Bill allowing same-sex marriage in D.C. introduced in Congress. (GLT 10/8/2009 p. 16)

The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, also known as the Matthew Shepard Act, is an American Act of Congress, passed on October 22, 2009, and signed into law by President Barack Obama on October 28, 2009

Tens of thousands of gay rights advocates march on D.C. on 10/10-10/11 2009. They marched from the White House to the Capitol demanding that President Obama keep his promise of allowing gays to serve openly in the military and work to end discrimination. Lt. Dan Choi, West Point graduate and Iraq war veteran, who is facing discharge under the "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell" policy was a speaker at the rally. (GLT 10/15/2009 p.16)

California governor creates a day honoring Harvey Milk. He is only the 2nd person in state history. John Muir was the 1st to gain such a distinction. Harvey Milk Day is to occur every May 22. (GLT 10/15/2009 p.16)

Windows Media, LLC. files for Ch 7 Bankruptcy. The company produced several LGBT publications including "Washington Blade" and "Atlantis Southern Voices." (GLT 11/19/2009 p. 8 editorial)

December - "Lesbian Bishop-elect finds support as well as controversy" Baltimore, MD. Election of Annapolis priest Mary Glasspool as the first openly lesbian bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion drew stern rebuke from Archbishop of Canterbury. Glasspool is conscious and humbled by the symbolic nature of her election. (LL Issue 112 pg.9)

"DC City Council votes to legalize gay marriage" Washington, DC. City Council voted 11-2 on Dec. 15 to legalize gay marriage in the nation’s capitol. Gay couples could begin marrying as early as March. Congress has final say but Democratic leaders are reluctant to reject it. (LL Issue 112 pg.9)

"CA Gov. signs pro-gay bills." CA. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 54 requiring California to validate/recognize same-sex marriages performed outside of CA before Nov. 5, 2009 when CA voters approved Prop 8, which amended state constitution protecting heterosexual marriage. He also signed SB 572, establishing May 22 as Harvey Milk Day in public schools. (LL Issue 112 pg.9)

"Openly Lesbian Rabbi attends White House Hanukkah celebrations." Openly lesbian Senior Rabbi, Sharon Kleinbaum from New York attended White House Hanukkah reception Dec. 17 by invitation from President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Congregation Beth Simchat Torah bills itself as largest synagogue for people of all sexual orientations/gender identities stating each person has "a unique and essential contribution to make to the life of Judaism and society." (LL Issue 112 pg.9)

Washington, DC City Council votes to legalize same-sex marriage in the U.S. capitol on Dec. 15. If the bill becomes law, the district will join Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Vermont on issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Mayor and Congress expected to approve law without opposition. (GLT 12/24/2009 p. 16)

Dennis DeLeon. President of the Latino Commission on AIDS, as well as the New York City Human Rights Commissioner dies at age 61. DeLeon was one of the first NYC officials to reveal HIV status. (GLT 12/24/2009 p.18)

Minneapolis assistant police Chief Sharon Lubinski becomes the first openly gay U.S. Marshal. Lubinski was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the U.S. Marshal for the Minnesota district. (GLT 12/31/2009 p.18)

January - First openly gay Mayor in Houston TX., Annise Parker, sworn into office. Her election made the Texas city the largest in the U.S. to elect an openly gay Mayor. (GLT 01/07/2010 p.16)

Amanda Simpson becomes the first transgender appointee to the federal government for the Obama administration. Simpson is appointed to senior technical advisor with the Department of Commerce. (GLT 01/14/2010 p.16)

Hawaii Senate approves same-sex civil union bill with an 18-7 vote, moving the bill to the House of Representatives. (GLT 01/21/2010 p.16)

"Gays to serve openly with President and Congress approval." On Jan. 27, President Obama proclaimed during his State of the Union address, "This year, I will work w/ Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are." Under "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy, military can’t ask and members can’t state their sexual orientation nor can they engage in homosexual activity or marry member of same sex. (LL Issue 113 pg.9)

February - "Can gays raise healthy kids? US marriage trial asks" Washington, DC. Key question to Prop 8 is whether government, and U.S. voters have justification for denying marriage rights to same-sex couples based on healthier families or whether the ban actually perpetuates discrimination. Psychology Dept. @ Cambridge University stated children raised by same-sex couples develop just as well as those from heterosexual couples. Additionally, new study based on U.S. Census showed children raised by same-sex couples no more likely to be held back in school. (LL Issue 113 pg.9)

