Italy's largest newspaper, La Repubblica (Italian), has linked the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI to an internal Vatican report that discusses the "Vatileaks" scandal. However, as the story picks up steam, the headlines are focusing on one particular alleged lobby group, the "gay lobby." I've already seen the headline, "Did gays in the Vatican drive Benedict out?" (David Gibson says no. And so does common sense.)

It would be very easy to turn a story about a power struggle within the Vatican into a piece of propaganda that blames gay people for the woes of the Roman Catholic Church. No doubt, anti-gay activists will attempt to do that. But gay people within the church, at any level, is not a scandal. It's a historical reality.

LGBT people have always been a part of the Church, serving various roles. Just like anyone else, gay people often feel the call to ministry, and many have followed that call. No amount of anti-gay language or prohibitions on openly gay clergy can stop everyone who is following their calling from God. It is also safe to assume that some of these gay people are highly gifted, and will recognized for their gifts and be given assignments that use those gifts.

Even though LGBT people are an active part of the Church, there is no "gay lobby" at the Vatican. There are a variety of Roman Catholic LGBT advocacy organizations both within and outside of the formal structure of the Roman Catholic Church. GLAAD works with several of them, and we have lifted up their voices in our media advocacy. But terms like "gay lobby" (and the even more scintillating "gay mafia") conjures up the image of a secret sect sneaking around under the cover of darkness, like the stuff of Dan Brown novels.

The reporting by La Repubblica and those who have carried the story has focused on some of the more sensational aspects of the report: blackmail, clandestine meetings, scandal. Juicy stuff. Add that to the fact that the Roman Catholic hierarchy, and Pope Benedict himself, has been very public in their opposition to LGBT equality both within and outside the church.

It is possible, though not probable, that names may be released or leaked in connection with this report. If there is credibility to these reports, it will not be a surprise to find that some involved may be among those who have been the most outspoken against the LGBT people striving to live with integrity, honor, and openness in the way we were blessed to be created.

The real scandal is the jockeying for power that occurs within any church, even as faithful LGBT people are being driven away from faith communities. The real scandal is that such harsh anti-LGBT language may inspire a parent to kick out their child upon coming out about being LGBT. The real scandal is that qualified people with the gifts for ministry are being forced to choose between service to the church or honesty to one's self and others.

GLAAD calls on the media to exercise diligence when investigating and reporting on the story of Benedict's abdication. Voices that place blame at the feet of LGBT people need to be put into context. GLAAD's Commentator Accountability Project is one way to vet or understand what some of the leading Catholic anti-LGBT activists have said about LGBT people in the past.

For media to learn more about LGBT people in the Catholic Church, GLAAD suggests contacting Equally Blessed a coalition (of the Catholic organizations: Call To Action, DignityUSA, Fortunate Families, and New Ways Ministry) committed to full equality for LGBT people in church and civil society.

Jim Naughton

Equally Blessed Media Contact

202.288.5125

jim@canticlecommunications.com

Tonight catch all new episodes of The Carrie Diaries, The Biggest Loser and RuPaul's Drag Race.

What to Watch: Monday, February 25

8:00pm: The Carrie Diaries, CW (1 hr) NEW

Larissa offers Carrie an internship at Interview, but Carrie is unsure if she should take the opportunity or not. Meanwhile, Dorrit struggles to carry on her mother's traditions, Mouse blames her grades on her new relationship and Donna blackmails Maggie. Check out a sneak peek below.

8:00pm: The Biggest Loser, NBC (2 hrs) NEW

This week the players are challenged to face their biggest fears, which leads to emotional scenes for all. Out trainer Jillian Michaels returns this season and the series' first out contestant, Jackson Carter, is a member of the red team.

9:00pm: RuPaul's Drag Race, Logo (1 hr) NEW

Contestants compete in a TV game show that challenges them to give their best celebrity impressions as judged by MTV's Julie Brown and Downtown Julie Brown.

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.

On Thursday, March 7, the DC Independent Film Festival will be screening the world premiere of Meth Head, written and directed by Jane Clark. The film delves into the life of Kyle Peoples, who becomes consumed by his addiction to crystal meth and eventually loses everything – his lover, his family, his job and his home.

Meth Head is also the feature directing debut of Clark, who previously produced and costarred in the lesbian film Elena Undone, as well as a number of TV appearances. She has also directed a number of award-winning shorts, including Host of Daffodils, The Touch, and Carrie's Choice.

The film stars Lukas Hass as Kyle, and costars GLAAD's own Wilson Cruz as Julian, the boyfriend Kyle gradually pushes away through his addiction. Cruz is particularly proud of the film for the light it shines on an issue needing more attention in the gay community.

