Charlize Theron Won't Marry Until Everyone Can

Actress Charlize Theron told the ladies of The View recently that (like Brad Pitt and Mehcad Brooks), she won't get married until GLBT couple are allowed to marry.


"I don't want to get married because right now the institution of marriage feels very one-sided, and I want to live in a country where we all have equal rights...I have so many friends who are gay and lesbian and would so badly want to get married, and I wouldn't be able to sleep with myself."

New Gay and Lesbian Travel Guide

Do you want to get the absolute best every time you travel? Are you fed up wasting time trying to find what you really want?

GayGlobeTrotter is a new, unique and exclusive service specialising in travel for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community sourcing the best places to stay in all the worlds’ major cities.

For more information check out their site at www.gayglobetrotter.com

Left of Oz Auditions, A queer musical comedy

Calling all Dancers, singers and Thesbians, come and AUDITION for Left of Oz, Dorothy Comes Out! A queer musical comedy by Stephanie Reif

Looking for lez/bi/trannie actors who sing and dance. Butches, femmes, trannies, all queer types, colors, ages please come try out!

The 12 cast members will have contracted paid positions. Bring music for the pianist,
or CD, or your guitar / instrument, or sing a'capella or with karaoke available.

The show will run in July, 2010. Rehearsals to begin mid April, 2010.

AUDITION DETAILS
When: Saturday, NOVEMBER 14th, 1pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Ashby Stage, Berkeley
on Ashby at the corner of Martin Luther King, right at the Ashby BART station

Also, those of you who are interested in behind the scenes team work; we need set builders, artists, technicians, production staff, please do come as well.

We would really love you to meet you!!!

This show will be THE major queer theatrical event in the bay area in 2010!
Soon to follow auditions we will schedule our first group production meeting.

mini SYNOPSIS:
Dorothy comes out to Aunt Emma and goes to SF to find the butch of her dreams. Her sidekicks are a hippy doper and a leather butch. There's the good witch, the naughty witch, and Dorothy's love interest, a soft butch dancer. There are also parts for 4 dancers, and various small parts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Check out the website created by Associate Producer and publicist Roke Noir
www.leftofoz.com

Questions? write the director, Stephanie at leftofoz@sbcglobal.net

Sponserships / Advertisers
Please contact Roke at roke.noir@gmail.com

On with the show!

Almost 150,000 GLBT Couples Report Being Married

The Associated Press announced yesterday that almost 150,000 same-sex couples reported being in married relationships last year, much more than the number of actual weddings and civil unions, according to the first U.S. census figures released on same-sex marriages.

About 27 percent of the estimated 564,743 total gay and lesbian couples in the United States said they were in a relationship similar to that of straight couples' husband and wife, according to the Census Bureau tally. That's compared with 91 percent of the 61.3 million total opposite-sex couples who reported being married.

A consultant to the Census Bureau estimated there were about 100,000 official same-sex weddings, civil unions and domestic partnerships in 2008.

Analysts said the disparities are likely a reflection of same-sex couples in committed relationships who would get married if they could in their states. The numbers are also an indicator of the count to come in the 2010 census, a tally that could stir a state-by-state fight over same-sex marriage, gay adoption and other legal rights.

Nationwide, about 56 percent of the 149,956 total same-sex marriages in the census survey last year were lesbian couples. Same-sex spouses were reported in every state; specific breakdowns weren't immediately available.

The numbers come as the Census Bureau prepares to make an official count of same-sex marriages, unions and partnerships for the first time in the 2010 head count, after the Obama administration's decision to provide the numbers under pressure from gay rights groups.

Source: Associated Press

Tennessee Court Allows Lesbian Mom to have Custody of Child

The Tennessee Court of Appeals has reversed a judge who ruled a lesbian mother can't have custody of her daughter if she has a live-in partner.

The court returned the case to the 28th Judicial District in West Tennessee for a rehearing, The Nashville Tennessean reported Tuesday.

Angel Chandler and her former husband, Joseph Barker, had agreed to an arrangement in which Barker and his new wife had custody of their son, 16, while Chandler had custody of their daughter. But in May, Chancellor George Ellis refused to give his approval, invoking the "paramour provision" that requires single custodial parents to agree not to have overnight sexual partners.

