"Within the gay community so many leaders want acceptance from polite society. I think there's been a betrayal of what is down inside of us in order to achieve what looks popular, what looks enviable. The movement seems to be centered around how to become an elite. There is a deep schism ( in the gay movement ) , everyone knows this. But this shouldn't be about which group has better branding. There is a tremor right now in every gay and transgender youth that these ( leading gay rights ) groups are not grasping. I would say to themyou do not represent us if all you are looking for is a ladder into elite society." Don't Ask, Don't Tell activist Lt. Dan Choi to Newsweek, March 22.
"Every gay person who knows the truth about closeted antigay politicians has a responsibility to speak up, as ( blogger ) Mike Rogers does so fearlessly. This is no longer an issue that is debatable. No one's privacy deserves respect when that person is working against our rights, and none of us should be complicit in keeping the secrets of these detestable individuals." SiriusXM host Michelangelo Signorilewho, in the late '80s was credited with "inventing" "outing"writing in the June issue of The Advocate.
"When are you going to step down and disappear so someone can take over with guts and a sense of what's really important and ( who ) knows how to strategize, and well, oh so many many things that you just don't seem to know how to do." ACT UP founder Larry Kramer in a letter to Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese on March 18 after Solmonese refused to join a group of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" protesters who marched to the White House from an anti-DADT rally staged by HRC and comedian Kathy Griffin. Two marchers were arrested after handcuffing themselves to the White House fence.
"Elena Kagan's friends: She's not gay" Headline on a May 11 Politico.com story about the Supreme Court nominee following days of widespread speculation.
"I grew up the youngest of nine in a very Catholic family, attending Catholic schools and never missing Sunday mass. I had a great upbringing in a church that didn't preach hatred against gay people. But the Catholic Church has changed dramatically and is one of the worst abusers in their bigotry and discrimination towards gay people. I don't belong to the church anymorenot because of who I am, but because of who they are. I don't feel guilty. I feel right. I know that God is on my side and on the side of all people, no matter who they are." Steve Hildebrand, who was Barack Obama's deputy national campaign director, on his new gig with the organization Faith In America, to lgbtpov.com, April 22.
"We're clearly not high on the president's agenda, but I don't know that we necessarily should be, considering the huge economic problems, financial problems he's had to confront. But we deserve to be on the agenda somewhere and he did make promises to the community, and I think we have been more than patient." Lesbian Houston Mayor Annise Parker to the newspaper DC Agenda, April 19.
"What's great about the Web and the power of activism is that people in every locationin the states, in small towns, everywherecan take matters into their own hands. In the past the media was a barrier, but now you can influence them." Gay activist and blogger Michael Rogers in the June issue of The Advocate.
"The problem is the head of GLAAD. He's an asshole. There are certain people who you can't change a word of what they're going to say. They've made up their mind." Ticked-Off Trannies with Knives filmmaker Israel Luna, who is gay, to the Village Voice, May 4. GLAAD had issues with Luna's film.
"GLAAD found it demeaning that the characters ( in Ticked-Off Trannies with Knives ) seem more like drag queens who could easily be considered 'ridiculous caricatures' of femininityI guess to them, the only good transsexuals are the ones trying to blend quietly into societybut I found the women funny, tart-tongued, and caring. ( So shoot me if they were also breasty and well-accessorized. ) I adored them!" Village Voice columnist Michael Musto, May 4.
Assistance: Bill Kelley