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Tel Aviv: The Next Big Gay Tourism Spot

2012-01-24T15:39:00.001-06:00

That's right, Tel Aviv is emerging as an iconic international gay vacation destination. Did you know that Tel Aviv hosts the largest pride parade in Asia? Or that it was named by Out Magazine as the gay capital of the middle east? Or that the city devotes more than a third of its marketing budget to attracting LGBT tourists with campaigns like this one? Or that gays serve openly in Israel's military? I didn't. Here's an interesting article to learn more.

Fortune Best Companies List Hits LGBT Milestone

2012-01-20T09:42:00.000-06:00

For the first time in history, all companies on Fortune's best 100 companies to work for list have sexual orientation nondiscrimination policies. Google tops the list.

Washington Governor To Introduce Marriage Equality Bill

2012-01-16T23:06:00.000-06:00

For those who haven't seen this yet, it's worth watching - Washington Governor Chris Gregoire gives a beautifully articulate speech in support of marriage equality. This is perhaps the best example I've seen so far of someone utilizing my recommended strategy of focusing on the license itself and pointing out how legalizing government-issued marriage licenses in no way forces a church to marry a gay couple. Bravo.

A Call for Digital Activism from Edna Jean Robinson

2012-01-16T22:57:00.000-06:00

Oh how I miss seeing her perform at JR's in Dallas. Kudos to her for this inspiring video.

LAN Airlines Launches LGBT Site

2011-12-29T16:03:00.000-06:00

LAN, a Latin American airline, just launched a new microsite that showcases the diversity found throughout South America, and is a one-stop-shop resource for LGBT travelers there. LAN's new LGBT microsite features a host of information and resources for the prospective traveler to South America. It includes detailed descriptions of key South American destinations with information of interest to gay and lesbian travelers. The site also features recent LGBT-related news pertaining to countries throughout South America, as well as events of interest to gay and lesbian travelers to South America, including trips from leading LGBT tour operators.

2011 LGBT Year in Review

2011-12-26T12:40:00.000-06:00

New Study: Openly Gay Applicants 40% Less Likely to Get Job Interviews

2011-12-11T12:21:00.000-06:00

Openly gay applicants are 40 percent less likely to be granted an interview than their heterosexual counterparts, according to a study published Tuesday in the American Journal of Sociology. The study was the first of its kind to test the receptiveness of employers to gay male job applicants. It sent two fictitious resumes to more than 1,700 entry-level, white collar job openings in the U.S. The resumes were nearly identical, except each mentioned a different affiliation with a school organization. Read more here.

New study on how gays and lesbians perceive advertising

2011-12-06T13:06:00.000-06:00

A new study from the University of Miami interviewed 25 gay and lesbian Americans of different age, ethnic, and professional backgrounds on their reactions to commercials exemplifying dominant gay and lesbian portrayals.
According to the study, five specific strategies emerged within these minority consumers to interpret the messages catered to them:

Gay men accepted the perception of "higher disposable income of gay male households" and transformed material consumption into a definition of self-worth. "I was on many consumer panels because I fit the profile of gay men who have disposable income and travel a lot," one participant said.
Participation in the mass market was equated to membership in mainstream society. "We got money. We contribute to the corporation. We contributed to big business. We got families. We are part of the mainstream now," a participant said.
Targeted advertising was identified as an essential step in achieving social political inclusion. "Consumer rights and citizenship, civil rights are intricately connected in the United States […]. And when we express our identity as a consumer, that reinforces and strengthens our identity as a citizen," a participant said.
Perpetuating problematic depictions of gays as effeminate men or lesbians as "sexualized femme" was tolerated in the interests of social inclusion. "I was ambivalent when watching this commercial. It's playing up the stereotype. But for me, if you can see gay people on TV in Texas, it's positive," one participant said.
Participants were willing to give up something of their subcultural identity for the sake of total acceptance in society. "When we are truly accepted in the society, we will just blend in […] even that might mean sacrificing our uniqueness," a participant said.

