Bishop Eddie L. Long of his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church resigned from the pulpit last Sunday to try to save his marriage just days after his wife Vanessa filed for divorce. They had been married for 21 years and have four children. Long, said that he would remain as head pastor of the church but needed the time to attempt to save his marriage, and that he needed time to take care of “some family business.”

Bishop Long has a long history of anti-gay sermons and activities. Long has ministered “homosexual cure” programs to recruit gays and lesbians for what he called “Sexual Reorientation” conferences and his church offered an ongoing “Out of the Wilderness” ministry to help convert homosexuals into heterosexuals.

In 2004, Long led a march with Bernice King to the grave of her father, Martin Luther King, Jr. The march was a protest against same-sex marriage and in support of a national constitutional amendment to limit marriage rights to couples comprising “one man and one woman.”

A 2007 article in the Southern Poverty Law Center’s magazine called him “one of the most virulently homophobic black leaders in the religiously based anti-gay movement.”

However, in September 2010, several civil complaints were filed against Long by men that stated he used his position as the church leader to entice or coerce the men into consensual sexual relationships in exchange for money, travel and goods. Long denied the allegations through his attorneys and spokesman. In a prepared statement, Long said that he had devoted his life to helping others and these false allegations hurt him deeply. However he said that his faith was strong and the truth will emerge. At that time, he asked his congregation for their patience and that he categorically denies all the charges against him.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported in May 27, 2011, that the lawsuits were settled out-of-court but the terms were not disclosed. Later reports indicated that although not a plaintiff, there was a potential fifth accuser who participated in the settlement discussions.

As it turns out, these allegations were the most current controversy Long had been involved.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported in August 2005 that between 1997 to 2000, Long received more than $3.07 million worth of compensation and benefits from his eponymous non-profit charity, Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc.

Long contended that the charity did not solicit donations from members but instead gained its income from royalties, speaking fees and several large donations. In 2007, Senator Chuck Grassley announced an investigation into the tax-exempt status of six ministries including that under the leadership Long by the United States Senate Committee on Finance.

After being fired by the Ford Motor Company for alleged financial irregularities, Long moved to Atlanta to study theology and became the pastor of a small Jonesboro, GA church. In 1987,  he became the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, which at the time had around 300 members. Under his charismatic leadership, membership grew to 25,000. Long also reached millions more through the church’s web site and television ministry.

Long was consecrated a bishop in  1994 by the Full Gospel Baptist  Church Fellowship, a relatively new movement within African-American Baptist churches that embraces Pentecostal beliefs. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Long’s title of “Bishop” comes from a break-away Baptist organization founded by self-appointed “bishops.”

In 2006, Long was chosen by the family of Martin Luther King, Jr. to host and officiate the funeral for Mrs. Coretta Scott King, wife of the late civil rights pioneer. The event was attended by four Presidents (George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter).

Long was a prominent supporter of George W. Bush’s faith-based initiatives. His ministry received a $1 million
grant from the U.S. Administration of Children and Families.

Support for Long has shrunk dramatically over this past year since his sexual coercion settlement was announced and Rev. Bernice King, the youngest daughter of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has left the church. Another Baptist minister in the area estimated that attendance in church has dropped to between 4,000 and 8,000 people. However, a large number of Long’s followers
have vowed to remain faithful to the church and Long and will remain active in the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.

By JAMES MICHAELS

We are now in the midst of autumn and when we think of this season, we think of the colors of fall: oranges, reds, yellows and white. Yes, white, as in White Party. The grandest of all circuit parties is held every Thanksgiving week. The White Party has become a huge international event drawing tens of thousands of the hottest guys in the United States and the world.

The White Party was founded by fashion designer Frank Wager. Wager was asked to create a fundraiser for the then-new Health Crisis Network. The goal was to generate desperately needed funds to help combat a disease that was running rampant through the gay community. Wager and his committee of ten volunteers began working on “The White Party” concept.

The all-white clothing theme was chosen by Wager because, as he said, “White stands for purity. White is elegant, non-political, non-combative and makes people look just plain beautiful.” As the planning continued, it became obvious that there were few venues in Dade County suitable for such an elegant event. Fellow committee member Jorge Suarez recommended Villa Vizcaya as a possibility since he was a member of The Vizcayans, a not-for-profit organization that helps raise funds for the continued restoration of the estate and its collections.

The first White Party brought in of $16,000.

In 1995, more events joined the White Party, including “The Victory Party” and “Muscle Beach.” In 1998, the Health Crisis Network merged with Community Research Initiative creating Care Resource and the White Party brought in over $2 million for their efforts.

The White Party has become the largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser in the world. With DJs and artists attending from all over the world, the music has come to be renowned and a central part of the party. White Party CDs have been produced since 1996.
For over 24 years, the Villa Vizcaya Museum and Gardens set the backdrop of the elegant annual fundraiser. In the fall of 2010, due to increasing rental costs, it was decided that the 26th annual White Party Week, “Cirque Du Monde,” would be the final party held at that historic location with the event moving to the Miami Seaquarium in 2011.

The White Party, the crown jewel of a weeklong series of fundraising events that make up the annual “White Party Week,” continues to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit Care Resource.

2011 WHITE PARTY WEEK SCHEDULE

• Wednesday, November 23
“Dolce – A Women’s Event”
Time: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Location: The Well Lounge
444 41st Street, Miami Beach
Admission: $8 (in advance),
$10 (day of the event)
The week begins with a sexy dance party for women with a guest DJ mixing the perfect blend of indie, electro and hip-hop. Enjoy a few cocktails, walk around and mingle, dance and the make opportunities are endless. Some of South Beach’s sexiest go-go dancers will be at the bars for your viewing pleasure. Passes for th is event

include: Women’s Party Girl Pass and Women’s Silver VIP Pass. This event is produced for White Party Week by Pandora Events.

