The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network ( GLSEN ) recently released the 2007 National School Climate Survey, a comprehensive report about the experiences of LGBT students.The survey of middle and high school students found that over 86 percent of LGBT students experienced verbal harassment at school in the past year. Over 44 percent reported being physically harassed and over 22 percent reported being physically assaulted because of their sexual orientation. Over 60 percent of LGBT students reported feeling unsafe at school, and nearly 33 percent said they skipped school in the past month as a result. GLSEN released the report in conjunction with the launch of a national public education campaign targeting anti-LGBT language among teens. The report also reveals that nearly three-quarters of students hear anti-gay language often at school.
Recent polls indicate that same-sex marriage opponents are coming out slightly ahead in California. After gay marriage opponents released a new television ad in support of Proposition 8, polls numbers flipped in their favor. Proposition 8 supporters have also raised at least $10 million more ( totaling roughly $25 million, so far ) than same-sex marriage supporters, despite some Hollywood heavyweights donating large amounts to the cause. In November, California voters will decide on Proposition 8, which seeks to overturn the California Supreme Court's same-sex marriage ruling.
Republican vice-presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin refused to acknowledge National Coming Out Day ( Oct. 11 ) in her home state of Alaska, according to a release from the LGBT group Alaskans Together. 'Governor Palin called for 'tolerance', and we hoped she'd show that type of leadership as Governor with this proclamation,' said Alaskans Together President Marsha Buck. 'Coming out is a difficult and deserves recognition.'
A new online study conducted by Harris Interactive shows that nearly nine out of 10 heterosexuals said that if someone they knew came out as LGBT, it would have a positive or no impact on how they view LGBT people. Additionally, the study shows that almost 7 out of 10 heterosexual prefer if a person they know is out and open about their sexual orientation, rather than hiding the fact that he or she is gay. The survey results come right before the celebration of National Coming Out Day, which is Oct. 11.
According to a new study conducted by the Williams Institute at the University of California, since June of this year, more same-sex couples have wed in California than the four years gay marriage has been legal in Massachusetts. So far, 11,000 same-sex couples have tied the knot in California.
The city of Orlando granted same-sex partner benefits to city employees. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's proposal allowing health benefits for the same-sex partners of city workers was approved by the city council on Monday, Oct. 6. Orlando is the first city in Central Florida to provide such benefits.
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe said he might reconsider his support for a foster parent ban that would directly impact single gays and same-sex couples wishing to foster children. In November, voters will decide on a ban barring all unmarried couples ( both gay and straight ) from becoming foster parents. Beebe told the Associated Press he is 'not backing away from the ultimate test, which is still what's in the best interest of the child.' He added,' Now the question then becomes: Is the best interest of the child in foster care best handled by a blanket policy prohibiting it or by a case-by-case situation?'
A new study suggests that HIV/AIDS can be traced back 100 years. The new study, which appears in the journal Nature, estimates the disease's origin back to between 1884 and 1924, but focuses on the year 1908. These estimates are during the rise of African cities. Previously, scientists estimated that the HIV/AIDS originated around 1930, and is descended from a chimpanzee virus.
The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund announced that it is endorsing 100 LGBT political candidates this year. This is the largest number of openly gay and lesbian candidates from all levels of government the national organization has ever endorsed. In a statement, Victory Fund president Chuck Wolfe said, 'I think reaching this milestone is a testament to a new attitude in our community and how to achieve political change. We don't have to accept sitting on the sidelines and hoping others will do the heavy lifting. We can roll up our sleeves and do it ourselves.'
Victoria 'Posh' Beckham and chef Gordon Ramsay ( 'Hell's Kitchen' ) announced at GQ's Men of the Year Awards that they are opening a restaurant together. The former Spice Girl and Ramsay said that the restaurant will be located in Los Angeles, and will most likely feature a traditional English-style menu.
Director Steven Soderbergh ( 'Ocean's 11' ) is working on a biopic about the flamboyant piano player and entertainer Liberace. Liberace never admitted he was gay during his life. He died in the late '80s from an AIDS-related illness. According to Variety, Soderbergh cast actor Michael Douglas to play Liberace. According to the report, Soderbergh also wants to cast Matt Damon to play the part of Scott Thorson, the man who claimed he was Liberace's partner and sued him in 1982 for millions in palimony.
Grey's Anatomy star T.R. Knight joined several others in Hollywood by donating to fight California's Proposition 8 ballot initiative. Other recent donators include talk show host Chelsea Handler and playwright Tony Kushner. Knight donated $50,000 to fight Proposition 8, which seeks to outlaw gay marriage, just one day after same-sex marriage supporters plead for more donations. Proposition 8 supporters have raised at least $10 million more than gay marriage supporters.
Former basketball star Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is outraged that two Minneapolis radio hosts recently accused him of having 'faked AIDS.' The comments occurred on an Oct. 8 episode of KTLK's 'The Chris Baker Show.' Hosts Chris Baker and Langdon Perry joked that Johnson faked having AIDS for sympathy. In response, Johnson released a statement that read: 'I am outraged that Chris Baker and Langdon Perry would minimize such a serious and deadly issue. Millions are dying from HIV/AIDS and the fact that they would make jokes about my status is unbelievable.'
OK! Magazine reports that the gals on Wisteria Lane will have a new neighbor. Lesbian comedienne Lily Tomlin will join the cast of 'Desperate Housewives.' The new season started up Sept. 28, and Tomlin is rumored to play a character who moved into the neighborhood to take care of a sick sibling.