Source: "How Minority Consumers Use Targeted Advertising as Pathways to Self-Empowerment: Gay Men's and Lesbians' Reading of Out-of-the-Closet Advertising" Journal of Advertising Vol. 40 No. 3 Fall 2011.

The Cost of our Prison System

2011-12-03T10:36:00.000-06:00

Here are some interesting facts on incarceration in the US, which costs taxpayers 60 Billion per year.

See Larger
More: Online Law Degree

Marriage in Australia: It's Time

2011-11-25T12:59:00.000-06:00

Here's a fantastic new ad from GetUp Action for Australia in support of marriage equality. Next week, Australia's Labor Party will decide their stance on the issue. To sign the petition, click here.

Group Urges Reframing the Marriage Equality Message

2011-11-08T13:09:00.002-06:00

A group of high-profile Democrats and Republicans who back legalizing same-sex marriage are calling on advocates to shift the focus on the issue from an argument about equal rights to promoting the value of commitment. This is, in my opinion, an example of the need to speak in the language of your audience. While this might not be the politically correct approach in the minds of many in the LGBT community, it may certainly be the fastest. Staunch opponents of same-sex marriage either don't believe the LGBT community exists or believe being LGBT is a lifestyle choice - therefore the equality argument doesn't work since they see us as already having the same opportunity to marry somebody of the opposite sex. Hence why they always argue that we don't deserve "special rights." In essence, this new strategy is to seek equality without acknowledging that's what we're seeking. Read more here.

70 U.S. Companies Formally Oppose DOMA

2011-11-04T13:55:00.000-05:00

70 U.S. businesses are part of an amicus brief opposing the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in Gill v. OPM. The companies point out that DOMA forces them to treat their employees differently based on their sexual orientation, and as a result, the businesses assume an administrative financial burden to correct the inequity. Here are some of those companies:

For the full list, click here.

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Pedro Zamora

2011-10-31T11:44:00.000-05:00

New Santorum Campaign Ad

2011-10-28T16:25:00.001-05:00

Lagging behind in the polls, it looks like Santorum is trying to appeal to the religious extremists by telling them that God told him to run for President. The ad, by the way, says nothing about why he'd make a good president.

New Marriage Equality Ads in Maine

2011-10-27T23:11:00.000-05:00

New marriage equality ads are hitting TVs in Maine. Here's one featuring Paul and Jeanette Rediker, a straight Maine couple with a gay daughter:

In 2009, a "people's veto" reversed legislation that would have legalized marriage equality in Maine. Supporters of marriage equality are now trying to reverse that action through the very same process.

Ad Spotlight: Absolut Vodka

2011-10-27T14:09:00.000-05:00

Absolut is celebrating 20 years of LGBT advertising. In 1981 it ran its first gay-targeted ads in The Advocate and After Dark. To celebrate, Absolut is launching a national $4 million outdoor, digital, and print campaign. Click here to read the full New York Times article.

New Stat on Support for Marriage Equality by Age

2011-10-26T16:42:00.002-05:00

No surprises in the pattern here. Again, I'd be curious to see how the question was phrased. As I always caveat when sharing marriage equality data, in my opinion the question should be phrased as, "Do you believe same-sex couples should have the right to access civil marriage licenses?" This is because there is a difference between "favoring something" and believing people should have the right to it. As an example, some redneck American out there might not personally "favor" interracial marriage, but that doesn't necessarily mean he believes interracial couples out there shouldn't have the right to marry. Furthermore, the distinction between the two types of marriage - civil and religious - must always be made clear when it comes to polling on this issue. Language matters.

Study Paints a Better Picture of Today's Real Modern Family

2011-10-26T13:55:00.001-05:00

Edelman has just wrapped up an interesting study on changing US family dynamic and demographics. Among the most interesting findings include that just 4% of US families have stay-at-home moms and working dads with children under 18 years old. That's right, just 4%. Furthermore, the study points out how economic pressures and blended family models have redefined individual roles within the family: skill sets have replaced gender, and 62 percent of moms and 54 percent of dads feel that parenting roles will be redefined away from the traditional “mom and dad” roles of the past. This creates a new opportunity for marketers to think in terms of skill set versus gender, opening up the entire family as a target. The study, which was commissioned in August 2011, included in-depth interviews with 2,482 consumers among a cross-section of today’s modern family: single parents, working moms, gay partners, multicultural heads of households and grandparents.

