OBAMA CLARIFIES STAND ON GAYS AND MORALITY

On yesterday's The Situation Room, Barak Obama issued a statement clarifying his stand on homosexuality and gay-marriage saying:

"I'm not sure that the story got out there properly. I mean, what happened was I was leaving a firefighters' union meeting and trying to get in my car and did not respond to a reporter's query at that point. I wasn't responding to reporters period because I was trying to make a vote. Subsequently I made it very clear. I don't think that gays and lesbians are any more moral or immoral than heterosexuals and that I think it is very important for us to reexamine the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy because it's costing us millions of dollars in replacing troops that by all accounts are actually doing a good job but are simply being kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation."

He went on to say:

"Well, I think that 'marriage' has a religious connotation in this society, in our culture, that makes it very difficult to disentangle from the civil aspects of marriage. And as a consequence it's almost -- it would be extraordinarily difficult and distracting to try to build a consensus around marriage for gays and lesbians. What we can do is form civil unions that provide all the civil rights that marriage entails to same sex couples. And that is something that I have consistently been in favor of. And I think that the vast majority of Americans don't want to see gay and lesbian couples discriminated against, when it comes to hospital visitations and so on."

Obama had been criticized after issuing a non-committal reply when asked his opinion of General Peter Pace's statement that he felt homosexuality was "Immoral".

ALLEGED HATE CRIME: HOAX? OR SHODDY POLICE WORK?

Detroit police now say that Andrew Anthos, widely reported victim of a gay bashing, may not have been the victim of a hate crime after all.

According to the Detroit News, Wayne County Medical Examiner Dr. Carl Schmidt says Anthos death can be attributed to natural causes, primarily (and somewhat bizarrely) to an arthritic neck.

Family members however still stand by the claim that Anthos last words attested to his having been attacked after being asked if he was gay, and subsequently exiting the bus.

LESBIAN COUPLE DENIED DISCOUNT AT ROCHESTER ATHLETIC CLUB

The bad news: Amy and Sarah Monson were denied the family discount at the Rochester Community Club, the clubs stand on marriage being it must be one that is legally recognized.

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

Amy and Sarah Monson say they're a family and deserve the family membership offered at their local health club. The lesbian couple has been together for five years and is raising a daughter. Management at Rochester Athletic Club disagrees. Officials at the Rochester, Minn., facility say the family membership is reserved for legally wed couples. On Tuesday, the Monsons, with the backing of Minnesota's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocacy group, took their case to court. They allege the club is violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which bars discrimination based on sexual orientation. The Monsons and OutFront Minnesota say the case isn't pushing a same-sex marriage agenda. Instead, they argue, the case is about forcing a private business to follow the law. The family membership would save the couple about $500 a year. "From a financial standpoint, it's not a big indignity," said OutFront staff attorney Phil Duran. "For someone to stand behind a counter at a health club and say, sorry, your family doesn't exist, that's a pretty big indignity." Sarah Monson is a nurse, and Amy Monson is a schoolteacher. They had a commitment ceremony in 2002, own a home together and have an 11-year-old. Sarah Monson legally changed her name to cement the family bond. None of that convinced health club manager Greg Lappin or owner John D. Remick, according to a civil lawsuit filed Tuesday in Olmsted County. The Monsons contacted the Olmsted County Human Rights Commission, which tried to arrange mediation. The couple chose not to join the gym after efforts to obtain the family membership failed, Duran said. The suit alleges the experience upset the couple's daughter and caused the entire family anxiety, mental and emotional distress, humiliation and embarrassment. The Monsons declined to comment through their attorney. Management at the health club did not return a call Tuesday, but its Web site clearly states couple and family memberships are for those who are "legally married only." Duran said the Rochester Athletic Club is an anomaly. He said most other health clubs are flexible about family memberships.

Alas, there is good news.

