The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division is  a queer bookstore and event space in New York City that aims "to foster a community invested in the values of mindfulness, intellectual curiosity, justice, compassion, and playfulness." The Bureau wants "to excite and educate a self-confident, sex-positive, and supportive queer community" in NYC by offering books, publications, and art; and by hosting events, including reading groups, authors' talks, and performances. They seek to provide an open and inclusive space for dialogue and socializing in Manhattan.

There are only a few days left in the campaign to raise funds for a permanent home for the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division. The Bureau opened its doors on November 15 at the Strange Loop Gallery in Manhattan, where the Bureau will be hosted until January 2013. They are now seeking donations to enable them to continue serving the queer community. They have raised over 20% of their goal of $15,000. Help them reach their goal before the end of their all-or-nothing campaign in just 8 days!

The Bureau has hosted many events since it opened, including contributors to the I'm from Driftwood project (which collects and distributes LGBT stories of growing up), contributors to the queer online zine In the Flesh, Visual AIDS and James Wentzy, and Sarah Schulman, who read from her new book Israel/Palestine and the Queer International. On December 12, they will host the opening reception of Electric Eclectic Beauties of the Glorious Nightlife, presented by Strange Loop Gallery and Shane Shane. On December 13, Christopher Bram will read from his latest book, Eminent Outlaws: The Gay Writers Who Changed America. On December 15, the Bureau will host Dr. B, Serge Nicholson, and Tom O'Tottenham of There Is No Word for It, the UK theater project and book (a Bureau exclusive in NYC) of monologues by and about transgender men. Click here for the most up-to-date schedule of BGSQD events. 

The Bureau also has selected books, zines, and art works that make excellent holiday gifts.

If you value this project, help BGSQD raise enough money to secure a permanent retail space on the Lower East Side by donating now.
 
The Bureau offers several rewards if you choose to donate. Read more about the campaign and view the full list of rewards available on BGSQD's Lucky Ant page.

Learn more about the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division on their website.

The first gay male couple to have their wedding featured in JET Magazine appeared on MSNBC Tuesday to speak to host Thomas Roberts about the “exhilarating experience.” Dr. Ravi Perry and Paris Prince, who wed in an August ceremony at their Massachusetts home, reflected on the substantial progress that has been made in the marriage equality movement over the past decade. "I think Darwin would be amazed at the evolution that's occurring now," Prince said. In the interview, Roberts also asks the couple about other topics, such as Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s recent comments concerning marriage equality, President Obama’s influence and changing stereotypes in the black community. See the video of the interview below:

GLAAD President Herndon Graddick recently commended JET for its inclusion of the couple, saying “This is yet another opportunity to applaud JET Magazine for continuing to highlight the diversity of the African-American community and to urge other media outlets to recognize that it’s these stories that help grow acceptance of our community and give a voice to LGBT people of color who are too often invisible in the media.” Coverage of their wedding announcement also spread to NPR, the Grio, and the Dallas Voice.

Tonight catch all new episodes of Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and the Glee holiday special.

What to Watch: Thursday, December 13

9:00pm: Grey's Anatomy, ABC (1 hr) NEW

Callie and Jackson try to convince Derek to have a risky surgery to repair his hand. Meanwhile, Richard helps Bailey through her pre-wedding nerves and Lizzie and Meredith clash.

9:00pm: Glee, Fox (1 hr) NEW

Kurt has a Christmas he will never forgot in New York when he gets a visit from two surprise guests. Meanwhile, Jake and Puck spend some family time together for Hanukah, Sam and Brittany decide to live life to the fullest before the Mayan Apocalypse and Artie's holiday dream forces him to change his outlook on life. Check out this behind the scenes preview with clips filmed by Darren Criss (Blaine).

10:00pm: Scandal, ABC (1 hr) NEW

Cyrus stumbles across the truth about James' secret investigation. Meanwhile, Olivia helps Vice President Sally Langston and one of Olivia's associates tries to cope with a personal betrayal. Watch a sneak peek below.

This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen, The Talk (CBS) and The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and Sonny.

____________________________________________________

About TV Gayed

Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!

About GLAAD
GLAAD amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad, www.twitter.com/glaad and www.glaad.tumblr.com.

Editor's note: If you have any information about Sage Smith's whereabouts to please contact the Charlottesville Police Department at 434-977-4000.

