JULY

The North Shore welcomes Pride

Hundreds of marchers, thousands of participants and nearly 30 groups made the Inaugural North Shore Pride Parade and Festival in Salem a success. WCVB, Channel 5 news anchor Randy Price was named Parade Marshal and led the parade from Riley Plaza to the Salem Commons, where Mix 104.7’s Fast Freddie introduced a day of entertainment. The Hawthorne Hotel hosted an evening party. Salem city councilor Joan Lovely, running for state senate, and incumbent U.S. Congressman John Tierney (D-Salem) and his opponent Richard Tisei (R-Wakefield) marched in the parade

Congressional Leadership seeks Supreme Court review of GLAD’s DOMA case

Gill Case could be decided in 2012-2013 SCOTUS term. Congressional leadership in the form of the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) filed a petition for certiorari in the case Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, a challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The petition is in response to a unanimous May 31st ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit that Section 3 of DOMA is unconstitutional with respect to claims brought by seven married same-sex couples and three widowers from Massachusetts. Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) represents the plaintiffs.

Queer internet radio show celebrates first anniversary

Three Strange Women heard on UNregular Radio. Three Strange Women is a 100% uncensored LGBT radio show hosted, produced, & created by Jackie Soriano. We are UNregular Radio’s (www.unregularradio.com) premier LGBT/Queer program, and are cur- rently the only on air content geared specifically towards the community. We can be heard every Monday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on UNregular Radio’s uncensored stream. Each week, Jackie and the strange ladies (Jeska and Georgina) discuss current issues and happenings in the community, and are often joined by other LGBT activists and/or a revolving cast of UNregular’s from around the studio.

Massachusetts first, again

Rep. Barney Frank marries longtime partner. U.S. Rep. Barney Frank has tied the knot with his longtime partner in a ceremony officiated by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Frank becomes the first active member of the U.S. Congress to marry a spouse of the same gender. Frank spokesman Harry Gural says the 72-year-old congressman married 42-year-old Jim Ready in a Saturday evening wedding at the Boston Mar- riott hotel in Newton. Gural says more than 300 friends, family and colleagues attended.

According to The New York Times, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi “stayed late — and swayed on the dance floor to It’s Raining Men.”


Judge denies motion to stop proceedings in DOMA case

‘Harm which would befall the Plaintiffs if a stay were to be entered is significant’. On July 4, Judge Vanessa L. Bryant of the U.S. District Court of Connecticut, denied the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group’s (BLAG) motion to stay the proceedings in Pedersen v. Office of Personnel Management, the challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) now pending in federal court in the District of Connecticut. Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), which is representing the plaintiffs, strongly opposed the motion for a stay.


Chick-fil-A president takes stand against marriage equality

Gay rights advocates were surprised last week that the president of fast-food chain Chick-fil-A has taken a public position against same-sex marriage. Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy said this week that his pri-ately owned company is “guilty as charged” in support of what he called the biblical definition of the family unit. The Atlanta-based chain opened its first location in a Georgia mall in 1967 and grown to more than 1,615 restaurants in 39 states and Washington, D.C., with annual sales over $4.1 billion, according to its website.

“We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that,” Cathy told the Baptist Press, the news agency of the Southern Baptist Convention. His comments to the Bap- tist Press, the news agency of the Southern Baptist Convention, unleashed a mix of criticism and support. “He’s taking a bold stand,”said Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council, which is based in Washington, D.C. “Chick- fil-A is a bible-based, Christian- based business who treats their employees well. They have been at- tacked in the past about their stand. But they refuse to budge on this matter, and I commend them for what they are doing.”

Mayor Menino writes to Dan Cathy

There is no place for discrimination on Boston’s Freedom Trail and no place for your company alongside it.

Mr. Dan Cathy, President Chick-fil-A 5200 Buffington Road Atlanta, GA 30349

To Mr. Cathy:

In recent days you said Chick-fil- A opposes same-sex marriage and said the generation that supports it has an “arrogant attitude.”