According to the aforementioned Mr. Duran, most area health clubs, and many family-fun spots have a much more inclusive policy:

"They recognize families come in all shapes and sizes," Duran said. Spokespeople for Lifetime Fitness, the YMCA and the Science Museum of Minnesota said they choose not to define a family or couple when designing membership options. "The YMCA is all about family - however you define a family," said Bette Fenton, vice president of marketing communications for the YMCA in Minneapolis and St. Paul. "Our family membership is up to two adults and all dependents in the household. "The YMCA is all about inclusiveness. Our object is to build strong kids, strong communities and strong families however you define family. That's our mission." Jason Thunstrom, Lifetime director of corporate communications, said family and couples memberships are popular and open to all types of families. "We're not going to impose any definition on family or couple. That's up to a family or a couple to define," Thunstrom said. "We are not going to wade into that." Shannon Prather can be reached at sprather@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5452. GETTING THE FAMILY DISCOUNT Many Twin Cities businesses and facilities are flexible in granting discounts to families or members of the same household. A selection: YMCA of Minneapolis and St. Paul: Family members include up to two adults and all dependents in a household. Lifetime Fitness: Family and couple memberships are available to those living at the same residence who can provide proof of joint financial obligation such as a lease, bank account or mortgage. Science Museum of Minnesota: Family/household covers two adults and children or grandchildren under 18. Minnesota Zoo: Maximum of two adults residing at the same address and their dependent children under 18. Sam's Club: An Advantage Membership includes cards for two adult members of a household. They do not need to be related or married.

ARMY RECRUITER SPEWS RACIST AND HOMOPHOBIC REMARKS

In a move that will no doubt make her Parents very proud, Army Recruiter Sgt. Marcia Ramode sent an email that managed to verbally-bash both the gays and African Americans in one fell swoop.

Ramode sent the email after learning that Corey Andrew, who she had approached via Careerbuilder.com, was gay.

According to Pamshouseblend, Ramode's email stated:

"GO BACK TO AFRICA AND DO YOUR GAY VOODOO LIMBO TANGO AND WANGO DANCE AND JUMP AROUND AND PRANCE AND RUN ALL OVER THE PLACE HALF NAKED THERE."

PAWLENTY THREATENS TO VETO GAY-BENEFITS BILL

This will come as no surprise to my fellow Minnesotans: our Governor elect , Tim Pawlenty states definitively that he will veto a bill that contains legislation that would allow for same-sex health insurance benefits.

According to 365gay.com:

(St. Paul, Minnesota) Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is threatening to veto legislation allowing the same-sex partners of state workers to buy into the state health insurance plan. The Senate voted on Saturday to approve the benefits as part of the state budget. The bill must still be approved by the House. "Including this in the bill puts us squarely in the mainstream of Minnesota business," Sen. Sandy Pappas (DFL) told the Associated Press.
"Literally dozens of our major companies and employers offer domestic partnership health benefits to their employees. It really is a case of fairness, and of recruiting and retaining the best workforce possible." Originally the measure would have provided same-sex couples with the same access to health benefits as married couples. After Pawlenty complained it would cost too much the legislation was amended to allow the partners of state workers to buy the insurance. Still it will save same-sex couples money said OutFront Minnesota. But opponents of the measure say it comes too close to recognizing same-sex marriage and Republicans tried without success to strip it from the state finance bill. Pawlenty spokesperson Brian McClung, said the governor will reject the bill if it passes the House, even if that means vetoing the entire state budget.

TWO COLLEGE STUDENTS ATTACK GAY COUPLE

Two 21 year old University of Colorado students, Eric Schorling and Adam Perez (pictured above), are accused of verbally assaulting two gay men, 19 and 21, then physically engaging one of them.

According to the Rocky Mountain News:

"The suspects are accused of making derogatory remarks to a gay couple who were walking in front of them. The 21-year-old victim was walking with his arm around a 19-year-old man near 10th and Pearl streets around 12:30 a.m. Sunday. There was a brief verbal exchange before Schorling, Perez and the victim began fighting, police said. The victim was able to punch one of his attackers and free himself shortly before police arrived. The victim's name was not released."

CROONER MIKA GETS DEATH-THREATS FOR SEXUAL AMIBIGUITY

Britain's latest pop-import Mika says he has been getting death threats due to his refusal to declare his sexuality.