• Thursday, November 24
“White Journey”
Time: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Location: Score
727 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
Admission: $20 (advance),
$25 (day of event)
DJs: Hector Fonseca, Maximus 3000
The kick-off event for White Party Week at Score, a favorite night for locals and visitors.

• Friday, November 25
“The White Party – Evolution”
Time: 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Location: Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Cswy, Key Biscayne
Admission: $40 (advance), $40 (youth),
$80 (day of event), $145 (VIP),
$500 (Ultra VIP)
DJs: Joe Gauthreaux, Pagano
The crown jewel of HIV/AIDS fundraisers, The White Party-Evolution, now in its 26th year. Join thousands dressed in a sea of white as they dance until dawn on the private waterfront of the Miami Seaquarium overlooking Biscayne Bay on Key Biscayne. Internationally known party producer, Mark Baker is delivering a brand new dance party concept and over-the-top production that will last ‘til dawn. Live performance featuring JES, internationally known DJs, a fireworks spectacular, silent auction, live casino games and prizes at the Viva Las Divas Casino and more. Passes for this event include: Weekend Party Boy and Weekend Party Boy VIP.

• Friday, November 25
“Cirque Blanc”
Time: 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Location: Nikki Beach
1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Admission: $25 (advance), $75 (advance VIP), $30 (day of event), $85 (VIP day of event)
DJ: Tatiana
Hosted by the cast of “The Real L World” and Cirq X. The signature Women’s White Party event celebrates its 11th anniversaty. Join thousands of women from across the country for an inspired evening at one of the hottest locations in Miami. The dance floor will explode in a sea of white with the sounds of the hottest girl DJs in the country at the turntables and a special show. Ladies can try their luck at the silent auction with a series of luxury items, travel packages, art, theater tickets and spa days. Stroll the gardens, lounge under the stars of share a romantic moment in one of the ocean-side cabanas. VIPs will be in for a treat this year with your own private VIP garden, open bar, hors d’ouvres, musical performances and a meet and greet with “The Real L Word” cast. This event is produced for White Party Week by Pandora Events.

• Saturday, November 26
“Heatwave Pool Party”
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Poolside at the National
Hotel, 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Admission: $20 (advance),
$25 (day of event)
DJ: Kio Kio
Guys, get your tan on and hang out with some of the hottest people on the planet. Enjoy Miami Beach’s finest one-of-a-kind 205 ft. long infinity pool, elevated main pool, cocktails and food while enjoying the sounds of our special guest DJ.

• Saturday, November 26
“Bang”
Time: 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Location: Score
727 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
Admission: $12 (advance), $15 (day of event)
DJ: Pat Pat
For the ladies, a night of wild fun, sexy women and celebrity surprises. The dance floor will be jumping all night with the hottest top 40, salsa and house beats. Go-go dancers will sizzle the stage. There is only one Women’s White Party Weekend event so don’t miss it. Passes for this event include: Women’s Party Girl Pass and Women’s Silver VIP Pass. This event is produced for White Party Week by Pandora Events.

• Saturday, November 26
“White Starz”
Time: 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Location: Club Mekka
950 NE 2 Ave. in Miami
Admission: $60 (advance), $110 (advance VIP), $70 (day of event), $120 (day of event VIP)
DJs: Bugie, Jack Chang, Wayne G.
Located at Club Mekka in Miami’s own entertainment district, “White Starz” features multiple rooms, dance floors and DJs, offering you the best in the week of entertainment. VIP Admission includes express admission, private VIP bar and complimentary drinks from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Passes for this event include: Weekend Party Boy and Weekend Party Boy VIP.

• Sunday, November 27
“Muscle Beach”
Time: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: 12th Street Beach,
Miami Beach
Admission: $60 (advance), $135 (advance VIP), $70 (day of event), $145 (day of event VIP)
DJs: Gustavo Scorpio, Michael Tank
Join thousands as they come to dance on the white sands of Miami Beach. Just steps from Ocean Drive and the Atlantic Ocean, this award-winning eight-hour open air dance party features two of the hottest circuit DJs, special live performances and a spectacular fireworks finale over the Atlantic Ocean. Start the afternoon off with the hot sounds of DJ Michael Tank and then move into the evening with internationally renowned DJ Gustavo Scorpio, direct from Rio de Janeiro. Drink tickets available online, at the Welcome Center or at the event. Passes for this event include: Weekend Party Boy and Weekend Party Boy VIP.

• Sunday, November 27
“Get Lucky T-Dance”
Time: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: The Lords Hotel
1120 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Admission: $5 (advance),
$8 (day of event)
DJs: TBD
Get ready ladies for a wild afternoon in the sun and surf of South Beach at the Lords Hotel. Surprise DJ on the turntables and surprise guest entertainer. Girls meet and mingle at the last dance event of the Women’s The 27th Annual White Party™ Week. Passes for this event include: Women’s Party Girl Pass and Women’s Silver VIP Pass. This event is produced for White Party Week™ by Pandora Events.

• Saturday, November 26
“White Horizons”
Time: 3:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Location: Discotekka
950 NE 2nd Ave, Miami
Admission: $40 (advance),
$50 (day of purchase)
DJ: Eddie Elias
The legendary morning party presented by Hilton Wolman Events. Immediately following the White Party at Miami Seaquarium and continuing until 10 a.m. at Discotekka, White Horizons takes dance aficionados on the ultimate uninterrupted musical journey with the sounds of sensational New York-based DJ Eddie Elias. Well-known club personality and diva, Power Infiniti will host this party making sure that guests feel welcomed and appreciated. Passes for this event include: Weekend Party Boy and Weekend Party Boy VIP.

• Monday, November 28
“Swan Song”
Time: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Location: Twist
1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
DJ: Scott Mann
The last chance to see all the people you met at White Party Week. Swan Song sets the stage as the longest-running favorite party of locals and tourists alike at this legendary multi-room indoor and outdoor entertainment complex, with a sweet spot for everyone. Twist is the only place to go for the final send-off and thank you from Care Resource and the 27th Annual White Party Week. No cover.