Now - incredibly - your company says you are backing out of the same- sex marriage debate. I urge you to back out of your plans to locate in
Boston. You called supporters of gay marriage “prideful”. Here in Boston, to borrow your own words, we are “guilty as charged.” We are indeed full of pride for our support of same sex marriage and our Work to expand freedom to all people.

Dan Cathy finally comes out—as anti-gay

First, Mayor Tom Menino told the Boston Herald that “You can’t have a business in the city of Boston that discriminates against a population.” Chick-Fil-A is looking at the Purple Shamrock space near Faneuil Hall, right along the Free- dom Trail. Next, The Jim Henson Company announced they will no longer partner with Chick-Fil-A. After this summer’s partnership ends, you won’t be able to get Henson toys with your kids meal. But remember the fine activists who started it all. The students at Northeastern University.

AUGUST

SJC: Civil Unions equivalent to marriage

In an important unanimous decision issued today, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled for the first time that a civil union must be treated as equivalent to marriage. The ruling came in the case Elia- Warnken v. Elia. Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) represented Richard Elia, who obtained a license to marry Todd Warnken in October 2005. Mr. Elia did not know at the time that Mr. Warnken was in a civil union with another person, which they had entered into in Vermont in April 2003. Mr. Warnken and Mr. Elia lived together as spouses until December 2008, and Mr. Warnken filed for divorce in April 2009. Upon learning that Mr. Warnken had never dissolved his pre-existing civil union, Mr. Elia filed a motion to dismiss the divorce complaint, arguing that because of the civil union their marriage was never valid and therefore there was nothing to dissolve.

GLAD lawsuit results in another DOMA strike down

A U.S. District Court Judge ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional as a violation of equal protection guarantees. Her ruling comes with respect to claims brought by six married same-sex couples and one widower from the states of Con-necticut, New Hampshire and Vermont who were denied federal tax, social security, pension and family medical leave protections only because they are (or were) married to someone of the same sex.

Boston Foundation pledges $250,000 to jumpstart giving by region’s first permanent LGBTQ fund Community-advised Equality Fund will make first grants in 2013

The Boston Foundation, Greater Boston’s community foundation, announced today it is contributing $250,000 over the next five years to accelerate the grantmaking for the Equality Fund, a permanent, committee advised, Field of Interest Fund with a mission to provide ongoing support to advance the equitable treatment of Lesbian, Gay, Bi- Sexual, Transgender, and Queer people and their families in Greater Boston, and improve their quality of life over the long term.

Formation of the Equality Fund, a first of its kind in Greater Boston, was announced last month. The Fund will support local organizations that deliver services and provide support to the LGBTQ community. It is expected to begin making grants in early 2013.


GLAD Asks U.S. Supreme Court to hear Pedersen DOMA challenge

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) asked the Supreme Court to review Pedersen v. Office of Personnel Management, a lawsuit challenging Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibits federal recognition of the marriages of same-sex couples. GLAD is representing six married couples and a widower, from Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire, who have all been denied critical federal benefits because of DOMA.

Biden wows at P’Town fundraiser

On Sunday morning, August 26th, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill and their granddaughter, came to P’Town for a fundraiser.

SEPTEMBER

DNC for embraces  marriage equality and trans-inclusive ENDA
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) formally endorsed marriage equality for all Americans and called for repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. The party also endorsed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexu- al orientation and gender identity. MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini, Esq. issued the following statement in response: “As the first state to secure marriage equality for generations to come, we in Massachusetts are thrilled by the national Democratic Party’s decision to back full support for marriage equality for all Americans and its decision to call for repeal of the Defense of Mar-


Transgender activist Janet Mock keynotes HBGC’s LGBTQ Youth Empowerment Conference

Janet Mock, People.com Staff Editor and nationally-renown transgender activist, gave the keynote address at the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition’s 2012 LGBTQ Youth Empowerment Conference. The free conference educates and inspires LGBTQ youth of color under age 25 to use their ideas, knowledge and skills to create personal and social change.

