedback about the storyline regarding Christian and Syed’s relationship.”

Audience research published by the BBC last year found that one in five people say they are uncomfortable with seeing gays and lesbians on television.

US defence secretary says progress on gay ban could come this month

2011-06-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

US defence secretary Robert Gates says he sees no bar to repealing the military gay ban and could endorse the change at the end of this month.

Speaking to Associated Press, Mr Gates said he will back progress if the chiefs of the military recommend moving forward at the end of this month.

Mr Gates is to leave his post on June 30th, after four and a half years as Pentagon chief.

Discussing the repeal process, he said: “I think people are pretty satisfied with the way this process is going forward. I think people have been mildly and pleasantly surprised at the lack of pushback in the training.”

But he added that it would be “unrealistic” to expect that there would be no anti-gay incidents when repeal takes place.

Mr Gates said that the ban could be fully lifted by September.

President Obama pledged to repeal the 1993 law in his 2008 election campaign but was criticised by gay groups for being slow to act.

In December, the US Senate finally voted to repeal the 17-year ban.

Military officials are currently training troops on the change. Then, the president, Mr Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm Mike Mullen must certify that the ban can be lifted without damaging the military.

Following this certification, 60 days must pass before repeal officially takes place.

Gay campaigners welcome mosque’s pledge

2011-06-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Gay rights campaigners have welcomed what they say is the first significant promise from the East London Mosque to stop hosting homophobic speakers.

Earlier this week, a letter signed by 12 activists, including writers Julie Bindel and Paul Burston, said it was clear that there was a religious campaign in east London to intimidate gay people.

The letter, which cited numerous examples of homophobic speakers invited to the mosque, called on local Muslim leaders to pledge to ban them.

In response, East London Mosque spokesman Salman Farsi told the Guardian that homophobic speakers were not permitted.

“Any speaker who is believed to have said something homophobic will not be allowed to use our premises, whether that is us organising an event or someone else. As for the condemnation of homophobia, our director has gone on the record on this,” he said.

He added that the £100 fine was a “slap on the wrist” and said the mosque was doing “as much as we possibly can”.

Activists who signed the first letter welcomed the comments but demanded the mosque should declare the new policy on its website.

A statement said: “We, the undersigned, welcome the East London Mosque’s statement that they will no longer allow their premises to be used by homophobic speakers and take them at their word.

“Eliminating a platform for hate in such an influential institution as the East London Mosque is a strong, positive action and will have a very positive effect on both the local gay and Muslim communities.

“We request that the East London Mosque make this policy known on its website – and to the Muslim, Asian and East London media – so that the entire community can see their commitment to stopping homophobia and to improving community relations.”

The demand for more action from the mosque came after a local man was fined just £100 for distributing anti-gay stickers in the area.

Homophobic hate crime has risen in Tower Hamlets over the last year, from 61 offences to 87. In 2008, gay man Oliver Hemsley was paralysed in a homophobic attack on Hackney Road, close to gay nightspots George & Dragon and The Joiners Inn.

Knighthood for Section 28 backer Brian Souter

2011-06-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

Brian Souter, the Stagecoach co-founder who gave £1 million to a 2000 campaign to uphold Section 28, has been honoured with a knighthood.

The 57-year-old businessman has not spoken out against gay rights in 11 years but almost 2,500 people have signed a petition calling for the honour to be rescinded.

Sir Brian was named on Saturday as a recipient in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

He co-founded Stagecoach with his sister, Ann Gloag, in 1980 and the company now has 35,000 employees and an annual turnover of more than £2 billion.

He was the leader of the Keep the Clause campaign and cited religious beliefs as his reason for supporting the ban on the promotion of homosexuality in schools.

Commenting on the honour, he said: “Having started my career in public transport as a young bus conductor, I am delighted to receive this prestigious honour. However, the achievements and innovations would not have been possible without the dynamic Stagecoach team who support me and I accept this award on their behalf.”

Lesbian comedian Sue Perkins joked on Twitter: “Brian Souter is so homophobic I imagine he will refuse to bend over to accept his knighthood.”

Comment: Don’t fight bigotry with bigotry

2011-06-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this by saying, because it needs to be said, that I don’t agree with Tracy Morgan’s homophobic ‘jokes’ in the slightest, even if he has apologised for them. I think his remarks were deeply heterosexist, violent, degrading, disgusting, and horrific. I would say that I seriously hope for safety’s sake that his son isn’t gay, but that would assume that his comments could only hurt if his son was.

The fact is, Morgan’s comments were unacceptable and incredibly ignorant. It doesn’t matter what is in Morgan’s “heart”. It matters what he said. Words matter. When I was confronted with the word “faggot” constantly in high school and bullied, I could care less if those people were truly homophobic or not. On that same token, the words we used to insult Morgan when he does something angers us – as righteous as our anger may be – they also matter.

I don’t know why I continue to be surprised how easily people resort to bigotries to address bigotries. I knew I would see it in the case of the UCLA student who posted a racist rant about Asians in her library on YouTube. And I wasn’t disappointed. The internet graced me with loads of comments suggesting she deserved to be raped, suggesting her clothes had something to do with her racism, and all-round misogynistic garbage.

I knew better than to click and read the comments on PinkNews.co.uk’s Facebook page regarding the original story. Something in my mind said someone would be ignorant enough to make a racist comment. But I guess something in my heart had a little faith. This is the queer community. Surely, for as much vitriol and hate we’ve taken, we’d know better than to spew that same venom out into the world, into another community. Surely we know that Tracy Morgan represents the African American community just about as much as Perez Hilton represents us.

But no. Sadly, I can’t expect that from my fellow queers. I don’t know why I’m surprised. I know for a fact that my own experiences with homophobia made it sometimes impossible for me to accept that I am privileged because I am white.

If I got up on stage and let out the same homophobic tirade, no mentions of nooses and slavery would come at me. No one would say anything about my skin. They might threaten to rape me, they might suggest there is something about my intelligence that can be gleaned by the size of my breasts, they might make all manner of comments regarding what they assume I am – but my skin colour will go unnoticed.

I’m unsurprised that I’ve often heard that queer people of colour don’t fit in with mainstream gay culture and don’t feel a part of the community. I should be shocked by the virulent and despicable racism I witnessed. I should be surprised that people tried to justify it by saying homophobia is particularly a problem in some racial cultures – as if the white men who make up the vast majority of our legislative bodies are wonderfully accepting and have taken our pleas for equal rights seriously in ways other races have not.

I wish I could say I’m shocked by this behaviour and that I’m sad that that there are such ignorant people in the queer community – people who see bigotry as a useful tool to attack bigotry. But I’m not.

I do however, expect better. I expect better from the white members of the queer community. And I do seriously hope that the next time there’s any attack on our community, no one stoops to the level of our attackers, whether it’s based on race, sex, disability, etc.

Believe me, I understand anger. I support anger. Be angry. Get mad. Stonewall didn’t happen because we turned the other cheek to be struck too. But Stonewall happened with the help of other communities. The Black Panthers were there with us. Allies were there with us. The LGBTQ community is not only white and you are not supporting us by racist thoughts and action.

You can get angry without resorting to bigotry. I do not expect everyone to be the smiling tour guide through the museum of bigotry every time we see another hurtful comment from someone. But I do expect us to not resort to racism or to think racism is okay due to homophobia, or to so blatantly ignore the queer people of colour that share our community.

Homophobia is never okay. Racism is never okay. Misogyny is never okay. Addressing one bigotry by using another is never okay. The queer community is not one colour, one gender, one sex, one anything. Fighting bigotry with bigotry is illogical and proves nothing.

Stonewall chair and gay basketball star named in honours list

2011-06-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

The chair of Stonewall, David Isaac, and gay NBA star John Amaechi have been named in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Mr Isaac, who has been the chair of the gay rights charity since 2003, was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for “services to equality and diversity”.

He said he was “delighted” at the honour and Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill praised him for transforming the organisation’s financial stability.

Mr Amaechi, who came out in 2007, was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for “services to sport and to the voluntary sector”.

The sportsman, who now runs a basketball centre in Manchester, said: “I was once an overweight bookworm who hid in the corner of my school library and wished I was invisible.

“My mother told me that I could do better and I hope to use this platform to convince other young people just how true this can be for them too.”

Other honours recipients in the LGBT world include disability campaigner Katherine Gillespie-Sells; the chief executive of the Lesbian and Gay Foundation, Paul Martin and Dr Tim Lucas, who was the treasurer of the Brighton Lesbian and Gay Switchboard for more than 20 years.

Yuuri Morishita elegant evening dress

2011-06-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

Yuuri Morishita look elegant when she wearing that pink evening dress.