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Dan Savage

2011-10-26T13:47:00.000-05:00

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Ryan Murphy

2011-10-25T10:56:00.000-05:00

New Documentary on Maine's Marriage Equality Vote

2011-10-24T23:14:00.000-05:00

This looks quite good...

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Constance McMillen

2011-10-24T14:10:00.000-05:00

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Michael Kirby

2011-10-19T11:28:00.000-05:00

Ad Spotlight: Kimpton Hotels

2011-10-18T22:12:00.000-05:00

Kimpton Hotels has launched a new website dedicated to communicating the various LGBT services and programs they offer, including LGBT marriages, ceremonies, honeymoons, parties, and events. Check it out here.

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: David Kato

2011-10-18T22:07:00.002-05:00

Little Life Lesson: Be Approachable

2011-10-17T23:32:00.000-05:00

Today I made it a point to not have my headphones on while walking down the street. And I even slowed down from my usual hurried pace. The result? More people approached me. I recommended a restaurant to a gay brother and sister visiting Boystown from NYC, and later I met a hairstylist looking for work who just moved here from Oklahoma. These little encounters kind of made Chicago feel more warm and neighborly. Today I realized that Chicago never wasn't this way - I just wasn't approachable enough. That changes from here on out.

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Frida Kahlo

2011-10-17T23:20:00.000-05:00

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Neil Patrick Harris

2011-10-14T11:56:00.000-05:00

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Lady Gaga

2011-10-12T11:27:00.001-05:00

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Denise Eger

2011-10-11T15:42:00.000-05:00

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Alan Cumming

2011-10-10T15:06:00.002-05:00

Ad Spotlight: Bevan Duffy's New Campaign Ad Features His Daughter

2011-10-09T13:09:00.000-05:00

Bevan Dufty, who is running for mayor of San Francisco, recently released a TV commercial featuring his daughter Sidney, who he conceived with a lesbian friend. Some are saying the ad is exploitative, but I discredit that criticism as a double-standard. Conservative politicians feature their families in political ads all the time - usually in the name of "family values." I think it's nice to see a positive representation of a nontraditional family in a campaign ad.

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Aaron Copland

2011-10-09T13:01:00.002-05:00

Dance Weekend

2011-10-08T12:54:00.001-05:00

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Dan Choi

2011-10-08T12:12:00.001-05:00

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Rita Mae Brown

2011-10-07T17:48:00.000-05:00

Jurors in Lawrence King Hate Crime/Murder Trial Speak Out...

2011-10-06T00:08:00.000-05:00

...and it will make you sick. The gay panic defense is alive and well. Where is the justice for Lawrence?

Same-Sex Marriage vs. Cousin Marriage

2011-10-05T08:28:00.000-05:00

Came across this photo on Facebook and did some informal research (Google) to learn that of the 50 states, 19 (including California, Alaska, New York, and Florida) permit restriction-free marriages between first cousins. This compares to just five states that recognize marriage equality. I'm not usually a big fan of this "if Brittany Spears can get married" strategy. It basically reinforces the notion that our equality only warrants consideration in the context of a comparison to another, even more inferior group. But nonetheless, this is pretty crazy. I think another fine example of just how wide the political and ideological spectrum runs in the USA.

En Route to the GLAAD Amplifier Awards in NYC

2011-10-04T10:52:00.000-05:00

I'm currently on a plane to New York, where I'll be attending the 2011 GLAAD Amplifier Awards. I'll be attending with execs from Allstate, who will be accepting the 2011 Corporate Responsibility Award, as well as the 2011 Outstanding Outdoor Campaign, which I worked on. So excited for this and grateful to both Allstate and Leo Burnett for giving me this opportunity. Hard work and passion does pay off!

