I surrendered use of my name given at birth, Stephen Mark Sandeen, in 2003 because that name no longer fit me. At age 44 I finally embraced what I first knew about my sex and gender at age fourteen – yet at 14 I was not able to fully accept that personal truth, in large…
A traditional Latino upbringing can be a challenge for someone struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity. Tradition, culture and religion play a huge role in the shaping of a young Latino or Latina’s life. My family was no different. I was born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, and raised in…
NEW YORK – Barbara Walters will serve as emcee for a major upcoming event that will mark the one-year anniversary of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) repeal and honor Admiral Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The event, Celebrating Our Heroes, is scheduled to take place Tuesday, Sept. 18 aboard the…
The California state Senate has passed a resolution urging the secretary of the Navy to name the next appropriate ship after Harvey Milk, the LGBT civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1978 at San Francisco’s City Hall. Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) who authored the resolution said, “Harvey Milk was a trailblazing influence in…
WASHINGTON (CNN) — A Kansas church notorious for its angry, anti-gay protests at military funerals will continue the controversial practice despite new restrictions in a bill passed by Congress that awaits President Barack Obama’s signature. “That’s really not going to change our plans at all,” Westboro Baptist Church spokesman Steve Drain told CNN on Friday….
I was honored to receive the Spirit of Stonewall Friend of Pride award this year alongside Dr. Aaron Bruce and Tess Banko. I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to them and to the other San Diego Pride award winners. We must continue the fight for equal rights together. I started walking in the San Diego…
Congressional Republicans are calling upon Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to provide explanation on why the Department of Defense (DOD) allowed uniformed military personnel to march in last weekend’s San Diego Pride parade. Jim Inhofe (R-Ok.) referenced a department rule Tuesday that prohibits active service members from participating in political activities in uniform and referred to…
Military members who wish to wear their uniforms in this weekend’s San Diego PRIDE Parade have been granted permission by the Department of Defense. The approval follows a wave of media attention that focused on military members intending to march in traditional uniform garb at the San Diego PRIDE Parade — a statement that would…
When I came to San Diego from West Hollywood one year ago, I thought I was leaving the epicenter of all LGBT life and retreating to the quiet provinces for a more placid existence. How fooled I was by the bucolic air in this city of surfers. San Diego is, without a doubt, the hub…
The White House will honor the Military Acceptance Project Thursday for their work in the LGBT and military communities. The ceremony is part of their Champions of Change Program that highlights individuals and organizations doing extraordinary things. The event will be streamed live at www.whitehouse.gov/live with opening remarks from a senior White House official at…