"I'm so proud of being a part of Meth Head. The filmmakers pulled no punches and tackled a subject that must be brought out of the shadows. This film takes on meth addiction head on and sheds light on the fact that the meth epidemic in our country and in the LGBT community, especially, is destroying lives. I've seen the effects of the devastation on people very close to me and I hope that Meth Head can, at the very least, help spark a conversation. I'm proud that the film shows, through its powerful performances, not just the devastation to the person with the meth problem, but also how their addiction destroys the lives and dreams of everyone around them."

There will be a pre-screening reception at 7:30 p.m. followed by the world premiere of the film at 8:15 p.m.. Make sure to stick around for the post-screening Q&A with the director and cast. Get more information and buy tickets by clicking here.

Congratulations to mixed martial artist Liz Carmouche, who on Saturdaycompeted for the UFC bantamweight title in a historic, first-ever women's fight against Ronda Rousey. Though early in the fight it looked like Carmouche had the upper hand, she eventually was defeated. But she can certainly claim victory for shining a spotlight on female athletes and openly gay athletes around the world.

On SB Nation's Bloody Elbow blog, Tim Burke named Carmouche one of the night's real winners along with Rousey, saying, "Carmouche deserves to be called a winner for a few reasons. She may have lost her bout, but she made it an exciting fight. She was an excellent representative of WMMA (Women's Mixed Martial Arts) all the way through this, even down to the post-fight press conference...Forget making history for a second - she made a lot of fans last night. And I'm one of them."

Carmouche wrote two guest blogs for us (here and here) about her journey from being a former U.S. Marine to practicing mixed martial arts.  In the weeks leading up to the fight, she gave interviews to several mainstream and LGBT media outlets, and overall the media did a wonderful job of telling her remarkable story. 

Carmouche received a well-deserved standing ovation for her efforts in the Octagon Saturday night, and GLAAD congratulates her on her history-making fight.  We know she will continue to be a strong presence not just in her sport, but in our culture as well.

Tonight catch all new episodes of Pretty Little Liars, Go On, The New Normal, Smash and White Collar!

What to Watch: Tuesday, February 26

8:00pm: Pretty Little Liars, ABC Family (1 hr) NEW

Spencer is finally ready to talk about what happened with Toby, but Emily isn't ready to hear what she has to say yet. Meanwhile, Hanna is taking care of her mom following her hit and run accident and Aria reconciles herself with Ezra's new role in Malcolm's life. Watch a sneak peek below.

9:00pm: Go On, NBC (30 mins) NEW

Anne agrees to let Mr. K watch her children when her normal babysitter cancels and Anne gets a chance to grow closer to her kids as a result. Meanwhile, Ryan struggles with the decision to stop wearing his wedding ring.

9:30pm: The New Normal, NBC (30 mins) NEW

Bryan and David agree to let the girls host a baby shower for them, but they don't know the boys plan to donate all the gifts. Meanwhile, Clay and Shania decide to throw Goldie a shower because she has never had one before.

10:00pm: Smash, NBC (1 hr) NEW

Jimmy's pride gets in the way of an opportunity Karen sets up for him and Kyle. Meanwhile, Eileen must make a choice that could ruin Bombshell and Peter continues to challenge Julia to up her writing game. Check out a sneak peek below.

10:00pm: White Collar, USA (1 hr) NEW

Peter and Neal investigate the world of sculpture forgery while also working on finding the location of Ellen's evidence box.

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.

This afternoon, Katie Couric will be devoting her entire hour to exploring the stories of transgender youth - in particular, the journeys they've been on with their families, and specific medical advances that are allowing some trans youth to transition more safely than ever before.

It's obviously impossible to tell a complete story of the transgender experience in one hour, and some very complex issues will naturally get simplified in the process - like the notion of being "trapped in the wrong body" which is a sentiment that not all transgender people agree with. But this hour will introduce three very powerful stories of young people and their remarkable families, and will shine a light on the way modern healthcare system is capable of taking care of these kids.

Of course, just because the healthcare system can take care of these kids, that doesn't mean it does. And by showing audiences what's possible, it is our hope that the show will also lead to more education and awareness around the specific healthcare needs of the trans community. For many kids and families, even the types of medical interventions discussed on today's show can't be a reality without the help of laws like the one recently passed in Oregon, which mandates healthcare coverage for transgender youth.

But more importantly, today's episode of Katie should show all parents and educators that the most important thing to ensuring the well-being of a transgender young person isn't medicine - it's love and support.

GLAAD has been working closely with the show's first guests, the family of 6-year-old Coy and their attorney Michael Silverman from Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund and we were priveleged enough to also meet Chris and Devon and their families, and chat with experts Kim Pearson from TransYouth Family Allies, Nick Teich from Camp Aranu'tiq, author Andrew Solomon and Doctor Michelle Forcier, all of whom will be on with Katie. We also got to say hello to trans icon and tennis great Renee Richards, who will tell her own story on the show.

Today's Katie should educate and enlighten, and hopefully it will inspire her audience to learn more about transgender youth and the challenges they face - especially when they're not fortunate enough to have as supportive a family structure as Coy, Chris and Devon do.