My style of showing dress model

2011-06-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Rufskin

2011-06-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

Gyönyörű mosolyok

2011-06-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

Nasty Knockout

2011-06-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

Nasty Pig releases their newest Jock this month, the Knockout Jock. And look who got to model it off! Here's some shots of the underwear packaging, and a fun little image that you can see in stores. This one gives everything you need from a jock strap super comfortable, great room with good support, low rise waist, and masculine design. It's a real knockout! You can get one of your own by going to Nasty Pig's Site

French fries and fashion

2011-06-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you can do so much with an iPhone and some new clothes. Here's me photographing myself for once in some new duds from Jeremy's spring summer collection.

Man of the Month: Nick Auger

2011-06-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

Nick Auger was actually in my very first post. There, I stated that he was my favorite male model of all time. Actually, that's not true (the honor goes to Brett Hollands). But Nick Auger is indeed my favorite fitness model ever.

Model Universe Champione, he's perfect in every way. That face is gorgeous...his hard jawline and sparse facial hair exudes pure manliness, yet the pair of beautiful eyes softens everything...angelic and so damn sexy. Handsome is a word I reserve for a select few, and Nick Auger is the poster-boy for handsome.

Now let's talk about his body. It's phenomenal. I hate to compare men like objects, but my second and third favorite fitness models are James Ellis and Kevin Gould. Each man's body is perfect in their own respect, but I believe each muscle of Nick's body is an invidually sculpted masterpiece.

Muscle is pleasing to the eyes, for sure, but sometimes, lots of it is terribly uncomfortable. Who needs a man who sores you when he hugs you? In bed, I wanna cuddle up to a body that's more like a firm pillow rather than a jagged boulder. The next few photos hints that Nick Auger may just be that man who can offer both aesthetics and comfort.

Hot Guys And Baby Animals Calendar 2011

2011-06-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

a Hot Guy and Baby Animal?

Vision LA / Jesse Somera / photo: Ashley Barrett / style: Monica Schweiger

2011-05-31T22:40:00.000-07:00

Vision LA / Josh Slack by Nate Jensen

2011-05-31T22:39:00.001-07:00

Vision LA / Charles Melton / Prestige Magazine / photo: Darren Tieste

2011-05-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

Vision LA / Introducing Colten S by Christian Rios

2011-05-31T22:38:00.000-07:00

Football group

2011-05-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

Meuw fala sério....

reclamar da vida pra que? hein ?????

PUTS !

Sempre mordendo o shorts hehehe

Bom hein

é gurizada.... vms tocar a vida

Abs

Soccer Boy

Gay MP David Laws apologises for expenses claims

2011-05-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Liberal Democrat MP David Laws has apologised for his expenses claims after he was found to have wrongly claimed £40,000 in rent paid to his boyfriend.

The former chief secretary to the Treasury resigned from the Cabinet last May after the claims were revealed. He claimed that he wanted to keep his sexual orientation secret.

After an investigation, a Commons committee and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, John Lyon, concluded today that he committed “a series of serious breaches of rules” for money he claimed from the taxpayer.

Yeovil MP Mr Laws is to be suspended from the Commons for seven days – a rare punishment seen as second in severity to expulsion. The suspension will begin on June 7th. He will also apologise to parliament.

The commissioner found that Mr Laws should not have been paying rent to a partner but said: “Mr Laws’ desire for secrecy led him to act in a way which was not compatible with the standards expected of an MP”.

It was also found that he had claimed for maintenance and repair costs for the London property. While these may have been acceptable if he was a cohabitant, Mr Laws was a lodger.

Mr Laws had lived with his boyfriend, the lobbyist James Lundie, for seven years. In 2006, Commons rules changed to bar MPs claiming expenses for rent paid to partners or family members. Mr Laws says he did not declare the relationship because he wanted it to stay a secret.

Mr Lyon wrote: “I have no reason to doubt that Mr Laws’ primary motivation was to keep secret the sexuality that he had kept hidden. . . I have no evidence that Mr Laws made his claims with the intention of benefiting himself or his partner in conscious breach of the rules.”

The committee and commissioner found that the MP had already repaid £56,592 – the full amount of his second home allowance claims between July 2006 and July 2009.

They accepted that the MP could have claimed “considerably more” under Commons rules if he had been open about the relationship.

In a statement, Mr Laws said: “I accept the conclusions of the inquiry and take full responsibility for the mistakes which I have made.

“I apologise to my constituents and to Parliament. Each of us should be our own sternest critic, and I recognise that my attempts to keep my personal life private were in conflict with my duty as an MP to ensure that my claims were in every sense above reproach.

“I should have resolved this dilemma in the public interest and not in the interests of my privacy.

“However, from the moment these matters became public, I have made clear that my motivation was to protect my privacy, rather than to benefit from the system of parliamentary expenses, and I am pleased that the Commissioner has upheld that view.

“I have also, from the very beginning, made clear that I believed that my secrecy about my private life led me to make lower overall claims than would otherwise be the case, and this has been confirmed by the Parliamentary Commissioner and by the committee.

“The taxpayer gained, rather than lost out, from my desire for secrecy, though I fully accept that this is not an adequate reason for breaking the rules.

“This last year has been a difficult one, and I am grateful to family, friends, constituents and colleagues for their support and understanding.”

US House panel attempts to delay lifting of military gay ban

2011-05-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

A US House panel has approved a defence bill which contains a clause to delay the lifting of the ban on openly gay soldiers.

The House Armed Services Committee voted 33-27 to approve an amendment requiring the chiefs of all four military services to certify that the change won’t hurt military readiness, AP reports.

The law to repeal the policy only requires the president, defence secretary and joint chiefs of staff chairman to certify it will not harm the military.

However, Republican lawmakers argued that President Obama has never served in the military, Admiral Mike Mullen has never served in ground combat and defence secretary Robert Gates was a political appointee.

It is not clear what effect the amendment will have. Earlier this year, all four chiefs testified that that they were not seeing issues with the lifting of the ban.

President Obama signed a law to repeal the 1993 ban in December.

The ban will not be lifted until military chiefs have certified that repealing the law will not harm military readiness. Following this, 60 days must pass. It is expected the policy will end in the summer.

Minnesota Senate approves referendum on gay marriage ban

2011-05-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Senate has given the go-ahead to a 2012 voter referendum on whether the state should have a constitutional ban on gay marriage.

The bill, introduced by Republican senator Warren Limmer, passed by 30-27 votes. One Democrat senator, Leory Stumpf, joined Republicans in voting for it.

A companion bill is also being considered by the House.

The state already bans gay marriage but opponents say that the law must be strengthened to ward off challenges by gay rights campaigners.

One senator who spoke against the move, Minneapolis Democrat Scott Dibble, showed the chamber a photo of him and his boyfriend and said the campaign would be “ugly” and “divisive”.

Although support for gay marriage is growing across the US, voters given the chance of a referendum on the issue have always come out against marriage equality.

Of the 31 states which have voted on constitutional gay marriage bans, all have approved the measures.

Delaware governor signs civil unions into law

2011-05-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

The governor of the US state of Delaware has signed a civil unions bill into law.

As he signed the bill yesterday, Governor Jack Markell told gay couples in a 500-strong audience: “Your family is now equal under the law.”

Once the law comes into force on January 1st 2012, gay couples in the state will have “all of the same rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities as married persons under Delaware law,” the measure says.

Faiths may perform the ceremonies if they wish, but cannot be forced to.

Delaware joins six other states in allowing civil unions for gay couples.

Five US states and the District of Columbia allow gay couples to marry.

Uganda to debate gay execution bill tomorrow

2011-05-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

Uganda’s parliament will debate the anti-homosexuality bill tomorrow (Friday).

There was confusion yesterday over the status of the bill, which was apparently removed and then replaced on the day’s order paper.

Reports now say that it is scheduled to be discussed tomorrow. Today is a national holiday.

The bill’s author, MP David Bahati, has claimed that the most extreme clause on the bill, the death penalty for “aggravated” homosexuality, has been removed.

However, no amended version of the legislation has been published.

If passed in its current form, the bill will demand the execution of gay people who have sex while HIV-positive or with minors or disabled people. The death penalty would also be used for repeat offenders.

Other clauses would require people such as family members, teachers and doctors to report cases to homosexuality to the police within 24 hours or face a prison sentence.

More than 1.4 million people have signed petitions against the bill, which US President Barack Obama called “odious”.

Earlier this week, British foreign secretary William Hague said he was pressuring Uganda to drop the bill.

The legislation is popular with Ugandan MPs and citizens. Homosexuality is viewed as un-African and against Christian values.

Scotland loses one lesbian MSP, gains another

2011-05-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ruth Davidson, a former BBC journalist, has become Scotland’s second openly lesbian MSP.

While Ms Davidson was elected for the Glasgow region, Liberal Democrat MP Margaret Smith, who is also a lesbian, lost her seat to the SNP’s Colin Keir.

Of Scotland’s other gay MSPs, Green MSP for Glasgow Patrick Harvie and SNP MSP for Dundee West Joe FitzPatrick held their seats. Iain Smith, the Liberal Democrat MSP for North East Fife, lost his seat.

Ms Davidson held the Glasgow region seat for the Conservative Party after the previous incumbent, Bill Aitken, retired.