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: John Berry

2011-10-04T10:45:00.001-05:00

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: Alison Bechdel

2011-10-03T11:12:00.001-05:00

Today's LGBT History Month Icon: John Ashbery

2011-10-02T11:26:00.001-05:00

Happy LGBT History Month

2011-10-01T16:35:00.002-05:00

October is LGBT History month, and after my recent trip to the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco, I'm excited to once again bring everyone a new LGBT icon each day throughout the month of October. We'll start things off with the first icon of the month, Kye Allums.

Ad Spotlight: Australian Marriage Equality

2011-09-30T14:54:00.001-05:00

This new ad for Australian Marriage Equality highlights growing statistics in favor of marriage equality there.

New Stats on LGBT Affluents

2011-09-20T14:15:00.000-05:00

Some new stats were released last week on LGBT Affluents - that is, members of the LGBT community with household incomes of $100K+. The data, which comes from the 2011 Ipsos Mendelsohn Affluent Survey, shows that LGBT affluents have household incomes that are 25% higher than those of heterosexual affluents. Here are the full stats:

New Photos of The Out NYC

2011-09-20T14:09:00.000-05:00

These new computer renderings have surfaced of The Out NYC, a gay hotel/nightlife complex that is under construction on 42nd street between 10th and 11th avenues. The 105-room boutique hotel will include a spa, wellness center, business center, an 11,000-square-foot nightclub, a 24/7 café and a restaurant called Kitchen. The nightclub is scheduled to open in November, and the rest of the property will open its doors in early 2012.

Fame Friday

2011-09-16T08:56:00.001-05:00

"Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard." -Colin Powell

Accredited online colleges offer political science classes for those who aspire to be like Colin Powell.

Big Gay Ice Cream Shop Opens in NYC

2011-09-12T14:49:00.003-05:00

Building on thee Success of the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck, there's now a Big Gay Ice Cream Shop in New on Seventh Street between First Avenue and Avenue A. Popular flavors include the Salty Pimp (vanilla soft-serve with dulce de leche, sea salt and chocolate dip) and the Monday Sundae (twist soft-serve in a nutella-lined waffle cone, dulce de leche, sea salt and whipped cream). The store also carries Melt Bakery ice cream sandwiches, macaroons from Danny's Macaroons, brownies and cookies from Treats Truck and root beer floats.

Here is a resource www.onlinecookingclasses.org for those of you who also love food and cooking and want to learn new skills.

9/11's LGBT Impact

2011-09-11T13:45:00.000-05:00

Great article from Washington Blade.

Ad Spotlight: K-Y

2011-09-05T23:44:00.000-05:00

Looks like this is running in the UK:

New Data on Brands that Support LGBT Nonprofits/Causes

2011-09-02T09:51:00.000-05:00

97% of LGBT Internet users say they are likely to consider brands that support nonprofits/causes that are important to them as a gay or lesbian person. That's up from 85% in 2007.

GLAAD Applauds Next Season of Dancing With The Stars

2011-08-31T10:02:00.000-05:00

The next season of Dancing With the Stars on ABC will feature Chaz Bono and Carson Kressley, and GLAAD approves:
“With both gay and transgender contestants represented on this upcoming season, ABC will send viewers a strong message about the diversity within the LGBT community,” said Herndon Graddick, senior of director of programs for GLAAD, in a statement. “At a time when transgender representation in the media is sorely lacking, Chaz Bono joining the cast is a tremendous step forward for the public to recognize that transgender people are another wonderful part of the fabric of American culture. Appearing on such a high-profile show will allow millions of Americans to get to know him in a whole new light.”

Global smartphone market penetration to exceed 50% by 2015

2011-08-29T09:14:00.001-05:00

Read more here.

Smartphones certainly are not going anywhere. People who want to learn the
technology skills to develop future smartphones can find info on classes
via Guide to Online Schools.