Yesterday, ESPN.com writer Kevin Arnovitz interviewed NBA star Kenneth Faried on the prospect of an openly gay player in the NBA. Arnovitz states that Faried, who is a starter for the Denver Nuggets, was a natural choice for the interview as someone who grew up with two gay moms. He has also made headlines recently for releasing a video with his moms supporting the passage of a civil union bill in Colorado and as the first NBA player to join Athlete Ally. 

For Faried, LGBT equality and inclusion is simple reality, a normative existence that shouldn't be viewed as radical to talk about.  In the interview he discusses the extent of homophobia in the NBA. Arnovitz asks Faried whether or not he thinks his status as an ally deters people from throwing around homophobic slurs. At this point Faried unintentionally delves into one of the less publicized aspects of homophobia in sports. He responds by explaining how athletes are not any less likely to throw around homophobic slurs because athletes don't mean the slurs to be disrespectful to the gay community. It's just guys joking around in the locker room.

Kenneth Faried is a fantastic ally and an advocate unafraid to use his status as a professional athlete to advance LGBT rights. He means what he says about the use of homophobic slurs in the NBA. But that's the difference, he means what he says. Many NBA players, and athletes in general, do not infuse their homophobic joking with pre-meditated anti-gay sentiment. Athletes generally do not have a specific aspect of the LGBT movement that they are thinking about with mustered hatred when throwing out these slurs. No, instead they are just tossing them out, and that actually makes it a more challenging problem to solve.

It is the culture of casual homophobic rhetoric that needs to be changed. Athletes might not have specific anti-gay malice in their minds when they throw out these slurs, but they might not have (or know they have) LGBT people in their lives that their words would hurt. Because these words do make a difference. Something that is "just a joke" to one person can give another the impression that sports are not a safe place for them.

Even if a player does not personally know someone identifying as LGBT, they do know a gay player. It's been said many times that statistically speaking, there has to be a gay player in the NBA, even if their teammates don't know it yet. The fact that players are throwing around these slurs, even if they are not intentionally derogatory, probably influences Faried's statement later in the interview that he feels the NBA is a long way away from having a player come out. Casual homophobia leads to an environment of accepted homophobia. This dissuades LGBT athletes from being open or feeling included. It justifies the world of athletics in the minds of many as one of the few aspects of our society unable to come to terms with LGBT people as players, as participants, or even as fans.

This afternoon at 3pm central time, when they gather to hear testimony on the marriage bill, would Illinois lawmakers be interested to learn that one of the people testifying before them actually thinks that gay people (or "same-sex attracted" people, as she calls us) must remain celibate?  

Would the elected represenatives of the Land of Lincoln be curious to know that this same provider of testimony doesn’t even “accept the category of gayness,” that she sees homosexuality as “completely shameless activity” and "intrinsically disordered behavior," and that she believes those who advocate for marraige equality are "enemies of the human body"?

Speaking specifically of those lawmakers who are both religious and supportive of civil freedom, would they care to know that this testifier believes that  "everybody who reads Genesis -- everybody, Protestant, Catholic, Jew, Mormon -- everybody who reads Genesis supported Prop 8" (1:35-1:52) or that she denies faith to all supporters of LGBT equality, declaring that "the job that religion does in most people's lives, they are filling it up with Earth worship" (1:47-2:14) ?

Would those legislators who are still debating with which side of this issue they want to be identified like to know that this particular individual recently gave a lecture at which she used a photo of priests, saluting Nazis, coupled with the suggestion that future Christians who are supportive of and/or quiet about marriage equality (which she calls "a pagan ideology) will feel a similar shame?

Would those lawmakers who have relied on reproductive technology in their own families care to know that this prominent conservative voice has insistited that people who purchase sperm should be in jail, saying: "Buying sperm at all should be abolished. And furthermore, these people should be in jail, I’m afraid. I mean, you know, honestly, I just can’t even imagine where people think this is going to lead. You know, because the child is no longer a gift from God and a fruit of human love participating in God’s love. The child is now a product, manufactured by adults, and therefore the child cannot be fully the equal of its parent."

Would the lawmakers who are debating the state's marriage bill be interested to know that someone who the opposition has selected to testify on the bill quite literally sees this marriage debate as "a hostile takeover of the whole civil society" (9:35-9:44) ?

I ask, because all of the above admissions (and many, many more) are unlikely to make it in Jennifer Roback Morse's testimony when she appears today before the Illinois legislature: 

But personally, I think Illinoisians have right to know the expanse of the beliefs that bring Ms. Roback Morse—who, as head of the Ruth Institute, is a six-figure-compensated employee of the National Organization For Marriage—to Springfield on this Tuesday afternoon.  Since the debate before the legislature is about whether or not certain kinds of Illinois taxpayers should be affored the rights and benefits of marriage, it would be instructive to know what is really underlying and sustaining the oppositional voices.