He told The Evening Standard:

"I get hate messages all the time, a death threat. It was over whether I am gay or not. He wasn't happy that I won't talk about my personal life like that. Sometimes I think that I have made it, other times it is a bit worrying...I never talk about anything to do with my sexuality, I don't think I need to. People ask me all the time. In order to survive I've shut up different parts of my life, and that's one of them, especially this early in my career, I don't really feel that it's necessary to know in terms of my music. Some people make records that are defined by their sexuality, but mine really are not. It does play a lot with campness. It has a theatricality to it. Why not? It's pop music. If you're 14-years-old and you're gay, well, just do whatever you want. I'm not confused and I don't have any barriers about the way I live my life. That's why I don't want to put it under the microscope."

POLISH TEACHERS ACCUSED OF 'PROMOTING HOMOSEXUALITY' WILL LOSE JOBS

According to Australia's Herald Sun, under a new law expected to take effect next month, any teacher in Poland accused of 'promoting homosexuality' will be terminated from their teaching positions.

The Herald Sun reports:

POLISH teachers who "promote homosexuality" will lose their jobs under a draft law expected to be passed within a month, a deputy education minister said overnight, angering human rights groups. But Miroslaw Orzechowski, a member of the nationalist League of Polish Families party, a partner in the conservative-led coalition government which has often railed against gay rights, said the law was not aimed against gay teachers. "We will finish a law which will introduce a ban on promoting homosexuality in schools within a month," Mr Orzechowski said. "A person who promotes this and other deviations will be punished," he said. Mr Orzechowski said it was not clear yet what penalty such a person would face but suggested it could be a fine or restrictive probation.

TWO MEN ACCUSED OF STABBING GAY MAN TO DEATH

Last week, Joseph Beardon 21, and William David Brown Jr. 20 (pictured above), were accused of stabbing Ryan Keith Skipper more than 20 times. They are being charged with first degree murder as well as armed robbery.

According to News4Jax.com:
The body of the 25-year-old Winter Haven man was found on a rural road in Wahneta early Wednesday morning, said Polk County Sheriff's spokeswoman Donna Wood. He had been stabbed about 20 times, she said. A witness came forward and said Skipper was killed because he made an advance toward Brown, Wood said. Authorities are treating the killing as a hate crime, according to a sheriff's office statement. Skipper was driving around Wahneta on Tuesday and offered Bearden a ride around midnight, the statement said. The two went back to Skipper's house, where they smoked marijuana and discussed using Skipper's computer to copy checks, the report said. The two left Skipper's house and went to another home where they met Brown and they all left in Skipper's car, officials said. Once at the remote location, Brown and Bearden allegedly attacked Skipper in his own vehicle, stabbing him and leaving him along the roadside, Wood said. The suspects allegedly attempted to clean the bloody vehicle and later drove Skipper's car around and bragged to friends, Wood said. Skipper's car was later found abandoned on a dock near Lake Pansy in Winter Haven and Brown's fingerprints were found inside, she said.

MCCAIN UNCLEAR AS TO CONDOMS ABILITY TO PREVENT HIV

According to the New York Times, when asked about his stand on condoms, and their ability to prevent HIV, John McCain seemed a bit at sea, and was quoted saying:

Q: “So no contraception, no counseling on contraception. Just abstinence. Do you think contraceptives help stop the spread of HIV?”

Mr. McCain: (Long pause) “You’ve stumped me.”

Q: “I mean, I think you’d probably agree it probably does help stop it?”

Mr. McCain: (Laughs) “Are we on the Straight Talk express? I’m not informed enough on it. Let me find out. You know, I’m sure I’ve taken a position on it on the past. I have to find out what my position was. Brian, would you find out what my position is on contraception – I’m sure I’m opposed to government spending on it, I’m sure I support the president’s policies on it.”

Q: “But you would agree that condoms do stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Would you say: ‘No, we’re not going to distribute them,’ knowing that?”

Mr. McCain: (Twelve-second pause) “Get me Coburn’s thing, ask Weaver to get me Coburn’s paper that he just gave me in the last couple of days. I’ve never gotten into these issues before.”

CYBILL SHEPHERD ON GAY RIGHTS AND EMBRACING HER LESBIAN-SIDE OFFSCREEN

Longtime GLBT activist and homo-favorite Cybill Shepherd (pictured above-right with L-Word co-stars) discussed her support of gay marriage, the repeal of 'Don't ask, don't tell' and the possibility of her joining the sapphic-sorority.