Tickets can be purchased for the various events at www.WhiteParty.org or at the door of each event.

Photo: Nick Aaronson, a U.S. Airways flight attendant based in Phoenix, Ariz., was found murdered in a Hilton hotel room while on layover in Mexico City.

A suspect has been arrested in the strangulation murder of a gay U.S. Airways flight attendant found murdered last weekend in Mexico City.

Jose Luis Lira Cuellar, 20, who goes by the nickname “The Shadow,” has been arrested in connection with the murder
of U.S. Airways flight attendant Nick Aaronson, 27. Cuellar also went by the name Jose Manuel Ramirez Aaronson, who was based in Phoenix, Arizona, was to spend the night in Mexico City and would work the return flight to Phoenix the following day. It is believed that the two met at a Mexico City bar and both of the men went back to the hotel. The pair was seen together on hotel surveillance.

The Mexican newspaper, Examiner, added that the surveillance footage shows the two men were stopped by hotel security upon entering the hotel. Being assured by the victim that the man was a friend, hotel personnel then requested the additional guest be registered. Cuellar was later apprehended by local authorities near the Cinema Club, a nearby gay bar where the suspect first met the victim, although he had shaved his head to change his appearance. Handwriting analysis later confirmed the identity of Cuellar as being the man who appeared in the footage.

Aaronson was found dead in his Mexico City hotel room early Saturday morning. A Mexico City prosecutor said the motive was robbery and that the suspect had a previous criminal record for robbery and was out on parole. The prosecutor also reported that the suspect stole Aaronson’s iPhone and police were able to track the suspect using the phone’s GPS system.

On Monday, Cuellar admitted that he was in the hotel room with Aaronson and punched Aaronson in the face twice, but did not kill him.

NoticiasMexico.com.mx said that Aaronson was found on the floor of his room by his co-workers just after 6 a.m. Saturday at a Hilton hotel. The website affiliated with a Mexico City newspaper said he was strangled with a belt around his neck and hands tied behind his back.

The Guardian newspaper added that when officers paraded Ramirez before journalists Monday, he told reporters that he had turned himself in at the bar where authorities said he and Aaronson met. Cuellar said with profane language that he only punched Aaronson twice, but insisted he did not kill the victim. He claimed a 15-year-old friend was responsible for the slaying. Cuellar will remain in custody of prosecutors before seeing a judge.

Aaronson’s mother, Anita said the FBI called her at 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning to tell her they had made an arrest. She said they used hotel security cameras to help catch the man.

She told KPHO, CBS 5 news: “I wish they had the death penalty in Mexico. He took the bright light out of my life. He was only 27 and he had so much to live for and he was so charming and was just a really nice man.”

She also said that her older son, Jason, was at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on Sunday night to catch a flight to Mexico City to bring Nick home and Nick’s co-workers showed their family a tremendous amount of respect and support.

“They were just lining up and coming from all over the airport to give their condolences. They did love Nick so much,” she said.

Anita Aaronson posted on her Facebook page: “this what is happening, Jason saw Nick in Mexico today, he had braced himself for the worst, but said Nick just looked like Nick sleeping. He met with the American Embassy, coroner, FBI and the district attorney, and Nick is being taken care of in the best possible way, he cannot bring him home tomorrow because they cannot release him until Wednesday, so he will arrive in Phoenix on Wednesday. The funeral will be on Saturday and I will post all the details of the church and time soon, so many arrangements have to be made, and all the details aren’t ready yet. A pastor who knew Nick all his growing up years is coming from a long way away to do the service and he wants anyone who would like to have something read at the service to send it to me by email anitaa3@hotmail.com, and anyone who would like to do a eulogy in person for Nick to let me know. I have gone though many songs and I have decided on You Light Up my Life, because this is what [Nick] did for me and to many others, his friend Sarah will sing it, she will record it ahead of time because she is too emotional to sing it. I am also thinking of the Josh Groban song You raise me up, it’s all so difficult and I want to do it right. I keep thinking this is the last thing I will do for my beautiful boy, and I want to do it right with love

and respect. Thank you all for your wonderful outpouring of love, we all loved him and I have joy in knowing the last words we said, to each other on Wednesday was “love you” we said it to each other and meant it.”

Deborah Volpe, president of the  Association of Flight Attendants Council 66, told ABC News that she remembered Aaronson fondly.
“This is so difficult. We all worked with him, we all knew him. He was just in my office a week ago,” Volpe said. “And it’s that smile, we all knew his smile. He was a very compassionate individual.”

Aaronson’s coworkers organized a November 10 memorial at the airport chapel in Phoenix.

Aaronson graduated from Rio Salado College in Tempe and began working for U.S. Airways in 2006.

The blog LGBTQ Nation stated that “Aaronson, who was gay, was active in several LGBT rights causes, including participating in the NOH8 Campaign, was a supporter of marriage equality, and advocated on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign.”

LGBT History Month has ended celebrating the lives and contributions made by 31 (one for each day in October) members of the LGBT community and/or the community’s biggest friends. LGBT History Month, which was first celebrated in 1994, is a month-long annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and the related civil rights movements. October was chosen because the month also includes National Coming Out Day which is observed on October 11.

This year, LGBT History Month celebrated the lives and contributions of the following individuals as chosen by the Equality Forum:

1. Kye Allums – is the first openly transgender athlete to play NCAA Division I college basketball. Kye identified as a male from childhood and described himself as being a tomboy. He underwent gender reassignment surgery while on a women’s college basketball scholarship, risking that scholarship.

2. John Ashbery – one of the most successful poets of the 20th century who has won almost every major literary awards including a Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1975. He has published over twenty books of poetry.