The appellate court found that a child's best interests override the law, while a court-appointed expert said the daughter would be happiest with her mother, who has been in a relationship for the past 10 years.

"I'm so grateful that the judges understood it was a mistake to treat my partner like she was some sort of stranger to me and my children," Chandler said through the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee.

October Lesbian Horoscopes

BY FLASH SILVERMOON

The wild winds blow the Fall into our lives with a radical and intense flavor. We are out from under the retrograde Mercury of September when nothing was as it seemed and so much communication might have just as well fallen into the crapper for the good that it did.

We have all been dealing with a lot of intense push and pull as Saturn and Uranus do their bizarre tango between the old and the new leaving us somehow in the middle but in the middle of what we may be asking?

October 4 is the Full Moon in Aries, known in some cultures as the Blood Moon. I have learned over many years to take this time seriously and only place myself in an environment that is uplifting and positive as this moon can bring out some violent tendencies and road rage.

Mars and Uranus will be in harmony while Mercury, the planet of communication will be in opposition for that day or two so basically the more radical and unusual the better.Those planetary aspects could give rise to some fierce debates with neither side seeing the others perspective. No telling what kind of bizarre happenings might jump off around the world with these energies at play.

Given the unusual acting out we have seen over the last few weeks one can only wonder what might be coming down the pike.I get the feeling that there will be some new and unexpected players on the world stage that could really change the mix.

By the 12th of the month, Venus will have caught up with Saturn as both sextile Mars adding some interesting dynamics in the relationship sphere. This could very well be a time to make a commitment and really get serious about making it work!

By Oct.30, Saturn finally makes its first journey out of Virgo into Venus ruled Libra and should really bring some changes with it as it squares Pluto. Typically when Saturn and Pluto are in challenging aspect we can have the experience of serious survival issues. Could be a crisis regarding the economy or even a health crisis. Perhaps this will stimulate a true improvement with our health care system.

As the moon rises on Halloween,we can all feel our Ancestors standing in the shadows trying to lift the veil collectively for the evolution and salvation of the planet. We would do well to put our ears to the ground and really LISTEN listen listen sshhhhh it's written on the wind and you can feel it in your skin when we are together, when you are alone!

ARIES - My own Full Moon! Love it and I can feel the call of the wild drawing me to forest or the mountains or even the club. I got to move it move it ya know. I want what I want and I want it now, Never mind patience and planning , I am all out so don't make me pout be mine Believe me you you will be so glad, no doubt.

TAURUS - With the whole planetary pileup in Libra, the Venus energy is moving and grooving albeit not as physically as I like it. I mean I am a Material Girl so if you want it then ya better put a ring on it uh oh oh ...and while you are at it let's kick DOMA to the curb already so that if I should be so lucky to find that permanent love I seek, then I could go to the chapel of love and get married too!

GEMINI - Well, I am just glad that old murky Mercury is out of retrograde again because it just botches all my intricate layers of plans. You can't imagine how crazy it can get. Now when I try to have lunch with Mary, a movie with Joan, and dinner with my sister all in one day it can all happen like clock work. I love a day like that actually buzz buzz love feeling my social butterfly self touching all the flowers in my life.

CANCER - I am still feeling the heat and zing of having Mars in my sign. Geez did I get a lot done even with the retro. Felt like my world was on fire and it was up to me to catch up however, I do remember that it was me that lit all those fires which now need tending if I am to reap the rewards of my efforts and not just find some cool charcoal.I must now engage my nurturing skills which are substantial.

LEO - Sorry Cancer don't cry but Mars is mine after the 17th and I know just how to use Fire believe me. I mean even though the Sun isn't in my sign anymore, I stay pretty hot no matter the season. With Mars lighting my fire so to speak, there's no telling what I might do. Stand by me if you need a little light or a lot of heat 'cause I will have it covered and let's face it who can shine like me?

VIRGO - Shine all you like. I am just so psyched to get Saturn off of my back for a little while at least. It will be most refreshing not to have old lead planet Saturn to challenge my every move. Have to say it has taught me to think things through so that I can make a more stable and secure life for myself but what a wet blanket I have become. I am ready for some fun. Venus is still flitting around in my sign for a little and will even slow dance with Saturn so I had best seize my moment!