Fame Friday

2011-08-26T12:13:00.000-05:00

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” -Steve Jobs

The Top Vehicles LGBT People Buy

2011-08-23T13:36:00.000-05:00

New Startup Sells Tasteful Greeting Cards for The LGBT Community

2011-08-18T09:50:00.002-05:00

Here’s a business that I think will fulfill a much needed niche: tasteful greeting cards designed specifically for the LGBT community. Most LGBT-specific cards I’ve ever seen have been overtly sexual- ideal to give to a friend on a birthday, but not appropriate for a more serious occasion like your anniversary with your partner. Enter The Crooked Arrow, a company founded by Tracy McKay, an interior designer and artist who has been creating greeting cards since her childhood. “”Just imagine the trouble a mother in a small Mid-Western town would have trying to find a card to send her gay son and his new husband in New York City,” said Tracy. “That’s exactly why I created TheCrookedArrow.com—to rekindle and preserve the tradition of card sending in this community.” Read more here.

The Growing Campaign for Bert and Ernie to Marry

2011-08-11T18:56:00.000-05:00

I never knew this, but apparently a lot of people out there suspect that Bert and Ernie are gay, and now pressure is mounting for the two to marry. There's an official change.org petition as well as a Facebook page. My question is, aren't all puppets technically genderless? So isn't this really about marriage equality for puppets?

Out Magazine's Parent Company Launches new LGBT Website

2011-08-09T21:56:00.000-05:00

Here Media, the parent company of Out magazine, just launched a new LGBT website called Gay.net, which features content related to LGBT culture, entertainment, travel, style, and leisure. Gay.net’s content features a mix of editorial voices and opinions. Upon visiting, readers have access to the nine most recent features and news headlines through the site’s “The It List.” Additionally, a horizontal thread across the bottom of the homepage allows readers to see the day’s most popular trending stories. A unique feature to the new site is the new “The Randomizer” tool, which, which clicked on, automatically pulls an arbitrary headline that a reader may have missed but may be of interest.

Hyatt & Absolut Sponsor New "Answers" Feature on GayCities

2011-08-08T23:48:00.000-05:00

Hyatt Hotels and Absolut Vodka are the first sponsors of GayCities' Answers Q&A feature. The LGBT city guide and travel site debuted the new feature on their site earlier this week. It enables members to tap into the collective wisdom of the community to provide answers to everyday questions. Members can share their knowledge about their home towns and anywhere they travel. Read more here.

American Psychological Association Votes 157-0 to Support Marriage Equality

2011-08-04T09:36:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, the world's largest organization of psychologists took its strongest stand to date supporting full marriage equity, a move that will likely have a big impact on the national debate. The policymaking body of the American Psychological Association (APA) unanimously approved the resolution 157-0. Since 2004, the APA has filed 11 amicus briefs supporting same-sex marriage cases.

When you admire the APA you may be interested in studying psychology as
well, and a resource for that is here, www.online-masters-in-psychology.com

Next Round of Prop 8 Trial to be Televised

2011-08-01T21:55:00.000-05:00

When the California Supreme Court hears arguments on September 6 to determine if the bill's sponsors have grounds to appeal the decision Judge Vaughn Walker issued last year -- deeming the measure unconstitutional -- the action will be broadcast for all the world to see. Read more here.

Fame Friday

2011-07-29T10:24:00.000-05:00

"I often buy myself presents. Sometimes I will spend $100,000 in one day in a posh boutique." -Celine Dion

*This week's Fame Friday is in honor of Allen McMillen.

July 24: The Day Marriage Equality Came to New York

2011-07-24T09:51:00.000-05:00

Same-sex couples can start saying "I do" today in New York. Just after midnight this morning, lesbian activists Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd became the first same-sex couple to marry in the state - against the backdrop of Niagara Falls, which were lit up in rainbow colors in honor of this historic day.

Fame Friday

2011-07-22T09:55:00.000-05:00

“New York has finally torn down the barrier that has prevented same-sex couples from exercising the freedom to marry and from receiving the fundamental protections that so many couples and families take for granted,” he said. “With the world watching, the Legislature, by a bipartisan vote, has said that all New Yorkers are equal under the law. With this vote, marriage equality will become a reality in our state, delivering long overdue fairness and legal security to thousands of New Yorkers.” -Andrew Cuomo

Same-sex marriages begin in New York on Sunday.