Today is Sage Smith's 20th birthday. But instead of spending this very special occasion surrounded by her friends and loved ones, the Charlottesville, Virginia trans teen is still missing and there remains no lead on her whereabouts. 

First reported missing on Thanksgiving, Sage Smith was reportedly last with Erik McFadden, two days prior. Police questioned McFadden about Sage's absence but let him go citing insufficient reasons to hold him. McFadden has since gone missing, presumably leaving Virginia.

In an interview with The Hook, Smith's grandmother commented on the horror of losing the oldest of her 14 grandchildren, saying:

"I'm so lost," says 53-year-old Lolita Smith, sitting and crying in the living room of the duplex she inhabits on Orangedale Avenue. Known to friends and family as "Cookie," Smith describes a world come undone since Dashad's pre-Thanksgiving disappearance. The oldest of her 14 grandchildren, [Smith] has always had a special connection to the grandmother who raised [her] for about five years of his early childhood. She says [Smith] called her nearly every day. She describes Smith as a "a very caring person..always trying to help the underdog."

Despite conflicting reports, the police say Sage Smith was last seen around 6:30pm in the 500 block of West Main. However, other individuals say Smith was seen later in the evening and may have been dressed in women's clothing.  Kenneth Jackson, Sage's cousin, has been the most vocal member of the family calling for an improved police presence in the search.  

The same Hook article reports: "Jackson told City Manager Jones that family members would like the Charlottesville Police to obtain FBI and State Police assistance, conduct a citywide search, and ask property owners to search their land– as well as set up meetings between potential witnesses and the case's lead detective outside of an interrogation room." Jackson also told reporters:"There are people who may know things who aren't willing to go to the police station."

Local Advocates see the community's response to Sage Smith's abduction is reflective of a greater need for commission that works specifically on minority issues. Organizer Amy Sarah Marshall told C-ville.com:

“There’s a general dismissive attitude toward Sage’s disappearance,” said Amy Sarah Marshall, president of Cville Pride and organizer of the September Pride Festival. “We want to make sure this gets as much attention and value from the community as a whole as any other disappearance would.

Marshall said she wanted to see the city implement a human rights commission and develop better communication around issues affecting minority communities like hers.

“I’m not pointing a finger at any one organization or entity at all,” she said. “I think that this is a great opportunity for us as a community to look at how we can efficiently respond to someone missing.”

Charlottesville Police Chief Tim Longo sat quietly at last Monday night’s City Council meeting while residents spoke passionately about their missing friend and family member, even as some accused him of not doing enough because of Smith’s sexual orientation.

Longo said in an interview in his office a few days later. “I see this as a member of my community who is missing, and nobody knows why. Where we are in the process, we’re really not in a position to share. And that silence, which has meaning and purpose, can sometimes be perceived as disinterest and inaction. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

Coupled with the mounting frustration with the local police is the frustration with the media's perpetual silence on Sage's abduction. As I wrote in an op-ed for The Huffington Post last week:

To call the mainstream media's silence on Sage Smith's story deafening would be an understatement. Really, it's bigger. That someone's son or daughter, trans-identified or not, can go missing from their family for nearly 20 days and there be no national or even local outcry is more than enraging; it's terrifying.

Sadly enough, the media's shameful history of turning a blind eye to stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people of color is well known to those of us who are of these communities or who watch the media carefully. And sadly, very little attention is paid to the LGBTQ young people who make up as much as 40 percent of our country's homeless youth population.

The failure to show LGBTQ people of color as active and vital members of our communities and families perpetuates the dangerous stereotype that LGBTQ people of color are either nonexistent or that our identities are invalid. The media has failed to shine light on the targeted violence that trans women of color continue to endure. According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, 40 percent of anti-LGBT murder victims in 2011 were transgender women; there have been 11 reported murders of trans women in the U.S. this year alone. The media have also failed to contextualize that violence alongside the discrimination that trans women of color face as a result of racism, misogyny and transphobia, and most Americans are unaware of these severe disparities in access and opportunity. Were any of these things factors in Sage's disappearance? We don't know. But by ignoring her story, the media are further alienating an already marginalized community and identity. 

While that seems to be changing, we encourage any who knows anything about Sage Smith's whereabouts to please contact the Charlottesville Police Department at 434-977-4000.