3. Alison Bechdel – is the creator of the long-running comic strip, “Dykes to Watch Out For.” With her signature subtle wit, Bechdel took on the complex and often stereotyped world of lesbian relationships through her comic alter ego, “Mo.” The strip has become a cult classic.

4. John Berry – the director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). He is the highest-ranking openly gay federal employee in U.S. history. In 2009, President Obama appointed Berry to his current position where he is responsible for recruiting, hiring and benefits policies for 1.9 million federal employees.

5. Dustin Lance Black – is a screenwriter, director and producer who, in 2009, received an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for “Milk.” Black’s recent works include the screenplay for “Pedro,” profiling AIDS activist and MTV personality Pedro Zamora. Black topped Advocate’s list of the “Forty Under-40” most influential openly gay people.

6. Keith Boykin – a political commentator, a New York Times best-selling author and a veteran of two presidential campaigns. He is the editor of The Daily Voice and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC and BET.

7. Rita Mae Brown – is an author and screenwriter, best known for her semi-autobiographical lesbian-themed novel, “Rubyfruit Jungle,” which sold over 70,000 copies and made her a champion of lesbian rights. The book’s success encouraged her to author more than 50 additional lesbian novels.

8. Lt. Dan Choi – was the nation’s leading activist for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” He is a West Point graduate, Iraq War veteran and Arabic linguist. In 2009, Choi appeared on the MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show” and said something that would change his life forever: “I am gay.”  Within a month, the U.S. Army notified him that he was being discharged under DADT. After writing to the president, Choi became the leading activist and the most recognizable name and face for the repeal of DADT.

9. Aaron Copland – a world-renowned composer, teacher, writer and conductor. He was a key figure in forming the early 20th century American-style of music and composition.

10. Alan Cumming – an award-winning film, television and stage actor. In 1998, Entertainment Weekly named Cumming one of the 100 Most Creative People in the World. In 2008, he received the Trevor Hero Award from The Trevor Project for being “a true role model for gay and questioning youth through his spectacular and highly successful career.”

11. Denise Eger – is one of the first openly gay rabbis and served as rabbi for the world’s first gay and lesbian synagogue. The National Women’s Political Caucus named her one of its 12 Remarkable Women in 2010. The Human Rights Campaign presented her with the Community Equality Award in 2011.

12. Lady Gaga – is a world-famous singer. She is best known for her chart-topping singles and outrageous costumes. In 2010, Time magazine named her Most Influential Artist and, in 2011, Forbes listed her among its World’s Most Powerful. Openly bisexual, Lady Gaga is an outspoken LGBT equality advocate. She spoke at the 2009 National Equality March in Washington, D.C., calling it “the single most important event” of her career. She was a leading activist for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

13. Michael Guest – the first openly gay Senate-confirmed U.S. ambassador. He was nominated by George W. Bush. After serving for 26 years, Guest resigned from the State Department due to its discriminatory policies toward same-sex couples. Guest worked to end the State Department’s denial of benefits for same-sex partners. In his farewell speech, he expressed disappointment with the continued discrimination. Guest is now the senior advisor and cofounder of the Council for Global Equality.

14. Neil Patrick Harris – an award-winning television, film and stage actor. At the age of 16, he began his television career landing the leading role in “Doogie Houser, M.D” which earned him a Golden Globe nomination as well as a People’s Choice Award. In 2005, Harris joined the television series “How I Met Your Mother” in which he received four consecutive Emmy Award nominations. In 2010, he was named one of the 100 Most Influential People by Time Magazine.

15. Daniel Hernandez, Jr. – is a University of Arizona student and congressional intern who earned national recognition when he saved the life of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in January of this year. President Obama acknowledged him for his heroism. Hernandez is an openly gay member of Tuscon’s City Commission on GLBT Issues. Equality Forum presented Hernandez with the 2011 National Hero Award.

16. Langston Hughes – is a celebrated poet and novelist and is one of the most significant voices to emerge from the Harlem Renaissance. A major contributor to American literature, his legacy includes 25 published works. Like most artists of his time, Hughes was not open about his sexuality. Literary scholars point to “Montage of a Dream Deferred,” “Desire,” “Young Sailor” and “Tell Me” as gay-themed works.

17. Frida Kahlo – a renowned Mexican painter, noted for her vibrant colors as well as nationalist and feminist themes. Her paintings have commanded higher prices than any other female artist. After her death, her work continued to grow in popularity. In 2001, her face graced a US postage stamp. In 2002, her life was made into the Academy Award-winning movie “Frida.”

18. David Kato – the founder of Uganda’s LGBT civil rights movement. He was an outspoken advocate for equality in a country with some of the harshest anti-gay laws. His murder in 2011 brought global attention to the plight of LGBT people in Uganda and Africa.

19. Michael Kirby – is a former justice of the High Court of Australia. He is the world’s first openly gay justice of a national supreme court. When he retired, he was Australia’s longest-serving judge. A pioneering AIDS activist, Kirby served on the World Health Organization’s Global Commission on AIDS and the United Nations Global Commission on HIV and the Law. In
2011, his biography, “Michael Kirby: Paradoxes/Principles,” was published.

20. Victoria Kolakowski – is the first openly transgender person to be elected a trial judge in the United States. In 2010, Kolakowski campaigned for a judgeship on the Superior Court of Alameda County, California. She won by 10,000 votes. Her victory was significant, not only for the transgender community, but also for women, who occupy a small percentage of judgeships.

21. Dave Kopay – in 1975, he became the first NFL payer and one of the first professional athletes to publicly announce his homosexuality. His autobiography, now in its fifth printing, was a New York Times best seller. Kopay is one of the founding Gay Games Ambassadors, and has been present to support participating athletes and artists at every edition of the Games.