When asked by MetroWeekly about the likelihood of her joining the Lesbian-League, Shepherd said:

MW: You have been quoted as saying that you had wondered about lesbianism at various times during your life. ''I wanted to be open to the possibility of having a woman as a lover. I am not actively pursuing it but it is not over yet,'' is how the quote reads.

SHEPHERD: It's not over til it's over.

MW: Well, if the opportunity arose, do you honestly think you would be open to it?

SHEPHERD: Yes, I do. I don't know how you describe me then. I think there are some things I could say that are not politically correct, but I have to say that it definitely would be a possibility, depending on the person.

When asked about the abolition of 'Don't ask...' and Gay Marriage, the Fietsy-Fem goes on to say:

SHEPHERD: Well, obviously, repeal ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'' I feel that it's very important as well to give gays and lesbians the right to marry and have full rights under the law. They all kind of go together, don't they? We need to acknowledge and root out this bias, this poison in our society. Somebody said to me the other day that with knowledge, you don't fear. When you're less ignorant, you fear less. As much as we like to think there's been a lot of progress -- and there has been, obviously -- they're still trying to put it in the Constitution that gays and lesbians can't marry.

CALHOUN SQUARE FOR SALE !

STOP THE PRESSES! (I've always wanted to say that!), this just in (that too): Minneapolis landmark, Uptown favorite, hipster hangout, and my current place of employment, Calhoun Square has been put up for sale. This after many business have left (including anchor Border's Books) in preparation for the planned development and demolition of much of the complex.

According to Susan Feyder of the Minneapolis Star and Tribune :

Principal Real Estate Investors of Des Moines, the majority owner, said Monday it has hired the Twin Cities office of CB Richard Ellis to market the property. Representatives of CB Richard Ellis and Eden Prairie-based Solomon Real Estate Group, a minority owner, were unavailable for comment.

A spokeswoman for Principal declined to comment on why the firm decided to sell the 150,000-square-foot complex, which is in the heart of Minneapolis' Uptown neighborhood at the intersection of W. Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue S.

Principal and Solomon paid about $29 million for the property in 2004 and invested an additional $15 million to acquire some adjacent properties. Last year, they announced plans for a $75 million redevelopment that included the addition of more than 100 condominiums.

But the housing slump led the owners to put those plans on hold. The complex has lost some tenants who became frustrated with the delays and uncertain over whether they would still have space in the complex when the redevelopment was complete. Departing tenants included Borders, which operated there for more than a dozen years.

Principal declined Monday to disclose the complexes current occupancy level.

Richard Grones, founder of Cambridge Commercial Realty in Edina, said the center could benefit from a new set of owners with a fresh perspective.

"The top priority should be to get a major anchor," he said. "Having just a bunch of small shops is not enough."

Suffice is to say that the aforementioned Calhoun Square development has been put on indefinite hold. More details as they come.

VERDICT EXPECTED IN THE CASE OF THE PARKER-POKER

No, I'm not writing about this story just so I can use the phrase "Parker-Poker", though it was a great incentive (and I'm still trying to figure out how I can work in Parker Posey)

Anyhoo, I'll try and not make light of this unsettling (and for many, titillating) story.

Wrestler Jerome Hunt was accused, and put on trial for forcibly poking his fellow Parker High School wrestler's in the anus with his finger. (Sigh)

The incidents took place before, during and after wrestling matches, and often involved friends of Hunts holding down the victim to facilitate the aforementioned 'poking'.

And while I'm aware of the seriousness of such a violation, and feel that if indeed Hunt is guilty he should be punished, I cant help but suppress a giggle when I consider how his prolific-poking may make Hunt a very popular fellow in deed behind bars.

Oh yeah, and Parker Posey was unavailable for comment.

GLBT THEATER EVENT: "WHAT REMAINS"

Hey fellow Theater geeks, the Sandbox Theatre presents What Remains, playing Thursday's to Sunday's now through March 23rd at the Red Eye Theater, 14W. 15th Street, here in zesty Minneapolis.

