Tag Archives: LGBT History

In what is being hailed as one of the most tremendous upsets of the Beijing Olympics, openly gay Australian diver Matthew Mitcham won a gold medal today after his string of perfect 10’s recorded the highest scoring dive in Olympic history. Mitcham’s pulled off a stunning final dive in the 10 metre platform, scoring an incredible four perfect 10s, to …

Openly lesbian journalist Rachel Maddow has gotten her own show from MSNBC. Rachel Maddow has been sounding off about politics on MSNBC so often she might as well have her own show. And now she does. The liberal commentator and Air America host, who has become a breakout star for the cable channel during this campaign, is taking over the …

Today the California Senate approved a bill designating May 22nd as Harvey Milk Day, the first such state holiday honoring a LGBT person in the history of the United States. The state Assembly approved the bill last month and the bill will return to the Assembly one more time for a “concurrence” vote before landing on the desk of Gov. …

For 25 years my Orlando pal Tony Hayden has chronicled his life on videotape. Over the last few years Tony has published his stories on his award-winning website in what he calls his “ME-ality Series. Today he published a five-part series on his coming to terms with his gayness via his discovery of Fort Lauderdale’s now-legendary early ’80s beach/bar/boys culture. …

In 2005 the corner of Christopher and Hudson was renamed after Sylvia Rivera, the late transgender activist who helped found the Gay Liberation Front shortly after the Stonewall Riots. The following year Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson cofounded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, the world’s first transgender political organization. Rivera died from liver cancer in 2002.

“As a former Marine and patriotic American, I am deeply disturbed that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is discouraging young patriots from joining the Military at a time when our country needs their service. I am horrified that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” forces trained and ready troops to choose between serving their country and living openly — a choice I myself …

There’s a great story in the NYTimes today commemorating the 25th anniversary of NYC’s LGBT Community Center. There’s also a fun 17 photo slide show of the Center’s history, including a copy of the above story written 25 years ago by the author of today’s piece, David W. Dunlap. Dig the headline!

Dance music and vinyl junkies will be interested to learn that the vast collection of legendary late DJ Neil Lewis is now for sale. As one of the most highly regarded DJs on the international dance circuit for nearly two decades, Neil Lewis captivated audiences and inspired a generation of loyal fans from around the globe with his mesmerizing and …

Former Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC), the most notoriously racist and homophobic politician in the history of the United States, has died at the age of 86. Happy Independence Day!!! And now for some choice quotes from DEAD Jesse Helms, the greatest embarrassment to my home state of North Carolina and the nation: – On threatening the life of a sitting …

This week marks the 30th anniversary of the creation of the rainbow flag by Gilbert Baker, who will head the 38th NYC Pride March on Sunday as a Grand Marshall. The use of a rainbow flag actually goes back for hundreds of years, but it was Baker, the “gay Betsy Ross”, who turned it into a globally recognized symbol of …

After several hundred breast-beating and wailing posts from the gay and foodie blogosphere (including here on JMG), not to mention a zillion-word eulogy from the New York Times, today comes word via Eater that Florent is not closing this weekend after all. Except it is. But not really. Though the MePa institution Florent will close this Sunday night, landlord Joanne …

Rea Carey, deputy executive director under Matt Foreman for the last four years, has been tapped to replace Foreman as executive director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. Foremen left the Task Force four months ago to helm the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. Foreman reacts to Carey’s appointment: “Rea is an extraordinary leader, a brilliant thinker …

You can watch today’s historic gay marriages in California online here. Ceremonies began at 5PM California time.

This time, it will be legal. When same-sex marriages start at 5 p.m. June 16, San Francisco will stage a repeat of the ceremony that started the 2004 Winter of Love, when thousands of gay and lesbian couples married at City Hall. This time, though, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon’s wedding will be legal. Mayor Gavin Newsom said Monday that …

This just in: California’s highest court has refused to stay until after the November election its decision legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. Conservative religious and legal groups had asked the California Supreme Court to stop its order from becoming effective until voters have the chance to weigh in on the issue. An initiative that would amend the state constitution …

Here come the brides. And the grooms. Los Angeles County will be ready to meet the increased demand for civil marriage ceremonies and license applications on June 16, when the recent state Supreme Court ruling overturning a same-sex marriage ban will take effect, acting County Clerk Dean Logan said Tuesday. “Our staff is busy going about the process of preparing …

History was made yesterday when Portland, Oregon elected openly gay Commissioner Sam Adams, 44, as their new mayor, making Portland the largest American city ever to be helmed by an out gay man. “I’m running not to be a gay mayor, but a great mayor,” he said after delivering his victory speech. “But I’m very cognizant, very aware that I’m …

Tel Aviv will be the site of Israel’s first memorial to the gay victims of the Nazis. Three iron panels, each 5 meters wide and deep, and partially buried, will form a 3-dimensional triangular pit, from which light will stream. Names of the registered homosexual Nazi victims will be inscribed inside in Hebrew, though the actual number of victims and …

Via JMG reader Greg, here’s a shot of a furry would-be groom at last night’s impromptu party in the Castro. From all accounts, it was quite a thrilling night to be out on the street with our people. I wonder how many folks didn’t make it to work this morning?