Champion of gay rights, Bruce Bolling, Sr.

Bruce Bolling, Sr. of Roxbury, the patriarch of one of Boston’s most prominent political families died peacefully with his wife Joyce Ferriabough-Bolling and his son Bruce Bolling, Jr. at his bedside. An ardent advocate for civil rights and equality in the city of Boston, Bolling leaves a legacy of bridging ethnic and racial communities. He was 67 and lost his battle to prostate cancer.

Discrimination suit filed against Diocese of Worcester

Suit cites Church’s refusal to sell based on buyers’ sexual orientation. A gay couple sued a Roman Catholic diocese for allegedly refusing to sell them a mansion because church officials were concerned they would host gay weddings there. James Fairbanks, 59, and Alain Beret, 57, filed suit for loss of civil rights and dignity and for emotional distress.

The married couple from Sutton planned to buy Oakhurst, a former Catholic retreat center, and restore it as a place they could live and host a special events business.

Chick-fil-A fail -Does not live up to last week’s promises

The Human Rights Campaign is condemning Chick-fil-A for continuing to actively raise money for anti-LGBT organizations like the Marriage and Family Foundation. The Advocate is reporting that Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy tweeted a photo from an event raising funds for the anti-LGBT group on Tuesday—the very same day that news broke of the fast food chain’s apparent decision to no longer financially support groups that promote discrimination.

“Chick-fil-A can’t claim to be turning over a new leaf while simultaneously funneling thousands of dollars towards a group that does not acknowledge the dignity and respect of LGBT people,” said HRC Vice President of Communications Fred Sainz. “Chick-fil-A and the WinShape Foundation are at a turning point and face a fundamental question: will they continue actively using customer dollars to support groups that demonize LGBT people, or will they once and for all act like a responsible business and stop supporting discrimination?

OCTOBER

For People, Not For Profit - A History of Fenway Health’s First Forty Years

Author Thomas Martorelli chronicles the history and success of Boston’s Fenway Health.

GLAD & MTPC react to Kosilek decision

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) reacted with disappointment today to the Commonwealth’s announcement that it will appeal the district court decision which established that gender reassignment surgery is necessary medical care for prisoner Michelle Kosilek.

Gunner Scott, Executive Director of MTPC said, “We are very disappointed that the Commonwealth has decided to go in this direction. Care that is medica

Paul V. mixes a movement

Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay hits bookstores this week. You may know North Quincy’s Paul Vitagliano as Paul V., DJ extron- diare from the 1980’s, where he filled dance floors at Celebration, Spinoff (yes, Boston had a roller-rink on Lansdowne Street), Man Ray, Spit, and Axis. Paul V. also interned at the late WBCN, and worked on-air at WFNX, where he named the groundbreaking LGBT talk radio show One in Ten.
He headed to the West Coast where he’s been busy working his magic. Add author to his resume as he released a wonderful collection of photos and essays about growing up gay.

30th Annual World Conference of InterPride

The Boston Pride Committee hosted the 30th Annual World Conference of InterPride at the Boston Sheraton Hotel. Governor Deval Patrick welcomed 221 delegates representing over 80 pride organizations from all over the world to Massachusetts, and was the first Governor to ever attend an International Pride Conference. Throughout the five day conference, delegates attended 54 workshops regarding best practices for Pride celebrations, participated in many networking and social events and got to experience the city of Boston.

Maine votes Nov. 6 on marriage equality

Portland council joins Bangor— endorses gay marriage proposal. Portland joins Bangor, whose council already went on record in support of the proposal to allow same-sex couples to receive a marriage license. Portland’s resolution was introduced by Councilor Nick Mavodones.The resolution says that in addition to allowing same-sex couples to receive a marriage license, Question 1 also protects religious freedom.

