Joe Solmonese. Rex Wockner file photo. Christián Chávez. Grupo-rbd.com photo._________
'I think if the election were held today, Hillary, Obama and Edwards are all more electable than anybody on the Republican slate. That has more to do with the war and President George W. Bush. They overwhelm everything. They overwhelm that Hillary is a woman and that Obama is black and everything else. If the election were held today, I think any of the three could win.' — Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese to the Carolinas gay newspaper Q-Notes, March 10.
'On December 21 2005 I was legally bound to the man I love—as is my legal right and my human right. I wanted to shout about it, but I still felt nervous of the public's reaction. I was, therefore, delighted and relieved on leaving the register office in Windsor to find the crowd outside cheering and supporting our union. I had feared that abusive, banner-waving bigots would try to spoil the occasion. I felt so proud that day to be British. However, in some countries my voice would have been drowned out—maybe even stamped out. For many, basic rights are still a matter of life and death. Individuals suffer because of their sexuality every day.' — Elton John writing in Britain's The Guardian, March 22.
'In hotels I use names like Binky Poodleclip and Sir Horace Pussy.' — From a list of Elton John's 60 'most memorable quotes' published March 24 by the British newspaper The Sun to celebrate Elton's 60th birthday.
'I'm a mad shredder. I get these Bibles sent to me saying 'Repent now' and I shred them.' — From a list of Elton John's 60 'most memorable quotes' published March 24 by the British newspaper The Sun to celebrate Elton's 60th birthday.
'What I learned when I first met Hillary, and what I know now, is that she is qualified to lead this country. As a young woman, mother, advocate, First Lady and Senator she has continually shown us she is passionate about improving family issues, healthcare, equal pay and the challenges that people all across this nation face on a daily basis. Hillary and I both believe strongly in equal rights and opportunities for all people. She is a winner and I am standing beside her because she has the vision, the drive and the knowledge to lead this country.' — Lesbian tennis great Billie Jean King in a March 28 statement.
'I don't want to keep on lying and lie to myself because of fear. [ The photos of my Canadian same-sex marriage published by a gossip Web site ] show a part of me, a part that I was not prepared to speak of in fear of rejection, of criticism, but especially for my family and its consequences. ... I believe love is the purest feeling that exists and in this career filled with loneliness, having the opportunity to share those moments with someone, that when you look into their eyes, you forget all the negative things, it's a gift of life, that I cherish more than fame. ... I don't think this is a defect, I won't deny it. Although I'm scared and filled with uncertainty I know that I can rely on the support of my fans, their love is bigger than all of this. I ask them from the bottom of my heart, not to judge me for being honest and to feel proud of who they are and never make the same mistake I did.' — Mexican pop star Christián Chávez of the group RBD, writing on the group's Web site, March 2. RBD is popular throughout much of Latin America and among Latinos in the U.S.
'Abortion must be banned immediately. Homosexual propaganda must also be limited so children will have the correct view of the family. ... The propaganda of homosexuality is reaching ever younger children. In some countries it is even forbidden for children in hospital to talk or read about Mommy and Daddy, because this allegedly violates minority rights. Let's free ourselves of this unwise political correctness. If we will not use all our power to strengthen the family, then as a continent there is no future for us. We will be a continent settled by representatives of the Islamic world who care for the family.' — Polish Deputy Prime Minister Roman Giertych, March 2.
'I came out when I was 27 and I couldn't stop talking about it actually. My friends thought it was a career death wish. But I have always been really grateful that I wasn't in the closet, and I didn't have to spend so much energy concealing, because it really does change the integrity of your work. And when you see somebody perform and then they come out, you just see a freedom, you know, like Rosie. There's a certain freedom and power in regaining your authentic self.' — Comedian Kate Clinton to the Palm Springs gay magazine The Bottom Line, March 2.
—Assistance: Bill Kelley