MSPs were sworn in yesterday.

Speaking after last week’s election, Ms Davidson said she had “very big shoes to fill” in replacing Mr Aitken.

She added: “Well, I think anyone that knows me knows that I’m not shy of standing up on my hind legs and giving it both barrels.”

Ms Davidson lives in Partick with her partner. A graduate of Glasgow University, she has lived in the city for most of her life.

Two years ago, she came third in the by-election for the seat of Glasgow East.

She has said in the past that she does not often speak about her sexuality because “it’s not the most interesting part of my life”.

She said in 2009: “In terms of coming out I had my first female partner about four or five years ago. I was open about it at the time and I’m open about it now.

“But I don’t tend to talk about it because it’s not the most interesting part of my life, you know? Some people are gay and that’s it.”

I let down gay youngsters, George Michael says

2011-05-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

George Michael says he wants to make amends to the gay young people he’s let down over the years.

The singer said that gay children had to witness the “homophobia” directed towards him every time he slipped up. He added his controversies had prevented him from defending the rights of LGBT youngsters.

Michael has been arrested twice for outdoor sex and convicted for drug and driving offences. Last year, he spent four months in prison after crashing his car while under the influence of cannabis.

Speaking to BANG Showbiz, the star said: “It’s really a matter of thinking what can I do to contribute as a gay man, because I have a serious problem with the fact that every time I would let myself down I felt definitely that I was letting young gay people down, because they would then witness the homophobia that is thrown at me and the wording of that homophobia and the language that is being used.

“So I have some plans to try and do things to help gay kids and I think we’re a notoriously bad community at helping our own when it comes to children because we don’t have any children.”

He added that he wanted to “make up for some of the damage” he had caused.

Michael also announced that he wants to assemble a “gay collective” to help him record his next album, although he would not say which musicians might be involved.

Today, he announced that he will begin a ‘Symphonica’ tour at a number of opera houses with a full orchestra.

Man charged over East End anti-gay stickers

2011-05-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

An 18-year-old man has been charged with a public order offence over homophobic stickers found plastered around London’s East End.

Mohammed Hasnath, 18, of Leamouth, Tower Hamlets, was arrested last month at his home.

He has been charged under section 5 of the Public Order Act of causing harassment, alarm or distress.

He allegedly posted the stickers at four locations in the area between Friday February 11th and Monday February 14th.

Mr Hasnath is on bail and will next appear at City of Westminster magistrates’ court on Wednesday June 1st.

The stickers, which were found in Brick Lane, Poplar, Bow and Canary Wharf, showed a red line through a rainbow flag and the words ‘gay-free zone’.

They said: “Arise and warn. Gay free zone. Verily Allah is severe in punishment.” At least 70 have been reported.

After the anti-gay messages were discovered, local residents began a campaign to remove them and replace them with messages of love.

A Pride parade was also planned but had to be cancelled after it was revealed that one organiser had links to the far-right group English Defence League.

Two drag queens attacked in Liverpool’s gay quarter

2011-05-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Two drag queens have been attacked in separate incidents in Liverpool’s gay quarter.

Last Friday, drag queen and DJ Lady Shaun was punched in the face in the early hours of Friday morning. She was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken jaw.

Passing police officers chased a suspect but were unable to catch him.

Lady Shaun told the Liverpool Echo: “We need to make our streets safe for everybody. I see myself as a gay ambassador to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and transsexual people and I want them to know that we shouldn’t be ashamed to stand up for ourselves.”

She also praised police for their support.

In another incident three weeks ago, choreographer and performer Calvin Fox was pushed to the ground by two people and suffered cuts and bruising to his face.

Mr Fox, who said he had never been attacked before, told the newspaper: “After last year’s Liverpool Pride, an amazing event that had no trouble reported, we thought Liverpool had woken up and accepted the term ‘gay’.”

Police said there had been a “slight rise” in anti-gay attacks but attributed this to better reporting.

Chief Insp Louise Harrison said: “People are feeling more confident and comfortable reporting these incidents to the police, whereas before lots of these crimes were going unreported.

“We have to strike a balance between a heavy police presence which could scare people off and those that say it makes them feel safer, but we will continue to talk to the gay community.”

Two years ago, PC James Parkes was left fighting for his life after being beaten in an unprovoked homophobic attack in the city’s gay village.

Peter Tatchell claims WikiLeaks soldier Bradley Manning is a ‘gay hero’

2011-05-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Bradley Manning, the US soldier held for allegedly leaking secret government files, is a “gay hero”, rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has claimed.

Mr Tatchell said that if Mr Manning had leaked the documents to WikiLeaks, he should be praised as a human rights defender.

The former military intelligence analyst has been held in custody for the last year. He was arrested in May 2010 in Iraq on suspicion of passing restricted material to the whistleblower website and has been charged with 34 offences, including making information available to the enemy.

While the charges he faces carry a maximum penalty of death, US military prosecutors have said they will not seek this. Instead, he may face life in prison if convicted.

The material in question included 700,000 US diplomatic and military cables and footage of a July 2007 airstrike on Baghdad. The 23-year-old’s supporters claim that the leaked files expose civilian deaths which had been covered up by the military.

Mr Manning is gay but was unable to declare his sexual orientation under the US military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.

Speaking today, Mr Tatchell said that the soldier was “inspired by his commitment to human rights” and had attended gay Pride marches and campaigned against bans on out gay troops and same-sex marriage.

Describing Mr Manning as a “humanist and a man with a conscience”, Mr Tatchell said he had allegedly been driven to release the files because he “became disillusioned with his country’s foreign and military policy [and believed] it was betraying the US ideals of democracy and human rights”.

“It is only (allegedly) thanks to Bradley Manning that we now know the truth about this slaughter of innocent civilians – and about the killings of hundreds of other civilians in unreported and undocumented incidents,” Mr Tatchell said.

The soldier, who is waiting to hear if he will face a court martial, was recently moved to another jail after concerns were raised about his well-being.

He was required to strip regularly and was held in a bare cell. Last month, he was moved to a medium-security prison in Kansas following lengthy assessments. He is now able to live alongside other prisoners and his surroundings have been described as more comfortable.

Mr Manning’s mother Susan, who is Welsh, criticised British MPs last month for not helping him.

The Foreign Office said last month that the British embassy in Washington had relayed MPs’ concerns about Mr Manning’s treatment to the White House.

Mr Tatchell has urged Mr Manning’s supporters to take action, including writing to the soldier, contacting their MPs and lobbying the US embassy in London.

Foreign secretary William Hague says Britain is lobbying Uganda over anti-gay bill

2011-05-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

Foreign secretary William Hague says that the UK is continuing to urge Uganda not to pass a bill that could see gay people executed.

Responding to questions on Twitter, Mr Hague wrote: “We oppose this bill and will continue to raise our concerns with Ugandan government. We urge Ugandan MPs to reject it.”

He continued: “Our embassy is lobbying Ugandan gov & the UK initiated a formal EU demarche [diplomatic move] to the Ugandan foreign minister on the bill.”

The bill has spent two days before a parliamentary committee and is due for a second reading tomorrow, if parliament has time to discuss it. Tomorrow is the last scheduled day of parliament and it is listed on an order paper of following business.

In its current form, the bill prescribes the death penalty for “aggravated” homosexuality, such as repeat offences. Among other things, it also calls for up to three years in prison for teachers, doctors, friends, landlords and family members of gay people who do not report them to authorities.

Reports this afternoon suggested that some aspects of the bill may have been modified. Anti-gay pastor Martin Ssempa claimed today that he did not want gay people to be executed.

US blogger Jim Burroway, the author of the Box Turtle Bulletin blog, who has been following events closely, claimed MPs could pass the bill to divert attention from Uganda’s current problems, which include unrest over rising food and fuel prices.

He wrote: “Clearly, passing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which is very popular among ordinary Ugandans, would be a cynical diversionary ploy on the part of the government.

“If the bill does come up for a second reading, that is when amendments to the bill may be offered. A third reading can quickly follow a second reading, at which time the bill would be passed and sent to the president.

“The president can assent to the bill or return it to parliament for changes. According to one parliament member, the president has not returned a bill to parliament during his term.”

Campaigners are calling on as many people as possible to sign petitions to ask President Yoweri Museveni not to accept the bill.

Slim majority of Republicans support legal recognition of gay relationships

2011-05-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

A poll says that just over half of Republicans support some form of legal recognition for gay couples.

The Public Policy Polling survey asked 1,000 people who identified as Republicans about their views on marriage equality.

Only 12 per cent said gay couples should be allowed to marry. Support for civil unions was higher, with 39 per cent agreeing with them.

This meant that 51 per cent back either marriage equality or civil unions.

But 48 per cent said there should be no recognition at all of gay relationships.

Support for marriage equality was highest among high-income respondents as 24 per cent in this category said gays should be able to wed.

Last month, another American poll suggested that just over half of voters support marriage equality.