22. Ricky Martin – a Grammy Award-winning pop singer. A professional entertainer since childhood, Martin has sold more than 60 million albums. In 1999, he released his first English-language recording which sold 22 million copies and launched the No. 1 hit single “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”

23. Amélie Mauresmo – was the world’s number one tennis player. She won 25 career titles including two Grand Slams. In 1999, two years into her professional career, Mauresmo came out during the Australian Open. She publicly embraced her girlfriend after defeating the then-world number one player, Lindsay Davenport. She is the first tennis player to come out without losing any major sponsors.

24. Constance McMillen – became an LGBT rights advocate after asking permission to bring her girlfriend to the prom. When her school responded by cancelling the prom, McMillen took legal action. The ACLU filed a lawsuit requesting that the court order the school to hold an inclusive prom. The Itawamba County, Mississippi School District consented to a judgment in which it paid McMillen $35,000 and $81,000 in attorneys’ fees. The school district agreed to implement policies that would prevent future discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity for extracurricular and educational activities.

25. Ryan Murphy – is a writer, film and television director and producer, known for creating the television shows “Nip/Tuck” and “Glee.” He won his first Emmy for directing the pilot episode of “Glee,” while the show received a record nineteen nominations, winning in four categories. Murphy also won a Golden Globe for creating the show “Nip/Tuck.”

26. Dan Savage – is an American author, media pundit, journalist and newspaper editor. Savage writes the internationally-syndicated relationship and sex advice column, “Savage Love.” In 2010, Savage and his husband, Terry Miller began the “It Gets Better Project” to help prevent suicide among LGBT youth.

27. Amanda Simpson – is the Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the United States Army. She was the first openly transgender woman political appointee in any administration. Simpson works in the United States Department of Defense. Simpson served as a commissioner on the City of Tucson Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Commission from 2001 until 2008, representing Councilwoman Carol West.

28. Wanda Sykes – is a writer, stand-up comedian, actress, and voice artist. She earned the 1999 Emmy Award for her writing on “The Chris Rock Show.” In 2004, Entertainment Weekly named Sykes as one of the 25 funniest people in America.

29. Lilli Vincenz – in the early ‘60s, joined the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C. and eventually became one of the group’s leaders. Her personality made her an inspiration to both lesbian women and gay men. She participated in every gay and lesbian rights picket in Washington, DC.

30. Virginia Woolf – was an English author, essayist, publisher, and writer of short stories, regarded as one of the foremost modernist literary figures of the twentieth century. Her most famous works include the novels “Mrs. Dalloway” (1925), “To the Lighthouse” (1927) and “Orlando” (1928) and the book-length essay “A Room of One’s Own” (1929), with its famous dictum, “A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.”

31. Pedro Zamora – was an AIDS educator and television personality. Zamora, who was openly gay and publicly discussed being HIV-positive, brought international attention to HIV/AIDS and LGBT issues and prejudices through his appearance on MTV’s 1993 reality television series, “The Real World: San Francisco.” President Bill Clinton credited Zamora with personalizing and humanizing those living with HIV, especially to Latino communities, with his activism, including his testimony before Congress. Zamora died on November 11, 1994, the day after the final episode of “The Real World: San Francisco” aired.

At 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, September 20, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) was no longer the law of the land in the United States allowing lesbians and gays to serve openly in the United States military.

Last ditch efforts by the Republican Party to detain the repeal of DADT due to “paper work problems” failed to stop the repeal of the act that the U.S. Congress passed,in a lame duck session last November. It was signed into law by President Obama immediately prior to their December recess.

President Obama issued a statement early Tuesday morning concerning the repeal of DADT:

“Today, the discriminatory law known as ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is finally and formally repealed.

As of today, patriotic Americans in uniform will no longer have to lie about who they are in order to serve the country they love. As of today, our armed forces will no longer lose the extraordinary skills and combat experience of so many gay and lesbian service members. And today, as Commander in Chief, I want those who were discharged under this law to know that your country deeply values your service.

“I was proud to sign the Repeal Act into law last December because I knew that it would enhance our national security, increase our military readiness, and bring us closer to the principles of equality and fairness that define us as Americans. Today’s achievement is a tribute to all the patriots who fought and marched for change; to Members of Congress, from both parties, who voted for repeal; to our civilian and military leaders who ensured a smooth transition; and to the professionalism of our men and women in uniform who showed that they were ready to move forward together, as one team, to meet the missions we ask of them.

“For more than two centuries, we have worked to extend America’s promise to all our citizens.  Our armed forces have been both a mirror and a catalyst of that progress, and our troops, including gays and lesbians, have given their lives to defend the freedoms and liberties that we cherish as Americans.  Today, every American can be proud that we have taken another great step toward keeping our military the finest in the world and toward fulfilling our nation’s founding ideals.”

Immediately following the official repeal, several events happened in the United States:

Navy Lt. Gary Ross married his partner of 11 years, Dan Swezy, in Duxbury, Vermont, at the stroke of midnight just as the military’s ban on gays in the military was officially repealed. Vermont was chosen by the couple because it was in the eastern time zone and the couple would be able to recite their vows in front of family and friends at the first popular moment. The couple traveled to Vermont from their home in Arizona. Vermont was also the first state to allow gays to enter into civil unions and one of six that have legalized same-sex marriage.

For months, a faceless and nameless U.S. Air Force member stationed in Germany had been posting YouTube videos for months explaining what it was like living under DADT. At 2:45 a.m. in Germany, 7:45 CT, he produced a new video and posted it on YouTube, showing his face for the first time as he called his father in Alabama explaining he was gay. After telling his father of his sexuality, his father made it clear that he still loves him. “I called my dad to tell him the hardest thing that gay guys will ever have to say.” The serviceman still has not released his name but he goes by the YouTube identity of “AreYouSuprised?”

At midnight, HBO premiered a documentary, “The Strange History of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The cable network described the show as a timely and historical look at gays and lesbians in the military that illustrates the tumultuous evolution of the controversial policy that fostered hate and intolerance within the military and undermined the very freedoms American military defend by forcing its soldiers to lie and live in secrecy.

