Steve Lee, Editor

New guidance issued by US Labor Department on same-sex marriages and employee benefit plans

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced new guidance interpreting the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor. In a technical release, the department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration provides guidance to plans, plan sponsors, fiduciaries, participants and beneficiaries on the decision’s impact on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The release states…

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David Alvarez secures Lori Saldaña’s endorsement in mayor’s race

SAN DIEGO – Democrat David Alvarez, San Diego City Councilmember and mayoral candidate, stood beside former Assemblymember Lori Saldaña today securing her endorsement for the San Diego mayor’s race. Saldaña, who is currently chair of the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club, endorsed Alvarez, citing his history of fighting for neighborhoods. “David’s commitment to…

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‘Orlando Sentinel’ whitewashes Boy Scout alternative’s anti-gay bigotry

From Media Matters for America comes news that the Orlando Sentinel published an article describing Trail Life USA, an anti-gay alternative to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), as “a character-building, outdoors-oriented youth organization” while downplaying the group’s homophobia. In a Sept. 17 article, the Sentinel allowed John Stemberger – the rabidly anti-gay founder and chairman of Trail Life…

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UC San Diego Health System ‘Top Docs’ honored locally

More than 130 physicians from UC San Diego Health System were named “Top Docs” in the annual San Diego Magazine “Physicians of Exceptional Excellence” annual survey. These physicians represent 47 diverse specialties from internal medicine to oncology, obstetrics, cardiovascular and surgical care. “UC San Diego Health System is honored to be recognized for its expertise in…

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Lambda Archives honors LGBT elected officials; hosts reception on National Coming Out Day Oct. 11

Sept. 6, Lambda Archives San Diego (LASD) honored San Diego’s past and current openly LGBT elected officials at its 6th annual Heroes, Pioneers, and Trailblazers Event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. San Diego’s 20 year span of elected LGBT officials honored included: Christine Kehoe – retired California state senator, former state assemblymember and…

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White House briefing: Obamacare and LGBT health (VIDEO)

From a White House briefing on Obamacare and LGBT health by Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius: Throughout the Administration, we operate on the fundamental belief that every American deserves equal opportunity, equal protection, and equal rights under the law. That’s why the Affordable Care Act is so important for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and…

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San Diego based VA Home Loan Centers becomes first military mortgage provider to offer financing to same-sex married couples

SAN DIEGO —The Department of Veterans Affairs was among the last of the federal government organizations to extend benefits to same-sex couples, but now gay spouses are eligible to receive VA-back home loans, in states where their marriages are legally recognized. The VA Home Loan Centers, which operates as a privately held government loan specialist…

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‘Mayors for the Freedom to Marry’ adds five new co-chairs, sets 50-state goal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Freedom to Marry have announced the addition of mayors from Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and San Antonio as new co-chairs of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry and set a goal of reaching 500 mayors representing all 50 states. The program, launched in January 2012 with 80 mayors, now has more than…

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