If you live in Charlottesville, VA we encourage you to attend a  Balloon Release Ceremony in honor of Sage's birthday.  Happy Birthday Sage Smith. 

Nominees for the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards were announced this morning in Hollywood and several out actors and LGBT-inclusive series and characters are being recognized.

Out actor Jim Parsons was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical for his work on The Big Bang Theory. Out actress Sarah Paulson scored a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television for HBO’s Game Change. Paulson is joined in this category by Archie Panjabi who plays bisexual investigator Kalinda Sharma on CBS’ The Good Wife. Eric Stonestreet received a nod for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television for his role as Cameron Tucker on Modern Family.

LGBT-inclusive series Modern Family, Smash, Episodes and Girls all scored nominations for Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical. Modern Family won the category at last year’s Golden Globe Awards. Downton Abbey received a nod for Best Television Series - Drama and USA’s Political Animals was nominated for Best Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television.  On the film side, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.

The 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, will be broadcast live from Los Angeles’ legendary Beverly Hilton on NBC on Sunday, January 13 at 8:00pm EST/5:00pm PST.

The Facebook Stories application, which highlights the various experiences of the more than 500 million Facebook users around the world, featured an essay by Kai Bailey in which she recounts coming out as transgender to most of her friends with a Facebook post. Kai's essay, "Coming Out in a Single Click," recounts her experience on June 2, 2012, as she sat with her partner, Leigh, preparing to hit the "Share" button on a post composed of text and photos that would inform her friends that she is proud to be trans. 

Kai writes, "Leigh grabbed my hand, and together we clicked the mouse...The seconds that followed were adrenaline-soaked, and my eyes flicked to the notification bar to wait for some tiny binary token of acceptance from a friend. It came. Cracking a smile I said aloud, “Steve likes that I’m trans. That’s lovely.” Then came another, and another and thirty-some more. Boys, girls, best friends, coworkers, even ex-girlfriends (my "retroactively bisexual" friends) clicked like as that token of support. Soon I had opened up lines of dialogue with friends I hadn’t spoken to in ages. I finally shared my happiness openly as I realized the people in my life are so much cooler than I regularly give them credit for. The day continued like any other, but “it” was finally over: I was out to everyone, and didn’t have to hide any more."

After coming out, Kai became involved with the We Happy Trans project, which works to counter negative stereotypes by sharing positive stories of the many different transgender expereiences through user-created videos and other media. Kai contributed a video to the project, which you can view here. To read Kai's full essay on coming out, visit Facebook Stories here.

United Methodist minister and transgender advocate David Weekley was honored with the Northwest Gender Alliance’s inaugural “Man of the Year” award, in recognition of the outstanding contributions made to Portland’s transgender community by Trans-Masculine individuals.

Northwest Gender Alliance has been presenting “Woman of the Year” awards since the 1990’s, and this year added a “Man of the Year” award to their recognitions. Rev. Weekley has the additional honor of having the award named after him. The award will now be formally known as the “David Weekley Man of the Year” Award.

David Weekly came out as a transgender man in 2009. At the time, he had served his Portland congregation for 30 years.  Since then he has been a tireless advocate for LGBT inclusion in The United Methodist Church, using his own life as an example of what a faithful transgender Methodist man looks like. He writes for Reconciling Ministries Network, as well on his own blog, and even a book, In from the Wilderness.

David and, and his wife, Deborah, currently both live and study in Boston. Deborah, has also been a visible advocate, writing about her experience as the spouse of a transgender man and standing alongside David in the work of inclusion in The United Methodist Church.

GLAAD congratulates David Weekly on this honor and celebrates with him as the Man of the Year!

The Fabulous Beekman Boys, Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, were the ultimate underdogs going into the finale of The Amazing Race Sunday evening, but managed to pull out a surprising victory. When Josh and Brent crossed the finish line they encouraged the audience to “keep going, try as hard as you can, eventually someone will help you – and you will win.” Their story has inspired many, but the couple also received one special letter from a mother about her 12-year-old son, Colin, who is dealing with bullying at school for being out. She wrote:

“I’m sure you guys are way too busy to read this, but I want you to know how inspirational you two are to my 12 year old son. He is gay and is dealing with bullying and harassment in middle school. It’s so hard to see him going through this, and sometimes the “It Gets Better” message is lost on a 12 year old who feels that middle school will never end…We cheered you on every Sunday night and agonized every time you had difficulties. My son was so incredibly thrilled when you two won last night (as was I!). Thank you for helping him see that not only DOES it get better, it gets AMAZING.”