The CNN poll found that 51 per cent of the 824 adults surveyed said gay couples should be allowed to wed.

Among those under 50, support levels rose to 60 per cent.

CNN polls in 2008 and 2009 found that just 44 per cent of those surveyed supported gay marriage.

Lady Gaga teams up with FarmVille creators to launch GagaVille

2011-05-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga has announced a partnership with social games giant Zynga to launch GagaVille, a take on the popular FarmVille and CityVille.

Zynga, home to the most popular games on social network Facebook has
previously launched projects with Snoop Dogg, Dreamworks and Niceklodeon.
However, the company today said that the deal with Lady Gaga is its most significant to date.

GagaVille will showcase the bisexual star’s style and themes together with themes from her new album Born This Way. From 17th to 19th May, GagaVille players can unlock a new unreleased track per day. From 20th May, users can unlock tracks from the new album.

Lady Gaga branded $25 Game Cards will include bonus tracks and exclusive Lady Gaga branded virtual goods.

Lady Gaga said “I want to celebrate and share ‘Born This Way’ with my little monsters in a special way that’s never been done before…Zynga has created a magical place in FarmVille where my fans can come play, and be the first to listen to the album.”

Earlier this year, Lady Gaga signed an exclusive deal with US retailer Target but backed out after the company made donations to anti-gay causes.

California Senate approves equal benefits bill

2011-05-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

The California Senate has narrowly approved a bill to encourage companies to give equal benefits to the spouses of gay employees.

Democrat Senator Christine Kehoe’s bill says that state agency contracts will only be awarded to companies who offer the equal benefits.

Ms Kehoe said the legislation would encourage equality. The bill applies to contracts over $100,000.

The bill just got the majority it needed to pass, with 21-15 votes. It will now go to the Assembly.

The legislation is supported by Equality California, which says Los Angeles, Sacramento, Oakland, Berkeley, San Mateo County, San Diego and Santa Monica already have the ordinances.

Interim executive director Jim Carroll said: “Studies have shown that employees who are treated fairly have higher retention rates and are more productive. The Equal Benefits bill both advances equality, benefits business and ensures that our precious tax dollars do not subsidise discrimination.”

David Laws guilty of a series of expenses rule breaches

2011-05-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

Former Cabinet minister David Laws has been found guilty of a series of breaches of parliamentary expenses rules.

The Liberal Democrat MP was chief secretary to the Treasury for just days last May. He resigned when it was revealed he had paid £40,000 in expenses to his boyfriend who was also his landlord.

According to the Evening Standard, Parliamentary Standards Commissioner John Lyon found him in breach of six areas of Commons rules.

The Commons’ Standards and Privileges Committee will now look at the investigation and report back later this week.

When the story broke last year, Mr Laws said he had failed to declare the relationship because he wanted to keep his sexuality secret.

He said: “My motivation throughout has not been to maximise profit but to simply protect our privacy and my wish not to reveal my sexuality.”

Prime minister David Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg were understood to be keen to see him return to the Cabinet but this will depend on the wording in the report.

Mr Laws will not face criminal charges over his claims.

Anti-gay pastor rejects Ugandan death penalty for gays

2011-05-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Anti-gay pastor Martin Ssempa has told a Ugandan parliamentary committee that he does not agree with the death penalty for gays and lesbians.

The preacher told the committee that he supports controversial legislation for punishing homosexuality because it is “killing” society.

But he reportedly stopped short of praising the bill’s harshest clause – the death sentence for “aggravated” homosexuality.

The bill’s author, MP David Bahati, originally included the clause to state that the death penalty could be used in cases involving repeat offenders, minors, HIV-positive people or disabled people.

But he told AP news agency that this “was something we have moved away from”.

However, the bill still contains language to lengthen prison sentences for gay people and also calls for punishment for anyone who does not report homosexuality to police. This would include doctors, landlords, teachers and even friends and family members.

Mr Ssempa reportedly told the committee: “The parliament should be given the opportunity to discuss and pass the bill, because homosexuality is killing our society.”

It is not clear whether MPs will get a chance to debate the bill before this session of parliament ends on Friday.

During the hearing, Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo said the bill would not stop homosexuality and would lead to more cases of HIV.

“How can we expect doctors to treat everyone when this bill will require them to report on their patients who are LGBT?” he said.

Gay Labour MP David Cairns dies

2011-05-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

David Cairns, the Labour MP for Inverclyde, has died at the age of 44 after a short illness.

The former Scotland minister had been suffering from acute pancreatitis since March. He died in hospital in London last night.

A Labour spokesman said: “David’s untimely death is a huge loss to parliament and politics in this country.”

A further statement from the party said: “It is with great regret that we have to announce that David Cairns, member of parliament for Inverclyde, passed away at 23.00 last night at the Royal Free, London.

“David had been suffering from acute pancreatitis after he was admitted as an emergency patient eight weeks ago.

“Our thoughts are with his partner Dermot, his father John and his brother Billy and all his many friends and family.”

Mr Cairns was a Catholic priest before turning to politics. After working as a researcher for MP Siobhain McDonagh and as a Labour councillor, he was elected as MP for Inverclyde in 2001.

He was Scottish minister between 2007 and 2008 but resigned in 2008 over Gordon Brown’s leadership.

Mr Cairns was chair of the All Parliamentary Group on HIV and AIDS and was also a patron of LGBT Labour, as well as being the chairman of Labour Friends of Israel.

National AIDS Trust called him a “visionary and inspirational leader” of the parliament group, while LGBT Labour, who called him a “very good friend”, said his death was a sad loss.

James Asser, the co-chair of LGBT Labour, said: “Everyone at LGBT Labour is very upset and shocked to hear of the death of David. He had been a great friend and champion of LGBT Labour and on issues of equality within parliament and the Labour Party.

“He was doing great work chairing the All Party Parliamentary group on HIV and AIDS and he was also outspoken against homophobia abroad.”

Fellow MPs also paid tribute to Mr Cairns. Labour MP Tom Harris wrote that he was a “gifted and popular MP with a political instinct that was second to none”, and called him “one of my closest friends”.

US Navy wants to allow gay marriages on bases

2011-05-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

The US Navy is planning to allow chaplains to conduct gay marriages on its bases once the ban on openly gay soldiers is lifted this summer.

The move would allow chaplains to perform the ceremonies in states which allow the practice.

An April 13th memo from Navy head chaplain Rear Adm Mark Tidd says: “Consistent with the tenets of his or her religious organisation, a chaplain may officiate a same-sex, civil marriage: if it is conducted in accordance with a state that permits same-sex marriage or union; and if that chaplain is, according to the applicable state and local laws, otherwise fully certified to officiate that state’s marriages.”

The memo, leaked to a conservative website, added: “Regarding the use of base facilities for same-sex marriages, legal counsel has concluded that, generally speaking, base facility use is sexual orientation-neutral. This is a change to previous training that stated same-sex marriages are not authorised on federal property.”

Some politicians have complained that the change will violate the Defense of Marriage Act, which restricts federal recognition of marriage to that of a man and a woman.

Todd Akin, a Republican representative from Missouri, has secured more that 60 signatures from fellow lawmakers on a petition against the plans.

He said: “While a state may legalise same-sex marriage, federal property and federal employees, like Navy chaplains, should not be used to perform marriages that are not recognised by federal law.”

Yesterday, the Pentagon responded that the Defense of Marriage Act “does not limit the type of religious ceremonies a chaplain may perform in a chapel on a military installation”.

New York governor begins tour to highlight gay marriage

2011-05-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York, has kicked off a state tour to highlight his legislative agenda for 2011.

Marriage equality is one of the priorities, along with a property tax and ethics reform.

The Democrat governor hopes to press people to support his aims and pressure lawmakers about them.

He said in a statement: “Our entire team is going to travel the state to speak directly to New Yorkers about the issues that can move this state forward, and it begins in Syracuse.

“We need to pass a property tax cap, ethics reform, and marriage equality during this legislative session. The clock is ticking, but when the people speak, the politicians will listen. We will assemble a broad coalition of New Yorkers to support this agenda and work tirelessly to get it passed in Albany.”

The Advocate reports that Mr Cuomo’s office has not released further details but judging by past tours, he may reference marriage equality in high-profile speeches and send deputies to speak with LGBT audiences around the state.

Last month, Mr Cuomo told gay rights campaigners he will devote his “full attention” to marriage equality.

Speaking to campaigners in a closed meeting, he reportedly said: “For me, this is personal.”

US Olympic official quits over gay marriage comments

2011-05-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

Former Olympic gymnast Peter Vidmar has resigned as the chef du mission of the US 2012 team after anger over comments he made about gay marriage.

In 2008, Mr Vidmar, a Mormon, joined the fight against California’s gay marriage law.

As well as joining two rallies and donating $2,000, the gold medal winner was quoted at the time as saying: “It’s good for our society to have a traditional definition of marriage.”

His comments resurfaced last week in an article on Outsports.com and then in the Chicago Tribune, leading fellow athletes to condemn him.