New York State Promotes Same-Sex Wedding Packages

2011-07-21T16:48:00.001-05:00

ILOVENY, New York State's official tourism campaign, is inviting same-sex couples around the country and around the world to get married in New York and celebrate the occasion with a vacation package. Check out their site here.

The Top Reasons to Ban Marriage Equality in Minnesota

2011-07-12T22:54:00.000-05:00

Obviously more of an effort to energize progressive young people than to change minds of those on the other side:

NYC Anticipates Same-Sex Wedding Boom

2011-07-12T10:10:00.000-05:00

Same-Sex marriages will begin in New York state on july 24th, and nowhere is the resulting economic boom expected to be larger than in NYC. One report estimates 66,000 same-sex couples will wed in New York over the next three years, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars to the city's $31 billion tourism industry. Read more here at NPR.

Beyond Better: A Manifesto for Queer Youth

2011-07-12T00:53:00.000-05:00

Here's an outstanding video that was made by the students of Margaret Himley's Queer Writing class at Syracuse University last year. The course is part of Syracuse's LGBT Studies minor (which I proudly hold), the first of its kind in the United States.

Dance Weekend

2011-07-09T12:23:00.000-05:00

Atlantic City Casino Opens Gay Bar

2011-07-09T08:18:00.001-05:00

Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City just became the first major casino in the country to open a full-time gay bar. The initiative is part of a strategy to revitalize gay tourism which was once much more prevalent in the area, and also to save the struggling hotel, which lost upwards of $20 million last year. Read more in this N.Y. Times article.

AdWeek: The 50 Gayest Ads Ever

2011-06-30T19:53:00.000-05:00

Why is it still so shocking to see gay people in mainstream ads? At a time when every other demographic is practically shoehorned into marketing for the sake of diversity, gays and lesbians are still all but invisible in the TV advertising landscape. But while you might not have seen many yourself, gay-themed TV ads are definitely out there. To close out Gay Pride Month, we tracked down 50 of them from around the world. Click here to continue reading.

Are You on Google+ Yet?

2011-06-29T22:15:00.000-05:00

You know Facebook is pulling some all nighters this week...

Wishing Everyone a Happy Pride

2011-06-26T08:27:00.000-05:00

2011: A Prouder Pride

2011-06-25T12:56:00.001-05:00

Seven years ago, I wrote this editorial in my college newspaper as George W. Bush was proposing an amendment to the U.S. constitution that would outlaw marriage equality across the country. A week later, somebody responded to my editorial saying that "if they let a man marry another man, what's next is that somebody will want to marry their tractor." Dead serious.

Now, many years later, same-sex couples have the same right to get married in New York state as opposite-sex couples. Those of us who have fought tirelessly for this issue in New York for over a decade almost never thought this day would come. But finally, it's here.

And it' s a huge reason why we all should be even prouder this pride. The number of people living in this country in a state that recognizes marriage equality has just doubled. I'm no longer a New Yorker, but I'm proud that I went to college in a state that now treats its gay and lesbian citizens with equality and fairness. I'm proud that my parents live in New York state. And I'm proud to be an American. Events like last night show that there are good people in politics on both sides of the aisle. And when we fight hard enough and long enough for what we believe in and what we know is right, we will prevail.

I hope we all take some time to thank the republican senators who put what's right for New Yorkers ahead of what's right for them getting re-elected. I hope we thank the many organizations who have participated in making this happen over the past decade - Empire State Pride Agenda, Freedom to Marry, Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, and NGLTF, just to name a few.

So let's party like there's no tomorrow this weekend, but let's not forget that there's still much work to be done. As long as there's places in this country where it's illegal for you to obtain a government-issued marriage license because you're gay, there is blatant discrimination embedded into our laws. Remember, these pastors and churches who have been such vocal opponents DO NOT OWN CIVIL MARRIAGE. Their arrogance never ceases to amaze me. They own RELIGIOUS marriage as they define it within their own religion, but they don't have the right to impose their religious views onto the civil rights of us all. When it comes to religious marriage, churches have always been able to marry and deny marriage to whoever they want, and they always will be able to do that. What the government is involved with is CIVIL MARRIAGE, which has nothing to do with a church. It's simply the right to access a marriage license issued by the government. So don't be fooled by the dynamic that this is an issue of gays vs. the church, because that is not at all a fair portrayal, and it's especially not fair to the many churches, religions, and people of faith who support marriage equality.