The couple was so touched by Colin’s letter that they shared it with the rest of The Amazing Race 21 cast and decided to send him a special reply from the entire team. Each cast member sent in pictures with personalized messages of encouragement and support for Colin. Check out Josh and Brent’s pictures below, as well as those from some of the runners up. The remaining cast photos can be seen at the Beekman 1802 blog.

This weekend catch a brand new episode of Malibu Country. Plus the season finale of Survivor: Philippines and the 2012 VH1 Divas concert hosted by Adam Lambert.

What to Watch: Friday, December 14

8:30pm: Malibu Country, ABC (30 mins) NEW

Reba is shocked when Kim is chosen over her to sing a solo at the church's Christmas service. Meanwhile, June confides to Cash that she is beginning to question her faith.

This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen, The Talk (CBS) and The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and Sonny.

What to Watch: Sunday, December 16

9:00pm: VH1 Divas 2012, VH1 (2 hrs) NEW

Adam Lambert hosts and performs in the 2012 Divas concert. Including performers such as Miley Cyrus, Iggy Azalea, Natasha Bedingfield, Kelly Clarkson, Ciara, Bootsy Collins, Melanie Fiona, Keri Hilson, Ledisi, Pitbull, Metric, Kelly Rowland, Jordin Sparks and Demi Lovato with house DJ Havana Brown. The show will also include special tributes to Whitney Houston and Donna Summer. Watch a preview below.

10:00pm: Survivor: Philippines, CBS (1 hr) SEASON FINALE

In the season finale, the contestants all return to crown the season winner. This season's cast includes out lesbian Dana Lambert.

____________________________________________________

About TV Gayed

Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!

About GLAAD
GLAAD amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad, www.twitter.com/glaad and www.glaad.tumblr.com.

Actress and activist Laverne Cox expressed her dissatisfaction with the media’s coverage of an assault trial in New York involving a transgender model and her firefighter ex-boyfriend, in a piece written for the Huffington Post on Tuesday.

The trial, which centers on former America’s Next Top Model contestant Claudia Charriez’s allegations of assault by ex-boyfriend Taylor Murphy, a former FDNY firefighter, has been the subject of countless articles that are notable more for their defamatory language than their accuracy in reporting the case.

In her article, Cox argues that Charriez has been dehumanized and sexualized by the press, which has sensationalized and exploited the intimate details of the relationship now exposed due to the trial.

Yet, as Cox makes clear, there is a need for the media to instead bring attention to the startling amount of anti-transgender violence in the country. She notes that transgender women accounted for 40% of all LGBTQH murder victims in 2011 while only accounting for 10% of assault survivors. The sensationalist media, with its glare many times focused on the superficial aspects of crimes involving transgender people, greatly contributes to the fear many have of reporting violence or other offenses. Below are excerpts of Cox’s piece:

We can see why so many trans women fear reporting crimes against us, or going public in any way, for that matter. No one who has survived an allegedly abusive relationship should have to endure this kind of public objectification and dehumanization…

We must dismantle the systemic transphobia and transmisogyny that sanctions this kind of violence. When trans women have the courage to come forward, even in the face of profound objectification and dehumanization, like Claudia did, and when we as a society support women when they do, reaffirming their humanity and womanhood, those are good first steps.

Earlier this month in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, GLAAD released this resource publication for journalists reporting on transgender victims of crime. Laverne Cox’s full story on Huffington Post Gay Voices can be viewed here. Cox also recorded a video interview as part of GLAAD's "I AM: Trans People Speak" campaign, in which she spoke of her experiences in the trans community.

Today, Uganda’s parliament session is closing for the Christmas break, and did not pass the “Kill the Gays Bill” Parliamentary Speaker Rebecca Kadaga promised as a “Christmas gift.” However, it will still be on the table when parliament resumes in January.

However, yesterday, Speaker Kadaga was out of the country, leading a delegation of Uganda legislators to the Vatican for, of all things, the World Parliamentary Congress on Human Rights. While there, Speaker Kadaga was able to have a personal audience with the Pope, where she received a blessing.