What Remains tells the gripping story of a Mother's encounter with the lover of her dead son.

You can check out their website, or call (612) 220-3194 for information and tickets.

GARRISON KEILLOR DISAPPROVES OF GLBT FAMILIES AND FEY-GAYS

So sorry fellow Minnesota's, prairie land-sweetheart Garrison Keillor disapproves of both flamboyant gays, and GLBT families.

In a recent Salon interview he states:
"The country has come to accept stereotypical gay men - sardonic fellows with fussy hair who live in over-decorated apartments with a striped sofa and a small weird dog and who worship campy performers and go in for flamboyance now and then themselves. If they want to be accepted as couples and daddies, however, the flamboyance may have to be brought under control. Parents are supposed to stand in back and not wear chartreuse pants and black polka-dot shirts. That's for the kids. It's their show."

Charming.

CLINTON AND OBAMA CLARIFY STAND ON HOMOSEXUALITY

Hilary Clinton and Barak Obama issued statements today, declaring they felt homosexuality was not immoral, following a stern talking to by the Human Rights Commission.

According to Americablog:

"HRC reportedly told both campaigns that they were not happy, and that the campaigns' various and ever-changing answers to the question were evasive and unacceptable, and that both needed to issue forceful and unequivocal statements saying that they don't think homosexuality is immoral."

The HRC took issue with Clinton and Obama for their non-committal response to inquiries as to whether they agreed with General Pace when he declared homosexuality as immoral.

PICTURE OF THE DAY: JOHNNY DEPP

TWO GAY MEN ATTEMP SUICIDE WITH CIRCULAR SAW

If you're squeamish, or are easily disturbed, or heebie-jeebied, stop reading now.

Ok, I warned you.

Two Atlanta men tried to commit suicide after learning they had HIV, by cutting off their arms with a circular saw.

According to Queerty.com:

Two Atlanta men survived an attempt to kill themselves Friday by cutting off their arms with a circular saw, according to Atlanta Police Major Lane Hagin.
...
The two men — ages 40 and 41 — left a suicide note with the manager of their Atlanta apartment building saying they were committing suicide because their business had failed and they were recently diagnosed with HIV, Hagin said.

After reading the note, the manager called police who found the two men in their apartment with “a lot of blood,” the major said.

JOHN MCCAIN SUPPORTS "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL"

During a NYC forum last week, Former presidential hopeful, John McCain came out in support of the military's current "don't ask, don't tell" policy saying:

"I recently had a conversation with some other military leaders on this issue and their point to me was ‘It’s working, so leave it alone. Generally, overall, it’s working.’ I don’t think there’s any doubt that there are evolving attitudes in America about many issues, including this one, but every military leader that I talk to, I say ‘Should we change it?’ They say, ‘It’s working.’ And right now we’ve got the best military we’ve ever had - the most professional, best trained, equipped and the bravest. And so I think it’s logical to leave this issue alone. I really do."

FORMER AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT ACCUSED OF SAME-SEX HARASSMENT

Former American Idol contestant, Mario Vazquez is now being accused of sexual harassment by Magdaleno Olmo, an American Idol employee.

Olmo says he was accosted in a men's room by Vasquez, who brandished his penis, and began touching Olmo, attempting to back him into a bathroom stall.

Olmo goes on the further say it was these charges, made at the time of the incident, that were the real reason fan-favorite Vasquez abruptly left Idol.

Accoring to E-Online:

"...Vazquez will probably be most remembered for voluntarily dropping out of the competition, citing "family reasons" at the time but setting off rumors that he didn't want to be bound by the usual recording contract that Idol offers its winners (and runners-up, and third-place finishers…).

According to Olmos' lawsuit, however, Vazquez withdrew after the assistant production accountant discussed his harassment allegations with executives and attorneys for American Idol Productions and the other defendants, including FremantleMedia North America, Fox Entertainment Group and Fox Broadcasting Co., all listed in the suit as co-owners of the show."