The U.S. Military sent out a letter to all U.S. soldiers throughout the world formally announcing that DADT was over:

“Today marks the end of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.’ The law is repealed. From this day forward, gay and lesbian soldiers may serve in our Army with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our rules, regulations and politics reflect the repeal guidance issued by the Department of Defense and will apply uniformly without regard to sexual orientation, which is a personal and private matter.

“For over 236 years, the U.S. Army has been an extraordinary force for good in the world. Our soldiers are the most agile, adaptable and capable warriors in history — and we are ready for this change…

“Accordingly, we expect all personnel to follow our values by implementing the repeal fully, fairly and in accordance with policy guidance. It is the duty of all personnel to treat each other with dignity and respect, while maintaining good order and discipline throughout our ranks. Doing so, will help the U.S. Army remain the Strength of the Nation.”

The military also immediately started accepting applications from lesbians and gays. Prior to lifting of DADT, the military spent months updating regulations. Lifting the ban also brought a halt to any and all on-going investigations and discharges that were pending under the old law.

Existing standards of personal conduct, such as those pertaining to public displays of affection, will continue regardless of sexual orientation. There will be no immediate changes to eligibility for military benefits. All service members are already entitled to certain benefits, such as designating a partner as a life insurance beneficiary or as a caregiver.

The Navy had proposed training chaplains to conduct same-sex civil union on bases located in states where same-sex marriage is permitted. After more than five-dozen lawmakers objected, however, the plan was shelved until the Pentagon completes a review of the issue.

Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook might not only be the most powerful man at Apple but also one of the most powerful gay men in American and a technology leader in Silicon Valley.

Last week, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Computers, resigned sighting health reasons. It had been widely known that Jobs has been in ill-health for a number of years including fighting pancreatic cancer. Jobs cited an inability to meet his current expectations as CEO, but asked to remain within the company as chairman.

No one was actually surprised by Jobs’ stepping down, but neither were they surprised by him naming Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook to Chief Executive Officer Cook, 50, who has remained private about his sexual orientation, was outed earlier this year by Gawker when it named him “the most powerful gay man in Silicon Valley.” In the Gawker profile of Cook from earlier this year, they said that Apple management would support Cook even if he publicly acknowledged his sexuality, but did have “concerns about whether his coming out would impact of the Apple brand.”

Although Cook has never publicly commented on his sexuality, Out Magazine named him its most powerful gay or lesbian person of 2011. In its profile of Cook, Out Magazine wrote: “Although Tim Cook has chosen to be discreet about his sexuality, just know that Apple’s heir apparent is gay sends a compelling message of the opportunity to thrive in the workplace. That’s a big deal.” They listed Cook as number one in their Power 50 index.

Cook grew up in Robertsdale, Alabama, near Mobile. His father was a shipyard worker, while his mother was a homemaker. Cook graduated from high school at Robertsdale High School, earned a B.S. degree in industrial engineering from Auburn University in 1982, and his M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in 1988.

Cook spent six months at Compaq as Vice President for Corporate Materials before he was hired by Steve Jobs to join Apple in 1998. He initially served as Senior Vice President for Worldwide Operations.

Cook is credited with pulling Apple out of manufacturing by closing factories and warehouses around the world. This helped the company reduce inventory levels and streamline its supply chain, dramatically increasing margins. In January 2007, Cook was promoted to COO.

Cook served as Apple CEO for two months in 2004, when Jobs was recovering from pancreatic cancer surgery. In 2009, Cook again served as Apple CEO for several months while Jobs took a leave of absence for a liver transplant.

In January 2011, Apple’s Board of Directors approved a third medical leave of absence requested by Jobs. During that time, Cook was responsible for most of Apple’s day-to-day operations while Jobs made most major decisions. Following the resignation of Jobs, Cook was made CEO of Apple Inc. on August 24, 2011.

While Jobs was known for his showman’s flair, Cook is known for improving profit margins and for being strong with supply chain management.

Cook is credited with rapidly fixing Apple’s “notorious manufacturing inefficiencies” and solved the inventory problems that dogged the company’s ability to supply enough of popular products like the PowerBook while spending too much to warehouse models that weren’t selling.

AppleInsider described Cook as a workaholic who survives on a diet of “an endless series of energy bars,” Cook is said to pride himself “on being first into the office and the last one out,” and expects a similar level of commitment from others.

“Unlike Jobs,” said AppleInsider, “Cook is not seen to be a product visionary nor a ‘compelling public speaker,’ tasks Apple’s management team has delegated to design chief Jonathan Ive and marketing chief Phil Schiller, respectively. Like Jobs however, Cook hasn’t been shy about thawing sharp critiques at competitors’ products, recently describing various vendor’s tablet products as being ‘big, heavy, expensive,’ ‘bizarre,’ or simply ‘vapor’.”

A local gay tradition that predates the Stonewall Revolution will come to an abrupt and unexpected end on Tuesday, August 9, for the last Tuesday Gay Skate night at the Gold Coast Roller Rink on South Federal Highway near the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. The rink itself will close on August 14 and shortly after that, the building will be demolished.

The rink was originally opened in 1947. Back then, boys had to wear jackets and girls had to wear dresses in order to skate.

Admission at that time was 25-cents, skate rentals were 10-cents and a hot dog would cost a nickel. Everybody was welcome to the rink; even African-Americans skated right next to their white brothers and sisters during the turbulent civil rights era of the ‘60s, which was rare in the United States, especially in the deep-south. The Gold Coast Roller Rink is one of the oldest surviving businesses in Broward County.

In 1968, the owner decided to start holding a Tuesday Gay Skate night. The Tuesday night party was kept mostly secret. Friends would tell friends by handing out hand drawn photocopied flyers. Admission was by invitation only and you had to be known by somebody who already attended the Tuesday get-togethers – it was considered a safe place to come and meet people. Management didn’t want just anybody walking in, so there was a sign on the door announcing that the rink was closed for a private party.