Hawaii lawmakers declined to vote on bill that would allow same-sex civil unions. State House leaders decided to indefinitely postpone decision. (GLT 02/04/2010 p.16)

March – "Outrage: Johnny Weir Deemed Too Gay For Stars On Ice." GLAAD learned (anonymous source) the sponsor of Stars on Ice Tour refused to allow 3-time US Nat’l Champion and two-time Olympian Johnny Weir to participate because he is "not family friendly," a jab at his perceived sexual orientation. Weir is very closely involved w/ his family; putting his brother through college and supporting his family since his father’s disability prohibits him from working. (LL Issue 114 pg.11)

"Florida Gay Bar Pioneer Dies" Jacksonville. Roverta Boen, woman who opened northeast Florida’s first gay bar in 1964, died March 9 @ age 86. (LL Issue 114 pg.11)

"Hotel Owner Offers to Host Canceled Prom, Case Goes to Court" Louisiana. New Orleans hotel owner offered to host prom for Mississippi high school students whose dance was canceled due to lesbian student, Constance McMillen’s request to wear a tuxedo and bring girlfriend. ACLU demands school officials to change policy against same-sex prom dates, which violates free expression rights. (LL Issue 114 pg.11)

"Gay Marriages Expected to Create Jobs in D.C." As first same-sex couples married March 9, Washington D.C. now joins pioneer league in gay-rights movement. Study by Williams Institute predicts legalizing same-sex marriage will create 700 jobs and contribute $52.2 million over three years to local economy in a city struggling w/ 12% unemployment rate. Elliot Ferguson states, "…it’s a great opportunity to capitalize on groups that will be coming to Washington [to get legally married]." (LL Issue 114 pg.11)

"Washington State Senate Passes Anti-bullying Law" Olympia, WA. This month, Washington’s State Senate passed anti-bullying law that includes protection for LGBT students. Bill passes with vote of 48-0. Bill will create anti-harassment policies in schools across Washington State. (LL Issue 114 pg.11)

BRIEFS ON ACTIONS AND HEADLINES ON ‘DON’T ASK DON’T TELL (DADT):

• DADT votes are too close to call as House and Senate Panel eye repeal; Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) led fight to repeal in the House. (UT 05/24/2010 p. A4)
• DADT repeal clears House with 234-194 vote to overturn military’s policy on gays. (UT 05/28/2010 p. A4)
• Admiral Mullen, Head of Joint Chiefs says House rushed vote to repeal DADT. Ideally Pentagon would have preferred that legislation not occur until the military review is completed on December 1st, 2010. (UT 05/31/2010 p. A3)
• Defense Secretary Gates asks military to take DADT survey; poll emailed 400,000 military personnel for their opinion. (UT 07/09/2010 p. A4)
• GOP blocks bid to end DADT in Senate; Democrats hope to revive repeal effort after election. (UT 09/22/2010 p. A1)
• U.S. District Court Judge Virginia A. Phillips in Riverside CA issues injunction against enforcement of DADT — but is accused by some of judicial activism. (UT 10/15/2010 p. A1)
• Government seeks stay in DADT case; Obama Administration claims immediate ban of gay policy would disrupt U.S. military. (UT 10/15/2010 p. A4)
• Pentagon warns gays: troops could still get in trouble if they disclose sexual orientation. (UT 10/16/2010 p. A6)
• Judge Phillips likely to deny request for delay on gay troops order; she claims government has not proved ruling would harm military. (UT 10/19/2010 p. A4)

• Military takes gay applicants; Pentagon tells recruits to accept enlistments in light of Court rulings. (UT 10/20/2010 A1)

• 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issues stay in DADT case. (UT 10/21/2010 p. A1)

• Pentagon revives DADT with restrictions: only five senior military officials will be able to discharge openly gay service members. (UT 10/22/2010 p. A4)

• Military Ministers warn to not repeal DADT; dozens sign letter concerned about conflict in beliefs. (UT 10/30/2010 p. A6)

• Pentagon DADT survey leak shows most troops support allowing gays to serve openly in military; leak could alter DADT debate. (UT 10/30/2010 p. A1)