NY appeals court nixes Defense of Marriage Act

Saying the gay population has “suffered a history of discrimination,” a divided federal appeals court in Manhattan ruled last Thursday, October 18, that a federal law defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman was unconstitutional, adding fuel to an issue expected to reach the U.S. Supreme Court soon.

NOVEMBER

Gay man sues domestic violence program

After being denied access to facial reconstructive surgery by the R.O.S.E. Fund, a free service routinely afforded to female victims of domestic violence, a gay male victim of domestic violence (whose name is being withheld to protect his privacy) filed suit with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). The complainant is not seeking monetary damages, only that he be provided the requested facial reconstructive surgery and that the R.O.S.E. Fund change its policy and stop discriminating in the provision of services on the basis of an applicant’s sex. On July 10, 2012, MCAD issued a finding of Probable Cause against the R.O.S.E. Fund. The case moves to Conciliation in January.


EQUALITY LANDSLIDE

Landslide Victories for LGBT Equality Up and Down the Ballot

From marriage campaigns to re-electing President Obama and other priorities, LGBT Americans were the big winners on election night.

• President Barack Obama becomes the first sitting president for marriage equality
• Elizabeth Warren beats Senator Scott Brown. Warren wins with LGBT support.
• Wisconsin Rep. Tammy Baldwin becomes first lesbian US Senator.
• Rhode Island’s David Cicilline wins. Now Congressman for the 1st Congressional District.
• Victories for marriage equality in Maine, Maryland and Washington state.
• Amendment to ban marriage is defeated in Minnesota.

Provincetown settles with Barry Scott over police brutality claim

Just days before Federal civil rights trial was to begin. Via email, Barry Scott Turkowitz and his partner Bryan Richardson informed supporters that their five-year court battle with the Provincetown Police Department had come to a close: “Late Friday, Provincetown, MA paid us off. They decided a 2 week civil trial in Federal Court would reveal too much about town management & police behavior. In pre-trial hearkngs, our Judge ruled against every one of the town’s requests—leaving them scared and vulnerable and we felt strong with the truth yet again. We’re both celebrating a rare victory!”

DECEMBER

Maine gay marriage law effective Dec. 29

Maine’s voter-approved same-sex marriage law is going into effect on Dec. 29, and there’s a possibility that some marriage licenses can be issued even though the date falls on a Saturday. The state’s largest city is reviewing whether it can keep special hours to ensure couples can get licenses on the day the law goes into effect. There’s no waiting period in Maine, so marriages could take place immediately after the license is issued.goes into effect 30 days from that date.

U.S. Supreme Court to hear DOMA challenge

Supreme Court announced that it will hear arguments in United States v. Windsor which challenges the constitutionality of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The Court also granted a hearing to Hollingsworth v. Perry, the challenge to California’s Proposition 8. Court  arguments are likely to take place in March 2013.

New book looks at history of gay press, role in LGBT progress

Bay Windows featured in Gay Press, Gay Power. As gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans- gender (LGBT) individuals became more visible in the 1950s and 1960s, the mainstream media perpetuated the attitude that they were mentally ill and morally depraved queers, freaks, degenerates, perverts, misfits, and even threats to national security. In many cities, the police raided gay bars, harassing and arresting patrons. Community-based gay newsletters and newspapers emerged to counteract the distorted view of non-heterosexuals and to support the rising gay-rights movement. They addressed gay issues, formed a sense of unity, announced demonstrations, and tracked the progress of legal and political action.
Gay Press, Gay Power: The Growth of LGBT Community Newspapers in America, edited and co-written by Tracy Baim, publisher of Chicago’s gay publication Windy City Times, is a comprehensive overview of the past, present, and future of gay print media. Baim uses essays, interviews, and hundreds of news clips and images from both mainstream and early gay publications to describe the critical role of the gay press.