I hope the actions of the New York lawmakers will inspire each of us be a little braver, a little stronger, and a little more vocal as we move forward. Let people know you're here and that you're gay, not just on gay pride weekend, but whenever it really counts - especially at the voting booth. As strong as our spirit may be this weekend, we need our actions to match that strength when we determine who we put in power and who makes the rules. That's one right they can never take away.

Target: It Gets Better

2011-06-23T15:04:00.000-05:00

How U.S. Ad Budgets Shifted from 2009 to 2010

2011-06-23T10:03:00.000-05:00

General Motors: It Gets Better

2011-06-22T10:44:00.000-05:00

Interactive Marriage (In)Equality Timeline

2011-06-20T11:05:00.001-05:00

The L.A. Times has a fantastic interactive timeline that shows how same-sex marriage has evolved across the country over the past decade. Click on the link here and then hit play at the bottom left corner of the graphic. Notice how many states turn red in November 2004, when Bush was re-elected. You can also watch the timeline for any individual state.

Chicago Cubs: It Gets Better

2011-06-20T10:48:00.000-05:00

Ad Spotlight: Rokk Vodka

2011-06-15T21:14:00.001-05:00

I've never heard of Rokk, but I like their LGBT pride campaign, which highlights the fact that they've been a big sponsor of GLAAD:

Fame Friday

2011-06-10T19:13:00.000-05:00

“You can't please everyone, and you can't make everyone like you." -Katie Couric

Hotels to Avoid for San Francisco Pride

2011-06-08T10:14:00.000-05:00

Sleep With The Right People (SWTRP), a collaboration between the organization UNITE HERE and the LGBT community, has launched a list of hotels to avoid if you're going to San Francisco this year for pride. They are:

Hyatt Regency Hotel – Embarcadero
Grand Hyatt Hotel – Union Square
Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel
Le Meridien Hotel
Hotel Frank

Click here for more information. Or, to see a list of hotels to avoid across the whole country, click here.

Old Navy Launches Pride-Themed T-Shirts

2011-05-31T11:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Old Navy released a line of Pride-themed T-shirts. 10% of the proceeds will go to the "It Gets Better" project. A spokeswoman for the store released a statement saying, "our customers and employees are of many different ethnicities, faiths and lifestyles, and we support them all.”

LOGO's Guide to Pride

2011-05-24T22:06:00.000-05:00

LOGO has just released an online guide to this year's upcoming Pride celebrations around the world. Click here to take a look. And well you're at it, check out my recent article on marketing for Pride here.

Fame Friday

2011-05-20T22:20:00.000-05:00

"Whether life's disabilities left you outcast, bullied, or teased, rejoice and love yourself today 'cause baby you were born this way."
-Lady Gaga

San Francisco Giants to Make "It Gets Better Video"

2011-05-19T14:06:00.001-05:00

Giants fan Sean Chapin, pictured here, successfully organized an effort to persuade the SF Giants to become the first professional sports team to participate in the "It Gets Better" project. Read more here.

Follow Me at the Planningness Conference on Twitter

2011-05-18T11:47:00.000-05:00

Over the next two days, you'll be able to follow me on Twitter at the Planningness conference in Minneapolis, @brianstout. Along with some colleagues, I'll be representing Leo Burnett at this one of a kind meeting of strategists from around the country.

Why Civil Unions Are Aren't Good Enough

2011-05-17T12:55:00.002-05:00

Great article in the New York Daily News written by Ted Olson and Eric Schneiderman. Here's an excerpt:

For example, after New Jersey granted civil unions to gay and lesbian couples, many employers refused to offer them partner benefits because they were not legally married. Hospitals denied them the rights of married couples, checking the "single" box - rather than the "married" box - on patients' admissions forms, thereby denying them access to hospitalized loved ones. Gay and lesbian couples were put at risk in emergencies when they traveled, because civil unions, unlike marriages, are often not recognized across state lines.

