"GLAAD is a funny little organization, on the one hand these self-appointed sentries for positive representation of gays in media, on the other a kind of nutless institution reluctant to get their Pradas dirty on the way to the awards show by, say, recognizing important but confrontational work like Kirby Dick's Outrage. It's baffling, really, when you then consider where they do choose to pick their battles. Consider today's 'call to action' against the Tribeca Film Festival, what essentially boils down to a campaign to have a particular selectiona self-described 'transploitation' film from writer/director Israel Luna called Ticked-Off Trannies with Knivesremoved from the program." Movieline.com, March 25.
"When I heard Kathy Griffin was going to be a spokeswoman for Don't Ask, Don't Tell, I wondered about that. I have great respect for her as an advocate. But if ( the Human Rights Campaign ) thinks that having a rally at Freedom Plaza ( March 18 ) with a comedienne is the right approach, I have to wonder. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is not a joking matter to me. To be at Freedom Plaza and not at the White House or Congress? Who are they trying to influence? I felt like they were just trying to speak to themselves. If that's the best the lobbying groups and HRC can do, then I don't know how these powerful groups are supposed to represent our community. Kathy Griffin and ( HRC president ) Joe Solmonese said they would march with me to the White House ( March 18 ) but didn't. I feel so betrayed by them." Don't Ask, Don't Tell activist Lt. Dan Choi to Newsweek, March 22.
" ( Sarah Palin ) is capable of generating a personality cultmuch, much more so than Obama, because she can harness Christianism to her divine destiny. The power of this kind of appealof a charismatic, beautiful woman, an icon of the pro-life cause, persecuted by the evil elites, demonized by libruls, and commanding the biggest military on earthshould not in my view be under-estimated. Know fear." Gay writer Andrew Sullivan on his blog, Feb. 6.
"For the past four years, I have stood with my colleagues each morning of the session, placed my hand over my heart and pledged 'liberty and justice for all,' and yet repeatedly witnessed blatant disregard of those so in need of equal protections in the name of 'family values.'" Openly lesbian Utah state Rep. Christine Johnson announcing March 4 that she won't seek re-election.
"Most of these Tea-Baggers would have been wearing white robes and hoods in the 1950s. But at least back then, no self-respecting politician would be in bed with them." National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell on her Facebook page, March 22.
" ( A ) ll queer studies ( is ) gobbledygook. You people do seem to find unlimited ways to obfuscate the obvious." ACT UP founder Larry Kramer in a letter to the queer academics who read The Gay & Lesbian Review. See tinyurl.com/yz64yrz.
"If someone asked me today, 'Ricky, what are you afraid of?' I would answer 'the blood that runs through the streets of countries at war, child slavery, terrorism, the cynicism of some people in positions of power, the misinterpretation of faith.' But fear of my truth? Not at all! On the contrary, it fills me with strength and courage. This is just what I need especially now that I am the father of two beautiful boys that are so full of light and who with their outlook teach me new things every day. To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids were born with. Enough is enough. This has to change. This was not supposed to happen 5 or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment." Singer Ricky Martin in a coming-out post on his Web site, March 29.
"Whats going on gang? I'm doing great! Stronger than ever! I'm here relaxing @ home enjoying ur messages! I feel the love! Thanx for all! peace." Singer Ricky Martin in a March 30 tweet, the day after he came out on his Web site.
Assistance: Bill Kelley