The figure skater Johnny Weir, who is gay, told Outsports.com: “I certainly wouldn’t want to be represented by someone who is anti gay marriage. It isn’t just about marriage; it is being allowed equal rights as Americans. The fact this man who is very publicly against something that may be represented on the American team is disgraceful.”

In a statement on Friday, Mr Vidmar, 49, said: “I have dedicated my life to the Olympic movement and the ideals of excellence, friendship and respect. I wish that my personal religious beliefs would not have become a distraction from the amazing things that are happening in the Olympic movement in the United States. I simply cannot have my presence become a detriment to the US Olympic family. I hope that by stepping aside, the athletes and their stories will rightly take centre stage.”

Before resigning, he told reporters he had not tried to hide his remarks and added: “I fully respect the rights of everyone to have the relationships they want to have.”

Glee Spoiler: Prom Queen

2011-05-10T18:03:00.001-07:00

Stay out of the comments if you haven't seen tonight's episode. Otherwise dive in and dish.

Will The Music Press Yawn About Tyler, Another Viciously Homophobic Rapper?

2011-05-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Rising rap star, music press darling, and Coachella 2011 "breakout artist" Tyler was the subject of a lengthy and fawning New York Times profile published last week. His new album, Goblin, debuts today.

“Goblin” is spiteful, internal, confident, vitriolic, vividly bruised stuff, a shocking — and shockingly good — album that bears little resemblance to contemporary hip-hop. It has more in common with the stark, thick-with-feelings independent rap of the mid-to-late-1990s and also the improbably rich-sounding minimalism of the Neptunes in the early 2000s. For every caustic rhyme about violence there’s a pensive, unexpectedly gentle production choice to go with it. Unlike the maximalism of hip-hop radio, you can feel the air in these songs, the gasping for breath.

But what the Times misses is that their new hero is viciously anti-gay and litters his multiple daily Twitter updates with references to "faggots" and "homos."
Another recent Tyler tweet: "Just walked into Abercrombie with my sister cause she wants a shirt. It smells like faggot in here." We'll have to see if the music press and promotion machine cares about this at all. Goblin is pegged to debut at or near the top of next week's album chart.

Chaz Bono ‘thrilled’ with results of transition

2011-05-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Chaz Bono, the son of singer Cher, has spoken candidly about his transition from female to male.

Speaking ahead of a book and documentary about his journey, the star said he never had a moment’s doubt that he was supposed to be a man.

Bono, 42, grew up as Chastity and was a lesbian activist for many years. He announced two years ago that he was transitioning and completed the process last year, albeit in the public eye.

Speaking to TIME, he said he had “confused gender identity with sexual orientation” when younger.

He said: “So when I was about 13 or 14, I realised I was attracted to women and then made the assumption that I was a lesbian, and didn’t realise that that wasn’t the case. It was the fact that I was a man and a heterosexual man. The issue wasn’t my sexual orientation, but rather my gender identity.”

The star, who says he wants to speak up for trans rights, has refused to talk about whether he has had genital surgery.

But he said that he was “thrilled” about the results of his ‘upper’ surgery, or breast removal.

“It was the greatest day, probably of my life,” he said. “It was getting rid of something on my body that felt like it didn’t belong there since they started to develop at, like, 11 or 12.”

Bono revealed that he spent time talking to psychologists about how he would deal with transition but said he “never had a moment’s doubt” about whether it was the right thing to do.

He said: “I had felt uncomfortable as a women my whole life. So that wasn’t the issue. It was about finding the strength to transition and how that would affect my life.”

The star added that he was continuing to publicise his journey to “bring awareness” of the issue.

Becoming Chaz will be broadcast in the US on the Oprah Winfrey Network tomorrow.

Bono’s memoirs, Transition: The Story of How I Became a Man, will also be released this week.

Gay MP David Laws may be reprimanded over expenses

2011-05-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Liberal Democrat MP David Laws is expected to be reprimanded over his expenses claims when a parliamentary standards report is published this week.

The former chief secretary to the Treasury’s return to government may be hampered by the verdict, reports said.

Mr Laws resigned from the cabinet in May last year after just days in the job. It was revealed that he had claimed more than £40,000 in expenses to rent paid to his boyfriend, the lobbyist James Lundie.

The MP said that he did not declare that Mr Lundie, his landlord, was also his partner because he was not out and did not want to reveal the relationship.

Lib Dems pointed out that he could have claimed more money if he had been honest about the relationship and claimed for a mortgage with Mr Lundie. The MP apologised and has reportedly now paid back the money.

John Lyon, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, is expected to rule that Mr Laws broke parliamentary rules. He has also looked at the MPs’ utility bill claims, which were in “rounded” figures.

Mr Laws may be asked to apologise to MPs. However, he is not expected to be referred to police for an investigation.

After he resigned from the Cabinet, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and prime minister David Cameron both said they hoped to see him return to government soon. This will depend on the severity of the report and a return would also require one of the five Lib Dems in the cabinet to resign.

Under last year’s coalition agreement, five places in the Cabinet are reserved for Lib Dems.

Girl, 13, is latest victim of South African ‘corrective rape’

2011-05-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

A 13-year-old girl in South Africa has reportedly become the latest victim of the ‘corrective rape’ epidemic.

The girl, who was attacked on Thursday in Pretoria, was said to be open about being a lesbian and it is believed she was targeted for this reason.

The phenomenon of corrective rape involves the targeting of lesbians in order to ‘cure’ them. There have been high-profile cases in the country, including the recent rape and murder of gay rights campaigner Noxolo Nogwaza.

Government spokesman Tlali Tlali promised a police investigation and assistance for the girl and her family.

“The government condemns this senseless and cowardly act of criminality,” he said.

”Gay and lesbian rights are human and constitutional rights which must be protected and respected at all times.”

Dipika Nath, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, said: ”If the police and other state officials do not act swiftly, it will only be a matter of time before they have to account for their failure to the family and friends of the next lesbian who is beaten and killed.”

Last week, the government announced the formation of a task team to tackle anti-gay hate crimes.

A government spokesman said that the task force would comprise the police, the social development department, six judges and six LGBT campaigners.

The team will be charged with developing a legislative intervention plan, a public awareness strategy, and LGBTI-sensitive shelters, he said.

Gay activists’ petition against Ugandan ‘kill gays’ bill

2011-05-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

Gay rights campaigners hope to collect enough signatures to ask Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni to refuse to sign an anti-homosexuality bill.

The legislation, in its current form, calls for harsher punishments for homosexuality. For “aggravated” case, such as those involving disabled people, those with HIV or minors, it calls for the death penalty.

Landlords, teachers and family members could also be prosecuted for failing to report gay people to police.

The status of the bill has been unclear for months, with conflicting reports about its progress through the legislature.

Late last year, it appeared to have been scrapped. However, campaigners say that parliament may vote on it this week and are urging people to sign a petition against it.

The petition, started by Allout.org, says: “Our best chance at stopping the bill is each other – if thousands of us spread the word we can make clear that the world is watching and we will not allow this to stand.”

The appeal adds: “Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has shown himself to be sensitive to international pressure. Last year, a massive response from people around the world pushed him to stop the bill in its tracks.”

President Museveni has not given his opinions on the bill but ethics minister James Nsaba Buturo said last January that the leader did not agree with killing gays and lesbians.

The anonymous blogger GayUganda wrote last week that parliament’s return to the bill was a “diversion” tactic to take attention away from riots and the fear of more civil unrest.

Fox Fires Gingrich And Frothy Mix

2011-05-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

Fox News has terminated its contracts with Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich in anticipation of their presidential campaigns. The network had suspended the pair in early March.

Mr. Santorum filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission this week to officially explore a campaign for the nomination. He was set to participate in a debate in Greenville, S.C., Thursday night hosted by Fox News, the first debate of the 2012 election cycle. Mr. Gingrich announced his intention to form an exploratory committee earlier this year and is expected to formally take that step later this month. Both men have traveled extensively this year to meet with potential supporters in the early primary states.

Broadway Legend Arthur Laurents Dies

2011-05-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Openly gay Broadway legend Arthur Laurents has died at the age of 93. Theater Mania reports:

Laurents was best known for his collaborations with Stephen Sondheim, including writing the books for West Side Story and Gypsy (earning Tony nominations for both), Anyone Can Whistle, and Do I Hear a Waltz. Early in his career, Laurents wrote such plays as Home of the Brave and The Time of the Cuckoo. In later years, he wrote and directed the musicals The Madwoman of Central Park West and Nick & Nora. Laurents directed the 1975, 1989, and 2008 revivals of Gypsy, each of which earned Tony Awards for its respective leading ladies, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, and Patti LuPone. He also directed the 2009 Broadway revival of West Side Story.

Laurents was temporarily blacklisted during the McCarthy era after a review of one of his plays was published in the Communist Party USA newspaper.

NOTE: Laurents asked that his obituaries include this line: "He was predeceased by his partner, Tom Hatcher, with whom he had lived in happiness for more than 50 years."