All of these legal uncertainties led the New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission to ultimately declare civil unions a failure, finding that the separate categorization "invites and encourages unequal treatment of same-sex couples and their children."

Read the full article here.

Kim Cattrall Honored at GLAAD Media Awards

2011-05-16T14:30:00.001-05:00

Actress Kim Cattrall was honored with the Golden Gate Award in recognition of her vocal support for the LGBT community this past weekend at the GLAAD Media Awards. As Samantha Jones on HBO’s “Sex and the City,” Cattrall became a pop-culture icon who showed fans across the world that there’s nothing wrong with being who you are – especially when it comes to love. Cattrall has spoken out publicly in support of marriage equality, and was featured on the cover of The Advocate in May 2008. Here's a clip of her speech from this weekend:

LGBT Rights Around the World

2011-05-13T15:08:00.000-05:00

Very cool chart I've never seen before. View it full-sized here.

Larry King for New York Marriage Equality

2011-05-12T11:18:00.000-05:00

Dance Weekend

2011-05-08T07:20:00.002-05:00

Marc Jacobs Promotes New York Marriage Equality

2011-05-05T21:27:00.000-05:00

This week, fashion designer Marc Jacobs revealed a window display promoting marriage equality in his Bleecker Street store in New York City. The display specifically promotes the HRC's New Yorkers for marriage equality campaign. Learn more here.

J. Crew Just Got Even Gayer

2011-05-03T13:47:00.000-05:00

After last month's uproar caused by a J. Crew catalog photo of a mom painting her son's toenails, the retailer seems to be just thrilled with the buzz and earned media it has generated. Why? they just issued their May catalog, which features, you guessed it, a man and his boyfriend.

Dance Weekend

2011-05-01T01:58:00.000-05:00

Ad Spotlight: Budweiser's New Ambiguously Gay Commercial

2011-04-27T22:10:00.002-05:00

To most people, there's probably nothing gay about this commercial. But its timing is interesting given the recent repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and its sign off with "Proudly Serving Those Who Serve" makes you wonder...

Dance Weekend

2011-04-23T09:05:00.000-05:00

Fame Friday

2011-04-22T10:00:00.001-05:00

"Everyone is your best friend when you are successful. Make sure that the people that you surround yourself with are also the people that you are not afraid of failing with." -Paula Abdul

My Thoughts on the J. Crew Photo Firestorm

2011-04-19T10:05:00.000-05:00

By this time I'm sure everyone has heard of the infamous J. Crew photo of a mother painting her son's toenails, which appeared in an email advertisement to existing J. Crew customers. The photo is of Jenna Lyons, the company's creative director, and her son. And as you know, it has sparked outrage around the country and (again) reignited the conversation on "appropriate gender roles for children."

I say good for J. Crew. But I honestly don't believe this was intended to spark such a response. I think it's fitting with their brand and doesn't really isolate their base of existing online customers who have opted into their email list. The photo seems to be on a page that's selling the idea of taking some time off to play with your kids, which is a nice way to position a clothing brand like J. Crew at the turn of the season to busy working middle-upper class moms. Nice to see a "real" portrayal of the mom here- note how she's not all done up in makeup, checking her Blackberry, and cooking dinner at the same time.

I won't go into my thoughts on why this is harmless, because I think most of my readers know the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation. But I will say that I find it really interesting that the people opposed to the photo demonize the mother. "Imagine how he'll be treated in school," they say, implying that he'll be picked on by all the boys for not conforming to a display of masculinity that conforms to cultural norms. Perhaps what this photo really illustrates is a culture that oppresses women- because we'd rather vilify a devoted mother for playing harmlessly with her child than question a cultural gender code that correlates neon pigmented lacquer with homosexuality. Wake up, America.

Fame Friday

2011-04-15T10:04:00.000-05:00

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." -Barack Obama