LIBRA - It's my birthday and I like it , it's my birthday hope you're coming. Venus is coming and bringing Mercury, the Sun, and the New Moon on the 17th so all I need now are the stars and the Universe will be mine in one lovely pink peaceful ball of light.I can feel my heart opening already at the thought. No time like the present to open one's heart and feel it overflow with joy..now that's a birthday present.

SCORPIO - I think that I will just sit back and watch the fireworks as the rest of you sputter and play out all manner of fantasies while I concoct a few of my own and believe me, mine will be better and hotter and by the end of the month the Sun will be mine! I kind of prefer the dark but a nite light can be fun. I wait all year for the veil to be thin enough for all the ancestors to walk amongst us so let's not waste the opportunity.

SAGITTARIUS - Life has been so much freer this year, it's just amazing and it is allowing me to make bigger plans for myself than before as well as think bigger in general. This economy has had me more grounded in the travel department but the concepts that have been rattling around in my brain have shown me that I can create and have inspirational experiences right in my own backyard.

CAPRICORN - Saturn, you old devil, you keep your gassy little three rings out of my field don't you think that Pluto is tough enough for me? I know you are going to come square Pluto in my sign towards mid month but don't go wrecking everything. I am scrambling as fast as I can to claw out a living in this dung heap of an economy and I'd like to think that we have seen the worst of it.I know you are my ruling planet so please be gentle. You know I work harder than anyone you know.

AQUARIUS - Now that Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune have broken up their little menage, til December anyway, I feel like I can breathe on my own a little. I mean I can still feel then because they are till in my sign but they aren't as troublesome because I can sort out who needs what which is really half the trouble.I still feel like my spirit has been logging some serious frequent flyer miles.

PISCES - I was getting pretty good at body surfing through the wild Uranian surf that has been tossing white water all over my serene beach and actually even liked the thrill of it all until that damn Saturn had to come along and sit 180 degrees away. It's like a big wave and then no water at all. A girl could get hurt riding a wave like that.

My whole body is feeling like a piece of taffy being pulled from one end and the other. The good news is that influence is all but gone as October unfolds. Take me to a good chiropractor!

OCTOBER SPECIAL GET A RELATIONSHIP CHART for $20 less when you get your chart done

MOONHAVEN MYSTERY SCHOOL OF EARTH MAGIC FOR WOMEN accepting students for the next Fall classes We will meet Mon Oct 12 - Nov 2 7-9 PM one night a week for a month only $60!! Women's Magic and Empowerment,Tarot, Psychic Development, Stone Healing,Animal Communication and more call for more info and to Reserve Your Space all classes held at Moonhaven in Melrose [if that time doesn't work for you call me and maybe we can negotiate] work exchange possible.

San Francisco's Gay-Friendly Radio Station Gone

There really are no words to express how disappointed I was last Friday when I jumped in my truck, turned on the radio, which was set to Energy 92.7, and found that they had been replaced with some top 40 music station. Come on... like San Francisco needs another top 40's music station?

Energy 92.7 was different then most radio stations, not only were they independently owned, but they played pure dance music, had many OUT DJs and catered to the LGBT community, as well as everyone else.

So after spending the weekend wondering what happened, I read on SF Gate.com that last Thursday evening new ownership took over the station, the Energy employees were all let go, and the format changed from pure dance music to top-40 mainstream.

"The station lasted five years," according to Jason Dahlstedt, producer of KNGY's show "Fernando and Greg in the Morning. "When it launched, everybody said it wouldn't make it past a year." KNGY owner Joe Bayliss of Flying Bear Media has informed the staff of the sale a few months ago, but KNGY kept going until the check had cleared.

Energy 92.7 will be sorely missed!!!

2009 Butch-Femme.com Las Vegas Bash Columbus Day Weekend

Thursday, October 08, 2009 at 5:00 PM - Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 11:00 PM

What: Las Vegas Bash! Las Vegas, Nevada

When: October 8th - October 11th, 2009

Costs: Early Registration is $95.00 per person until August 30th. After that you can purchase Regular Registration tickets for $135.00. (Does not cover alcohol.) There will be NO REFUNDS after August 30th. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Where: The official host hotel where most events will be held is Bally's Las Vegas right in the middle of the fabulous and historic Las Vegas Strip! Room rates are $69.00 Sun-Thurs and $109.00 Fri-Sat.