As an LGBT Christian who has been raising the flag on the plight of LGBT people in Uganda, I have so many mixed feelings about news story. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been specifically targeting the purpose driven pastor, Rick Warren, to speak out against the bill. That’s because Rick Warren has incredible popularity in Uganda, is known and respected. I also have made Rick Warren my focus because he’s accessible. He’s in the United States. He sees the media and will hopefully see our pleas to help the Ugandan people.

But then there is the Pope. I’m pretty sure the Pope doesn’t read the GLAAD blog, or anything that we say concerning him. The Pope named marriage equality as a “threat to peace” in a recent sermon at a tree lighting ceremony. He is no champion for LGBT people. And now we see a photo of him offering a blessing to the person who is determined to bring the death or imprisonment to all of Uganda's LGBT people, as well as any and all supportive family members or friends.

We don’t know exactly what words were exchanged between Speaker Kadaga and the Pope. As a part of the visit, the Ugandan delegation presented a portrait of Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo, who were killed for their faith. I'm quite sure that David Kato and other LGBT people who have been killed for being gay were not included in that photo. I can also probably safely bet that the Pope didn't specifically bless the "kill the gays" bill, but this photo op, at this time, under these circumstances, really turns my stomach.

This bill has been in existence for three years now. While LGBT people in Uganda live in constant fear that their government will turn the laws of the land even further against them, the US media is growing tired of telling the same story of “not yet, but it could happen”. Religious leaders, who spoke up in 2009, including Rick Warren and the Vatican, don’t feel that same urgency that everyone once did. And now, LGBT people around the world have been taunted by a photo of the person who wishes to ensure their destruction receiving a blessing from one of the world’s biggest spiritual leaders.

I honestly don’t know how to end this commentary. I’m silently shaking my head at my computer. This must stop. Sign the All Out petition (they provided the graphic that asks the most pertinent question right now). Sign the Groundswell Peition aimed at US denominations. Ask companies, politicians, and religious leaders, whose voices are bigger than yours to speak out for the people of Uganda. Living under the threat of this law is almost as scary as living under the law itself. 

Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.

1) Any Day Now, starring Alan Cumming and Garrett Dillahunt and directed by Travis Fine, opens in limited release this weekend and already has won 10 audience awards from national film festivals. The film is set in the late 1970s and based on a true story and follows a gay couple battling a biased legal system to adopt Marco, a teenager with Down Syndrome who was neglected by his mother. Find screenings in your area at the film’s website and watch the trailer below.

2) New web series Eastsiders premieres today from award winning playwright Kit Williamson. The story follows a gay couple, Cal (Williamson) and Thom (Van Hansis, As the World Turns), who are dealing with the aftermath of infidelity. The couple must decide if the lies are too much or if they are willing to work through their problems in this dark comedy about the sad and funny messes we make of our lives. Other cast includes Steven Guarino (Happy Endings), Constance Wu (Torchwood), John Halbach (Children at Play) and Matthew McKelligon (Sassy Pants). Watch the trailer below and check the Eastsiders YouTube channel for the first episode.

3) The Glee Project season 2 contestants Dani Shay and Ali Stroker announced their relationship this week in Shay’s new music video for her single “One.” Stroker said in her official blog, “I never expected to meet Dani and fall in love, and I especially never expected that I would want to share it with the world. Here I am. I couldn’t be more proud to share my love with all of you.” Shay and Stroker are teaming up with Fun.’s The Ally Coalition to promote the video and the couple’s commitment to positive change. Watch “One” by Dani Shay below.

4) In other Glee news, a potential new love interest for Kurt Hummel has been cast. Oliver Kieran-Jones (Episodes) will play the head of the glee club at NYADA (character’s name has not yet been revealed). Kurt was accepted to NYADA in a recent episode following his surprise performance of Broadway hit “Being Alive” at NYADA’s Winter Showcase and his failed season three audition. Jones’ character will recur through season four.

5) RuPaul will be appearing on an early 2013 episode of ABC’s Happy Endings. He is set to play Alex and Jane’s regular hairdresser who agrees to take on Max as a new client. In continued casting news, How I Met Your Mother will soon see the return of Rachel Bilson as Cindy, the lesbian roommate of the woman Ted will eventually marry.

6) Tegan and Sara announced additional tour dates for early 2013 through Canada and the U.S. Tickets are on sale now for both regular admission and the Ultimate Heartthrob VIP Package which is offered at most shows. The VIP package includes premium ticket with early entry, meet and greet with Tegan and Sara, digital copy of Heartthrob (to be delivered on January 29), autographed poster and special VIP laminate. Only 30 VIP packages are available per show, all tickets available for purchase at Ticketmaster.