I should add that I'm not at all surprised to learn that Ms. Roback Morse wants to meet the folks from the Illinois Family Insitute since, like them, she is also a supporter of the idea that gays must "change" who they are.  In fact, in addition to her calls for gay celibacy, Ms. Roback Morse has pointedly declared marriage equality advocates to be "at war with Mother Nature," and her organization has quite proudly prayed for the "conversion" of gays, who they claim are "deeply wounded spiritually."  It's demonstrably clear to me what is really going on with Illinois' marriage equality opposition movement—and it isn't defined by their marriage views alone.

If Ms. Roback Morse and her IFI allies are honest, then they will also make their views clear to the decision makers who are tasked with weighing their arguments.  If they want to stop loving same-sex couples from marriage, then they need to be honest about WHY.  I don't think that's too much to ask.

The brothers of Emerson College’s Alpha Chapter of Phi Alpha Tau in Boston are helping out one of their own in a big way: by raising money for his surgery. Phi Alpha Tau brother Benjamin Lindsay wrote about helping their trans brother Donnie Collins in a piece posted on Out.com.

Donnie, who pledged to Phi Alpha Tau earlier this school year, came out as transgender while attending a boarding school in Windsor, Conn., when he was 17. Because of lack of coverage on his mother's insurance, Donnie has had to pay most for most of his transition-related expenses out of his own pocket.

Though Donnie is now on Emerson College's insurance policy, the policy is still trans-exclusionary. His petition for a trans-inclusive policy was denied by the college's insurance plan, and his personal Chipin fund will cease when the crowd-funding site shuts down next month. That's why his fraternity brothers have stepped in and set up an Indiegogo fund to help Donnie out. Watch them talk about it here:

And Check out Donnie's thank you message:

You can donate to the fund here.

The Phoenix City Council is considering changes to a local ordinance that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Unfortunately, opponents of the ordinance are resorting to lies and misinformation about transgender people in an attempt to undermine the proposed changes.

Some are complaining that the law will hold businesses accountable for discriminating against transgender people, which it will, and should.  But others are promoting the harmful myth that protecting transgender people will lead to "men going into women's bathrooms." On top of the offensive claim that transgender people are not "really" who they say they are, this stance ignores the truth of how often transgender people are harassed, abused and brutally assaulted while trying to access the bathroom. 

- Chrissy Lee Polis, a transgender woman in Maryland, was attacked and beaten at a fast food restaurant after she was seen leaving the women's restroom. 

- Jalisa Griffen, a transgender woman in New York, was at a McDonald's waiting to enter the women's restroom when she was threatened by another customer, who slashed her boyfriend with a razor blade when he came to her defense.

- Brenda Wernikoff, a transgender woman in Boston, was arrested for refusing to leave a women's restroom. During the arrest, officers allegedly ordered Brenda to remove her shirt and expose her breasts. 

Behind the irrational fears of those opposing the Phoenix ordinance, it is clear that transgender people are the ones at risk, and this risk does not end in the bathroom. Reports from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey outline the many areas of life in which transgender people face alarming levels of bias, harassment, and violence. In light of information like this and the work of LGBT advocates, several cities and states have adopted non-discrimination policies that include gender identity. It is time for Phoenix to join them, and protect those who really need it. And it is time that the media call these scare tactics out for the lies they are.

Today the National Center for Transgender Equality will be delivering a petition to Capitol Hill which it hopes will add pressure to the Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to strengthen protections for transgender and intersex detainees of the immigration system. Napolitano is set to enact a set of directives to help protect detainees that have fallen victim to sexual abuse.  Because victims of sexual crimes in any form of incarceration are often those that are intersex, transgender or non-gender conforming, NCTE is calling on Secretary Napolitano to add provisions to protect detainees from retaliatory deportation, to increase access to existing types of legal status for survivors of abuse, and to prevent sexual abuse during detainee transportation. The group also wants facility staff to receive training on working with LGBTI people, and assurances that transgender and intersex detainees will be housed and searched based on their gender identity.

Make your voice heard! To sign the petition click here.

Today, LGBT advocates from across Maryland ventured to Annapolis for the Senate hearing on the SB449 is a bill.  If passed, the bill would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression when seeking employment, housing and any public service. 

While Maryland enacted a similar bill more than a decade aga, SB 449, which is sponsored by  Senators Rich Madaleno and Jamie Raskin,  will especially provide assistance for transgender and non-gender conforming individuals that live in the state.

SB449 is expected to be approved and signed by Governor Martin O'Malley once passing the full senate and House of Delegates.  Once enacted, SB449 will make Maryland one fewer state in which it is legal to fire or deny employment to a person based on their gender identity and expression.  

To support SB449 simply send a letter to your local official in Maryland.

GLAAD is proud to stand with Equality Maryland and other LGBT advocates working on the groud to protect the rights of trans Americans. 

Tonight catch all new episodes of Survivor: Caramoan, Modern Family, Suburgatory, Chicago Fire and Southland!