When the rink was sold in the late 1990s, it was sold with the understanding that the new owners would keep the Gay Skate tradition going.

Ryan Conley, a promoter and volunteer who started as a deejay at the Tuesday Gay Skate in 1998 was only given a week-and-a-half notice of the closing of the rink. Conley explained that Gay Skate generally now attracts between 10 to 15 skaters on a typical Tuesday; however, depending on the time of year, the promotion and the deejay playing that night, attendance could be as high as 100.

“We used to get 300 to 400 people on a Tuesday night,” said Conley, “but that was pre-Gay.com, Adam4Adam and Manhunt days. Now, there’s not that much of a need to go out and meet face-to-face when you can click, chat, drive and well – you can use your imagination.”

Several years ago, a cross-promotion called “Intoxiskate” was combined with the Tuesday Gay Skate. The Tuesday party, created by a private promoter, was for the gay-friendly community who would not necessarily want to attend a “gay night” but would attend an alternative lifestyle gay-friendly night.

Conley said that the Gold Coast Roller Rink was only closed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve or when a hurricane threatened the area. However, Gold Coast was closed for a few weeks for remodeling years ago when the new owners took over the property.
Also affected by the closing of the Gold Coast Roller Rink are the 75 members of the Gold Coast Derby Grrls roller derby team, whose home rink is the Gold Coast.

“None,” exclaimed Rich DeRosa, one of the coaches for the Gold Coast Derby Grrls when asked how much advanced notice the team had concerning the closing of the skating rink. “There is a very, very good chance that we will go to the regional playoffs. It has never been done so fast before. We are the first team to become an official team and six months later make the international playoffs. And in the week of finding out we are in the running, we also find out we are losing the skating rink, so it’s been bedlam for the last week and a half.”

“Carnivorous Licks,” a team member of the Gold Coast Derby Grrls and their public relations director, said that the team first found out about the closing of the roller rink from a posting on Facebook.

“Then we were given a notice of evacuation that we have to be out by August 13th,” said Licks. “And we’re going to go skate at Holiday Park or places like that and do the best we can to find maybe a warehouse to skate at. The sad part is our entire history has been there and we don’t have that now.” The team will also be skating at the War Memorial Auditorium and up in West Palm Beach.

Licks said that they’ve participated in Intoxiskate and Gay Skate and that it will be strange that those won’t be around anymore since they, along with the Gold Coast Skating Rink, were such a huge part of the LGBT community.

“Even though this is a tough time for us,” said Licks. “We’ve been through worse. So we’ll just have to tough it out and if, we have to travel an hour to skate, we’ll travel an hour to skate. If we have to skate outside, we’ll skate outside. We’ll just have to work a little harder to achieve what we want. Even though there’s a few bumps in the road right now, we have a lot of huge things ahead for us. We’ll be fine.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fifteen years ago this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The bill, which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman under Federal law, passed by a vote of 342-67 — an outcome that roughly reflected public opinion at the time. But, according to ThirdWay.org, over the past decade and a half, our society has undergone a seismic shift in how it recognizes and accepts the relationships of gay and lesbian couples. This report provides a snapshot of this dramatic transformation and illustrates the crystallizing consensus in favor of legal relationship recognition for gay and lesbian couples, extending all the way to marriage in many parts of the country. In 1996, DOMA was thought to have ended the debate on marriage.

But it seems to have been only the beginning of a more profound shift in favor of gay and lesbian couples.

WILTON MANORS, FL– Heidi Shafran is the newly-hired director of Community Development Services Department for the City of Wilton Manors. The position had been vacant for over a year.

The major functions of the Community Development Services Department include fire prevention and investigation, occupational licensing, building permitting and inspection, landscape inspection and zoning administration. The Department also provides administrative support to the Development Review Committee, the Board of Adjustment, the Planning and Zoning Board and the Code Enforcement Board.

Shafran was born in Fort Lauderdale and raised in Plantation. She did her undergraduate work in North Carolina and received her Master’s Degree in Heritage Preservation Planning in Atlanta. She returned to Broward County in late 1998 where she settled down, bought a house and got a job as executive director of the Miami Design Preservation League, the organization that’s credited with saving South Beach’s Art Deco buildings. After a year, she went to work with community activist and Miami Beach City Commissioner Nancy Liebman, who was also interested in the arts, culture and historic preservation. After two years, Shafran moved over to the City of Hollywood as their historic preservation officer and principle community planner. She remained with Hollywood until 2004, when she was contacted by a headhunter for the Seminole Indian Tribe which was looking for a professional planner to create and run their first planning department. She stayed there until she went to work for the City of Wilton Manors.

Shafran says that her biggest challenge right now is the economy; however, she also sees this as an opportunity to get all her tools and incentives in place. She has taken this time to restructure the department so that everything is lined up and ready to go when the economy improves.

One of the first changes that she made was for what is being called “Walk Through Tuesdays.” Shafran said that the idea was given to her by Wilton Manors City Manager Joe Gallegos when she first started. The program is for property owners wanting to do their own small property improvements requiring a building permit (such as changing out an air conditioner unit, replacing windows, putting in a sprinkler system or other routine upgrades). If the property owner comes in and submits their paperwork before 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, and all the paperwork is in order, the property owner should have their permit by 2 p.m. the same day.

“We can only do so much to help our business owners if the property owners do not understand what’s going on,” she said. “ I give them recommendations.

From the city’s perspective, there’s nothing legislatively we can do, so the best I can do is to be a good friend to them and keep the lines of communications open.”

Shafran is also trying to streamline the permitting process, which is currently operated by the County, by privatizing the operation. Currently, there are two private companies, in addition to Broward County, who are bidding on the issuing of building permits. Shafran must have the final alternative chosen by October 1st, when the new fiscal year begins. “Whether it goes to a private firm or Broward County, there has to be substantial changes to the level of service we’re providing,” said Shafran. “And those changes have to have me, as Director, as the point of contact as the person between doing the building reviews and inspection and the person who is communicating that message out.