7) Super Awesome!, a new musical comedy film about two best friends who get one last shot to live their dreams, is looking for funding help to cover shooting and production costs. Two friends, Mark and Gary, find themselves with $250,000 to headline the opening night of an international festival and attempt to write a musical about marriage equality. As the production draws near and everything seems to be going wrong, the men begin to realize how their musical could create change. But will it be too late to pull everything together? Learn more about Super Awesome! at the film’s indiegogo page and watch the trailer below. 

Super Awesome! from Guy Edmonds on Vimeo.

Tonight catch an airing of the Cold War spy thriller Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

What to Watch: Monday, December 17

9:00pm: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, HBO Signature (2 hrs) REPEAT

An English spy works to expose a traitor in British intelligence who is selling secrets to the Soviets. Benedict Cumberbatch plays gay spy Peter Guillam. Watch the trailer below.

This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen, The Talk (CBS) and The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and Sonny.

____________________________________________________

About TV Gayed

Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!

About GLAAD
GLAAD amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad, www.twitter.com/glaad and www.glaad.tumblr.com.

#waywire is featuring GLAAD as part of its 12 Days of Giving. #waywire is a “video social network dedicated to giving young people a voice about the issues that matter to you most.”

Created by Cory Booker, Nathan Richardson and Sarah Ross, #waywire is a forum where young people can share ideas about economic fairness, politics, and local and world events. Take a look at their welcome video below.

Last week, Uganda’s parliament adjourned for the year without taking up the “Kill the Gays Bill.” It will not meet again until February 4. Additionally, President Yoweri Museveni has now said that LGBT people should not be killed or persecuted. 

This is a sigh of relief for us who have been working against the bill, and especially for those who would be most impacted by the bill, LGBT Ugandan people, their friends and family, and those who care for all of society: doctors, teachers, clergy, and social workers.

But it is only a temporary respite. Many LGBT organizations are claiming “victory,” but I fear we cannot. This break is only a recess. Business will resume as normal in February, as it has at the start of every parliamentary session since the bill was proposed in 2009, with the possibility of the bill still existing on the agenda. We have been fighting this same bill for three years now, and it continues to come back. To claim that we “killed” the bill isn’t really honest with ourselves and with others that we want to get involved in protecting LGBT Ugandan people.

And even if the bill really is dead, that has not stopped instances of harassment and violence against Ugandans. David Kato is one recognizable name among those who has been killed, and his death was not due to the proposed law, merely under the spectre of it.

Those of us in the United States might be tempted to think that this is a problem for "those people over there", but the roots of this law come from US anti-gay activists. Even as the bill has stalled, reports are coming out that Pastor David Dykes of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas wants Ugandan leaders to pass the law, and American Christians to push for its passage. This struggle for the lives of LGBT Uganda people continues to play out in the US just as much as overseas.

This is why petitions like those directed at US religious leaders are just as important now as they were before parliment ended. We want the world to know that people of faith oppose the violent imprisonment and killing of innocent LGBT people in Uganda and around the world. We urge you to still sign and share this Groundswell peition, which is urging faith leaders to speak out for LGBT safety in Uganda.

While we can breathe a sigh of relief that the bill has not yet passed in Uganda, those who support LGBT people must still watch and be vigilant. GLAAD urges the mainstream media to continue to examine the situation for LGBT people in Uganda and the possible reemergence of the “Kill the Gays Bill”. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep people informed.

Retired Air Force Major Margaret Witt, who worked to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell," married Laurie Johnson at ceremony at Grande Ronde Cellars in Spokane, Wa, on Saturday. Witt's attorney Jim Lobsenz presided over the ceremony. The couple was the first to get their marriage license at the Spokane County Courthouse just before 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6. Nate Gowdy of the Seattle Gay News was on hand to take some adorable shots. Check them out below! 

GLAAD worked to tell the stories of loving, committed couples in states like Washington during the 2012 election. Read more about our work around marriage equality. 

Los Angeles based alt rock band Saucy Monky have already found success across the pond, where they have had several hit singles on Irish radio in the  past decade or so.  Though they aren’t as well known here, fans of shows like Blue Bloods, Veronica Mars, and iCarly may have heard Saucy Monky featured.

