'I am not for gay marriage. I am for partner benefits.' — Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards to CNN, Feb. 6.
'It got to me. I realized that the relationships that I value most in my life and have given me the most were also taking a lot out of me.' — Singer Ani DiFranco to Out Magazine, March 2003, about her recent solo tour and the split of her and her husband.
'Bi all the way!' — DiFranco's self-proclamation to her lesbian fans who she said have always been supportive. In Out Magazine, March 2003.
'Pathetic, isn't it? It's sad that it's taken so long for television to give us characters like this. Even in 2003 there are all these people out there who are aching for their lives to be shown on the screen. Maybe that's why viewers connect so strongly with Keith. There are so many ways for the undervalued audiences to plug in: He's an uncle who's chosen to raise a family member's child; he's a lover in a difficult relationship; he's gay in a profession that favors tough guys. And because he's a black man in America, his race affects all of the above.' — Six Feet Under actor Matthew St. Patrick (character Keith Charles) to Out Magazine, March 2003.
'I could not pass on an opportunity to bring a voice to a community, to a person, to a love on the screen that wasn't there in quite that way before. I couldn't pass on that opportunity to do work that would challenge me in ways I hadn't been challenged before.' — St. Patrick to Out Magazine.
'Everyone talks about how angry Keith was last season but I think he was more frustrated than angry. He doesn't have a place where he can let it all out. Anyone who's ever had trouble with his personal and professional lives at the same time knows how hard, how punishing, a situation like Keith's can be.' — St. Patrick to Out Magazine.
'I totally see myself as a dyke, since dyke to me is not just about who I love or lust for, but it's about my culture, my community, and my politics. Now that my primary partner is a tranny boy, I still see myself as queer and a dyke. He identifies as queer, and together, we may look like a straight couple, but we don't see ourselves that way. The truth is, even if I were with a heterosexual guy, I'd be a dyke. And trust me, after being with me, he wouldn't be so straight.' — Author and sex educator, Tristan Taormino to Girlfriends Magazine, February 2003.
'Just because you're not a lesbian doesn't mean you can't love women. I'm very close to women friends in my life; we adore each other. I have never had a sexual relationship with a woman, but it doesn't mean that it's something I would never do. It's just something I haven't done.' — Singer Tori Amos to Girlfriends Magazine, February 2003.
'Even before we shot the pilot, GLAAD sent word to all of us involved in Will & Grace that they were on our side. They have always chosen support over skepticism—both in terms of the show and me, a straight man, playing a gay character on television. It's been a privilege to help them spread their message of acceptance and equal rights for all, and to receive an award for it is icing on the cake.' — Eric McCormack on receiving a Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation award. Diane Sawyer and Stockard Channing will also be honored. See www.glaad.org .
'As a parent, I understand that the power of diverse images and inclusivity in all forms of media can significantly combat ignorance and hatred. I'm honored to be receiving GLAAD's Vito Russo Award—an award named after a man who truly understood the power media plays in all of our lives.' — Rosie O'Donnell on her GLAAD award.
'The Oscar nominations were announced last week, and the musical Chicago was nominated in 13 categories. Apparently, it's expected to win in the category 'Best Movie Not Seen By Straight Men.'' — Late-night talkshow host Conan O'Brien.
'Oh, well.' — Hotel queen Leona Helmsley Feb. 4 after a jury gave $11 million to a hotel manager she fired because he was gay.
''Straight-Acting' Contest ... w/Belching, Erotic Scratching, Spitting, Sexiest Boxers, Chugging Old Milwaukee & More!' — Ad for the San Diego gay bar Bourbon Street, in the Gay & Lesbian Times, Feb. 6.
'Maybe and maybe not. You know, we're not going to give a straight answer.' — Julia Volkova, 18, half of the Russian pop duo t.A.T.u., when asked by the St. Petersburg Times Feb. 6 if she and singing partner Lena Katina, 17, are lovers. The girls passionately kiss and make out in the video for their hit song 'All The Things She Said,' which has hit No. 1 in Austria, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the UK.
'Instead of being known for my wit, charm and ability to cook, I am known for the 10 inches I have between my legs. ... Monster certainly catches folks' attention. ... Interacting with my fans as I do, the word has gotten out that there is a person attached to the cock!' — Gay porn actor Michael Brandon to Denver's Out Front, Jan. 29.
'I figured I'd get hate mail from here to Timbuktu. You kind of hope for the best but you think of the worst and you know what? Times have changed, and society is changing little by little because the responses I've gotten have been mostly positive. It's awesome and it's inspiring.' — Newly out former NFL player Esera Tuaolo to Denver's Out Front, Jan. 29.
'When I first ran [for the Washington state House of Representatives], it was like I was 'Ellen.' Today [with four openly gay Washington state legislators], it's like 'Will & Grace.' Everybody watches. What's the big deal? The culture has shifted. When I was first sworn in, there were TV cameras at the House [to cover it]. Now a gay person is no longer much of a story. It's more mainstream.' — Washington state Rep. Ed Murray to The Olympian, Feb. 9.
'I don't shop, and I have no taste.' — Gay Washington state Rep. Ed Murray.