She sees her role as taking charge of reviewers, planners and inspectors. One change she made immediately after taking her position was limiting the number of times plans can go back and forth between the building designers and the plan reviewers. Shafran has also helped property owners contact local design professionals who know the local building codes. “We can review the plans, but if the plans aren’t meeting our building and life safety codes, we can’t approve. There’s a liability there for everybody involved, so getting them to understand what needs to be done and what kind of designer they need to hire … we are working cordially and proactively,” she said. “One of the expressions I use with my staff is that every ‘no’ must lead to a ‘yes’.”

She also commented on the “Two-Lane Initiative” proposal, providing only two lanes of traffic on Wilton Drive and increasing parking along the entire road. “From a business development perspective, the two lane initiative is a nice thing to have, but the other things that came along with the two lane initiative – the wider sidewalks, the landscaping – those things are important to the development of the city. Do we need wider sidewalks so we can have sidewalk cafes and creating that symmetry? Absolutely. Do we need shaded sidewalks? Absolutely. Those are the things that will aid in our development. It’s a future Las Olas or Hollywood Boulevard.”

In addition to Wilton Drive, Shafran also sees other improvements that can be made in the city. On N.E. 26 Street, east of Dixie Highway she would like to see some business parks there and encourage businesses to relocate to Wilton Manors. The same could be said along Andrews Avenue. Both areas, she said, are regional traffic corridors and Andrews Avenue has mass transit.

She said the city could use a façade improvement program, and she is trying to identify some grant funds so that the city can establish a program.

She is also looking to short term improvements in parking on the north end of Wilton Drive. She said that the city is trying to identify lots and negotiating with property owners. But the best long-term land usage would be a mixed use development with a parking component tied in.

“We have the national reputation for being a gay and lesbian destination and we need to continue to work on that and honor that reputation,” concludes Shafran.

Photo courtesy, James Michaels

By James Michaels

ALBANY, NY – Late Friday evening, June 24th, the New York State Senate held a vote legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. The Democratic-controlled State Assembly had already passed the measure; the Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo strongly supported it which put the final decision in the hands of the Republican-controlled State Senate, which had tried to put off the vote until the last possible moment. The Republicans held a one-vote majority in the Senate. New York became the sixth state in the country joining New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts and Iowa, along with the District of Columbia, which approved marriage equality for same sex couples. However, New York is the largest state where same-sex couples could be legally wed, doubling the number of possible same sex marriages in the county.  The final vote was 33 to 29. 29 of the 30 Democratic Senators voted for the measure and 4 of the Republican Senators voted in favor.

The last time the question of marriage equality was brought up in the state December 2009 and, at that point, the Senate was controlled by Democrats.  The measure was defeated when not a single Republican voted for it and eight Democrats voted against it.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the marriage equality bill into law a few hours later, shortly before midnight, foregoing the usual 10-day grace period between the passing of a bill by the New York Senate and the signing by the governor. Same-sex marriages in New York can now begin in 30 days.

Cuomo had promised the LGBT community that if he was elected Governor, marriage equality would be a top priority and he kept that promise. Cuomo went so far as to lobby Republican Senators from more moderate districts that if they voted for marriage equality, he would help them raise funds for their re-election should they be challenged by more conservative members of their party in their primaries. Cuomo received over $1 million in pledges from businesses and Wall Street for those primaries.

The chatter around the Senate all week was that if the bill goes to the floor for a vote, it would get passed. However, many were afraid that if it went into conference, the GOP would kill the bill. Republicans were already afraid that their base might retaliate against them and Tea Party protesters against the bill held up signs saying that if the bill were allowed to come up for a vote, they would be kicked out of office. Also, the Republicans wanted more than one GOP Senator to vote on the bill, so no one person would be held responsible for its passage.

Immediately prior to the final vote on the measure, the Senate voted on an amendment allowing religious exemptions, not requiring churches and religious institutions to perform same-sex marriages. The exemptions were already in the bill. However, the Republicans members wanted to include specific language that if a religious institution did not want to marry a same-sex couple, they will not in any way face a discrimination lawsuit. There was also added an insurability clause that if a judge or court in the future were to strike down the religious exemption, the entire bill would be stricken.

Earlier in the day, New York Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long conceded saying that he was sure the bill would pass the Senate, telling the Weekly Standard, “I know they’ve got the 32nd vote and I think they’ve muscled two more people. Hopefully all of that blows up but I don’t see that happening.”

The Senate galleries were so packed with supporters and opponents that the fire marshals closed them off. And, along the Great Western Staircase outside the Senate chamber, about 100 demonstrators chanted and waved placards throughout the night. However, as the night wore on and the time to vote came close, opponents to the bill started to dwindle away as more people in favor of the bill showed up in support. The hallways outside the Senate chambers also filled with supporters.

That night happened to be the start of the city’s annual Gay Pride Weekend and more LGBT people than usual were in New York City for the festivities. Many people were expected to be in the streets of New York making their feelings known about the bill whether it passed or failed.

When the final vote was announced, cheers poured out from the visitors’ gallery and could be heard down the hallways where hundreds more gathered.  Later that evening, a special celebration was held in front of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. Stonewall is the bar in New York City and the site of the Stonewall riots which started on June 28, 1969 and is considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBT rights in the United States.
Also, later that evening, the Empire State Building was lit up in rainbow colors.

The positive economic impact on passing marriage equality could be great. The New York State Comptroller’s Office estimates that $142 million will be added to New York City’s economy alone, with an additional $184 million added to the rest of

the state. Unlike the laws of Massachusetts, which have residency requirements in order to get a marriage license, the New York law has no such provision, so Americans from around the country can come to New York to get married starting in 30 days.