The band is fronted by Dubliner Annmarie Cullen US-born performer Cynthia Cantania, who also happen to be former girlfriends.  They are joined by bassist Steve Giles and drummer Megan Jane.

In September, the four member band released the first of a planned three EPs, titled Trophy Girl Part 1.  The EP’s first single is titled “Awkward,” and the accompanying video has received attention in the blogosphere.

The band is set to release parts two and three of Trophy Girl in 2013. Check out part one on iTunes here, and watch the music video for “Awkward” below.

Tonight catch back-to-back episodes of Start-Ups: Silicon Valley leading to the season finale. Plus all new episodes of Happy Endings and Don't Trust the B---- in Apt. 23.

What to Watch: Tuesday, December 18

8:00pm: Start-Ups: Silicon Valley, Bravo (1 hr) NEW

David begins to realize his work is cut out for him with the launch party just days away and his partner at Appcelerator is nervous about David holding up his end of the bargain. Meanwhile, Sarah lands in L.A. after a medical scare, Kim visits NYC to kick start her new fashion business and Dwight meets with potential investors. Watch a sneak peek below.

9:00pm: Start-Ups: Silicon Valley, Bravo (1 hr) SEASON FINALE

David prepares for his Goal Sponsors launch party and hopes he will attract enough beta testers to make a meaningful product test launch. Sarah confronts him at the party and the argument could change their relationship forever. Meanwhile, Ben and Hermione wait for their investors to come through on their promises and Dwight finally makes his big move.

9:00pm: Happy Endings, ABC (30 mins) NEW

The gang finds out that Jane has been lying about her birthday because she hates being overshadowed by Christmas. They plan a special holiday-free celebration for her, but the pull of holiday cheer may prove to be too much to resist.

9:30pm: Don't Trust the B---- in Apt 23, ABC (30 mins) NEW

Chloe insists on a weekend in the Hamptons to cheer up everyone as June waits on word from a job interview. Her wild weekend takes a turn for the worst when she is forced to reflect on her life.

This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen, The Talk (CBS) and The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and Sonny.

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About TV Gayed

Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!

About GLAAD
GLAAD amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad, www.twitter.com/glaad and www.glaad.tumblr.com. 

Last week, the Los Angeles Times ran an op-ed by Michael McGough that focused heavily on Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s recent, and not-so-recent, comments about LGBT people. In a recent exchange with Princeton University student, Duncan Hosie, Scalia refuses to see being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender as identity characteristics, but only as behavior. Thus the title of the op-ed, “For Scalia, no gay people, just gay sex?”

However, further down in the op-ed is the fact that Scalia’s son, Paul, is a Roman Catholic priest and has served as a chaplain to a Catholic organization known as “Courage”. Courage is technically not one of those so-called “ex-gay” programs, although it would be easy to confuse it as one. Courage is a Roman Catholic program that encourages and promotes chastity for LGBT people. Think of it like an AA model. In fact, the “Twelve Steps of Courage” are adapted from the original twelve steps of AA.

McGough notes that Antonin Scalia’s belief that there are no gay people, just gay behavior, echo the views of his son. Paul Scalia has been quoted as saying, “Most errors in this area come from the reduction of the person to the attractions: to say, ‘A person who has homosexual attractions must be homosexual.’  This reduces the human person to the sum total of his sexual inclinations.”

This isn’t the first time that Courage has tried to claim that LGBT people see their sexual orientation as the whole of their identity. In September, Courage released a strange video entitled “Yes to You” which featured a rapping priest.

As an aside, I have nothing against the rapping priest. I have a friend who I is himself a Christian rapper. His message is good. He’s a seminary student. And he puts on a pretty good show. My favorite song of his is “All Are Welcome.” Maybe we need more good religious rappers? I don’t know.

But, I digress.

The rapping priest is using the same messages and themes that we are hearing from Paul Scalia. Namely, that your sexual orientation doesn’t make your entire identity. That identity isn’t derived from sexual orientation. That you are a whole person, not just a sex act.

The response from the LGBT community should be “duh”.

No LGBT person claims sexual orientation or gender identity is what completely makes up their identity as a person. Sexual orientation and gender identity has always been parts of us, but parts that engage with the rest of our identity.