What to Watch: Wednesday, February 27

8:00pm: Survivor: Caramoan, CBS (1 hr) NEW

Alliances shift leading up to an intense Tribal Council. This season features out contestant Michael Snow.

9:00pm: Modern Family, ABC (30 mins) NEW

Mitch and Cam's friend Sal returns to announce she is getting married the next day and wants them to be in the wedding, though the men have doubts about her ability to settle down. Meanwhile, Claire has a bonding moment with Hayley and Gloria is suspicious and distrustful of the new nanny.

9:30pm: Suburgatory, ABC (30 mins) NEW

When Marty passes away, George is hit by the loss harder than he imagined he would be. Meanwhile, Tessa finds out that Ryan has been lying to her and she is forced to make a decision about their future together.

10:00pm: Chicago Fire, NBC (1 hr) NEW

Shay makes a decision about her future with Clarice. Meanwhile, tensions rise in the crew when Severide's father visits and clashes with the Chief and Dawson investigates the bar with Herrmann and Otis. Watch a sneak peek below.

10:00pm: Southland, TNT (1 hr) NEW

John gets a new partner and the team is tested when LAPD's dispatch system goes down. Meanwhile, Ben finds romance on the job and his relationship with Sammy suffers.

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.

Rapper Macklemore has become the first non-athlete to participate in the You Can Play project to promote LGBT inclusion in sports, releasing this video today.

Macklemore and his producer Ryan Lewis are well-known for their support of the LGBT communtiy, having supported marriage equality (and specifically, the Referendum 74 campaign to make it law in their home state of Washington) with their song "Same Love" last year.

“Guys like Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have a platform and presence that can change attitudes,” said You Can Play president Patrick Burke.  “They reach a massive worldwide audience and we’re proud that they’re working with You Can Play to voice equality LGBT athletes and fans in both sports and music.”

Despite not being pro athletes themelves, Macklemore and Lewis are a big part of Seattle's sports community. They performed at Safeco Field (home of the Mariners) on Opening Day in 2011, their song "Can't Hold Us" is played after Seahawks touchdowns, and their song, “Wing$” was the theme song for this year’s NBA All-Star Game. 

Seattle's sports community is also well known for its support of LGBT fans, and is still the only city to have made an It Gets Better video with representatives from all of its pro teams.

UPDATE: The NFL is investigating the line of questioning revealed by Nick Kasa below.

Former Chicago Bears Quarterback Jim Miller told a pair of Chicago radio hosts on Tuesday that religion would prevent a gay player from being accepted in an NFL locker room. Miller's comments were made in response to stories that NFL teams are wondering whether Notre Dame star football player and Heisman Trophy runner-up Manti Te’o is gay.

From the Chicago Tribune:

“There are some religions that are just not going to accept a gay individual in the locker room,” Miller told "The McNeil and Spiegel Show" on WSCR-AM 670. “So now, are you as an organization going to bring that element into your locker room and think everything is going to be OK?

Miller continued,

"Last time I checked, whether it’s Christianity or Muslims or other religions that are out there, they’re just not going to accept it."

However, when pressed for his own opinion ont he subject, Miller said "I could care less. You can play football or you can’t." 

So why would the opinion of any other football player - or any other athlete, for that matter - be any different?

The truth is that there are welcoming groups within all world religions. And most athlete interviews (a few members of the 49ers perhaps notwithstanding) reveal that Miller's personal attitude likely prevails in just about all pro locker rooms in the country.  Sure, when that day comes, there will probably be quite a few players who maybe don't think their gay teammate should be able to get married. But how many will really think he shouldn't be on the team at all?

The Te'o story is certainly an odd one to be having this discussion about. In January, Te'o said that he had been in a lengthy, long-distance relationship with Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, without the two ever meeting, with the impression that Tuiasosopo was a woman named Lennay Kekua.  He was asked at the time by Katie Couric whether he was gay, and he said he was not.  Now, at the NFL's scouting combine, the question is being asked again.

ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio appeared on the Dan PatrickShow to discuss the unusual combine experience that lays in wait for Te'o; most notably the fact that NFL teams are going to want to know if he is gay.

On the show Florio states:

"Here’s the elephant in the room for the teams and it shouldn’t matter, but we have to step aside from the rest of reality and walk into the unique industry that is the NFL. Teams want to know whether Manti Te’o is gay…They want to know because in an NFL locker room, it’s a different world. It shouldn’t be that way…It's been described to me as the proverbial elephant in the room and I don't think anyone knows how to solve this dilemma (of asking Te'o if he is gay) yet. It's just that they want to know what they're getting.”

Fiorio agrees that teams are thinking about how potentially controversial having a gay teammate would still be for an NFL team, but doesn't go as far as Miller in suggesting they would be unwelcomed. Florio states in the interview that he is not suggesting that an NFL team would completely take Te'o off of their draft board if the former Notre Dame star came out as gay. Yet, the implication that it could hurt his draft stock seems to be there.