NOM Warns NY GOP: We'll Spend $1M Against Any Pro-Marriage Senator

2011-05-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

NOM's Brian Brown has informed the New York Times that he is ready to spend $1M to oppose the reelection of any GOP state senator that votes in favor of same-sex marriage. NOM has made similar threats in other states.

“We spent over half a million dollars in New York” in 2009, he said, “and we’re ready to spend that and more this time. We are willing to spend a million against any Republican senator who votes for gay marriage.” The group would not say which lawmakers were singled out. But State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., a Democrat from Queens who has voted against the bill in the past but said he was undecided this time, said, “We’ve gotten about 400 calls and e-mails from voters in the last two weeks, the vast majority of them opposed to the bill.” Mr. Addabbo said he kept count because he planned to cast a vote on the bill that “reflects the will of my constituents.”

Brazil’s Supreme Court approves civil unions for gay couples

2011-05-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

Brazil’s Supreme Court has voted overwhelmingly to give gay couples the right to civil unions.

The panel backed the measure 10-0, with one abstention.

The ruling does not grant gay couples the right to marry, but it will allow “stable” couples the right to benefits enjoyed by straight married people, relating to benefits, inheritance and tax.

They will be able to register their relationships with solicitors or public bodies. Religious and public ceremonies will not be allowed.

Justice Carlos Ayres Britto, who wrote the ruling, declared: “The freedom to pursue one’s own sexuality is part of an individual’s freedom of expression.”

Opponents had argued that Brazil’s constitution says that a “family entity” is “a stable union between a man and a woman”. But the Attorney-General’s office said that this was a definition, not a restriction.

Gay groups called the ruling historic and Claudio Nascimento, head of Rio de Janeiro state’s Gay, Lesbian and Transsexuals Committee, told O Globo: “The degree of civilisation of a country can be measured by the way people in a nation treat their homosexual community.”

Another gay rights group, Grupo Gay da Bahia, said that the ruling could help cut down hate crimes against LGBT people.

It claimed in January that 250 LGBT people were killed in hate crimes in 2010.

Elsewhere in Latin America, Argentina and Mexico City allow gay couples to marry.

Gay Arizona dads adopt 12 children

2011-05-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

A gay couple from the US state of Arizona have revealed they are adoptive parents to 12 children.

Steven and Roger Ham cannot legally adopt in the state as a couple, nor can they marry. But they have given a dozen children the chance of a ‘forever family’.

The story began in 2003, after the couple decided they wanted to become parents. They adopted five-year-old Michael, who had been neglected. Shortly afterwards, they won their battle to adopt his four siblings.

In the following years, they fostered dozens of children and eventually adopted another seven.

They completed their family in March 2009 when Steven flew to Washington to meet four-year-old Logan. After discovering that he had an 11-year-old sister, Isabel, Steven told their caseworker that he would take both of them to avoid splitting them up.

At the same time, Roger received a call from a caseworker telling him that the biological mother of one of their children had given birth again and asked if they would take the baby girl. At 12 children, they decided to close their fostering and adoption licence.

The couple are both listed on the birth certificates of their two children from Washington, while only Steven is the legal parent of the ten adopted in Arizona.

Steven, a part-time care worker and temp, and Roger, a school-bus driver, told the Arizona Republic about the military precision needed to get the kids fed, washed, dressed, to school and to various activities ever day.

They have a 15-seater van and as well as 12 children, look after four dogs, two cats, a guinea pig and a parrot.

The family lives in a 3,000-sq ft house and has strict rules, such as grounding for bad grades, good spelling in text messages and tidying everything away.

However, the couple say they are happy to let their children be themselves, allowing their sons to join cheerleading squads or wear nail polish.

The children range in age from Olivia, almost two, to 16-year-old Vanessa.

Steven, who takes on the brunt of the childcare through the day, said: “Sure, there are days when I am ripping my hair out, but I wouldn’t change it for anything,.

“We knew the kids deserved a better life, and someone who would love them, no matter what. None of my kids will ever tell you, anytime in their lives, even years from now, that they didn’t feel loved.”

Read more and see pictures of the Ham family

Second student in Tyler Clementi suicide case to appear in court

2011-05-06T07:59:00.000-07:00

The second student implicated in a gay US teenager’s suicide is to make her first court appearance today.

Molly Wei, 19, was charged with invasion of privacy after allegedly watching a secret recording of Tyler Clementi having sex with another man.

Another student, Dharun Ravi, 19, has already been indicted by a grand jury on 15 charges, including bias intimidation, invasion of privacy, witness tampering and tampering with evidence.

The trio were students at Rutgers University in New Jersey when last September’s tragedy happened.

Mr Clementi, who had not told anyone he was gay, killed himself by jumping from the George Washington Bridge after he discovered he had been filmed.

Prosecutors say that Mr Ravi and Ms Wei watched Mr Clementi’s sex session through a webcam in the room he shared with Mr Ravi. Both deny the charges.

Ms Wei, who left the university after Mr Clementi’s death, has not been indicted.

She will appear at a court in Brunswick and has applied to a pre-trial intervention programme which may allow her to avoid jail time and a criminal record.

Mr Ravi is accused of filming his roommate with the intention of intimidating him because of his sexual orientation.

He is also accused of trying to cover up what he had done by deleting tweets and asking a witness not to give evidence against him.

Speaking in April, the Clementi family said: “If these facts are true, as they appear to be, then it is important for our criminal justice system to establish clear accountability under law. We are eager to have the process move forward for justice in this case and to reinforce the standards of acceptable conduct in our society.”

Mr Clementi’s death led to a national conversation about homophobic bullying and LGBT teen suicides.

Gay footballer Anton Hysen on coming out

2011-05-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

The world’s only openly gay footballer, Anton Hysen, says others in the closet should not worry about fans’ reactions.

The Swedish star, 20, came out earlier this year, declaring that it was “f**ked up” that no other players had done so.

In an interview with this month’s Attitude magazine, he said it was “normal” for him to be out.

“I really don’t think it’s a big thing,” he said. “I mean, of course it’s brave but why should be it be brave?”

He added: “Maybe I’m stupid but It’s just so normal for me because I’m so secure with myself and my family. But I see it’s big for others and that it’s been taboo in football. That’s sad. Where are all the others?”

Liverpool-born Hysen, who plays for Utsiktens BK, is the son of manager and former Liverpool player Glenn Hysen.

He is only the second openly gay high-level footballer in history. The first, Justin Fashanu, suffered harassment and killed himself in 1998. A number of athletes from other sports, such as rugby and cricket, have come out in the last year.

“The worst thing a player can think of is the reactions from the fans, and their family and teammates,” Hysen said. “But if you’re secure in yourself, it shouldn’t matter. If you just focus on football and what you like and what you’re good at, it shouldn’t matter.”

He added that there were other gay people in his family and his footballing brothers have been “super-supportive”.

Hysen said he had declined all invitations to Pride events and gay parties, saying: “That’s not the right message, to be famous and go to parties and DJ. I’m a football player, that’s all. But to send a message to people who might have problems, that would be good.”

He added: “It’s good to have Pride but that’s not my kind of scene. To be out there with a flag, jumping around partying… The whole symbol, gay gay gay gay gay… I mean, we are gay, I understand that, and I understand the need for a sign that gay people exist.

“I’ve been to Pride, it was fun, but it’s too hysterical for me. I’d rather do something like this, a magazine, to reach out to people.”

Attitude, which is out now, features a double cover with England cricketer Steven Davies on the front.

Davies, who came out in February, joked to the magazine that it should headline the fact he’s single and looking for love.

He said: “I’m always on the lookout, you know. I just haven’t found the right person yet. I’m in no rush, but if that person came along that would be great.”

He added that coming out had been a “massive relief”.

“Everyone knows now, there are no secrets, and I can just get on and live the way I want to live,” he said.

Police appeal over anti-gay attack in Woking

2011-05-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

Police are appealing for more information about a homophobic attack in Woking last month.

A gay male couple were attacked in the incident, which took place on Monday April 18th at around 11.20pm.

Police say the couple were set upon in Church Street East near the Martian statue by three suspects – two men and a woman.

They were targeted with anti-gay abuse before one of the suspects pushed one of the victims in the chest. He then fell to the ground and was punched repeatedly by both men.

When his partner tried to stop the attack, the woman slapped him in the face.

The first suspect was described as a white male, 6ft 3ins tall, aged 18 years, of a thin build with short blonde hair.

He was clean-shaven and was wearing a brown and orange striped hooded top with the hood up and blue jeans.

The second man was described as white, 5ft 11ins tall, aged 19 years, and of a slim build.

He had striking blue eyes and curly ginger-blonde hair and was wearing a beige top.

The third suspect was described as a ‘plump’ white female, aged 16-17 years, 5ft 5 tall with brown hair worn in a bun. She was described as wearing heavy make-up and a burgundy or pink tracksuit.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Tony Maker said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and can help us identify the suspects to come forward straightaway and provide us with any information to assist our enquiry.