Book your room NOW! The cut-off date to get a room in our block at these rates is September 17th, 2009.

Hotel Reservations: Bally's Las Vegas, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89109 1-800-634-3434
Hotel Code: SBBFB9


E V E N T O V E R V I E W

THURSDAY October 8
Meet n' Greet Cheese Tasting Party
5pm-9pm
Diamond Lounge
Bally's Las Vegas
The Meet n' Greet is a reunion for old friends and a chance to put new faces with familar names. This year it will be held in the swanky intimate Diamond Lounge located inside Bally's Las Vegas. There will be drinks and munchies. You can check in with registration, get your Bash packet, and get to know everyone.

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FRIDAY October 9

Butch-Femme.com's Famous Slut Night
& "Studs and Divas Risque Cabaret"
8pm-1am
TBA
Don your desire attire and prepare for an evening you won't forget! This year's Slut Night will come alive at a hot club reserved for our folks only. We'll have the dance floor and the stage all to ourselves. The Sin City Fabulous Slut Night promises to be over the top! Our DJ for the evening, from 'da Bay, DJ Olga T.

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SATURDAY October 21

Fabulous Butch-Femme Grand Ball
8pm- 1am
Skyview Ballroom
Bally's Las Vegas
It's like the prom you never had, a special night when we honor who we are and how we love. Expect a relaxing, upscale evening with your DJ, dancing and socializing until midnight. This year we are in the Skyview Ballroom, which sits atop Bally's with a magnificent view of the strip. A cash bar and a nice assortment of hors d'oeuvres, dessert, and coffee will be available. Our DJ for the evening, a Butch-Femme.com favorite, DJ Luna.

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SUNDAY October 22
Sunday Farewell Champagne Brunch
11am-1pm
Le Village Buffet - Paris Hotel
Price: $24.99
It's our last day together. We know your tired and hungover, but put on your best Jackie O sunglasses, throw on your baseball cap slung low over your eyes and hustle your way down to the Paris Hotel for one of the best brunches in Vegas. A departure from the traditional Las Vegas-style buffet, this extraordinary dining experience takes buffet dining to a higher echelon by featuring live-action stations, the freshest ingredients and food cooked to order in a remarkable French village settings. The price for brunch is $24.99 paid directly to the restaurant. We certainly hope to see you there!

Community Rally
2pm-4pm
TBA
A open group meeting to discuss the collective "us" and how we can make our community an inviting place for all Butches and Femmes. Last year, this meeting was one of the most amazing get-togethers of the the entire weekend with over 80 Butches, Femmes, FtMs in attendance. This year, we are going to come up with a plan to actually GET THINGS DONE. We will be discussing the movement of BF.com into a 501c3. Join us.

Gender Trash Karaoke
7PM-11PM
Imperial Palace Karaoke Club
For those diehard Butches and Femmes who never want the weekend to end... one more last hurrah before we go our seperate ways. If karaoke is anything like last the last years, this might be the most outrageous event of the weekend.

Click Here to Register

Jodie Foster Dumped, is this Karma???

Although I tend to take this news with a grain of salt, considering the source, but the the National Enquirer has recently reported that Jodie Foster has been dumped by her new girlfriend.

In June 2008, the Enquirer claimed that Foster had abruptly dumped Cydney Bernard, her long-time partner of 14 years, for Cindy Mort, a 33 year old high-profile TV/movie writer. Foster had met writer/producer Mort while filming The Brave One in 2006.

Now the Enquirer reports that Cindy Mort has dumped Foster and has rekindled a romance with an exgirlfriend, Amanda Demme, a well-known Hollywood club promoter and the widow of film director Ted Demme.

“Ironically, now it’s Jodie who has been jilted,” a source told the tabloid. “She’s miserable.”

Interestingly enough, Amanda has also been romantically linked to Lindsay Lohan.

I guess even hot lesbians celebrities get dumped, go figure.