It is important, though, for the NFL to show that whether or not a player is gay has no direct impact on their ability to contribute to the team's ability to win.

And apparently Te'o isn't the only one whose sexual orientation might be in question ... every player's is. 

...sort of.

Colorado Tight End prospect Nick Kasa told ESPN Denver's CJ and Kreckman that he was asked during a scouting session if he "likes girls." But he suspected a different purpose than actually wondering about his own sexual orientation.

"I think the whole point of the week is to play with your mind to see if you stay focused and stay driven," he said. "There was a couple of questions by coaches … they try to catch you off guard or try to say something you wouldn’t normally say … to see if they can get a reaction. They’re trying to see how badly they can get in your mind."

Still, it's likely a question that coaches and executives are pondering more as an actual possibility now, rather than just trying to rattle a kid. An interesting thought from Deadspin, regarding this current discussion about gay players in the NFL:

...this might be a good thing, this dress rehearsal. We run the gay drill now, as practice for everyone to stake out their positions and vomit half-formed opinions, and let those who'd panic get their panicking done with early. And then, when a gay player does enter the NFL, hopefully we'll be too tired of talking about it to care.

Although instances in the past suggest that not everybody in the league is open and accepting, many NFL players such as Chris Kluwe and Brendon Ayanbadejo have come out not just in support of having a gay teammate, but of that hypothetical teammate being able to marry.

Sportswriter Jason Whitlock, in a column for Fox Sports, discusses the need for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to step in and take action. Whitlock states that it is important for Goodell to, "use this Te’o situation as a convenient excuse to enact tough measures and standards of behavior that attempt to eliminate the homophobic hostility within football locker rooms". Whitlock and many others like him feel Goodell can work to change this environment by enlisting the help of gay-rights activists to train the league and by issuing heavy handed punishments to athletes who promote homophobia.

GLAAD has been working with both Athlete Ally and You Can Play on a proposal to do exactly what Whitlock is suggesting. There is both an opportunity and a need to teach here, and we certainly hope Goodell and the NFL recognize that fact.

GLAAD Sports Media Intern Elliott Moore contributed to this story

GLAAD’s Religion, Faith & Values program works to elevate LGBT-affirming voices of faith in mainstream, regional, and community media. To find out more, visit www.glaad.org/faith. For additional religion and faith updates, be sure to subscribe via our online registration form. We welcome suggestions at faith@glaad.org.

Rumors that Pope Benedict XVI's resignation was influenced by a "Gay Lobby" or network of gay bishops have been swirling since late last week. Vatican officials have refused to comment on the substance of the stories, stating only that they create "a tension that is the opposite of what the pope and the church want." The initial story was published in La Repubblica, a well-respected Italian newspaper, leading some to look at its potential validity. Whatever the case, the Roman Catholic hierarchy continues to struggle with treating LGBT people with respect and dignity, as evidenced by recent comments made by Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who is considered a frontrunner to become the next Pope.

Read about Muslims working for LGBT equality.

Tim Tebow caused a stir a couple weeks ago when he announced that he'd be speaking at an anti-LGBT megachurch in Dallas. He caused another one when he announced that he'd be pulling out. The pastor, Robert Jeffress, responded to the incident during his sermon on Sunday. The Southern Baptist Church released a statement this week that called on the Boy Scouts to uphold their ban on gay marriage. A Jewish committee, though, did the exact opposite, stating their inclusion of gay scouts.

Read more about the gay scapegoating hubbub at the Vatican.

Britain's top Catholic Cardinal—Keith O'Brien—stepped down from his position this week amid a swirl of sexual abuse allegations. He will no longer be voting in the upcoming conclave to elect the next Pope. In response, The Guardian wrote a piece examining what motivates religious homophobia—speculating that it often relates to internalized self-hatred.

Baptist

• Southern Baptists Urge Continued Ban on Gay Scouts
  • ABC News, February 20, 2013
• Tim Tebow pulls out of speaking at Dallas church
  • CNN, February 21, 2013
• Anti-Gay Megachurch Pastor Robert Jeffress Responds to Tebow Controvery in Sunday Sermon
  • Towleroad, February 26, 2013
• Steve Chalke defends pro-gay position
  • Christianity Today, February 26, 2013

