In 1983, fears concerning HIV/AIDs infection prompted the FDA to instate rules banning sexually active homosexual men from donating blood. The policy has since been deemed outdated by many gay rights activists, particularly since blood banks now test all contributions for HIV (as well as hepatitis, syphilis and other infectious and sexually-transmitted diseases). However, for…
Dozens of sports athletes have made unfavorable headlines for offensive, anti-gay name-calling, including Kobe Bryant, Joakim Noah, and Roger McDowell in recent months. Now, the San Diego Padres have stepped up to the plate by pledging support for LGBT youth in their signing of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network’s (GLSEN) Team Respect Challenge….
Andrew Gibson, openly gay adopted brother of the perpetually controversial actor Mel Gibson, sprung to the latter’s defense in a recent interview by refuting media claims that his brother is homophobic. ABC News reports that according to Andrew, Mel Gibson “never meant to upset anyone” by commenting publicly on either homosexuality or any other sensitive…
Several prominent gay rights activists were arrested Friday after attempting to deliver a petition against Moscow Pride violence to representatives at the Parisian Russian Embassy. Activists Louis-Georges Tin, Nikolai Alekseev, Chad Meacham and Audrey Grelombe were among those taken into custody on the grounds that they were participating in an unauthorized protest outside the embassy…
The iconic, handsome and famously unwed Brad Pitt once said that he and his partner, Angelina Jolie, would wait to marry until gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals enjoyed the same marriage rights as straight couples. Now, in response to the New York legislature’s recent decision to legalize same-sex marriage, Pitt, 47, tells People…
In a social climate increasingly savvy to LGBT rights and homophobic slurs, public use of anti-gay language is showing a marked decline. Hefty fines and heightened awareness have led many celebrities in the entertainment and sports industries to swear off such language all together, according to Newsweek/Daily Beast writer Ramin Setoodeh; and perhaps this is…
GOP hopeful Michele Bachmann is well known for her anti-gay political views – views that helped her win a Senate seat against a more moderate Republican candidate and that have influenced her stance on what she once called “the biggest issue that will impact our state and our nation in the last, at least, 30…
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has expressed support and appreciation for healthcare facilities nationwide after conducting a survey revealing marked gains in healthcare equality. Although the HRC survey indicates progress regarding fairness in America’s healthcare system, it also highlights several obstacles that must be overcome to achieve true equality for LGBT patients. The annual Healthcare…
Neil Patrick Harris has publicly confirmed his engagement to long-time partner David Burtka in the wake of New York’s historic vote to legalize gay marriage. Harris — who together with Burtka is raising 8-month-old twins Harper Grace and Gideon Scott (born via surrogate) — tweeted over the weekend that he and his boyfriend proposed to…
UPDATE: Governor Cuomo signed the bill into law just before midnight on Friday EDT. Gays and lesbians will be able to get married in 30 days barring any court challenges to delay the law. LGBT activists across the nation are celebrating the passage of same sex marriage by the New York legislature. After a roller…