“Assaults of this nature will not be tolerated in our towns and we are hoping to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.”

Ricky Martin thought being gay was ‘evil’ before he came out

2011-05-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

Ricky Martin has revealed that he believed homosexuality was “evil” before he came to terms with being gay.

The star, who came out last year, said: “Being Ricky Martin back then and what I was feeling were not compatible. I was the sex symbol and I needed to dance and I needed to make girls crazy and I couldn’t say that I was gay. It was a lot of struggle.

“If you add to that whether you call it culture, religion, society but what I was feeling, according to what I had in my mind, was evil and I’m very lucky today that what I have in my mind is love and I’m very happy.”

The father of two, 39, was appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Martin was honoured last month for his gay rights support by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

Government ‘still not collecting data on gay asylum claims’

2011-05-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

The UK government has admitted that it is still not collecting data on the number of people who claim asylum or are refused on the basis of their sexual orientation.

Ministers promised last year that they would protect gay asylum seekers who are fleeing persecution.

Last July, the Supreme Court ruled that the policy of returning gays and lesbians to dangerous countries under the belief that they could be “discreet” about their sexual orientation must end.

Following this, the Home Office told the UK Border Agency that relevant cases should be “flagged and recorded” to ensure that rules were not being breached and that cases were being monitored.

However, the lack of data means that it is not known whether gay and lesbian asylum seekers are being returned to countries where they face persecution.

According to the Guardian, immigration minister Damian Green confirmed that the data was not being collected.

In response to a parliamentary question asking how many lesbian and gay asylum seekers had been granted or refused asylum since July, he said: “The information requested in the questions is not recorded centrally by the UK Border Agency and can only be obtained through examination of individual case records at a disproportionate cost.”

A UK Border Agency spokesperson told the newspaper: “The UK Border Agency does not currently record separate statistics on the grounds on which individuals claim asylum.

“We are, however, reviewing how data on sexual orientation cases can be recorded more effectively and whether any resulting data can be published.”

LGBT asylum campaigner Paul Canning told PinkNews.co.uk: “The cost argument is specious because fighting claims eventually won in court, detention and other expenses amount to far more than sorting out a way to measure what is happening in the system to gay asylum seekers. They compile data for child detainees, and that’s how we can spot problems with that coalition promise.”

He added: “Those of us working in the area are seeing the ‘proof’ [of sexual orientation] issue being pushed far more than it was before. We’re also seeing bizarre cases like a Jamaican lesbian not being believed despite her girlfriend having been accepted and given asylum and the woman’s evidence being crucial to her girlfriend’s case.”

Muslim area sent fake gay election leaflets

2011-05-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

Homes in a largely Muslim area of Leicester have been sent fake election leaflets about the Liberal Democrats’ gay rights policies.

The leaflets, first reported by the Political Scrapbook blog, feature the party’s logo next to a rainbow flag and include an image of two men kissing.

Text says: “We will force all schools to teach homosexuality as normal …Our front bench team [sic] Simon Hughes and David Laws are committed homosexuals, while Nick Clegg was recently voted by readers of Pink Times [sic] as the sexiest party leader.”

A Liberal Democrat party spokesman said the leaflets were fake and were distributed in the Spinney Hills area of Leicester South, where a by-election is being held today.

He could not say how many households received them.

The spokesman added: “Some of this leaflet is completely true and we are very proud of our record in championing gay rights. However, this a fake leaflet maliciously designed to incite hatred. It is disgusting attempt to provoke hate during the last days of a political campaign. It has no place in politics and it has no place in society.”

Man acquitted of assault over reaction to gay bar ‘bottom touch’

2011-05-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

A straight Derry man has been acquitted of assault after brushing off a man who touched his bottom in a gay bar.

A judge said that Christopher Brendan Thompson had been “establishing his straight credentials” when he pushed his face into the face of the man who touched him, the Belfast Telegraph reports.

Mr Thompson had been in Pepe’s bar and nightclub in the city last November. He claimed that another man reached out to touch his bottom as he was going outside for a cigarette and he reacted because the man was “ready to plant his lips on me.”

His solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client “had been “the victim of a sexual assault and he immediately turned around and rebutted that assault”.

He added: “He did so by pushing his face into the other man’s face. There was no blood, no injury, no bruising.”

The other man did not report the incident to police. Instead, an eyewitness contacted officers.

District Judge Barney McElholm said he accepted that Mr Thompson had been brushing the man off as footballers sometimes do.

He said the defendant had suffered an “initial assault” and the question was whether his response was proportionate.

“I accept it was proportionate in that I think Mr Thompson was establishing his straight credentials,” he said.

“It was not a case of him carrying out an assault, rather a brush-off.”

Chelsea Clinton urges straight people to back gay marriage

2011-05-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former president Bill Clinton, has spoken out in support of gay marriage.

Speaking at a New York benefit for charity Friendfactor, she said that straight people should join the fight for equal rights.

Clinton, who attended with her husband Marc Mezvinsky, said: “I certainly believe that all of my friends, as Marc and I did, should have the right to marry their best friends.

“I certainly believe that those of us who are straight cannot expect our gay friends to do this on our own.

“And I certainly expect our straight friends to help us achieve that for all New Yorkers, for all Americans, and for all the children that at least Marc and I hope to have someday.”

The pair, who announced their engagement in 2009, married last August.

While Bill Clinton has openly backed gay marriage, his wife, secretary of state Hillary Clinton, has not.

During an interview last year, she would only say she had not changed her position.

Man charged over Australian army Facebook ‘gay hate’ page

2011-05-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

A former member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has been charged in connection with a Facebook page which allegedly outed gay soldiers.

The 32-year-old man from Kareela was arrested in Sydney this morning and charged with a number of offences, including creating the Facebook page and making threats against an Army major.

Police launched an investigation in March after the major reported the email threats against him. They then discovered the anti-gay Facebook group.

Titled ‘It is your right to know who is biting the pillow’, the group called homosexuality a “filthy lifestyle” and urged Facebook users to name “bum bandits”.

The man is to face charges of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence and using a carriage service to threaten, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. He is on bail and will appear in court on June 3rd.

The ADF has allowed openly gay and lesbian soldiers since 1992.

Blackburn Rovers fans charged over racist and anti-gay chants

2011-05-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

Two Blackburn Rovers fans have appeared in court charged with shouting racist and homophobic abuse at players.

The match was a Cup game between Rovers and Queens Park Rangers on January 8th.

Graham Gooden, 42, of New Wellington Close, Blackburn, and Craig Rhodes, 41, of Broadway Street, Blackburn, were charged with racially aggravated harassment and using threatening words towards player Morten Gamst Pedersen, the Lancashire Telegraph reports.

Both pleaded not guilty to both charges. They have been remanded on bail.

Analysis: LGBT rights and the Scottish election

2011-05-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

With everything to play for in today’s Scottish election, the issue of LGBT rights has never been hotter. Four of the five main parties have mentioned it in their manifestos and numerous individual politicians are pledging their commitment to reform. This isn’t just because we live in a progressive society. With the SNP in the lead but Labour still hoping to snatch victory, and with other parties keen to secure possible coalition bargaining power, gay votes really count.

Those who followed controversies over the sh[OUT] exhibition of 2009 and the production at Glasgay of Jo Clifford’s play Jesus, Queen of Heaven will be aware that Scotland has a much stronger anti-LGBT religious lobby than exists south of the border. It’s a lobby that has historically held back discussion of LGBT issues. The SNP have been particularly dependent on votes from this group and also attracted opprobrium from the LGBT community when they received funding from the Stagecoach magnate Brian Soutar, who supported Section 28.

As a consequence of this, some LGBT people were worried about the SNP coming to power, but over the past four years they have done nothing to undermine the equalities work done by the previous administration, a Labour/Lib Dem coalition. Funding for groups like the Scottish Transgender Alliance has been maintained despite fiscal constraint. This parliamentary session has also seen the passing of the Offences (Aggravation by Prejudice) (Scotland) Act 2009, groundbreaking hate crimes legislation which was introduced by the Green Party and enjoyed cross-party support.

This time around, the biggest issue is the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

“We want to extend legal marriage to gay couples and civil partnerships to heterosexual couples,” say the Lib Dems, who, along with the Greens, have made this a specific manifesto commitment. Labour initially said that this was area they intended to look into, but have now joined the SNP in calling for a ‘full debate’ on the subject.

The problem is this: should equality be up for debate? Should the full civic participation of LGBT people depend on what other citizens think of them? In a representative democracy like ours, one of the duties of government is supposed to be to protect minorities from the tyranny of the majority. According to recent surveys, just over half of Scots think same-sex marriage is acceptable, so the outcome of a debate would be difficult to predict. Could the promise of a debate, in lieu of solid commitments to reform, be an attempt to win over LGBT voters whilst reassuring prejudiced voters that reform is still unlikely to happen?