JOINT CHIEF'S OF STAFF CHAIRMAN CALLS HOMOSEXUALITY 'IMMORAL"

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, General Peter Pace - chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff referred to homosexuality as 'Immoral' saying:

"I believe homosexual acts between two individuals are immoral and that we [the military] should not condone immoral acts... I do not believe the United States is well served by a policy that says it is OK to be immoral in any way."

He continues:

"As an individual, I would not want [acceptance of gay behavior] to be our policy, just like I would not want it to be our policy that if we were to find out that so-and-so was sleeping with somebody else's wife, that we would just look the other way, which we do not. We prosecute that kind of immoral behavior."

PICTURE OF THE DAY: JARED LETO as JOHN HINKLEY Jr.

Here is artistic dedication at it's most extreme.

Above are photos of Queer-Favorite Jared Leto before and after packing on the pounds to portray attempted assassin and Jodi Foster admirer John Hinkley Jr.

BUZZ-WORTHY: JANE PLANK

Here is a bit about local musical artist Jane Plank. Her next performance is March 17th at the 318 Cafe. You can read more about her, as well as hear some of her music on her Myspace.com page.

COULTER HIT WITH SHRAPNEL AFTER DETONATING F-BOMB

According to Media Matters, Anne Coulter has now lost 5 newspapers as a direct result of her referring to John Edwards as a "Faggot".

This following charges of plagerism lodged against Coulter for her book Godless: The Church of Liberalism by the New York Post in July of 2006.

GAY STAR OF BRIT-HIT "ARE YOU BEING SERVED" DIES

John Inman, one of the stars of the classic British comedy Are You Being Served, died March 9th at the age of 71 in a London hospital after a long battle with Hepatitis.

Inman was loved by the British TV watching public, but was often criticized by the gay community for his portrayal of the flamboyant Mr. Humphries.

He is survived by his companion of 35 years, Ron Lynch, whom he married during a civil partnership ceremony in 2005.

EX-MILITARY RIGHT-WING DARLING EXPOSED AS GAY PORN ACTOR

Conservative hero Matt Sanchez was just revealed to be a former gay-porn actor.

Sanchez starred in such classics as Jawbreaker and Glory-Holes of Fame 3 and has most recently been making the media rounds relating his recent clash with the Liberal Columbia University students who took issue with his military background.

Despite photographic proof, Sanchez denies he's gay, brushing off rumors with his Lady-lovin' stats.

HOMPHOBIC PASTOR ACQUITTED OF "GAY ACT OF LEWDNESS"

Homophobic Pastor Lonie Latham was acquitted of soliciting an undercover cop for sex.

Latham is known for his condemnation of gays, and gay marriage, and has long been a supporter of gay-deprogramming, stating:

"if they accept Jesus Christ as their savior and reject their 'sinful, destructive lifestyle.'"

Well, Latham had better partake of his own advice and line up for some hefty de-gaying. The truth is Latham wasn't cleared of requesting sex from another man, instead, his crafty lawyer argued successfully that just asking for amour from another man wasn't illegal since it didn't involved any exchange of funds.

Too bad hypocrisy isn't a crime.

MORE FALLOUT FOR SLUR-SPEWING GREY'S ANATOMY STAR

More bad news for Isaiah Washington following his use of a homophobic-slur on his newly 'out' co-star.

It's reported the Grey's Anatomy star lost all his footing during recent contract re-negotiations as a result of the bad publicity the incident brought both to himself and his top-rated TV show, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars for the actor.

And in today's 'pinch me I must be dreaming' news, the NAACP just bestowed a best actor Image Award to Washington.

ANN COULTER'S CRY FOR ATTENTION BACK-FIRES

We all know that in a transparent bid for publicity, Ann Coulter dropped the 'F-Bomb' on John Edwards during a Conservative Political Action Conference saying:

"It turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word "faggot," so I'm kind of at an impasse - I can't really talk about Edwards,"

What Coulter may not have anticipated is how Edwards is utilizing it as a way of raising campaign funds, and strengthening his bid for the presidency.

GEORGE MICHAEL LAMENTS POT USE

British pop-music icon George Michael told London's Daily Mirror that his use of marijuana to enhance his creativity, also made him 'self content and lazy', and may have inhibited his career.

JOHN EDWARDS Supports abolishing "Don't Ask Don't Tell"