Catholic

• Polish Movie About Gay Catholic Priest Stirring Controversy
  • Christian Post, February 12, 2013
• LGBT Catholics hope for future papal dialogue after Benedict's resignation
  • National Catholic Reporter, February 21, 2013
• What do American Catholics want from the new pope?
  • The Washington Post, February 21, 2013
• Calling Dan Brown: Pope’s Resignation Connected to Network of Gay Bishops?
  • Religion Dispatches, Febuary 22, 2013
• Pope contender blames Catholic Church sex abuse scandal on gay priests
  • ZeeNews, February 22, 2013
• Thoughts on the Vatican's 'gay lobby'
  • National Catholic Reporter, February 22, 2013
• Vatican denies swirling rumors as pope prepares to step down
  • CNN, February 23, 2013
• Vatican Issues Denial of 'Gay Lobby' Reports
  • Towleroad, February 23, 2013
• Britain's Top Catholic Cardinal Keith O'Brien Resigns Amid Gay Allegations, Won't Vote for Next Pope
  • Towleroad, February 25, 2013
• Scotland's Roman Catholic archbishop, mired in abuse claim, resigns
  • CNN, February 25, 2013
• UK's Top Cardinal Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Complaints from Priests
  • Box Turtle Bulletin, February 25, 2013
• What lies behind religious homophobia?
  • The Guardian, February 25, 2013
• Catholic Diocese worries about Phoenix gay rights, anti-discrimination ordinance
  • Phoenix Business Journal, February 25, 2013
• British cardinal's resignation underscores challenge to Catholic Church's moral authority
  • The Washington Post, February 25, 2013
• British Gay Catholic journalist claims 'half of all Catholic priests are gay'
  • Pink News, February 26, 2013
• Why is the Homophobic Catholic Church Filled with Closeted Gay Priests?
  • Alternet, February 26, 2013

Christian

• Website unites LGBTs, Biblical teachings
  • The Windy City Times, February 19, 2013
• The spiritual journey of a gay Christian
  • Old, Gold, and Black, February 21, 2013
• Christian Founder of Online Dating Site Wants to Easy Gay Pain
  • Religion Dispatches, February 21, 2013
• God Will not Make You Straight: An Interview with GCN's Justin Lee
  • Religion Dispatches, February 26, 2013
• Ready to come out as pro-gay? Welcome to the club
  • The Washington Post, February 27, 2013

International

• UK: Islam Channel TV presenter said homosexuality was an 'evil action'
  • Pink News, February 20, 2013
• Australian conservative changes mind on marriage equality
  • Gay Star News, February 21, 2013
• How Beyonce and Rihanna Saved an African Gay Rights Activist's Life
  • The Huffington Post, February 22, 2013
• Christian group challenges ban on gay poster campaign
  • The Telegraph, February 24, 2013
• Cameroon Catholic lawyers vow to uphold anti-gay laws
  • Africa Review, February 25, 2013
• American Christian Legal Group Exports Anti-LGBT Agenda to Brazil
  • Buzzfeed, February 25, 2013

Jewish

• Badge of LGBT Inclusion: Amid national Boy Scout debate, Jewish committee is prepared to welcome gays
  • The Jewish News Week, February 20, 2013
• Why I Like Purim as a Queer, Secular Jew
  • The Huffington Post, February 22, 2013
• Christianity, Judaism, and Islam need to break the gay taboo
  • Haaretz, February 26, 2013

Marriage Equality

• Huntsman comes out for marriage equality
  • The Washington Blade, February 21, 2013
• Laura Bush Demands She Be Removed from Pro-Gay Marriage Ad
  • Christian Post, February 21, 2013

Methodist

• UMM leaders, citing negative reaction, ask BSA to hold off on gay policy change
  • United Methodist Reporter, February 21, 2013

Mormon

• Mormon Student Tells His Friends and Family He's Gay and Films Their Reactions: VIDEO
  • Towleroad, February 20, 2013
• Gay Mormon Guy Spends a Year Coming Out to His Family and Friends and Capturing Their Reactions on Camera
  • Gawker, February 20, 2013
• This "gay Mormon coming out" video is really disturbing (video)
  • Americablog, February 22, 2013

Muslim

• Muslims Work for LGBT Support and Acceptance
  • GLAAD, February 20, 2013
• Uni should take urgent action against anti-gay Muslim extremists
  • Gay Star News, February 21, 2013
• Muslims debate gay people on the BBC
  • Gay Star News, February 26, 2013
• Manchester University society shut down after anti-gay Muslim video expose
  • Pink News, February 26, 2013

Unitarian Universalist

• Unitarian Universalists Support Gay-Straight Alliance Club in Lake Country Schools
  • Ocala, February 20, 2013

United Church of Christ

• UCC regional association recommends standing up for Cathedral of Hope-Houston
  • UCC News, February 20, 2013
• Indiana minister’s video project supports LGBT youth
  • UCC News, February 22, 2013

With the exception of a couple of pro-Chaz hiccups, Fox News has a terrible history of covering the transgender community.  For example:

Fox News Hosts "Joke" About Transgender Inmate's Appearance And Prison Violence

FOX News Distorts Trans-Inclusive Guidelines in Maine Public Schools

Fox Commentator's Anti-Trans Claims are Nonsense

For Some, Fox Apology Not Enough

Now, two new stories are highlighting the protections that transgender people continue to gain. And they highlight Fox News' apparent commitment to ridicule trans people.