For those of us LGBT people who also identify as Christian (and probably several other faiths), we believe that the source of our identity is God. We believe that God created us with our whole identity and set us in a world in which that identity is played out relationally with the rest of the world.

In fact, I’d go a step further. Many LGBT people would prefer that there was less attention on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The LGBT people are not the ones who are so focused on it, but the anti-LGBT industry continues to make a huge deal out of it.

So if Courage wants LGBT people to stop making sexual orientation such a dominant part of their lives, then Roman Catholic leaders should stop making it such a dominant part of theirs. Stop firing employees like Al Fischer and Steav Bates-Congdon for being gay. Stop using pastoral care moments like the funeral of Barbara Johnson’s mother to tell gay people are unwelcome, even during the grieving process. Stop uninviting people like Dominic Sheahan-Stahl from speaking at Catholic schools because they happen to be gay, even if they have no plans to speak about it.

If the Roman Catholic hierarchy, and by extension Courage, is really concerned that people develop holistic identities, then they should focus on cultivating Roman Catholic leaders who are themselves well-rounded individuals, not people who are obsessed with the sexual orientation of others. 

For people to understand the holistic lives of LGBT Roman Catholics, we will need to tell their stories. And that's what GLAAD is planning to do. Join us in telling 1,000 stories in 2013.

National leaders issued the following open letter rejecting SuperXclusivo’s re-victimizing of murdered Puerto Rico man:

A young man is kidnapped, taken to an ATM, robbed, then beaten to death. Adding to this already awful situation, TV host, Antulio “Kobbo” Santarrosa and the life-sized puppet he voices, La Comay, re-victimized publicist José Enrique Gómez Saladín by suggesting that if he allegedly was in an area known for “prostitution and homosexuality,” as his killers claim, he may have brought the violence on himself.

This was the last straw for many Puerto Ricans, who have had to live with escalating violence for years. Blaming victims is wrong, and most people know that. For media personalities like Santarrosa and co-host Héctor Travieso to use their platform and the public airwaves to inflame prejudices is unconscionable.

The pair, who appear on SuperXclusivo on WAPA TV (which airs in the U.S. on WAPA América) have been in trouble many times for using anti-LGBT, racist, xenophobic and anti-female language.  In good faith, local groups, such as Puerto Rico Para Tod@s and national groups, such as GLAAD and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, have worked to help them understand their power to inflame prejudice. Enough is enough.

The death of Saladín, who leaves behind a wife, a heartbroken family and many friends, helped spark a grassroots social media campaign calling for an end to SuperXclusivo’s use of callous and irresponsible comments to attract ratings.

(http://facebook.com/boicotlacomay)

The group Boicot a La Comay (Boycott La Comay) has, to date, 70,000 supporters on Facebook and over 4,000 on Twitter. More than 30 of the show’s advertisers have dropped their support, including Coca-Cola, Ford, Chevrolet, WalMart, AT&T, Goodyear, and SC Johnson.

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Congressman Luis Gutiérrez and New York Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito have joined celebrities like singers Ricky Martin, Rene Pérez of Calle 13 and Chayanne, who stand in solidarity with their fellow Puerto Ricans in saying Todos Somos José Enrique—“We’re all José Enrique.”

A victim’s orientation, straight or gay, or their gender identity should never be used by media to score ratings, much less to blame the victim for the circumstances surrounding the murder.

We ask you to join us as we call on WAPA TV and WAPA America to stop broadcasting programming that fuels intolerance and violence. We also ask you to join us as we call on sponsors to stop supporting hate speech that incites violence. We also call on the community to stop watching this show that promotes intolerance.

GLAAD
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
The National Puerto Rican Coalition
Puerto Rico Para Tod@s

Signatories:

Congressman Luis Gutiérrez (D-IL)
Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-NY)
State Senator Iris Martínez (D-IL)
State Representative Toni Berríos (D-IL)
New York City Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito
Iris Martínez, Democratic National Committee Hispanic Chair
Center For Black Equity
CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers
Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
Equality Matters
Familia es Familia
HRC
Immigration Equality
Latino Commission on AIDS
Latino Equality Alliance
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
National Center for Lesbian Rights
National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc. (NACOPRW)
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators
National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)
National Institute for Latino Policy (NILP)
National Latin@ LGBT Human Rights Organization
National Puerto Rican Coalition Inc. (NPRC)
Unid@s