Expressions of concern over this may be what led to SNP leader Alex Salmond appearing on STV’s Face to Face programme on April 21st to stress his personal support for equal marriage, though he stopped short of saying that religious groups should be obliged to let such ceremonies be held on their premises. Along with personal pledges made by a number of candidates across the political spectrum, this may have tipped the balance of the pre-election debate, meaning that opponents have less to lose by supporting LGBT rights. Labour leader Iain Gray said that he did not object to same-sex marriage, but would not clarify his position further.

Meanwhile, the Conservative party, which is fielding a lesbian candidate for the first time in a Scottish election, refused to declare any official position on LGBT rights issues. It sees them as matters of conscience on which its MSPs must be allowed a free vote. Some Conservative candidates have expressed support for same-sex marriage but it is not clear what the position of the majority is.

The other LGBT issue to attract manifesto commitments in this election is bullying in schools. Here, again, the Lib Dems have taken a lead, and Labour and the Greens have also confirmed their intention to try and make education safer and more accessible for all. Pressed on the issue of faith schools, where homophobic and transphobic bullying are more common, candidates across the board expressed concern, though the SNP and Conservatives are notably more reluctant to challenge the right of such schools to present their own view of morality even where it may encourage prejudice.

Most of the talk about LGBT policies has focused on gay and lesbian people, with only the Greens making an explicit commitment to address transgender rights issues. This may affect the way that any future changes to marriage legislation are drawn up, and activists are watching closely to make sure that people changing gender don’t remain in a position where they are forced to divorce or to dissolve their civil unions. Whatever the outcome of the election, there are likely to be some positive changes in store for LGBT people, but if real equality is to be achieved it will be important to keep up the political pressure.

We asked candidates from each party to state why Scottish LGBT voters should give them support.

Johann Lamont, Labour (standing in Glasgow Pollok): “In our manifesto, we pledged to take a zero tolerance approach to homophobic bullying in schools and crack down on hate crime. We also want to investigate the best way to implement the ‘Alli Amendment’ in Scotland, to permit the celebration of civil partnerships in religious buildings for the first time, as well as legislate to allow gay men previously prosecuted for consensual acts to have those unjust convictions removed – long after the offences themselves have been decriminalised. We also believe the time is now right to consult on options to address the different status of civil partnership and marriage, providing genuine equality for same-sex couples.”

Marco Biagi, SNP (standing in Edinburgh Central): “When other LGBT voters ask me why they should vote SNP, our voting record comes first. Down the line, the SNP always votes the right way, and does so through principle rather than through compulsion from Europe. Re-elect the SNP and we’ll open up the issue of equal marriage. The party whose conference gave me unanimous support when I spoke from the podium in defence of gay asylum seekers is a party I know has equality in its heart.”

Margaret Smith, Liberal Democrats (standing in Edinburgh West): “The Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of LGBT equality for decades. We have the best record of any political party on LGBT equality issues, and we continue to develop and promote progressive policies for LGBT people. We will tackle the lack of awareness that still exists in Scotland about gay issues, equality and bullying through the teaching profession. We will find new ways of challenging homophobia in schools and colleges and underachievement by LGBT pupils through mechanisms such as development of the Education for All programme in Scotland.”

Ruth Davidson, Conservatives (standing in Glasgow Kelvin): “I have a big interest in making sure the Scottish Conservatives continue to make advances with regard to LGBT issues. I campaigned in the general election last year on a platform of enabling those religious orders that wish to perform civil partnership ceremonies to do so. I hope very much to be elected this Thursday as the Scottish Conservatives’ first openly gay MSP and I will ensure these issues are always considered in the future.”

Partick Harvie (standing on the Glasgow regional list): “The Scottish Greens have a great record of action on LGBT issues, from our Civil Partnership Bill in 2003 to the passage of our Bill on hate crimes in 2009. We have committed to legislating for equal access to marriage and civil partnership for same-sex and mixed-sex couples. We don’t regard LGBT equality as a special ‘conscience’ issue. All parties rightly deem racist and misogynist views unacceptable, and the Greens will consistently treat homophobia and transphobia in the same way.”

Jennie Kermode is a freelance journalist and the chair of Trans Media Watch.

Video:Google uses TV advertisement during Glee to showcase ‘It Gets Better’ campaign

2011-05-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

Google has aired a television advertisement for its Google Chrome browser that showcases the ‘It Gets Better’ YouTube campaign to support gay teens.

The 91 second advertisement aired during the commercial break of hit Fox show Glee last night.

‘It Gets Better’ is a YouTube channel where everyone from president Obama to Adam Lambert, Lady Gaga, Kathy Griffin and even Woody from Toy Story together with scores of ordinary people post messages of hope to gay teenagers. A UK spin-off ‘It Gets Better, Today’ has featured prime minister David Cameron and home secretary Theresa May.

The channel was initiated by Dan Savage, a writer and columnist, who acted as an agony uncle to depressed gay young people through his column ‘Savage Love’.

His original video, featured him and his partner Terry recount their experiences of being bullied and urge youngsters that life does get better. It has now been viewed more than 1.3 million times.

At the time, Mr Savage said: “When a gay teenager commits suicide, it’s because he can’t picture a life for himself that’s filled with joy and family and pleasure and is worth sticking around for.

“So I felt it was really important that, as gay adults, we show them that our lives are good and happy and healthy and that there’s a life worth sticking around for after high school.”

South Africa government plans ‘task team’ to tackle homophobic hate crime

2011-05-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

The South African government has announced the formation of a task team to tackle anti-gay hate crimes.

Government spokesman Tlali Tlali said that the decision was taken yesterday, a week after a lesbian was raped and murdered in in Kwa-Thema township.

Noxolo Nogwaza, 24, was openly gay and campaigners said it was clear she was killed because of her sexuality.

Mr Tlali said that the task force would comprise the police, the social development department, six judges and six LGBT campaigners.

“The team will be charged with developing a legislative intervention plan, a public awareness strategy, and LGBTI-sensitive shelters,” he said.

Human rights groups say that so-called ‘corrective rape’ is a particular problem in the country. The hate crime involves lesbians being targeted by men who believe they can be ‘cured’ through rape.

Today’s announcement follows a 170,000-signature Change.org petition, which called on South African authorities to address the problem.

According to Sapa news agency, government ministers are considering harsher sentences for attacks motivated by sexual orientation, plus preventative measures such as allowing equality courts to address issues such as harassment or hate speech.

No one has been arrested over Ms Nogaza’s death. She was killed in the same town as Eudy Simelane, a lesbian footballer who was raped and murdered in 2008. Her death sparked international concern about ‘corrective rape’.

Student to cycle length of London tube network for HIV charity

2011-05-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

Medical student Adam Fairris is preparing to cycle the length of the London tube network to raise £1,000 for Terrence Higgins Trust.

At the end of this month, the 21-year-old will cycle 300 miles across five days, following the rough path of London’s 11 underground lines.

Each morning between Monday May 30th and Friday June 3rd, the student will travel to final destinations such as Cockfosters and West Ruislip to start the day’s route.

He expects to ride past 270 tube stations and most of London’s best-known landmarks. He is undertaking the challenge with a friend, who is supporting another charity.

Mr Fairris said: “Terrence Higgins Trust is a wonderful charity and a cause I feel very strongly about. Far too few people, especially in my generation, have anything like enough information about sexual health, HIV or how to prevent its spread.

“I’ve received an amazing amount of support from both THT and my peers and I can’t thank either enough. By Friday, the thought of the crowd at the finishing line at Bank station will probably be the only thing keeping me going!”

Simon Whiteman, community fundraising manager at THT, said: “We’re delighted Adam has picked THT to benefit from his sponsored ride around the capital. This is a hugely impressive feat, not just of endurance and physical fitness, but also of the navigation skills necessary to master the intricacies of the London A-Z. We wish him the very best of luck!”

Donations can be made here.

Hundreds join Rhode Island gay marriage rally

2011-05-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of people joined a rally outside the Rhode Island statehouse yesterday to call for gay marriage.

Last week, the House Speaker of the US state said he would throw his support behind civil unions instead because there was no chance of legalising gay marriage soon.

Gordon Fox, who is gay, was criticised by gay rights groups for abandoning the marriage equality effort.

The rally urged politicians to back gay marriage. Protesters carried rainbow flags and placards bearing messages such as ‘love has no gender’. One participant, in reference to the House Speaker, held a banner saying ‘fox hunting season is now open’.

Mr Fox says he still wants to see gay marriage legalised but has cautioned that there is not enough support for the move.

He said last week: “This is the best we can do right now. Full marriage will happen. I’m born and bred in Rhode Island. When I do get married it will be in my home state.”

Gay marriage bills have failed in Rhode Island repeatedly in recent years. The latest bill was greeted with more hope, as new governor Lincoln Chafee promised he would sign it if it reached his desk. He has also said he will support civil unions.

A civil union bill was introduced by representative Peter J Petrarca last night and hearings could be heard as early as next week.