As the transgender community continues to gain rights and freedoms it didn't have just five years ago, universities and schools are now realizing they need to revamp policies and procedures to accommodate transgender students. Most recently Brown University has decided to include sex reassignment surgeries under its healthcare policies for transgender students. Brown is following behind such universities and colleges as Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Penn, Emory, Yale, Princeton and MIT, which include SRS in their healthcare plans for students.

While reporting on the changes to Brown University's healthcare policies, several news anchors from Fox & Friendscandidly mocked the University for its Decision. "This way you don't have to do it in high school, you can wait to go to college to get a sex change, this is great," one reporter stated sarcastically after a clip on the story aired. The immature nature of the reporter's comments following the clip only further encourages the public to not view the needs of transgender people as a serious issue. 

On another Fox show, The O'Reilly Factor, host Bill O'Reilly called a Massachusetts policy that ensures transgender students will be respected by teachers and school administrators "insane." O'Reilly further mocked the policy by asking his guests what name they would choose if they identified with a gender other than that which they were assigned. 

The continued airing of such news broadcasts has prompted several LGBT groups to petition Fox News to end its transphobic news coverage. In January, Basic Rights Oregon called out Fox News for running a story about Oregon's trans healthcare policy and using a photo from the movie Mrs. Doubtfire to depict a transgender person. As different sectors of society begin to meet the needs of transgender people, it is important that journalists report fairly and accurately on these changes. To continue forward in the movement for transgender equality, such negative and crude comments by public figures needs to end.

GLAAD has been working closely with the family of 6-year-old Coy Mathis and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) in asking Eagleside Elementary School in Fountain, CO to allow Coy to once again use the girls' restroom at her school.  Coy, who is in first grade, used the correct restroom for the previous year. But in mid-December, the Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 told her parents, Kathryn and Jeremy,  that Coy would be prevented from using the girls’ bathrooms after winter break. The District said Coy could only use the boys’ bathroom, a staff bathroom that is used only by adults, or the nurse’s bathroom, which is otherwise used by sick children.

TLDEF today announced that it has filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division on behalf of the Mathis family. The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, passed in 2007, prohibits discrimination against transgender students in public schools. Kathryn and Jeremy have removed Coy from school and are home schooling her until a resolution is found that will allow Coy to use the same facilities as other girls.

"It's sad that the Mathis family had to file a civil rights complaint in order for their daughter to be treated equally," said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. "Especially since the state of Colorado has already spoken in support of children like Coy.  The students clearly aren't the only people at this school who need more education."

“We want Coy to have the same educational opportunities as every other Colorado student ,” said Kathryn Mathis, in a statement released by TLDEF.  “Her school should not be singling her out for mistreatment just because she is transgender.”

“By forcing Coy to use a different bathroom than all the other girls, Coy’s school is targeting her for stigma, bullying and harassment,” said Michael Silverman, TLDEF’s executive director.  “Coy’s school has the opportunity to turn this around and teach Coy’s classmates a valuable lesson about friendship, respect and basic fairness.”

GLAAD has been working with the media to tell the Mathis family's story, to raise awareness about this discrimination, in the hopes that the school district will do the right thing and rescind their ban on Coy using the correct restroom. Their story will also serve to educate other people about the lives of transgender children, and that education can prevent discrimination like this from happening in other schools. Coy and her family spoke about their experience on Katie this week, alongside several expert and two other inspiring families with trans kids, in an episode entirely focused on transgender young people. The Mathis family has appeared in dozens of other stories already, and is scheduled to be on CNN later this week.

Gun Hill Road, which was nominated for Outstanding Film – Limited Release at the 23^rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, will be released on DVD March 5 and GLAAD readers can receive a 20% discount when pre-ordering through this link and entering code "GLAADGHR" (must be all capital letters) at checkout.

Gun Hill Road premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize. The film follows the story of Enrique (Esai Morales), an ex-con returning home to the Bronx after three years in prison. He finds his estranged wife, Angela (Judy Reyes), is engaging in an emotional affair, and his teenage child has come out as transgender and is now named Vanessa (Harmony Santana). Enrique's intolerance soon threatens his connection to his family, and he is forced to face his own prejudices. Check out the Gun Hill Road trailer below:

GLAAD readers can receive a 20% discount on pre-ordering the Gun Hill Road DVD through this link and entering code "GLAADGHR" (must be all capital letters) at checkout.

Tonight catch new episodes of Archer, Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell and Kathy with guests Johnny Weir and Margaret Cho.

What to Watch: Thursday, February 28

10:00pm: Archer, FX (30 mins) NEW

Lana, Cyril and Archer go on an undercover mission that takes them to a celebrity chef's kitchen.

10:00pm: Kathy, Bravo (1 hr) NEW

Johnny Weir and Margaret Cho guest on an all new episode of Kathy.

10:00pm: Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, Food Network (1 hr) NEW

Anne searches for an executive chef for a New York City restaurant that specializes in blending Asian and Latin flavors.

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.