Spread the word to help repeal DOMA

Although we are thrilled about our victories allowing tens of thousands of same-sex couples across the US to finally be able to join in marriage, we are far from true marriage equality.

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a law enacted in 1996, prevents the federal government from recognizing any same-sex marriage.

Spread the word to help repeal DOMA

Just click the link below to send a message urging Congress and the president to advance legislation to repeal this backwards law.
http://www.RepealDOMAnow.org

This hurtful and discriminatory law is denying millions of Americans the full federal rights of marriage including Social Security survivors' benefits, equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws, the right to take family and medical leave to care for a spouse, and much more.

There's no time to lose! Legislation to repeal DOMA is closer than ever to being introduced.
Now is the time to let Congress and President Obama know that DOMA must go. Please join me in sending a message urging them to push forward legislation to repeal DOMA.
http://www.RepealDOMAnow.org

Once you've sent your message to Washington, please help get the ball rolling by forwarding this message to your friends and family and asking them to join you.
Thanks for your help!

Take the 2009 LGBT Consumer Index Survey

Please take a few minutes to complete CMI's annual LGBT Consumer Index Survey. Participating in this study helps open minds and doors around the world, and influences positive changes for our community.

Community Marketing, Inc. is a proudly gay-owned, independent market research company, founded in 1992, and based in San Francisco. Your answers are completely confidential, and will never be used for any direct marketing or solicitation purpose. Plus, everyone who completes the survey by September 15th will be entered into a drawing to win one of 10 gift cards (iTunes or Amazon) or the grand prize of one $500 Visa gift card.

This survey should only take about 15 minutes to complete. And don't forget to forward this survey to all your LGBT friends, we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be heard.

Click Here to take the survey. (You may need to scroll down to see the questions.)

Uncensored Release of Angelina's Lesbian Movie Gia

Angelina Jolie is all the buzz this week, ever since the film directors decided to release an uncensored and unedited version of the 1998 true-life lesbian film Gia in high definition.

The film tells the true story of Gia Carangi, a lesbian supermodel who got addicted to heroin and contracted HIV due to the use of an infected needle that claimed her life at the age of 26 in 1986.

This version will include Jolie bearing all for an on screen lesbian romp with Lost actress Elizabeth Mitchell.

In New York Republican Candidate Backs Same-Sex Marriage, Democrat Oppose It

The Washington Blade reported today that Gay Republicans are rallying behind a New York GOP candidate who favors same-sex marriage in her bid for the U.S. House against a Democratic contender who opposes marriage rights for gays.

Diedre “Dede” Scozzafava, a Republican New York state Assembly member, is seeking to represent her state’s 23rd congressional district. A member of the Assembly since 1999, Scozzafava voted in 2007 and again earlier this year in favor of bills to legalize same-sex marriage in New York.

She’s facing off against Democrat Bill Owens, a Plattsburgh, N.Y., attorney, who last month said in a radio interview that he doesn’t support same-sex marriage. Doug Hoffman, a Lake Placid accountant, is running on the ticket for New York’s Conservative Party.

The seat will become vacant after the U.S. Senate confirms Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.) as Army secretary. Lawmakers are expected to confirm McHugh to the position shortly after they return from the August recess.

McHugh must resign his congressional seat before New York Gov. David Paterson (D) can call for a special election, but some media outlets have speculated that the election would take place on Election Day in November.

Charles Moran, a Log Cabin spokesperson, said Scozzafava represents the views of New York’s 23rd congressional district because “she fiscally is fairly conservative, but … on the social issues she’s very much mainstream in what the district believes in and also what America believes in with marriage equality.”

“We love Dede,” he said. “This is a district where Dede has represented and lived for many years and this is just another example of Republicans continuing to push for an inclusive message.”

Scozzafava, who was unavailable for comment for this article, was quoted in a July 24 article in the Politico voicing support for same-sex marriage.

“I’m pro-choice, and I also support gay marriage,” she said. “The leadership might not like that — but the people that I’m closest to have voted for me, know me, and they’re very supportive.”

But one group opposed to same-sex marriage is infuriated over Scozzafava’s position. Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage, said his organization contacted New York Republican officials and asked them to remove Scozzafava as their nominee in the race.

“It is a slap in the face to the voters of this district,” he said. “This is a socially conservative district and we hope that the nomination will be removed and someone else will be put in her place because this is not a good move for the Republican Party by any stretch.”

Scozzafava’s marriage position contrasts with that of her Democratic opponent. Owens, the Democratic contender for the House seat, told North County Public Radio on Aug. 12 that he doesn’t support marriage rights for same-sex couples.

“People who are seeking civil unions should have that option,” Owens said. “However, I think that the word ‘marriage’ has some very important religious connotations and I would not be in support of a bill that addressed it in that fashion. But I certainly fully support civil rights for everyone in every area.”

The National Stonewall Democrats didn’t respond to a request for comment on Owens’ marriage stance.

Moran said Owens’ position shows that Democrats aren’t “necessarily in lockstep” on LGBT issues, such as same-sex marriage rights.

Log Cabin’s political action committee, Moran said, can’t endorse Scozzafava until Paterson officially calls for a special election. But once that takes place, Moran said Log Cabin’s endorsement would “come out … swiftly.”

“Our New York operation is primed and prepared to send Dede Scozzafava to Washington, D.C.,” he said.

Log Cabin’s PAC will contribute to Scozzafava’s campaign, Moran said, and will bundle checks with a goal of reaching a combined contribution of somewhere between $25,000 and $50,000. Moran said he expects Scozzafava to win her bid for the U.S. House seat and that New York’s 23rd congressional district would stay in Republican hands.

Trevor Thomas, a Human Rights Campaign spokesperson, said his organization was seeking more information before making an endorsement decision.

“While the seat is not yet vacant, we have been in contact with both campaigns and have provided our questionnaire to learn more on their positions,” he said.

Brown said the National Organization for Marriage “will work to highlight Dede Scozzafava’s record” on marriage. He said NOM hasn’t determined whether it will endorse Owens or Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate.

“We’re determining how involved we are going to be, but are definitely going to be involved,” he said.

By Chris Johnson

Ben and Jerry's Show Their Support for Gay Marriage

In celebration of the beginning of Gay marriage in Vermont, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream are celebrating by renaming of one of their most popular ice cream flavors, “Chubby Hubby” to “Hubby Hubby.”

In partnership with Freedom to Marry, Ben & Jerry’s hopes to raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality and, to show their support, they will serve “Hubby Hubby” sundaes in Vermont Scoop Shops throughout the month of September.

Ben & Jerry’s has a long history of commitment to social justice, including gay rights. Its partnership with Freedom to Marry, a national leader in the movement for marriage equality, aims to raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality and to encourage other states to follow the blazing trails of Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Maine. Freedom to Marry promotes the national conversation about why marriage equality matters and brings together partner organizations into a larger whole – a shared civil rights campaign.

“At the core of Ben & Jerry’s values, we believe that social justice can and should be something that every human being is entitled to,” said Walt Freese, Chief Executive Officer of Ben & Jerry’s. “From the very beginning of our 30 year history, we have supported equal rights for all people. The legalization of marriage for gay and lesbian couples in Vermont is certainly a step in the right direction and something worth celebrating with peace, love and plenty of ice cream.”

To kick off the celebration, Ben & Jerry’s and Freedom to Marry will be publicly supporting the first marriages of gay and lesbian couples in Vermont and raising awareness for marriage equality and how to take action by driving consumers to freedomtomarry.org. By logging onto the site, people can show their support, sign a Marriage Resolution Petition, have conversations about why marriage matters and learn more about how they can support the cause.

“It’s not polite to talk with your mouth full, but the most important thing that all us ice cream lovers can do to support the freedom to marry is speak with the people we know about why marriage matters and the need to end marriage discrimination in every state”,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry. “Thanks to Ben & Jerry’s, starting those needed conversations has never been sweeter – and thanks to Freedom to Marry, we all now have a great excuse to eat more ice cream.”

For more information on why marriage equality matters and to take action in your state, please log on to freedtomarry.org. To find your local Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop or learn more about Ben & Jerry’s social mission, log onto www.Facebook.com/benjerry. Also, don’t forget to visit us on http://www.benjerry.com/.

About Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream and ice cream novelties, using high-quality ingredients including milk and cream from family farmers who do not treat their cows with the synthetic hormone rBGH. The company states its position on rBGH on its labels. Ben and Jerry’s products are distributed nationwide and in selected foreign countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchise Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops, restaurants and other venues. Ben & Jerry’s, a Vermont corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, economic reward and a commitment to the community. Contributions made via the employee led Ben & Jerry’s Foundation in 2008 totaled over $1.9 million. Additionally, the company makes significant product donations to community groups and nonprofits both in Vermont and across the nation. The purpose of Ben & Jerry’s philanthropy is to support the founding values of the company: economic and social justice, environmental restoration and peace through understanding, and to support our Vermont communities. For the full scoop on all Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop locations and fabulous flavors, visit http://www.benjerry.com/.

About Freedom to Marry

Freedom to Marry is the gay and non-gay partnership working to win marriage equality nationwide. Launched in 2003, Freedom to Marry is headed by Evan Wolfson, nationally recognized as a central "architect of the marriage equality movement." Freedom to Marry guides and focuses this social justice movement on a nationwide level, serving as a strategy and support center for national, state, and local partners, a catalyst that drives and shapes the national debate on marriage equality, and an alliance-builder fostering support from non-gay allies.

Will Maine Lose Gay Marriage Rights?

Maine's election officials announced today that they had received enough signatures to put an anti-gay marriage law on the November ballot, setting the stage for a two-month campaign that'll determine whether the number of states allowing same-sex marriage will shrink to five.

Maine's gay marriage law was to go into effect on Sept. 12, but it was put on hold while the secretary of state's office verified the number of signatures. With the signatures validated, Gov. John Baldacci on Wednesday signed a formal proclamation putting the gay marriage law to a statewide vote Nov. 3.

"I fully support this legislation and believe it guarantees that all Maine citizens are treated equally under our state's civil marriage laws," Baldacci said. "But I also have a constitutional obligation to set the date for the election once the secretary of state has certified that enough signatures have been submitted."

The announcement was anticipated.

Gay marriage opponents needed at least 55,087 registered voters signatures for the "People's Veto," and they turned in almost 100,000 signatures. Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said officials stopped counting once they found that 60,391 of the submitted signatures were valid.

Election officials were facing a deadline of Sept. 4 -- 60 days before the election -- to certify the signatures. Otherwise, the vote would've had to wait until June.

Jesse Connolly, campaign manager for NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality, said it's no surprise that so many signatures were collected because professional signature gatherers were used. "Theirs is a cynical, pay-for-every signature approach that doesn't reflect the homegrown values of our state," he said in a statement.

The Rev. Bob Emrich, who supports the repeal of the gay marriage law, brushed aside the criticism.

"The facts are that tens of thousands of Maine citizens signed the petition," said Emrich, the minister at Emmanuel Bible Baptist Church in Plymouth. "Now we'll be on the ballot and we'll let the people of Maine make the decision."

Maine became the fifth state to allow gay marriage when Baldacci signed the bill on May 6, and New Hampshire became the sixth when Gov. John Lynch signed a bill less than a month later. New Hampshire's law goes into effect Jan. 1. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Iowa also allow same-sex couples to marry.

Sorce: Boston Globe

BBC Commissions New Lesbian Drama, Will it Be the British L-Word?

The BBC has commissioned a new lesbian drama series that will film later this year in Glasgow.

This six-part drama, called Lip Service, will focus on the sex lives and relationships of a group of twenty-something women.

Writer Harriet Braun says Lip Service will be a “sexy, funny and irreverent drama that reflects what it is to be a young gay woman living in Britain today”.

Braun, who has previously worked on the TV series "Mistresses" and "Attachments", says the series will be partly based on her own experiences.

Anticipating the obvious and predictable comparison to The L Word, Braun said “I loved The L Word but it’s high time we saw some contemporary British lesbians, with all the bad weather, trips to the pub and repressed emotions that go with that.”

“It will be as funny as it is pathos-filled, because in my experience that’s how life is.”
Filming for Lip Service will begin later this year. A cast for the drama has not yet been confirmed.